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Hydropower plants play an integral role in energy supply and are one of the main renewable energy sources. The efficiency of hydropower reservoir systems is controlled by operating rules that need to be optimized to maximize energy production. Here, a novel optimization algorithm, influential flower pollination algorithm (IFPA), is developed in this paper. IFPA has three enhancements: an efficient exploration mechanism based on an adaptive coefficient, a new exploitation mechanism around the best solution, and a rank-based strategy to smoothly transition from exploration to exploitation. IFPA is tested in two benchmark multi-reservoir systems and a real-world five-reservoir hydropower system in Iran. The results show IFPA outperforms other advanced methods in terms of convergence speed and preciseness to achieve the global solution. The tested algorithms include adaptive guided differential evolution (AGDE), composite DE (CODE), hybridizing sum-local search optimizer (HSLSO), improved teaching learning-based optimization (ITLBO), self-adapting control parameters in DE (jDE), self-adaptive TLBO (SATLBO), and a multi-strategy hybrid of DE and particle swarm optimization (MS-DEPSO). IFPA also achieved better total power production in the real-world case study compared to other algorithms. Overall, IFPA can provide better solutions with less power deficit and shows as a promising method for optimizing hydropower reservoir problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the accuracy of photovoltaic (PV) power forecasting is crucial to ensure more effective use of energy resources. Improvements are especially important for regions for which historical solar radiation data do not exist. This paper proposes a cyber-secure forecasting model called federated deep learning (FDL) to forecast PV power generation in various regions across Iran. The training process in each client is done by a convolutional neural network (CNN). Then, a generalizable global supermodel is generated based on the features extracted in each client, which has the ability to generalize and forecast for regions where there is no training data. Preserve data privacy and ideal performance against cyber-attacks are prominent features of the proposed method. The use of the proposed method is illustrated with a case study for Iran. The proposed FDL network is designed with 9 clients and three different scenarios were developed to test the robustness of the suggested method. In the first scenario, the PV power generation forecasting is done via the proposed technique and other conventional methods. The performance accuracy (R 2) of the generated global supermodel in this scenario for PV power generation forecasting in the regions of Khomein, Meybod, Varzaneh, Taleghan, and Shiraz are obtained as 0.981, 0.989, 0.986, 0.983, and 0.987 respectively. However, it was observed that other conventional deep learning-based models such as CNN and long short-term memory were not able to provide any forecasting for these regions. The second scenario models the scaling attack as a specific pattern of false data injection attack, to evaluate the performance of forecasting models against the data integrity attack. In the third scenario, cyber-attack detection is performed based on data visualization and image processing procedures. The results presented in different scenarios emphasize the high accuracy and generalizability of the global cyber-secure supermodel in PV power generation forecasting in different regions of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to renewable energy is key for sustainable development. Therefore, one of the sustainable development goals (SDG) of United Nations (UN) is to shift towards clean energy. However, in many resource-rich countries several factors can stand as barriers towards the transition process. In this regard, this paper examines the influence of higher oil price, CO 2 emissions, and income on renewable energy consumption in Iran from 1980 to 2019, employing General to Specific (Gets) modeling approach. Estimation results indicated that oil price and CO 2 emissions both have statistically significant and negative impact on renewable energy consumption. The negative influence of higher oil prices on renewable energy consumption may be interpreted as sign of satisfaction coming from higher oil prices, which postpones the transition from traditional energy sources to renewable for Iran. Furthermore, we concluded that income does not have a statistically significant influence on renewable energy use. The paper discusses alternative policies to promote renewable energy consumption. • The effect of higher oil price on renewable energy consumption was studied. • A novel version of General to Specific (Gets) modeling approach was employed. • We found significant, negative impact of oil price on renewable energy use in Iran. • The paper discusses alternative policies for Iran to promote renewable energy use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the sustainability of Tabriz City focusing on its decarbonization. Statistical, quantitative, and