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Joshua Pearce

Western University Canada, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty Member

Michigan Technological University, Electrical Engineering, Faculty Member

Michigan Technological University, Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty Member

Queen's University at Kingston, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Faculty Member

Western University Canada, Ivey School of Business, Faculty Member

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I run the Free Appropriate Sustainability Technology (FAST) research group, which specializes in solar photovoltaic technology, open hardware, and distributed recycling and additive manufacturing (DRAM) using RepRap 3-D printing, but also includes policy and economics.

I am interested in making technologies that drive sustainable development - open source appropriate technologies.

My group's open research wiki space on Appropedia here: https://www.appropedia.org/FAST

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Papers by Joshua Pearce

Transparency effects in agrivoltaics lettuce cultivation using uniform/ non-uniform semitransparent photovoltaic modules in controlled environments

Solar Energy, 2025

Agrivoltaic systems offer a dual-use solution to land constraints by integrating food and energy ... more Agrivoltaic systems offer a dual-use solution to land constraints by integrating food and energy production, yet the influence of light distribution characteristics-particularly uniformity-on crop performance remains poorly understood. This study investigates the physiological and yield responses of lettuce under two contrasting agrivoltaic lighting strategies while maintaining comparable transparency: (1) uniform illumination from cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules and (2) non-uniform illumination from bifacial crystalline silicon (c-Si) PV modules with alternating cell and glass regions. Experiments were conducted using CdTe modules at 40 %, 50 %, and 70 % transparency and bifacial c-Si modules at 44 % and 69 % transparency. Key parameters measured include photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), gas exchange metrics (photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO 2 , transpiration), and morphological traits (plant height, leaf count, fresh weight). Results reveal that 69 % transparent c-Si modules not only preserved lettuce yield relative to open-field controls but achieved a 3.6 % enhancement. Conversely, CdTe modules of similar transparency caused a 6 % yield reduction, underscoring the importance of light non-uniformity in optimizing plant response. These findings demonstrate that spatial light heterogeneitycharacteristic of c-Si systemscan enhance crop performance, presenting an opportunity for sustainable intensification. Scaling this technology across Canada's lettuce-growing regions could generate 1,200 MW of solar power while boosting agricultural revenue by CAD $20 million annually, with an additional CAD $30 million from solar land leasing. This study supports the integration of non-uniform, semi-transparent PV modules as a viable pathway toward synergistic energyagriculture systems for a sustainable future.

Advanced Modeling and Performance Analysis of a Photovoltaic-Thermal Double Compression Heat Pump for Industrial Thermal Applications

Renewable Energy, 2025

This study focuses on the modeling and analysis of the performance of a Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT... more This study focuses on the modeling and analysis of the performance of a Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) Double Compression Heat Pump system for industrial thermal applications. The main goal of the study is to assess the viability of the integrated system for high-temperature process heat. The performance of the PVT system under varying climatic conditions is assessed using MATLAB, while the double compression heat pump is simulated in Engineering Equation Solver (EES). Validation of the PVT model is achieved using an experimental setup and data obtained from London, Ontario. The heat pump model is compared to a multi-stage compression-throttle water-based high-temperature heat pump from previous studies, yielding a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.4 for its Coefficient of Performance (COP). Under validated conditions, the heat pump achieves a COP of 3.0 at a 30 °C source and a 120 °C sink, demonstrating effective heat delivery. Sensitivity analysis using contour plots and regression techniques reveals that COP values of up to 7.0 are achievable at source temperatures of 45 °C to 50 °C and sink temperatures of 90 °C to 120 °C. Conversely, lower source temperatures and higher sink temperatures lead to decreased efficiency, with COP dropping below 3.0. Regression analysis further highlights the stronger impact of sink temperature on COP compared to source temperature, emphasizing the need to optimize sink conditions for improved performance. In conclusion, the study highlights the potential of the PVT–double compression heat pump system to integrate solar PV technology into industrial processes, enhance energy efficiency, and promote sustainable operations.

