Low Carbon Technologies

The only study of the osteology of the toad genus Oreophrynella dates back to 1971 and was based on a single species. Here, we use high-resolution X-ray microcomputed tomography to analyse the osteology of all nine described Oreophrynella species, which are compared with representatives of other bufonid lineages. Oreophrynella is unique among bufonids in having opposable digits. Osteological synapomorphies confirmed for the genus are as follows: presence of parietal fontanelles and exposed frontoparietal fontanelle, absence of quadratojugal, five presacral vertebrae, distally enlarged terminal phalanges and urostyle greatly expanded into flanges. Ancestral character reconstruction indicates that arboreal habits in some Oreophrynella species are likely to have evolved after the evolution of opposable digits. Opposable digits, in combination with an extension of the interdigital integument and the relative length/orientation of the digits, are likely to be adaptations to facilitate life on rocky tepui summits and an exaptation to arboreality. Cranial simplification in Oreophrynella, in the form of cranial fontanelles and absence of the quadratojugal, is possibly driven by a reduction of developmental costs, increase in flexibility and reduction of body weight. Cranial simplification combined with the shortening of the vertebral column and the shift towards a partly firmisternal girdle might be adaptations to the peculiar tumbling behaviour displayed by Oreophrynella.

Financial markets have become more and more complex, so has been the number of data sources. Stock price prediction has hence become a tough but important task. The time dependencies in stock price movements tend to escape from traditional models. In this work, a hybrid ARIMA-LSTM model is suggested to enhance accuracy of stock price forecasts. Based on time series indicators like adjusted closing prices of S&P 500 stocks over a decade (2010-2019), the ARIMA-LSTM model combines influences of both autoregressive time series forecasting with the substantial sequence learning property of LSTM. Data preprocessing in all aspects including missing values interpolation, outlier's detection and data scaling-Min-Max guarantees data quality. The model is trained on 90/10 training/testing split and met with main performance metrics: MaE, MSE & RMSE. As indicated in the results, the proposed ARIMA-LSTM model gives a MAE value and MSE value of 0.248 and 0.101 respectively and RMSE of 0.319, a measure high accuracy on stock price prediction. Coupled comparative analysis with other Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and BP Neural Networks (BPNN) are examples of machine learning reference models, further illustrates the suitability and superiority of ARIMA-LSTM approach as compared to the underlying models with the least MAE and strong predictive capability. This work demonstrates the efficiency of integrating the classical time series models with deep learning methods for financial forecasting.

Combined production of power and cooling can improve energy utilization efficiency significantly. In this paper, a new ammonia/water combined absorption power and cooling cycle is proposed for simultaneous generation of power and cooling. This cycle is a combination of absorption refrigeration and Kalina power cycles. The performance of the cycle was evaluated by using several performance-indicating parameters such as overall thermal efficiency, effective first law efficiency and power/cooling ratio. The influence of key operating parameters-generator, sink and evaporator temperatures on the cycle performance-was investigated. The proposed combined absorption cycle has an energy consumption that is lower by around 12% than that when using the separate cycles (regenerative ORC and single-effect ammonia/water absorption refrigeration cycle) at the base-case conditions considered.

Watet is the main source of life but pure water is not occured everywhere. It is mixed with the salt and the salination occurs. To purify saline water there are many ways we using solar energy. In which water is evaporated and then condensed. This process is done in a hexagonal pyramid . Also with help of metallic cone the heat transfer is maximum. The hexagonal shape gives heat absorption till complete day.

Increasing focus on energy affordability and environmental impact is drawing interest towards the potential value of low carbon technology (LCT) interventions in buildings and district energy systems. Relevant interventions may include improvements of the insulation levels and installation of low carbon and renewable generation technologies (e.g., combined heat and power, photovoltaics, heat pumps). These LCT interventions for both electricity and heat supply can, in principle, reduce energy costs and CO 2 emissions for final energy consumers. This can be achieved by coupling, and possibly optimising, multiple energy vectors from traditionally independent systems (e.g., electricity, heat and gas). However, this transition to distributed multi-energy systems introduces complex physical and commercial interactions between the different energy vectors. Further, these interactions can be fundamentally different at different aggregation levels (e.g., premises, district, and commercial level). This makes the assessment of business cases for LCT interventions in a multi-energy context a grand challenge, and given the potentially disruptive commercial impact of many such novel technologies, such complexity might result in a barrier to their development. In light of this, this paper proposes a techno-economic framework for the assessment of business cases of LCTs, which systematically models the physical and commercial multi-energy flows at the premises, grid connection point, and commercial levels. This is particularly important given the commonly asymmetrical nature of various energy price components, which can have significant effects on the business cases of LCTs and associated actors (e.g., retailers and energy service companies). The proposed framework is demonstrated through a series of case studies that highlight the value of various LCT interventions and of aggregation, in terms of energy, emission and operational cash flow metrics. The relevance and importance of the framework to developing business cases for various energy system actors, including policy makers and regulators, is discussed, with the final aim of facilitating the uptake of low carbon multi-energy technologies.