comparative research methods are used to analyze the total energy consumed, conversion of primary energy, final exergy, and losses analysis according to the renewable and carbon-based energies. Then, the renewable resource potentials of the city are simulated using Grasshopper plug-in-Rhino simulator, THERM, PVSyst photovoltaic software, and ArcMap. In terms of the socio-economic assessment, non-oil Per Capita GDP, emissions, and energy intensities are analyzed concerning the B2DS scenario by 2050. The per capita GDP of the city is 71% of the country's average value. Tabriz's real GDP growth averaged −1.11% per year, primary energy demand increased by an average of 6.1%, CO 2 emissions from energy use grew by an average of 6% annually and the emission intensity of the economy increased by a total of 52.02%, in the period from 2011 to 2019. Finally, it is shown that the city consumes 58050 GWh/year of different carbon-based resources that only produced 20110 GWh/year of useful work with 5.63 MT CO 2 emissions, while the same work could locally be supplied by 30000 GWh/year RE with a minimum rate of 0.18 MT CO 2 emissions. The city Landfill receives 1000 tons/day of MSW, but two-thirds of this amount can be recycled. Regarding different sectors, buildings produce half of the CO 2. The cement industry with dual pollutants (17%) is the most polluting factory. Carbon-based electricity (66%) is the most polluting form of energy. In terms of carbon sequestration requirements with trees, shifting from fossil fuels toward green energies, EE, and recycling MSW can plunge required trees from 81.9 to 1.16 million trees. This paper highlights the importance of electrification of transportation based on RE, energy performance of buildings, and all sectors. • Large city decarbonization strategies • Application of RE according to geographic and climatic factors. • Electrification of sectors based on RE locally. • MSW recycling and sequestration by trees for decarbonization regarding the LULC and NDVI analysis. • Conversion and storage efficiencies of carbon-based fuels vs RE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) as an alternative for conventional energy systems, especially fossil fuels. The problem is to find the optimal number of components of a standalone hybrid system, based on minimizing the value of the annualized cost of the system (ACS), in the presence of the constraints. To reduce the CO2 particles as one of the most threatening particles for the planet, an additional constraint is added to the objective function. For solving the problem of system sizing, Harmony Search and Ring Theory-based Evolutionary Algorithm have drawn attention to be preferred to numerous techniques. In addition,a combination of both, which has never been used before, is proposed. The proposed hybrid algorithm shows its ability to mitigate both the emissions and costs of the system promisingly in comparison with the others. Clearly, with Carbond = 15 and different values of LPSPMax as well as using RTHS, RTEA and HS algorithms for PV/WT/BSS/DG configuration, the best performance in terms of ACS minimization belongs to RTHS algorithm with the minimum cost of $1528.2. Also, considering LPSP = 0 and changing carbon from 0 to 20 tons/year, the ACS of the PV/WT/BSS/DG configuration is reduced from $38586.3 to $21153.5 (45% reduction). • Using a hybrid algorithm called RTHS to minimize the annual costs of the system. • Considering the LPSP constraint to supply the load demand at an acceptant level. • Reducing CO 2 emissions to increase the renewables penetration. • Considering uncertainty on both the generation and demand sides. • Validating of the proposed method based on real data for a case study in Iran.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the socio-economic determinants of terrorism are conducted by many researchers using different samples and time spans, the impact of renewable energy consumption on terrorism has been ignored for a long time. To bridge the gap, this paper aims to investigate the impact of renewable energy consumption on terrorism regarding economic growth, non-renewable energy consumption, and income inequality over the period straddling 1990 and 2019 for a panel of the USA, China, India, Iran, Germany, and Russia. We employ the CUP-FM and CUP-BC estimators to reveal the long-run relationship between variables. The empirical findings suggest that renewable energy consumption has a negative impact on terrorism. A 1% increase in renewable energy consumption decreases terrorism by 0.315% and 0.631%, according to the CUP-FM and CUP-BC estimators, respectively. Economic growth also has a negative impact on terrorism, whereas non-renewable energy consumption and income inequality positively affect terrorism. Our empirical findings highlighted that renewable energy consumption and economic growth are crucial for combating terrorism in these countries. Therefore, these countries need to improve comprehensive policies in terms of renewable energy consumption and simultaneously decrease non-renewable energy consumption and income inequality. • Renewable energy consumption helps to lower the terrorism