Performance of Off-grid Floating Photovoltaic-Battery System Powering an Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolyser for Green Hydrogen Production

2025 IEEE 53rd Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, 2025

This study investigates the integration of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems with an anion exch... more This study investigates the integration of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems with an anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyser for green hydrogen production. The experimental setup involves a 5 kW FPV system that powers an AEM electrolyser under outdoor environmental conditions. The results show that the system achieves up to 86% energy efficiency and hydrogen purity exceeding 99%, demonstrating both operational stability and high performance being driven by renewable energy. FPV technology, when integrated with AEM electrolyser, offers several key advantages: improved cooling efficiency, enhanced land use efficiency, reduced resource consumption compared to traditional ground-mounted solar systems, and alternative excess energy storage for PV systems. The ability of FPV systems to mitigate land use conflicts makes them particularly suitable for regions with limited available land for traditional solar energy production. Furthermore, the integration addresses the intermittency issues associated with PV, as the FPV systems are equipped with a lithium-ion battery bank that supplies the electrolyser during low irradiation conditions. While the results highlight the potential of FPV-AEM systems, several challenges remain, including the high initial capital costs of FPV installations and their reliance on favorable weather conditions for optimal energy production. To address these limitations, further research is needed into cost optimization strategies, scalable designs, and effective energy storage solutions that can ensure system operation during periods of low solar irradiance. Additionally, future work should focus on improving the durability of FPV systems in harsh weather conditions, as well as exploring advanced materials for floatation, anchoring, and system longevity. Real-time monitoring systems could also enhance operational reliability and predictive maintenance. This study lays the foundation for FPV-AEM systems to play a significant role in the global transition to sustainable energy through green hydrogen production.

Photosynthetically active radiation complexities in agrivoltaic policy mandates: Insights from controlled environment yields under semitransparent photovoltaics

Journal of Cleaner Production, 2025

Agrivoltaics, which integrate photovoltaic (PV) energy generation with crop production, can enhan... more Agrivoltaics, which integrate photovoltaic (PV) energy generation with crop production, can enhance land use efficiency but reduces photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) essential for plant growth. While some studies report increased yields, the relationship between PV transparency, PAR, and crop productivity remains complex and underexplored-especially for shade-tolerant crops like lettuce. This study addresses this gap by experimentally evaluating romaine lettuce yield under cadmium telluride PV modules (offering uniform partial transparency) with seven transparency levels (10-80 %) in a controlled environment simulating outdoor summer conditions. PAR levels ranged from 43 to 419 micromol/m 2-s (43-131 micromol/m 2-s underneath the modules), using artificial light and natural light. Fresh weight data were collected for each treatment and compared to an unshaded control. In parallel, a review of agrivoltaic regulatory frameworks across Europe was conducted to contextualize results. Lettuce yields ranged up to 102 % relative to control conditions. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among treatments. Strong correlations were observed between PAR and fresh weight, and between PV transparency and yield, supporting the hypothesis that optimal PAR and transparency conditions can be identified. These relationships were expressed using mathematical trendlines for future modeling use. The findings suggest that minimum-yield-based agrivoltaics regulations offer a more effective policy framework than fixed-area limitations. Due to the inherent variability in crop yields, Germany's flexible approach of setting minimum yield requirements aligns best for maximizing agrivoltaic benefits while minimizing detriments. Establishing dynamic mandates with periodic review cycles will allow future agrivoltaic policies to remain adaptable to technological progress and regional agricultural variability.

Decarbonization of residential houses in northern Climates: Traditional vs fully electrified approaches in Ontario Canada

Journal of Building Engineering, 2025

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from burning fossil fuels are the primary source of climate destab... more Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from burning fossil fuels are the primary source of climate destabilization. The energy sector is responsible for more than three-quarters of GHG emissions, and among this, the largest share comes from the residential sector. Decarbonization of residential sector thus plays an important role in achieving energy and climate goals. Replacing the natural gas used in residential houses with clean energy will reduce emissions. Solar photovoltaics (PV) and heat pumps (HP) have already been proven technically viable solutions on their own. In addition, several studies have demonstrated that PV and HP integration for residential heating can immediately reduce GHG emissions substantially. There are no such case studies, however, available for Canada. This paper thus investigates case studies of three residential houses in London, Ontario, Canada. The first one being a conventional house with natural gas supply and grid electricity, with HP + grid electricity, and lastly PV + HP system. This fully electrical house is modeled to provide hourly total loads based on house consumption and compared with the actual traditional house. The result shows that GHG emission from a fully electrified house when the total consumption is supplied by grid electricity and rooftop PV electricity has a reduction of approximately 80 % and 89 %, respectively compared to a conventional house. This study also calculates the emission factor for rooftop PV electricity in London, Ontario, Canada is equal to 20.6 g CO2e/kWh and has 46 % and 98.9 % reduction compared to grid electricity and natural gas, respectively.