When retrofitting older properties with solid outer walls additional insulation if required has to be added to the inner or outer surfaces of the outer wall. The choice and viability of either of these solutions is largely determined by cost, appearance, room dimensions and the physical practicalities and details of fitting the insulation, particularly at openings. Less attention is often paid to the change in thermal response of the buildings that result from internal and external insulation. This paper describes and compares the modelled dynamical thermal responses of a retrofitted traditional solid-walled house when externally or internally clad with insulation. A set of parametric studies was carried out using dynamic thermal simulations coupled with a nodal network airflow model, to evaluate the thermal responses of a Victorian type end-terrace house using current Test Reference Year (TRY) weather data as well as the ‘morphed’ future weather data. The simulation results demonst...

The integration of deep learning techniques into smart power systems has gained significant attention due to their potential to optimize energy management, enhance grid reliability, and enable efficient utilization of renewable energy sources. This research article explores the enhanced application of deep learning techniques in smart power systems. It provides an overview of the key challenges faced by traditional power systems and presents various deep learning methodologies that can address these challenges. The results showed that the root mean square errors (RMSE) for the weekend power load forecast were 18.4 for the random forest and 18.2 for the long short-term memory (LSTM) algorithm, while 28.6 was predicted by the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. The authors' approach provides the most accurate forecast (15.7). After being validated using realworld load data, this technique provides reliable power load predictions even when load oscillations are present. The article also discusses recent advancements, future research directions, and potential benefits of utilizing deep learning techniques in smart power systems.

Thermal characteristics of concrete are one of the main topics in concrete technology researches. They were extensively studied since the 1980s to predict the behavior of the concrete in fire and the performance of massive concrete. However, this topic was raised again after 2010 as a part of sustainable, energy effective and ecofriendly buildings studies. The aim of this research is to present a comparison between the thermal characteristics of self-compacted concrete (SCC) and the geopolymer concrete (GPC) using collected previous researches. More than fifty references were collected, sorted and analyzed in the last forty years. The results showed that (GPC) has better thermal characteristics, such as thermal conductivity, heat capacity, fire resistance, while (SCC) has better mechanical properties, such as compressive strength, early strength and elastic modulus. Besides that, from ecological point of view, partially replacing of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with microencapsula...

Iran has significant potential for solar energy development, but progress is slow due to policy, economic, and technical challenges. This brief outlines the current status of solar energy in Iran, key risks hindering its growth, and the opportunities it presents for sustainable development and energy diversification.

Thermochemical Heat Storage (THS) systems have recently attracted a lot of attention in research and development. One of the main parameters that influence the performance of a THS system is the thermochemical materials. This paper aims to investigate thermochemical materials which are suitable for both short-term and long-term building heat storage application driven by solar energy for an open system. Innovative composite materials using MgCl 2 -MgSO 4 , CaCl 2 -LiCl and MgSO 4 -CaCl 2 salts mixtures impregnated into vermiculite, and potassium formate (KCOOH) impregnated into silica gel will be presented in this study. Initial screening and characterization results of the composite THS materials based on the energy density using differential scanning calorimetry analysis, mass loss against temperature using thermogravimetric analysis, and moisture vapor adsorption isotherms testing are discussed. The characterization analysis suggest that the vermiculite with salts mixtures are promising candidates for thermochemical heat storage (THS) systems compared to composite materials with individual salts. Meanwhile the potential of KCOOH-silica gel as THS materials may be further investigated in the future. The performance of the materials may be further optimized in the future by changing the concentration ratio of the mixed salts.

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Thermochemical Heat Storage (THS) systems have recently attracted a lot of attention in research and development. One of the main parameters that influence the performance of a THS system is the thermochemical materials. This paper aims to investigate thermochemical materials which are suitable for both short-term and long-term building heat storage application driven by solar energy for an open system. Innovative composite materials using MgCl2-MgSO4, CaCl2-LiCl and MgSO4- CaCl2 salts mixtures impregnated into vermiculite, and potassium formate (KCOOH) impregnated into silica gel will be presented in this study. Initial screening and characterization results of the composite THS materials based on the energy density using differential scanning calorimetry analysis, mass loss against temperature using thermo-gravimetric analysis, and moisture vapor adsorption isotherms testing are discussed. The characterization analysis suggest that the vermiculite with salts mixtures are promising...