index. • Inequality of income expedites the rise of terrorism. • Terrorism is exacerbated as a result of fossil fuel consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The costs of gas transportation and its environmental/security impacts in Iran have led to evaluating geothermal/solar renewable sources instead. Regarding the high potential of geothermal/solar in Sistan/Baluchestan province, Iran, which have still no access to the global gas network, these resources create a desirable plan. This paper attempted to present/compare four possible solar-assisted ground source heat pumps to supply four purposes of electricity demand, heating/cooling, and domestic hot water. First, the energy needed in the region was designed with DesignBuilder. Then, each proposed system was modeled in Polysun software using a photovoltaic-thermal and a vertical geothermal heat exchanger. Afterward, all probable plans were evaluated and compared technically, economically, and environmentally. The results indicated that the maximum/minimum values of the coefficient of heat pump performance for direct heat exchanger and series systems were 4.39/3.87. Also, the optimal plan was introduced with 4957/10667 kWh electricity consumption/production. Besides, an economic analysis was estimated for the optimal strategy with an investment return of 7years. The designed system prevented 5089kgCO 2 emissions annually. By means of this integrating hybrid system, Sistan/Baluchestan province would become a significant renewable power plant globally, and a considerable techno-economic and environmental challenge would be dissolved in Iran. • A novel geothermal/solar hybrid system was introduced and analyzed technically, economically and environmentally. • The proposed hybrid system could supply heating/cooling/electricity demands. • One of significant challenge, non-renewable resources usage, would be dissolved in Iran by using a renewable hybrid system. • The proposed plan could reduce CO2 emissions significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrefutably, energy transition has recently gathered momentum thanks to the Paris Agreement and renewable energy (RE) falling costs. However, unlocking the full socio-economic potential of energy transition requires encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in developing countries where energy demand and the risk of stranded assets are growing. Encouraging FDI in developing countries necessitates addressing two highly controversial issues: measuring political risk and carrying out proper valuation of long-term RE investments. In this regard, current paper investigates the rationale behind classic risk-adjusted discount rate (RADR) approach. It finds that since RADR requires heuristics, it may lead to misrepresentation of real worth of RE projects in developing countries. Addressing this issue, the paper offers a hybrid method based on risk pricing which can incorporate political risk into valuation straightforwardly. The hybrid method is applied to a photovoltaic case in Iran. Surprisingly, while the analysis based on classic RADR approach indicates that the investment is not financially viable, the hybrid analysis demonstrates attractive return on the investment. This can contribute to unlocking a considerable annual amount of 270 TWh solar power in Iran. The empirical study also shows that the suitable rate to discount RE investments in Iran is 10.22%. • Foreign Direct Investment can create a game-changing shift in energy market. • Risks should be reflected in cash flow instead of discount rate. • Sovereign spread is not a good proxy for political risk. • An alternative approach to value renewable energy investments is proposed. • The method can unlock investment in renewables in developing counties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-objective wind farm integration framework is proposed in this paper which considers the composite generation and reliability assessment and annualized operating and investment cost evaluation. An emission-controlled policy is adopted such that the amount of SOx and NOx decreases in line with renewable resource planning. Since the incorporation of large-scale distant wind farms is a problem of the multi-objective mixed-integer type with nonlinearities and non-convexities, this paper utilizes a fast elicit multi-objective Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA II) by probabilistic indices. It is noted that the impacts of the unavailability of the transmission system are modeled employing DC Optimal Power Flow (OPF) based on the incidence matrix together with the static security evaluation. Furthermore, in order to assess the performance of the suggested approach, the model is implemented on the Roy Billinton Test System (RBTS). Afterwards, distant wind farms integration into Iran's South-West Regional Grid (ISWRG) is studied. • Proposing a framework for distant wind farm integration. • Implementing an accurate model for risk evaluation based on of HL-II reliability calculation. • Reducing the computational burden by implementing virtual database. • Applying VDS-NSGA-II method to solve the proposed