Effect of thermoplastic polyurethane filament on the cellular ceramics structures obtained from material extrusion and polymer-derived ceramic

Progress in Additive Manufacturing, 2025

Cellular ceramic structures were fabricated via 3D printing of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) f... more Cellular ceramic structures were fabricated via 3D printing of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) followed by impregnation with polysilazane, and pyrolysis. The 3D printing was performed using fused filament fabrication (FFF), while the ceramic was obtained through the polymer derived ceramic (PDC) process starting from a commercially available polysilazane, Durazane 1800. We investigated the role of ester-and ether-based TPUs with two different Shore hardness (90A vs 80A) on the impregnation of polysilazane. Regardless of the TPU type and Shore hardness, impregnation of the TPU 3D structure was successful and resulted in dense, non-hollow ceramic struts after pyrolysis. All polyester-and polyether-based TPUs showed a similar mass and volume increase after impregnation with high deviation. The mass loss during pyrolysis was also very similar for all the TPUs. The behavior of these TPUs was then compared with one commercial TPU filament (Ninjaflex with a Shore hardness of 85A). While the Ninjaflex 3D-printed structures showed a greater increase in mass and volume after impregnation, the pyrolysis outcome was almost identical to that of the samples fabricated with both ester-and ether-based TPUs, resulting in dense, non-hollow ceramic struts.

Additional value of non-electricity generating services (co-benefits) provided by non-conventional dual use solar photovoltaic systems: A PRISMA review

by Joshua Pearce and Uzair Jamil

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2025

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems play a pivotal role in the global transition to renewable energy,... more Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems play a pivotal role in the global transition to renewable energy, providing decentralized energy generation and socioeconomic advantages. The land-use intensity of conventional PV, however, has led to growing interest in non-conventional systems such as floating PV (FPV), building-integrated PV (BIPV), agrivoltaics, PV carports, and grid-support applications. These alternatives offer additional nonelectricity generation-related benefits, often overlooked by the prevailing evaluation metric in energy systems, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). While LCOE remains the dominant tool for assessing PV economics due to its simplicity, it fails to account for these non-electricity-related co-benefits, leading to an undervaluation of emerging PV technologies. To address this gap, a systematic review of 261 peer-reviewed articles was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. Thirteen categories of additional benefits were identified, with greenhouse gas emissions reduction (42.5 %) and water loss reduction (38.7 %) being the most frequently cited. Most studies, however, lacked a quantitative framework for integrating these benefits into overall PV economic evaluations. As a result, evaluation methods were discussed for each of these benefit categories, creating the foundation for a comprehensive framework that would evaluate non-conventional PV benefits. Additionally, significant inconsistencies in reporting critical PV attributes were identified, with only 25 % of studies reporting efficiency and 53 % specifying power ratings, making evaluation of PV co-benefits challenging. To address these shortcomings, this study proposes a standardized PV Nameplate Data table for academic PV studies encompassing key parameters such as location, module technology, efficiency, lifetime, power rating, and energy generation. Furthermore, the review underscores the necessity of developing open-source tools to systematically evaluate PV benefits; thereby enabling robust systems comparison, establishing comprehensive evaluation methodologies, improving system design, and informing policymakers' decisions.