The world confronts significant energy issues, propelled by increasing energy consumption in buildings and escalating apprehensions regarding carbon emissions from the industry. Inefficient building practices exacerbate energy instability, especially in areas experiencing increased urbanization. Nearly-zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) present an effective remedy to these challenges, markedly decreasing energy usage and carbon emissions while fostering sustainability. This research thoroughly assesses the development of NZEBs from 1995 to 2024, emphasizing design concepts, technological innovations, and their impact on energy efficiency. An analysis of key impediments to implementation reveals high prices, limited technological feasibility, regulatory limitations, and insufficient stakeholder participation. The paper examines the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on enhancing NZEB performance, highlighting applications such as predictive energy analytics, intelligent HVAC systems, and real-time energy management. Focusing on Egypt within the larger MENA region, this article emphasizes the unique difficulties faced by the country due to its varied climates and different stages of regulatory development. The research delineates region-specific ways to surmount challenges, including the integration of sophisticated renewable energy systems, the optimization of building envelopes, and the promotion of multi-stakeholder engagement. The results highlight the necessity for customized solutions and improved regional and worldwide cooperation to expedite the implementation of NZEBs, fostering a sustainable and resilient built environment. This analysis offers practical insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders aiming to promote NZEB adoption in the MENA area and beyond.

In the present paper, design of solar chimney (SC) and earth-to-air heat exchanger (EAHE) to meet the thermal need of flat buildings are studied regarding adaptive thermal comfort criteria. Investigation on the effects of geometric features shows that the design of SC with the air gap and outlet sizes of 0.2 m and also EAHE with the diameter and length of 0.5 and 25.0 m reveals better performance. Thermal comfort analysis shows that the SC is capable to power the underground heating system during few hours of the sunny days even at the ambient temperature as low as 08C and the heating demand of 1000 W without needing the auxiliary devices. In addition, the required numbers of SCs and the underground air channels are strongly influenced by environmental outdoor conditions and heating demand of building and are approximately calculated by: room volume/50 and 2 Â ðroom volume/50Þ þ 1, respectively.

The study investigates the use of local trees in the UAE to improve visual performance and lighting quality in typical classrooms. The methodology depended on analysis of luminance ratios and illuminance levels using simulation (Radiance.) The effect of two design variables (i.e., tree type: Ghaf and Neem, and tree spacing: 2m and 4m parallel to outside north wall, on task's illuminance levels and interior-surfaces' luminance levels were investigated. Lighting quality and visual comfort issues such as acute contrast, high brightness, and daylight distribution were discussed.

The hospitality sector, particularly hotels, is a significant contributor to energy consumption within the broader tourism industry due to the energy demands of maintaining guest comfort and operational efficiency. This study provides an indepth analysis and literature review to assess current energy management approaches, energy consumption trends, and sources across hotels globally, with a focus on incorporating renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency practices. Using case study data from over fifteen hotels across the USA, Europe, and Asia, we identify key determinants of energy usage and propose optimization strategies that emphasize sustainable design, resource-efficient site selection, and operational improvements. The findings provide actionable insights for improving operational efficiency, minimizing environmental impacts, and achieving sustainability goals in the hotels offering valuable guidance for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and hotel operators.

The hospitality sector, particularly hotels, is a significant contributor to energy consumption within the broader tourism industry due to the energy demands of maintaining guest comfort and operational efficiency. This study provides an indepth analysis and literature review to assess current energy management approaches, energy consumption trends, and sources across hotels globally, with a focus on incorporating renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency practices. Using case study data from over fifteen hotels across the USA, Europe, and Asia, we identify key determinants of energy usage and propose optimization strategies that emphasize sustainable design, resource-efficient site selection, and operational improvements. The findings provide actionable insights for improving operational efficiency, minimizing environmental impacts, and achieving sustainability goals in the hotels offering valuable guidance for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and hotel operators.

Double-skin fac ¸ades (DSF) are considered an innovative energy efficient technique that gained an increasing interest worldwide. The aim of this article is to perform a parametric study for the DSFs' configuration in hot climatic conditions. The parameters under investigation are the ventilation rate, the shading requirements and the cavity dimensions. A newly erected building with surface area of 18 500 m 2 is considered as the basis for the parametric study. The building is monitored and simulated using Energy Plus. The parametric analysis showed that the ventilation rate in the DSFs' configuration is of a major importance especially during the cooling season. The lack of adequate ventilation increases the cooling demands and deteriorates the DSF's effectiveness. Finally, the integration of shading in the overall construction, especially the external ones, results to 24% annual energy conservation.