problem in an effective way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive framework for evaluating renewable and non-renewable power plants' performance using the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and emergy analysis. The emergy analysis is used to consider the free ecosystem services in the sustainability of the systems as a supplement to the LCA. The results indicate that the wind and photovoltaic power plants have the best performance in terms of the LCA analysis, while the wind and combined cycle power plants have the highest emergy sustainability index. The best scenario is chosen under a two-objective optimization problem, including the single score and emergy sustainability as objective functions. Here, the wind power plant is the most interesting option while the combined cycle power plant with CO 2 capture is the least interesting alternative. In this study, a novel framework is developed to assess the Cost of Avoided Carbon emissions (CACe) using the integrated LCA-emergy analysis for the combined cycle power plant in which its value is evaluated to be about $151.65/ton of CO 2. Eventually, an uncertainty analysis is performed on the solar transformities using Monte Carlo simulation. The framework presented in this paper provides insights to increase power plants' sustainability for managers and authorities. • The sustainability of power plants is assessed using life cycle and emergy analyses. • A novel method is described to appraise the cost of avoided carbon emissions. • Uncertainty in the sustainability results is assessed using Monte Carlo simulation. • The genetic algorithm is applied to optimize the sustainability of power plants. • The fossil fuel power plant is less sustainable even with pollution control systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dominance of conventional fuels in Iran and therefore increasing concerns about its side effects (both environmental issues and economical) has required the Government and policymakers to switch to the adoption of renewable technologies. However, facing some obstacles has lowered the adoption rate of these technologies. Therefore, by applying Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, this paper tends to identify and rank the main barriers to the development of the three alternatives in Iran, named solar PV, wind turbines, and biomass. From the literature review and experts' viewpoints, thirteen barriers have been identified and accordingly have been grouped into five dimensions, called 1. Economic & financial, 2. Social, cultural, & behavioural, 3. Political & regulatory, 4. Technical, and 5. Institutional. The sensitivity analysis has been conducted to check the stability of the priority ranking of the stated alternatives. The results showed that there are fewer limitations to the development of solar PV, followed by wind turbines and biomass. Therefore, to formulate and frame appropriate policies and strategies to foster the adoption of renewable energy technologies, at the first step, the Government and policymakers must pay more attention to overcome the hindrance to the expansion of solar PV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimization of hydropower multi-reservoir systems is one of the most challenging reservoir management problems due to the complex dynamic nonlinear influencing variables such as reservoir active storage volume, released water discharge rate, and water pressure head available for hydropower generation. To optimize such a complex problem in an efficient way, the development of a high-precision meta-heuristic algorithm are of essential significance. This paper develops an adaptive differential evolution with particle swarm optimization (A-DEPSO) algorithm to derive optimal operating rules for multi-reservoir systems with the purpose of hydropower production. A-DEPSO algorithm uses novel mutation and crossover mechanisms to improve global and local search capabilities, respectively. The application of the proposed method is verified to solve a complex four-reservoir hydropower generation system, located in the southwest of Iran. The results achieved indicate that the A-DEPSO reduced the value of the objective function by an average of 57% compared with other well-known optimizers in the literature. Furthermore, the total power generated from the four-reservoir system using the proposed method increased by an average of 11% compared to the other methods. Finally, the results obtained in this study confirm that the A-DEPSO can be used efficiently to solve complex multi-reservoir hydropower generation systems. • An adaptive DE with PSO (A-DEPSO) is proposed. • A novel mutation and crossover operator are introduced. • The performance of the A-DEPSO is evaluated by a hydropower 10-reservoir problem. • A-DEPSO is used to optimize the operating rules for a hydropower four-reservoir system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to reports of Tavanir (power generation organization in Iran) in 2015, the share of wind power generation in Iran compared with other energy sources is less than 0.3%. In this paper, we suggest that despite the local potentials