The monetary relationship between carbon emissions and mortality: a review

Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences , 2025

To date, the majority of work on carbon emissions related to policy has focused on economic cost ... more To date, the majority of work on carbon emissions related to policy has focused on economic cost benefit analysis. A new theory enables the use of the ethically and computationally more straightforward value of human mortality from carbon emissions in climate change policy. Case studies from three different scenarios are examined in order to have a comprehensive analysis of carbon mortality across various socioeconomic structures. Alberta, Canada, was selected as a high-income and energy per capita producing society. China was selected as a medium energy producing per capita and consuming nation. Finally, the Sub-Saharan African Region was selected as a lower-income region with decreased use of energy and economic activity per capita. The results are reviewed, along with a critical evaluation of methods that place inconsistent and immoral discounted economic values on human life, limitations of all of the published approaches and future work are suggested. It is concluded that an objective and quantitative number of human deaths can serve as a neutral foundation for policy recommendations to reduce the negative impacts of carbon emissions on humanity.

Design of Alternatives to Stained Glass with Open-Source Distributed Additive Manufacturing for Energy Efficiency and Economic Savings

Designs, 2025

Stained glass has played important roles in heritage building construction, however, conventional... more Stained glass has played important roles in heritage building construction, however, conventional fabrication techniques have become economically prohibitive due to both capital costs and energy inefficiency, as well as high-level artistic and craft skills. To overcome these challenges, this study provides a new design methodology for customized 3D-printed polycarbonate (PC)-based stained-glass window alternatives using a fully open-source toolchain and methodology based on digital fabrication and hybrid crafts. Based on design thinking and open design principles, this procedure involves fabricating an additional insert made of (i) a PC substrate and (ii) custom geometries directly 3D printed on the substrate with PC-based 3D printing feedstock (iii) to be painted after the 3D printing process. This alternative is intended for customizable stained-glass design patterns to be used instead of traditional stained glass or in addition to conventional windows, making stained glass accessible and customizable according to users' needs. Three approaches are developed and demonstrated to generate customized painted stained-glass geometries according to the different users' skills and needs using (i) online-retrieved 3D and 2D patterns; (ii) custom patterns, i.e., hand-drawn and digital-drawn images; and (iii) AI-generated patterns. The proposed methodology shows potential for distributed applications in the building and heritage sectors, demonstrating its practical feasibility. Its use makes stainedglass-based products accessible to a broader range of end-users, especially for repairing and replicating existing conventional stained glass and designing new customizable products. The developed custom patterns are 50 times less expensive than traditional stained glass and can potentially improve thermal insulation, paving the way to energy efficiency and economic savings.

A Review of Phase-Change Material-Based Thermal Batteries for Sustainable Energy Storage of Solar Photovoltaic Systems Coupled to Heat Pumps in the Building Sector

Energies, 2025

Buildings account for about a third of global energy and it is thus imperative to eliminate the u... more Buildings account for about a third of global energy and it is thus imperative to eliminate the use of fossil fuels to power and provide for their thermal needs. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology can provide power and with electrification, heating/cooling, but there is often a load mismatch with the intermittent solar supply. Electric batteries can overcome this challenge at high solar penetration rates but are still capital-intensive. A promising solution is thermal energy storage (TES), which has a low cost per unit of energy. This review provides an in-depth analysis of TES but specifically focuses on phase change material (PCM)-based TES, and its significance in the building sector. The classification, characterization, properties, applications, challenges, and modeling of PCM-TES are detailed. Finally, the potential for integrating TES with PV and heat pump (HP) technologies to decarbonize the residential sector is detailed. Although many studies show proof of carbon reduction for the individual and coupled systems, the integration of PV+HP+PCM-TES systems as a whole unit has not been developed to achieve carbon neutrality and facilitate net zero emission goals. Overall, there is still a lack of available literature and experimental datasets for these complex systems which are needed to develop models for global implementation as well as studies to quantify their economic and environmental performance.