The need for cheaper and more economical soil improvement methods is of great significance in order to reduce the construction cost of flexible pavements. Also, major problems caused by industrial waste in Nigeria can be minimised by recycling or re-using of such wastes for soil improvement. The application of cement and lime along for such purpose has proven to increase the construction cost. Thus the use of industrial waste such as iron ore tailings (IOT) could aid in reducing the construction cost. Series of laboratory and statistical investigations were performed to compare the effect of cement and lime on the properties of tropical black clay (i.e. black cotton soil, BCS). Soil samples were admixed with up to 10 % IOT content and modified with up to 4 % each of cement and lime by dry weight of soil to evaluate their plasticity and compaction characteristics. Compaction was done with British Standard light (BSL) energy. Statistical tests for regression and correlation was achiev...

Green roofs and green walls have several benefits on buildings and cities. They are most often used for water management and for the aesthetical value they provide to the urban environment. These green coatings have a positive impact on the sustainability of building materials. They can improve building energy performance and reduce the amplitude of diurnal variations of the surfaces temperature in summer. The energy saving or comfort improvement is more obvious for hot climates. This paper presents a green envelope model integrated in a transient building simulation program (TRNSYS). This software integration allows dynamic thermal simulations of multizone buildings with green roofs or green walls. The reliability of the model is tested through comparisons to measurements performed on a reduced scale model of buildings during summer period. The impact of the vegetated envelope on cooling energy demand is modeled for various climates.

This paper presents the design and the results of a reduced-scale experimental bench to study the effect of green roofs and green facades on local urban microclimate. An analysis of experimental data was carried out on three street canyons: one reference street, one street between two buildings with green roofs and one with a green wall to the west. The results show a hygrothermal effect of green envelopes on buildings on urban heat island mitigation. In the detailed analysis of these green coating techniques, we highlighted that green facades modify strongly the radiative balance of the street and improve the hygrothermal comfort in urban canyons through reducing the overheating in the street in hot summer days.

Solar chimney power plant (SCPP) is a renewable energy facility that converts the potential energy in the Sun into kinetic energy and subsequently into electrical energy. The problem of global warming and electricity generation/distribution in Nigeria cannot be over emphasized; however with the vast land in the semi arid region and the potentials of the above technology, high prospects exist for solar chimney as it is a decentralized form of power generation. The aim of this paper was to theoretically evaluate the performance of the solar chimney power plant in semi-arid region of Nigeria, and estimate the amount of electrical energy that can possibly be generated. A mathematical model was used to estimate the amount of power generated, and determine the relationship between various meteorological and physical factors to the power produced. A solar chimney power plant with collector diameter of 700 m and chimney height of 700 m can produce up to 3000 MW of electricity.

It has been more than a decade since the introduction of the Industry 4.0 paradigm. Since then, many issues have been raised in the world: the COVID-19 pandemic, sustainable development goals, and recent dramatic changes in global politics. The global value chains were broken during the pandemic, and the importance of humans as the most important element of the production system was highlighted. It caused rethinking about current industrial paradigms, including the brand new paradigm of Industry 4.0. More focus has been put on human workers, sustainability, and the resilience of the value chain, so the Industry 4.0 update was presented as Industry 5.0. A specific methodology to evaluate the maturity level of the manufacturing industry with regard to Industry 4.0/5.0 is presented and tested in the Croatian manufacturing industry. The developed methodology is unique since it puts Industry 5.0 in the right context with Industry 4.0. Therefore, the Industry 4.0 index remains the main indicator; however, alignment with three Industry 5.0 aims (human-centricity, sustainability, and resilience) represents three additional indicators. The results of the current state analysis are presented as a case study with a discussion about the results and methodology itself.

Wind-induced natural ventilation tower is one of the effective devices in enhancing indoor air quality. It can be designed and integrated as part of building components. This paper investigates the performance of various design configurations of a wind-induced natural ventilation tower with the focus on Venturi-shaped roofs and towers. The Venturi-shaped roofs and towers are used to create negative pressure in order to enhance the extraction air flow rates of the wind-induced natural ventilation tower. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method is used to analyse each of the design configurations. The different design configurations are based on roof tilt angles, roofs' shapes, tower heights and shapes of the wind-induced natural ventilation tower. The parameters analysed are extraction air flow rates and air flow pattern. Based on the CFD simulation results of various design configurations, the 'biconcave'-shaped wind tower has the best design configuration with 14 568.66 m 3 /h extraction air flow rates at 0.8 m/s external wind velocity.

This study describes the methods of predicting light pipe performances using scale models under the tropical Malaysian sky conditions. The conversion factor is introduced as an indication of the reliability of the methodology employed in predicting the light pipe performance. Illumination ratios were analysed and empirical model equations were developed from simultaneous measurements of interior and external illuminances. The model equations derived from this study could hopefully be adopted for other types of light pipe materials or other applications related to light pipe technologies.