that exist in Iran, these capacities in wind power industry of Iran aren't correctly identified and used, also previous wind power functions have been weakened, all these because of the dynamic inhibitor loops as a result of policies conducted. Inhibitor loops are the results of short-term corrective measures which have brought dynamic risks and costs. These risks and costs make wind power energy sources unprofitable. In this study, using system dynamics approach, we analyze these costs paid for balance of risks and survey the optimal wind power production compared with other energy sources in energy portfolio. In the model used in this study, a dynamic relationship between risk and value is presented to create value in order to use energy sources efficiently and manage generated risks. Finally, the future process of value of wind power in energy portfolio is evaluated by computer simulation. • Develop a model to evaluate risk-value power production by renewable energies. • Identified reinforcing and balancing loops in risk-value of wind power production. • Analysis of the future trend of wind power generation in Iran to declare investment opportunities. • Examined three scenarios to analyzing risk-value creation in wind power production in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed-in tariff (FiT) is one of the most efficient ways that many governments throughout the world use to stimulate investment in renewable energies (REs) technology. For governments, financial management of the policy could be challenging as it needs a considerable amount of budget to support RE producers during the long remuneration period. In this paper, it has been illuminated that the early growth of REs capacity could be a temporary boost. And the socio-economic structure of the system will backlash the policy if some social mechanisms are not considered. Social tolerance for paying REs tax and potential investors' trust emanated from budget-related mechanisms -which have rarely been considered in the previous researches- are taken into consideration to reflect the roots of the policy resistance behavior. Iran was chosen as the case, which is in the infancy period of FiT implementation with the target of 5 gigawatt (GW) REs capacity until 2021. To illuminate such interrelated complexities, in an integrated framework, system dynamics (SD) methodology was used. Computer simulation shows that the likely financial crisis will not only lead to inefficient REs development after the target time (2021) but may also cause the existing plants to fail. Three alternative policies are tested in the model, and the results demonstrate that the most favorable policy is "adjusting the REs tax on electricity consumption based on budget status" which hits the target in 2021 and reach around 14 GW until 2035 without inducing any negative social externalities and financial crises. Policymakers can use this model to test other scenarios and improve the FiT policy design before the implementation phase. • A SD model is established to study the impact of FiT mechanism on REs expansion. • The trend of REs development in Iran is analyzed for both short- and long-term horizons. • Three scenarios are tested as alternative policies for the development of REs. • Social mechanisms can weaken the effect of economic incentives in long-term. • Adjusting REs tax upon the budget status is the best policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas is the gas produced by the anaerobic degradation of organic matter. In addition to the usual uses in burning, it has widespread applications as a raw material in some industries. The biomass of organic matter decomposition is a good fertilizer for agriculture. Unfortunately, despite such a large potential for reasons such as the cheapness of energy in Iran, the use of this benefical capacity has not been addressed so far. This paper investigates the potential of biogas production from poultry manure sources in Iran and demonstrates the examples of biogas plants in Iran. Also, the information about the capacity of biogas production has been investigated and reported in different provinces in Iran. The results consist of economic analysis as the cost of biogas production, and the environmental analysis as the environmental impact of the biogas production and carbon footprint. Kermanshah, Chaharmahalbakhtiari, Golestan, Bushehr and North Khorasan provinces have the highest capacity for biogas production from poultry manure. The highest cost savings by using the biogas are in Khorasan Razavi and Isfahan provinces and the lowest levels have been found in Ardebil and North Khorasan provinces. • Biogas production potential from poultry's manure resource in Iran is investigated. • Energy, Economics, Exergy, and environmental impacts analyses are performed. • Footprint analysis is performed for monitoring impacts on sustainability. • Share of poultry's manure in natural gas demand of each province is predicted. • Good results related to energy saving, costs, environmental issues are achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas is a practical way of recycling bio-wastes that can be