Open-source three-dimensional IoT anemometer for indoor air quality monitoring

HardwareX, 2025

Ventilation in an enclosed space can significantly influence people’s comfort, health, and safety... more Ventilation in an enclosed space can significantly influence people’s comfort, health, and safety. Poor ventilation can generate temperatures dangerous to health or obstruct the dispersion of environmental pollutants, such as toxic gases or pollution. Measuring indoor environmental conditions can thus help improve the quality of the environment and protect people’s health and comfort. This work proposes the design of an open-source anemometer to measure wind speed and direction in three dimensions. The purpose of this anemometer is to monitor wind conditions in enclosed spaces and environmental conditions related to air quality and temperature. The prototype uses an array of six unidirectional flow sensors, each pointing towards a different axis. Carbon dioxide (CO
), volatile organic compounds (VOC), temperature, humidity, pressure, and gas presence sensors are integrated to monitor indoor environmental conditions accurately. Measuring the vertical component of the wind provides more detailed information on wind conditions. Test results show that the device can detect variations in wind speed with a deviation of 0.25 m/s, detect changes in horizontal wind direction with a deviation of 3.7°, and detect vertical wind direction variations with a deviation of 3.02°. These measurements demonstrate that the proposed device is capable of detecting wind changes in three dimensions, validating its potential for detailed indoor airflow monitoring.

Overcoming Limitations of Proprietary Scientific Hardware Funding

Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2025

The development of scientific hardware has followed a trend since the industrial revolution, whic... more The development of scientific hardware has followed a trend since the industrial revolution, which focused on centralized manufacturing of proprietary products to benefit from economies of scale. Unfortunately, scientific hardware, which favors custom, highly sophisticated, and often small specialized markets are not a particularly good fit for this model. The results of using the proprietary model of scientific hardware development are a series of challenges including the following: (1) slow innovation and limited novelty, (2) black box syndrome, (3) reduced technology transfer, (4) vendor lock in, (5) no lateral scaling, and (6) high economic costs. This work evaluates the potential for the free and open-source hardware development model to overcome these challenges and finds the open hardware approach contributes to (1) faster innovation, (2) increased transparency, (3) rapid and widespread technology transfer, 4) enhanced competition, (5) peer production and scalability, and (6) lower economic costs. Although there are some limitations to the open hardware approach, their impact is small compared to the benefits of avoiding the standard proprietary model. Funding the development of open hardware for scientific research is a clear way to enhance impact while garnering a high return on investment for funders.

Open-Source Photosynthetically Active Radiation Sensor for Enhanced Agricultural and Agrivoltaics Monitoring

Electronics, 2025

Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is crucial for plant growth, influencing photosynthesis... more Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is crucial for plant growth, influencing photosynthesis efficiency and crop yield. The increasing adoption of controlledenvironment agriculture (CEA) necessitates precise PAR monitoring. The high cost of commercial PAR sensors, however, limits their accessibility and widespread use, creating a growing need for a low-cost alternative capable of reliable deployment in diverse agricultural environments. Building on recent advancements in PAR sensing using multi-channel spectral sensors such as the AS7341 and AS7265, this study develops the electronics for an AS7341-based, open-source, cost-effective (~USD 50) PAR sensor validated across a broad PPFD range and conditions, ensuring reliability and ease of replication. It uses a relatively simple multi-linear regression that offers real-time applications without energy intensive machine learning. The developed sensor is calibrated against the industry-standard Apogee SQ-500SS PAR sensor in four distinct farming environments: (i) horizontal grow lights, (ii) vertical agrotunnel lighting, (iii) agrivoltaics, and (iv) in greenhouses. A mean error ranging from 1 to 5% indicates its suitability for controlled environment farming and continuous data logging. The open-source hardware design and systematic installation guidelines enable users to replicate, calibrate, and integrate the sensor with minimal background in electronics and optics.

Effects of Spectral Ranges on Growth and Yield in Vertical Hydroponic-Aeroponic Hybrid Grow Systems for Radishes and Turnips

Foods, 2025

As climate change destabilizes food crop production, there is a growing interest in controlled en... more As climate change destabilizes food crop production, there is a growing interest in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Although light-emitting diodes (LED) have made CEA economically viable for some high-value crops when coupled to agrivoltaics (solar photovoltaics + agriculture), it has generally not been used for root vegetables. This is the first study to demonstrate that radishes and turnips could be grown in a reasonable period of eight weeks in an agrivoltaic agrotunnel using both lighting and grow walls optimized for lettuce growth. As reduction in LED energy use is important to minimize capital costs for solar energy, this study investigated three lighting treatments (red, white, and full-spectrum as control). The normalized yields (adjusted for total energy provided by each treatment) showed that both cultivars preferred red light, and harvested green leaves provided higher masses than the roots, although turnips appeared to be far more adaptable to vertical growth than radishes (>450% for roots and >50% for leaves per pot compared to radishes for the control treatment). The results show promise for providing true net-zero carbon emission root vegetables year-round with similar agrivoltaics-powered CEAs. Future work is needed with light intensity trials to optimize light recipes.