This study examines the trends and statistical characteristics of daily maximum wind speed across various synoptic stations in Ardabil Province, Iran, with diverse topography. Using daily wind speed data from multiple synoptic stations, the research focuses on three primary objectives: assessing changes in daily maximum wind speed, fitting various statistical distributions to the data, and estimating wind speed values for different return periods. In this research, the temporal changes were evaluated while analyzing the frequency of the data, and then the maximum wind speed values were calculated and analyzed for different return periods by fitting frequency distributions. The analysis reveals notable variability in maximum wind speeds across stations. The trend analysis, conducted using the nonparametric Mann-Kendall method, reveals significant positive trends in maximum wind speed at Meshgin-Shahr and Sareyn (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, data from Khalkhal station displays a significant decreasing trend, while other stations, like Ardabil and Parsabad, show no meaningful trends. According to the statistical distributions analysis, the Fisher-Tippett T2 mirrored distribution demonstrates the best fit for Ardabil, with an absolute difference of 2.52%, while the Laplace distribution yields the lowest discrepancies for Bilesavar (3.50%) and Ardabil Airport (3.83%). This ranking indicates that, despite similar first-ranked distributions in some stations, secondary models show variability, suggesting localized influences on wind speed that modify distributional fit. As a conclusion, the Laplace (std) distribution stands out as the best-fit model for several stations, showing relative consistency across several stations. These findings demonstrate the necessity of sitespecific statistical modeling to accurately represent wind speed patterns across the diverse landscapes of Ardabil Province. Based on the results, comparing the wind characteristics in the study area with those of other regions in Iran, as well as analyzing the reported trends, can be useful in determining the impact of the region's climatic conditions and topography on wind patterns. This research offers key insights into wind speed variability and trends in Ardabil, crucial for climate adaptation and risk management of extreme wind events.

Supplementing fossil fuels with solar air tempering for brooding young livestock could reduce energy use and improve indoor air quality. Metal transpired solar collectors (TSC) are effective but too expensive for heating livestock buildings. An inexpensive 12.7 m2 dark grey landscape-fabric-based transpired solar collector (fTSC) was evaluated in a swine nursery with two herds of pigs. A fraction of the fTSC area was underlain with phase change material (PCM) to store excess heat. The Test room with the fTSC was compared with an adjacent identical Control room, each with 120 piglets. The fTSC provided supplemental heating, e.g., with a suction velocity (Vs) of 0.027 m/s during a 9 h period, air temperature was increased by 11.6 °C (mean irradiance of 592 W/m2). Between 4 pm and 9 pm that same day, the PCM increased air temperature by 3.9 °C. The fTSC did not reduce propane use or improve pig performance. Higher Vs, operational changes and controller modifications could improve syste...

Photovoltaic (PV) systems encounter substantial losses throughout their lifespan due to the different derating factors of PV modules. Those factors mainly vary according to the geographical location and PV panel characteristics. However, the available literature does not explicitly concentrate on the technical and economic impact of the derating factors within the PV system. Owing to that necessity, this study performs a comprehensive analysis of various PV loss parameters followed by a techno-economic assessment of derating factors using the average value on a grid-connected and optimally tilted PV system located in Hatiya, Bangladesh. Some criteria linked to the derating factors such as PV degradation and ambient temperature are further explored to analyze their impact on the aforementioned power system. Simulation results show that PV power generation would vary around 12% annually, subject to a 10% variation in the derating factor. Again, a 10% difference in the derating factor changes the net present cost (NPC) by around 3% to 4%. The system provides the best technical performance concerning annual PV production, power trade with the grid, and the renewable fraction at a higher value of the derating factor since it represents a lower impact of the loss parameters. Similarly, the financial performance in terms of the NPC, levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and grid power exchange cost is found to be lower when the derating factor value is higher.

Photovoltaic (PV) systems encounter substantial losses throughout their lifespan due to the different derating factors of PV modules. Those factors mainly vary according to the geographical location and PV panel characteristics. However, the available literature does not explicitly concentrate on the technical and economic impact of the derating factors within the PV system. Owing to that necessity, this study performs a comprehensive analysis of various PV loss parameters followed by a techno-economic assessment of derating factors using the average value on a grid-connected and optimally tilted PV system located in Hatiya, Bangladesh. Some criteria linked to the derating factors such as PV degradation and ambient temperature are further explored to analyze their impact on the aforementioned power system. Simulation results show that PV power generation would vary around 12% annually, subject to a 10% variation in the derating factor. Again, a 10% difference in the derating factor ...