utilized as a fuel for co-generation of electricity and heat. Livestock and agriculture-based resources have considerable potential for bio-power generation mainly due to their comparatively low cost. However, the contribution of agricultural residues has been neglected within this context in Iran. This study aims to assess Iran's potentials in bio-power generation from both animal and agriculture-based resources to provide an accurate/realistic estimate of the resource availability. The studied energy crops were wheat, rice, barley, maize, potato, apple, grape, alfalfa and other industrial crops including sugar cane and sugar beet. The total amount of agricultural waste is assessed to be 24.3 million tones that can be considered potential feedstock to produce 6,542 million m3 of biogas, 2,443 million liters of bio-butanol, and 2,082 million m3 of bio-hydrogen. In addition, the biogas potential from livestock and slaughter wastes is estimated to be 11,523.84 and 16,026 million m3/year, respectively. The findings indicated that there is considerable potential for bio-power generation in Iran. The analysis estimated that Iran's total potential for bio-power generation from these organic matters was around 62,808 × 106 kWhyear−1, accounting for 27% of the total electricity consumption in the country. The greenhouse gas emission mitigation from bio-based electricity generation would be about 4,096 thousand tons of CO 2 -eq/year, which account for up to 0.6% of Iran's annual greenhouse gas emissions. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first report assessing the emission inventory and emission allocation of CO 2 from both livestock manure and the open burning of crop residues in Iran. This paper provides valuable insights and information for policy-makers to formulate long-term energy policy by taking advantage of these bio-wastes in Iran as a case study. Image 103442 • Agricultural & livestock wastes production in Iran was assessed. • Bio-power generation potential in Iran was reviewed. • Approximately 62 TWh of bio-power can be obtained from these renewable wastes. • The greenhouse gas emission mitigation was estimated to be 4000 ktons of CO 2 eq/year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-objective energy management strategy for a plus-zero energy building during a year, incorporating renewable resources, air to water heat pump, micro-CHP, ventilation, energy storage systems and thermal-cooling-electrical loads have been proposed in this paper. In this strategy, a novel technology of wind turbine that has been known as INVELOX has been investigated and collaborated in ZEB planning to reach efficient plus-ZEB at lower cost and pollution. As well the building can sell and buy power to/from the upstream network. The total cost and pollution of the building have been considered as objective functions. Also, the effect of objective function priority on the planning of the building has considered. To make the results more realistic the wind speed and solar radiation of Kermanshah city in Iran have been used. The presented problem has modeled as a mixed-integer linear programming and the Epsilon constraint method and fuzzy satisfying approach have been used to solve and obtain the best solution. The final results show reducing the total cost and pollution by about 34.6% and 51.2% in cost priority, also 28.7% and 54.7% in pollution priority respectively, also increment in surplus power to sell to the grid and getting closer to reach plus-ZEB concept. • Considering IWT in management of buildings to reach on Plus-Zero energy buildings. • Considering both cost and pollution priority in management and planning. • Components such as AWHP, SWH, CHP and PV Taking apart in management of the building. • Considering different electrical, cooling and thermal loads in energy management. • Using real data of wind speed and solar radiation of Kermanshah city in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-objective energy management strategy for a plus-zero energy building during a year, incorporating renewable resources, air to water heat pump, micro-CHP, ventilation, energy storage systems and thermal-cooling-electrical loads have been proposed in this paper. In this strategy, a novel technology of wind turbine that has been known as INVELOX has been investigated and collaborated in ZEB planning to reach efficient plus-ZEB at lower cost and pollution. As well the building can sell and buy power to/from the upstream network. The total cost and pollution of the building have been considered as objective functions. Also, the effect of objective function priority on the planning of the building has considered. To make the results more realistic the wind speed and solar radiation of Kermanshah city in Iran have been used. The presented problem has modeled as a mixed-integer linear programming and the Epsilon constraint method and fuzzy satisfying approach have been used to solve and obtain the best solution. The final results show reducing the total cost and pollution by about 34.6% and 51.2% in cost priority, also 28.7% and 54.7% in pollution priority respectively, also increment in surplus