Regenerative Agrivoltaics: Integrating Photovoltaics and Regenerative Agriculture for Sustainable Food and Energy Systems

Sustainability, 2025

Regenerative agriculture has emerged as an innovative approach to food production, offering the p... more Regenerative agriculture has emerged as an innovative approach to food production, offering the potential to achieve reduced or even positive environmental and social outcomes compared to the soil degradation and greenhouse gas emissions of conventional agriculture. Simultaneously, a sophisticated dual-use system combining solar energy generation from photovoltaics with agricultural production, called agrivoltaics, is rapidly expanding. Combining these approaches into regenerative agrivoltaics offers a promising solution to the challenges regarding food in a rapidly warming world. This review theoretically examines the compatibility and mutual benefits of combining agrivoltaics and regenerative agriculture while also identifying the challenges, opportunities, and pathways for implementing this system. A foundation for advancing regenerative agrivoltaics is made by identifying areas for research, which include the following: (1) carbon sequestration, (2) soil health and fertility, (3) soil moisture, (4) soil microbial activity, (5) soil nutrients, (6) crop performance, (7) water-use efficiency, and (8) economics. By addressing the intersection of agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainability, regenerative agrivoltaics emphasizes the transformative potential of integrated systems in reshaping land use and resource management. This evaluation underscores the importance of policy and industry collaboration in facilitating the adoption of regenerative agrivoltaics, advocating for tailored support mechanisms to enable widespread implementation of low-cost, zero-carbon, resilient food systems.

Experimental integration of a foam-based floating photovoltaic (floatovoltaic) system with an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer for 5 kW-Scale green hydrogen production

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2025

Strategically scheduling electrolyzers to harness surplus solar photovoltaic (PV) energy decrease... more Strategically scheduling electrolyzers to harness surplus solar photovoltaic (PV) energy decreases reliance on the grid and enhances overall system efficiency. This study experimentally evaluates a 7-kW foam-based FPV integrated with a 27-cell anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer to assess feasibility under off-grid conditions. The methodology involved assembling the FPV modules on a pond, powering the AEM stack via three 2.5 kW inverters and MPPT charge controllers, and recording operational data such as voltage, current, temperature, and gas flow; using a Cerbo-GX monitor, multimeters, rotameters, and liquid-displacement timing. Key findings include a stack-level energy conversion efficiency of 73.3-86.2 % (high heating value basis), a minimum specific energy consumption of 45.77 kWh/kg H 2 , and hydrogen purity of 99.22 %. System-level electrical efficiency ranged from 66 % to 71 %, with power conversion losses identified at the inverter and power-supply stages. Simulation of electrolyzer scheduled operation only upon surplus PV generation showed improved energy utilization. These results demonstrate the viability of FPV-AEM coupling for decentralized green hydrogen production and highlight the potential for direct DC coupling and enhanced thermal management to further reduce energy losses in future implementations.

Strategies for recycling multi-material polymer blends for additive manufacturing

Sustainable Materials and Technologies, 2025

The rapid advancement of additive manufacturing (AM) technology, combined with the growing accumu... more The rapid advancement of additive manufacturing (AM) technology, combined with the growing accumulation of plastic waste, has generated significant interest in utilizing materials derived from plastic waste and their composites within the AM industry. This paper examines the methods and approaches currently employed in recycling and blending thermoplastic waste into additive manufacturing feedstocks, aiming to enhance understanding and guide future advancements in this field. A systematic literature review including 82 papers from 2014 to 2024 was performed using the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The review findings indicate that approximately 83 % of the research is concentrated in production of new materials combining various polymer waste with recycled bio-sourced materials, recycled fillers or other additives for property enhancement. The evaluation and characterization of these new materials was carry out mostly using 3D printing, predominantly employing fused filament fabrication technology (63 %). The remaining 17 % focus on the improvement of the printing quality and optimization, development or adaptation of 3D printers for the utilization of new materials, and material reprocessability. This review highlight the need of evaluating the behavior of recycled blends over multiple life cycles, the cost and environmental assessments, and primary end-use applications of these materials, including as well as further development and design of printers. propylene; rPS, Recycled Polystyrene; vPET, Virgin or commercial Polyethylene terephthalate; vPLA, Virgin Poly(lactic acid); μ-CT, Micro-computed tomography.

