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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2021) | Viewed by 21397

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Luca Cioccolanti

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Guest Editor

Centro di Ricerca per l’Energia, Università eCampus, 22060 Novedrate, Italy
Interests: distributed generation; combined cooling heating and power; solar energy; concentrated solar power; renewable energy technologies integrated into the built environment; organic Rankine cycle systems; Stirling engines; novel energy conversion technologies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Electo Eduardo Silva Lora

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Guest Editor

Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI), Av. BPS 1303, Itajubá, Minas Gerais State, CEP, 37500-903, Brazil
Interests: bioenergy life cycle cost analysis; thermal generation
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Dr. Mauro Villarini

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Guest Editor

Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (DAFNE), Tuscia University of Viterbo, Via San Camillo de Lellis, snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Interests: energy; environment; agriculture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The increasing energy demand, catastrophic consequences of climate change, and limited conventional energy sources have stressed the importance of renewable energy technologies to promote sustainable development. Although the power capacity of renewables has grown annually since 2001, in 2018 the added net capacity of renewables worldwide remained the same as in 2017. Hence, to achieve the ambitious goals set out by the Paris Agreement further efforts are still needed to promote the larger uptake of renewable energy technologies.

It is indubitable that the global energy system is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the increasing availability of low-cost renewable energy technologies and the deployment of distributed energy resources. Therefore, the Special Issue of ‘Advances in Renewable Energy Technologies for Distributed Generation’ calls for papers on the broader topics of renewable energy, around technologies, their environmental and socio-economic impacts, policies, and best practices for their uptake.

This Special Issue will disseminate knowledge on various renewable energy technologies including, but not limited to, biomass conversion, solar energy conversion and applications, wind energy, geothermal, hydropower, hydrogen and fuel cells, and wave, tide, and ocean thermal energies. Papers dealing with the above topics using one or more of the following methodologies are encouraged: modeling, experimental, optimization, and planning, with adequate verifications of the findings. Moreover, papers with a multidisciplinary approach assessing the environmental impact, and socio-economic and policy issues related to their adoption are welcome.

We accept unpublished research, case studies, and review articles on these topics.

Prof. Dr. Luca Cioccolanti
Prof. Dr. Electo Eduardo Silva Lora
Eng. Mauro Villarini
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

biomass
biofuels
solar energy
wind energy
hydrogen
fuel cells
hydropower
geothermal energy
wave, tidal and ocean energies
life cycle analysis
environmental and socio-economic impact
distributed generation
policy issues

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 5255 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental and Dynamic Analysis of a Small-Scale Double-Acting Four-Cylinder α-Type Stirling Engine

by Chin-Hsiang Cheng, Yi-Han Tan and Tzu-Sung Liu

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8442; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13158442 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2622

Abstract

This research studies the double-acting four-cylinder α-type Stirling engine. A numerical model is developed by combining the thermodynamic model and dynamic model to study the engine performance. The pressure values of the working zone calculated using the thermodynamic model are taken into the dynamic model to calculate the forces acting on the mechanism. Then, the dynamic model further calculates the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the mechanism link to provide the pistons’ displacements for the thermodynamic model. The model is also validated using experimental data obtained from testing an engine prototype. Under a heating temperature of 1000 K, cooling temperature of 315 K, charged pressure of 10 bar, and loading torque of 0.33 Nm, the engine is capable of achieving a shaft power of 26.0 W at 754 rpm. In addition, the thermal properties and the transient behavior of the engine can be further simulated using the validated numerical model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Renewable Energy Technologies for Distributed Generation)

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19 pages, 2146 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Applying User-Perceived Value to Determine Motivators of Electricity Use in a Solar Photovoltaic Implementation in a Philippine Island

by Lorafe Lozano and Evelyn Taboada

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8043; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13148043 - 19 Jul 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2842

Abstract

The most practical solution for over 70% of the world’s unelectrified population is decentralized electrification, usually with renewable energy integration. The sustainability of these systems has been a central issue with studies looking at its multidimensional nature. However, perhaps the most overlooked aspect is the ability of the consumers to proactively use electricity. This paper addresses this urgent need to understand not just the sustainability from exogenous factors but, more importantly, from the factors that motivate the end-users to consume electricity. Applying the concept of user-perceived value (UPV) in electrification, a proposed multidimensional assessment framework, consisting of 12 motivators, was grouped according to UPV categories. Using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire, 29 beneficiaries in Gilutongan Island, Cordova, Cebu, Philippines, were asked to evaluate their motivation to consume electricity, six months after they were provided with increased electricity access through a 7.92 kWp solar photovoltaic installation. Analysis showed that the households regarded 9 of the 12 factors as moderate to strong motivators, with better social standing compared to other households without electricity and the ability to engage in productive uses of electricity emerging as the strongest influencers. The proposed framework is deemed beneficial to policy-makers to pragmatically understand what drives rural households to proactively consume electricity and implement developments and policies to stimulate an increase in demand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Renewable Energy Technologies for Distributed Generation)

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24 pages, 1793 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Wind Energy Potential as a Driver of Sustainable Development in the Southern Coasts of Iran: The Importance of Wind Speed Statistical Distribution Model

by Siyavash Filom, Soheil Radfar, Roozbeh Panahi, Erfan Amini and Mehdi Neshat

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7702; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13147702 - 09 Jul 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3766