This study deals with the production of concrete with low CO 2 emissions. For this reason, two materials, namely palm oil fuel ash (POFA) and limestone powder (LP), were used as mineral additions to replace conventional cement as much as possible. The results showed that concrete containing 60 wt% POFA could achieve the high strength requirements of ACI 363R from an age of 28 days. At a replacement level of 70 wt% of admixtures, the use of 10 wt% LP + 60 wt% POFA was a good mixture as it had the highest concrete compressive strength, had a minor effect on shrinkage strain and reduced heat generation by approximately 50% compared to cement concrete. Additionally, the use of POFA and LP is a good choice to produce environmentally friendly concrete, which can reduce the CO 2 emissions of concrete by about 44-62% compared to cement concrete at similar strength.

The transition to low-carbon heating systems is essential to achieving net-zero emissions targets and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change. The development and deployment of cleaner heating technologies present a significant opportunity to reduce carbon emissions by at least 20%. In colder climates, such as those found in Europe and the United Kingdom, space heating constitutes a critical component of residential energy demand and remains indispensable for ensuring indoor thermal comfort.

This study evaluates several low-carbon heat sources suitable for residential applications, with a specific focus on a 150 m² dwelling exhibiting a space heating demand of 11.5 kW. Heat delivery is assumed to occur via a radiant floor heating system. The analysis considers the technical readiness of each heat source, their integration potential with existing grid infrastructure, and associated capital and operational costs. Despite challenges related to intermittency and implementation, the examined technologies offer substantial emission reductions. These challenges may be mitigated through continued innovation, research, and system optimisation.

District heating networks are commonly addressed in the literature as one of the most effective solutions for decreasing the greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. These systems require high investments which are returned through the heat sales. Due to the changed climate conditions and building renovation policies, heat demand in the future could decrease, prolonging the investment return period. The main scope of this paper is to assess the feasibility of using the heat demand -outdoor temperature function for heat demand forecast. The district of Alvalade, located in Lisbon (Portugal), was used as a case study. The district is consisted of 665 buildings that vary in both construction period and typology. Three weather scenarios (low, medium, high) and three district renovation scenarios were developed (shallow, intermediate, deep). To estimate the error, obtained heat demand values were compared with results from a dynamic heat demand model, previously developed and validated by the authors. The results showed that when only weather change is considered, the margin of error could be acceptable for some applications (the error in annual demand was lower than 20% for all weather scenarios considered). However, after introducing renovation scenarios, the error value increased up to 59.5% (depending on the weather and renovation scenarios combination considered). The value of slope coefficient increased on average within the range of 3.8% up to 8% per decade, that corresponds to the decrease in the number of heating hours of 22-139h during the heating season (depending on the combination of weather and renovation scenarios considered). On the other hand, function intercept increased for 7.8-12.7% per decade (depending on the coupled scenarios). The values suggested could be used to modify the function parameters for the scenarios considered, and improve the accuracy of heat demand estimations.

Mineral fiber composites have garnered widespread use in diverse industries due to their exceptional properties compared with other fibers. These composites find applications in electronics, aviation, medical, maritime, automotive, and concrete structures, boasting advantages such as strength, durability, and lightweight properties. However, their production and disposal pose significant environmental challenges. The energy-intensive manufacturing processes involving fiber extraction, processing, and composite fabrication, contribute to environmental impacts. Furthermore, the nonbiodegradable nature of these composites raises concerns during disposal. To address these environmental issues, life cycle assessment (LCA) studies are conducted, thoroughly analyzing all life cycle stages, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal, to assess the environmental footprint of mineral fiber composites. This chapter explores the comprehensive LCA and environmental impact assessment studies on mineral fibers and their composite manufacturing processes. It provides invaluable insights into the environmental performance of mineral fiber composites, enabling the formulation of strategies to minimize their negative effects and foster more sustainable practices in their production and utilization.

The realization of thermal comfort through the use of refrigerated-based air conditioning systems is largely impeded by poverty and epileptic power supply. Furthermore, the use of some refrigerants has negative effect on the environment. Evaporative cooling systems are viable options for achieving thermal comfort because, apart from their low cost and power requirement, they are environmentally friendly. This paper attempts to determine the viability of using direct evaporative coolers to achieve human thermal comfort in several West African cities characterized by different climates using the feasibility index method. Employing the concept of the feasibility index reveals the suitability of using evaporative coolers in Agadez, Bamako, Diffa, Jos, and Nema while Conakry, Gagnoa and Port Harcourt are not recommended for the use of evaporative coolers. Evaporative coolers are therefore suitable alternative to refrigerated-based air conditioning systems for achieving human thermal comf...

In the climate impacted world, it is clear that nuclear energy is seen a powerful alternative for the fossil fuels in terms of electricity generation. Nuclear power is seen as a source to reduce carbon emissions beside hydro, wind, bioenergy, and solar energy. On the other hand, after Fukushima Daiichi accident in 2011, the importance of continuing efforts not to deny the risks of nuclear power occurred. The incidents at Chernobyl and Fukushima underlined the necessity of taking precautions in terms of nuclear plants and the safety. This work presents that how terms of decarbonization policies, a level playing field that allows all low-carbon generation technologies to compete on their merits can be created. It also shows how scientific researches and recent disasters invite the international community to think about whether nuclear power could solve the problems in the warming world.