Potential paths to Canada's climate commitments through strategic solar photovoltaic deployment

e-Prime - Advances in Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Energy, 2025

Canadian climate policy calling for a transition to renewable energy is not only a response to th... more Canadian climate policy calling for a transition to renewable energy is not only a response to the increasing frequency and liability of climate-related disasters, but also a strategic move to mitigate fossil-fuel economic volatility. The easiest path to transition is using the lowest-cost source of energy, which is solar photovoltaics (PV). This study brings clarity to Canada's efforts to achieve the net zero target quantifying growth rates of PV system development required to reach net zero. First, Canada's net energy goal background and the recent solar PV-specific growth, markets, and policies are reviewed. Next, the methodology for achieving Canada's climate goal with PV deployment is detailed. The results indicate to meet carbon emissions targets in 2030 (40 % and 45 % below 2005) and be net-zero by 2050 requires 666, 762, and 1847 GW of PV, respectively. The latter solar PV required increases to 2019 GW with the expected 7.5 % escalation in primary energy. The 2023 total PV capacity installed in Canada is 4.6 GW and the rate of growth is completely inadequate to achieve Canada's goals. This study presents different approaches to achieve Canada's emissions goals using PV and details deployment in terms of energy, investment, and employment pointing towards the need of new policies.

Electrode Materials Comparison for Hydrogen Production from Wastewater Electrolysis of Spiked Secondary Effluent

Sustainability, 2025

Electrochemical methods show promise for wastewater treatment by removing pollutants, recovering ... more Electrochemical methods show promise for wastewater treatment by removing pollutants, recovering nutrients, and generating hydrogen. To scale this technology, durable and affordable electrode materials are needed. This study evaluates aluminum 6061-T6, titanium grade II, ductile iron, and magnesium to understand their performance in promoting precipitation, gas production, and treating wastewater under several conditions. Electrodes were tested with ammonia-, magnesium-, and phosphate-spiked wastewater samples with induced precipitation at concentrations of 0.033 mol/L and 0.0033 mol/L; the liquid, gas, and precipitation phases were characterized. The results showed up to 35% reduction in ammonia, total phosphate recovery, and up to 70% reduction in magnesium. The cell generates hydrogen with purity levels of 95.6%, 96.1%, 87.9%, and 93.5% when utilizing iron, aluminum, titanium, and magnesium electrodes, respectively. The analyses of precipitants showed formation of vivianite crystals from iron, struvite precipitation from magnesium, and berlinite from aluminum. Overall, these results hold substantial promise for hydrogen generation from wastewater and potential for nutrient recovery and treatment.

From blender to farm: Transforming controlled environment agriculture with synthetic data and SwinUNet for precision crop monitoring

PLOS One, 2025

The aim of this study was to train a Vision Transformer (ViT) model for semantic segmentation to ... more The aim of this study was to train a Vision Transformer (ViT) model for semantic segmentation to differentiate between ripe and unripe strawberries using synthetic data to avoid challenges with conventional data collection methods. The solution used Blender to generate synthetic strawberry images along with their corresponding masks for precise segmentation. Subsequently, the synthetic images were used to train and evaluate the SwinUNet as a segmentation method, and Deep Domain Confusion was utilized for domain adaptation. The trained model was then tested on real images from the Strawberry Digital Images dataset. The performance on the real data achieved a Dice Similarity Coefficient of 94.8% for ripe strawberries and 94% for unripe strawberries, highlighting its effectiveness for applications such as fruit ripeness detection. Additionally, the results show that increasing the volume and diversity of the training data can significantly enhance the segmentation accuracy of each class. This approach demonstrates how synthetic datasets can be employed as a cost-effective and efficient solution for overcoming data scarcity in agricultural applications.