Abstract

Wind energy as a clean and inexhaustible source of renewable energy can be a key element of sustainable development that decreases dependence of countries on fossil fuels. Therefore, implementing accurate and comprehensive feasibility studies in countries with a high level of consumption of traditional energy resources is vital; an approach encouraged and supported by green funds and climate change action. It is also crucial to helping spur economic and sustainable growth of these countries. In this regard, this study aims at accurate evaluation of onshore wind energy potential in seven coastal cities in the south of Iran. Six Probability Distribution Functions (PDFs) were examined over representative stations. It was deduced that the Weibull function, which is the most used PDF in similar studies, was only applicable to one station. Here, Gamma distribution offered the best fit for three stations and for the other ones, Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) performed better. Considering the ranking of six examined PDFs and the simplicity of Gamma, it was identified as the effective function in the southern coasts of Iran bearing in mind the geographic distribution of stations. Moreover, six wind energy converter power curve functions contributed to investigating the capacity factor. It is found that, using only one function could cause under- or over-estimation. Then, stations were classified based on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory system. Last but not least, examining a range of wind energy converters enabled scholars to extend this study into practice and prioritize the development of stations considering budget limits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Renewable Energy Technologies for Distributed Generation)

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15 pages, 3074 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Analysis and Parametric Study of a 7 kW Tubular Permanent Magnet Linear Alternator

by Chin-Hsiang Cheng and Surender Dhanasekaran

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7192; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13137192 - 26 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1911

Abstract

Free-Piston Stirling Engines (FPSEs) are known for their easy maintenance, longer lifetimes, high reliability, quiet operation due to no crankshafts, and having fewer seals compared to the traditional Stirling engine. Free-piston systems are popular in the conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy and are compatible with many types of heat sources. This research paper concentrates on the development of a Permanent Magnet Linear Alternator (PMLA) and parametrically analyzing it to predict its limitations and performance over variable operable conditions and material choices. Operable conditions including stroke length and frequency of the translator, and material choice for the stator and magnets, are varied in this study to analyze the machine and put it to test for its extreme limitations. Spacing between slots is introduced to reduce the overall mass of the stator and increase the power density. The load test is carried out with varied parameters. It induces a load EMF of 2.4 kV, yields a power of 7 kW, and has a power density of 314 W/kg by FEM analysis in peak variations. This study enumerates the performance variation of a PMLA over these varied conditions and illustrates the limitations of such power-dense machines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Renewable Energy Technologies for Distributed Generation)

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20 pages, 40809 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Plant in Tower Configuration with and without Thermal Energy Storage (TES)

by Gemma Gasa, Anton Lopez-Roman, Cristina Prieto and Luisa F. Cabeza

Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3672; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13073672 - 25 Mar 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 7432

Abstract

Despite the big deployment of concentrating solar power (CSP) plants, their environmental evaluation is still a pending issue. In this paper, a detailed life cycle assessment (LCA) of a CSP tower plant with molten salts storage in a baseload configuration is carried out and compared with a reference CSP plant without storage. Results show that the plant with storage has a lower environmental impact due to the lower operational impact. The dependence on grid electricity in a CSP tower plant without storage increases its operation stage impact. The impact of the manufacturing and disposal stage is similar in both plants. When analyzed in detail, the solar field system and the thermal energy storage (TES) and heat transfer fluid (HTF) systems are the ones with higher impact. Within the storage system, the molten salts are those with higher impact. Therefore, in this study the impact of the origin of the salts is evaluated, showing that when the salts come from mines their impact is lower than when they are synthetized. Results show that storage is a key element for CSP plants not only to ensure dispatchability but also to reduce their environmental impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Renewable Energy Technologies for Distributed Generation)

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19 pages, 8523 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Savonius Rotors Integrated into Control Valves for Energy Harvesting

by Kai Lv, Yudong Xie, Xinbiao Zhang and Yong Wang

Sustainability 2020, 12(20), 8579; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12208579 - 16 Oct 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1729

Abstract

Integrating vertical-axis runners into ball valves for energy harvesting from pressurized pipes in water supply systems has become a promising scheme of self-supplying power (referred to as the “GreenValve” scheme). In addition to energy harvesting, the GreenValve configuration also has the function of fluid regulating, which makes a qualitative breakthrough in both structure and function. However, the runner specially used to match the ball valve has not been fully studied and designed. Hence, based on the traditional Savonius rotor, a modified semi-elliptical runner is proposed in this study. To better match the ball valve structurally, the roundness of the runner at blade tip position is improved and, thus, the initial runner configuration is obtained. Moreover, research on blade profile flatness and runner aspect ratio is conducted in FLUENT software to be more functionally compatible with the ball valve. Numerical results indicate that the GreenValve always performs best in terms of shaft power at 25% opening regardless of the aspect ratio and the flatness. When the flatness value is equal to 0.7, the GreenValve presents the maximum shaft power and the second highest flow coefficient which is only 1.9% lower than the maximum value. Comparison results of three models with different aspect ratios reveal that the model with the smallest aspect ratio has a slight reduction in flow capacity while a significant improvement in shaft power, reaching a maximum shaft power of 78.6W. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Renewable Energy Technologies for Distributed Generation)

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