Solar cooking can be another appliance for cooking in which we use solar energy to produce steam for cooking as well as there is no smoke, no soot. This cooking system having interesting feature such as cooking in indoor and outdoor possibility. Components which are used in this type of system are over head storage tank, evacuated tube collector, steam boiler, guage thermometer and pressure guage. Thus solar cooking system have a very relevant place in the present fuel consumption pattern. Various design of solar cooking system developed in our country.

Africa stands at a pivotal crossroads in its energy and development trajectory. While global discourse accelerates around Net Zero commitments and strict carbon budgeting, over 600 million Africans still live without access to electricity, and nearly a billion rely on traditional biomass for cooking. This paradox underscores a critical flaw in the prevailing climate narrative: it prioritizes global emission reductions over developmental justice. This white paper asserts that Africa's energy transition must begin with universal access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. Rather than imposing rigid carbon budgets that constrain much-needed development, the international community must adopt a differentiated approach that recognizes Africa's low per capita emissions, historical underinvestment, and immense renewable potential. The paper outlines the limitations of carbon-centric policy models when applied to energy-poor nations, illustrating how such models risk perpetuating energy exclusion and deepening socioeconomic divides. Drawing on case studies from Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, and South Africa, the paper demonstrates the power of decentralized solutions, public-private partnerships, and local innovation in addressing Africa's unique energy challenges. It also presents a framework for rethinking global climate diplomacy-one that centres energy access as a non-negotiable foundation of climate action. Key recommendations span policy reforms, financial instruments, technology transfer, and governance strategies tailored for governments, multilateral institutions, donors, and the private sector. Ultimately, this paper calls for a new global social contract: one that acknowledges energy access as climate action and enables Africa to pursue a resilient, inclusive, and development-first energy transition.

The research below was carried on my second year of study.
Consist of the generation, supply, maintenance and costing of hydro power since it discovery.It is a brief but detailed research which aims in gathering knowledge on different aspects of energy sources.

Accurate estimation of clear-sky radiation is needed in many engineering and architectural applications. In this study, data from four different locations with differing climatic conditions are used to evaluate two clear-sky radiation models referred to as the Page model and the Yang model. Statistical tests were used to determine their performance. The locations chosen were Aswan in Egypt, Jodhpur in India, Bahrain and Gerona in Spain. Using readily available meteorological data, both models produced good results above 400 W/m 2 , although the Page model was found to perform better in dry climates and the Yang model in more humid locations. Selective use of one model over the other according to the prevailing climate thus produces an overall improvement in the data generated. It is suggested that investigations should be undertaken to further improve the models under discussion.

Detailed and accurate data are required for solar applications in the UK. In this study, the Yang model is evaluated for three locations in the UK, namely Camborne, London and Stornoway. Statistical tests were used to determine the performance of the model. Furthermore, the Yang model was compared with a previously evaluated meteorological radiation model (MRM). Note that MRM has been used by United Kingdom Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) to generate solar radiation for the UK for futuristic climate predictions. Bearing in mind that hourly solar radiation is a highly variable resource, particularly for the northern latitudes such as those in the UK locations, and also keeping in perspective the potential error regarding routine measurements, both models were found to perform well. From the data set under examination, more than 50% of recorded radiation values were found to be under 400 W/m 2 . From the overall comparison, the MRM model performed better than the Yang model. Hence, it is suggested that the use of MRM model is continued for estimation of radiation for UK locations.

The UK is implementing different types of policies to encourage the use of renewable energy for electricity generation. Currently, the UK is falling behind other European countries in this respect. Hence, co-operatives play an important role in helping the UK to move forward. Co-operatives are of interest to the Government in respect of economic development in the community. Co-operatives keep both the business, or entity, and the wealth it creates locally, which also supports the local economy. Survival rates are higher for co-operatives, which will make them a more sustainable choice for businesses and have a positive impact upon employment opportunities. Co-operatives can be adapted to suit all types of situations, especially during difficult times such as the world economic downturn. This article explores the role energy co-operatives can play within the context of electricity generation in the UK. A review of the degree of exploitation of two leading and currently deployed renewable energy technologies is presented for key member states within the EU. This is followed by a discussion on the growth of the co-operatives and their role in meeting the aims of achieving a low-carbon economy.

Terrestrial temperature records have existed for centuries. These records are available for very many locations. Temperature is indeed the most widely measured meteorological parameter. In contrast, solar radiation being a parameter of secondary importance and also in view of the excessive measurement cost and the associated due care, it is recorded very infrequently. This article presents evaluation of a new type of model for mean-daily and hourly solar radiation based on temperature. The proposed model is of a very simple constitution and does not require any secondary meteorological parameters as required by other group of models that are available in literature. Furthermore, hourly temperature models are also presented that only require mean-daily temperature data. A comparison was undertaken regarding the performance of the presently proposed and previous models. It was found that the present models are able to provide reliable irradiation and hourly temperature estimates with a good accuracy.

This chapter explores how blockchain-powered emission tracking technology can facilitate the adoption of low-carbon travel behaviors in tropical regions. Grounded in the combined Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this chapter suggests that factors such as social and financial incentives, personal innovativeness, privacy concerns, perceived usefulness, ease of use, perceived behavioral control, attitudes, and social norms can influence the adoption of this technology. The core features of blockchain-based emission tracking apps, including safety, transparency, user-centricity, and adaptability, can play a crucial role in driving behavioral change. However, perceived complexity and concerns about data reliability may hinder adoption.

Conventional vapour compression system (VCS) consumes a substantial amount of energy to maintain human thermal comfort, while its inability to control humidity precisely has led to the exploration of alternative cooling technologies. Among all alternative cooling technologies, the liquid desiccant system (LDS) has gained attention as an energy-efficient and sustainable solution offering precise humidity control. The performance of LDS is strongly influenced by the desiccant type, with desiccant blends demonstrating superior moisture absorption compared to single desiccants. Among these, a blend of lithium chloride (LiCl) and potassium formate (KCOOH) shows promising dehumidification performance with reduced corrosion potential, yet remains underexplored. This study investigates the optimal blend ratio of LiCl-KCOOH through experimental analysis within a hybrid liquid desiccant vapour compression (LDVC) system. The research compares the dehumidification performance of this blend against a pure LiCl solution, employing an optimal mixture design technique to develop empirical correlations for key performance parameters. These correlations were validated using analysis of variation (ANOVA) analysis. The influence of the liquid-togas (L/G) ratio on dehumidifier performance and the economic feasibility of the desiccant blend were also examined. Results reveal that the optimal blend comprises 37 % LiCl and 18 % KCOOH, enhancing the moisture removal rate (ṀRR) and dehumidification effectiveness (ε DEH) by approximately 12.3 % and 10.5 %, respectively, under hot and humid conditions. The primary contribution of this paper is the identification of the optimal desiccant blend composition of LiCl-KCOOH and the development of empirical models to evaluate the dehumidification performance of a hybrid LDVC system using this blend.

Aeroderivatives are industrial gas turbines derived from jet engine technology originally developed for commercial and military aircraft. They are widely used in local power stations and cogeneration plants due to their compact size and high thermal efficiency, though they typically offer lower power output compared to heavy-duty industrial turbines. Thanks to continuous advancements, modern aeroderivatives have achieved thermal efficiencies of up to 45% in open-cycle operation (without waste heat recovery). A key advantage of aeroderivative turbines is their ability to respond rapidly to changes in power demand-within seconds or minutes-ensuring stable power supply to local consumers even during fluctuating loads. Aeroderivatives are valued for their flexibility, reliability, high efficiency, low NOx emissions, and modular construction, which facilitates installation and maintenance. This paper presents the authors' experience with the application of the CX-501KB aeroderivative-based on the T-56 engine used in the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft-in real-world cogeneration plants.

The spatiotemporal heterogeneity of new-type urbanization in Chinese cities, with its emphasis on ecological development, interacts with the low-carbon technology development (LCT), a critical initiative for achieving carbon peak and neutrality targets. This interplay may lead to varied outcomes in air pollution control. This study investigates the spatiotemporal interplay between the four innovation priorities of new-type urbanization and LCT in influencing urban sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions and emission intensity. By constructing the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model, we estimate the spatiotemporally varying coefficients across 294 cities and 18 urban agglomerations in China from 2012 to 2022. Our findings reveal that: (1) LCT has a strengthening effect on the inhibitory effect of new-type urbanization on urban industrial SO2 emission intensity across all Chinese cities and in 73 % of the cities for SO2 emissions. (2) LCT alleviates the energy rebound effect caused by population and land use changes accompanying new-type urbanization. (3) In 41 % of the cities, the relationship between economic new-type urbanization and SO2 emissions was identified to be an inverted U-shaped correlation. (4) Urban agglomerations have better SO2 control impacts during their new-type urbanization process, where the strengthening effect of LCT on inhibiting SO2 emissions is 1.6 times higher. This study provides empirical evidence to inform nuanced new-type urbanization strategies and targeted SO₂ pollution control measures at city and urban agglomeration scales.