power to sell to the grid and getting closer to reach plus-ZEB concept. • Considering IWT in management of buildings to reach on Plus-Zero energy buildings. • Considering both cost and pollution priority in management and planning. • Components such as AWHP, SWH, CHP and PV Taking apart in management of the building. • Considering different electrical, cooling and thermal loads in energy management. • Using real data of wind speed and solar radiation of Kermanshah city in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health centers and hospitals can be categorized as one of the major consumers of electrical energy in building sectors. Due to their competitive environment, they need to decrease their costs, including energy costs. On the other hand, environmental problems, lack of fossil fuels, and high energy consumption lead to using alternative energy generation methods like renewable energy sources (RESs). In this paper, we consider that the hospital can produce part of its energy from RESs for cost reduction and we implement demand dispatch energy program for using RESs efficiently. The challenge is that the main goal of hospital is providing health services not energy cost reduction. Therefore, we present a bi-objective formulation for using RESs in hospitals in a way to minimize costs and dissatisfaction by scheduling the activities of the hospital by considering hospital's specific constraints and limitations. With the help of the proposed model, hospitals will decrease energy costs while maintaining comfort of patients and surgeons at the same time. The model is solved using real data of a hospital in Iran, and sensitivity analysis on different parameters is done. The proposed model will cause reduction in energy cost of the hospital by implementing demand dispatch program for using RESs in the hospital. • Health centers are considered as a new type of energy consumers. • Wind turbines and solar panels are used for energy generation in hospitals. • Activities are scheduled in a way to minimize the cost and the dissatisfaction of patients and surgeons. • The limitations of hospitals are considered in the mathematical model. • The proposed model reduces energy use in peak hours and shifts the loads to time periods with renewable energy generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the relationship of two types of renewable energy consumption (total hydropower, wind, solar and nuclear energies, and total combustible renewable and waste) to stock market value and economic growth in Iran. An autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) model was used for data from 1990 to 2014 and results show that stock market value affects both groups of renewable energies in the long run. Growth rate significantly affects total hydropower, wind, solar, and nuclear energies in both the short and long run, although it is only significant in the short run for combustible renewable and waste energies. Neither type of renewable energy consumption affects growth in either the short or long run. • Studying energy consumptions of wind/hydro/solar/nuclear and combustible/waste. • Using ARDL, results show stock market value affects both groups in the long run. • Growth rate significantly affects total hydro/wind/solar/nuclear energy. • The effect is significant for combustible and waste energies in the short run. • Neither types of renewable energy consumption affect growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing environmental awareness accompanied by the recent fluctuations in the fossil fuels underline the need to focus more on the management of energy mix and turn the attention towards renewable energies (REs). Diffusion and commercialization of renewable energy technologies are of paramount importance, particularly for developing countries. However, there are serious challenges and barriers that can be discussed in different aspects. This paper presents an applied and novel framework to tackle the challenges of diffusing and commercializing biomass energy technologies (BET) in developing countries. As a good example, our study focuses on the commercialization of the BETs in Iran. For this purpose, we provide an overview of the importance of commercialization of BETs. Then, by analysis of the literature and best cases, we identify crucial elements for commercialization of the BETs. Conducted surveys and theme analysis have resulted in a framework with 8 major dimensions and a total of 73 diverse components. The dimensions are technical and infrastructural; R & D and technology transfer; investment; social, cultural and behavioral; promotion and distribution; marketing and market building; macroeconomics; and support policy. Findings suggest that 'investment' and 'technical and infrastructural' dimensions are the two major pillars of the framework for commercialization of the BETs for developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar production from sugar cane in Iran has been increased steadily in recent years. The same is true for bagasse remaining after sugar extraction from the sugar cane stalks as one of the main co-products. Nowadays, the residue is mostly disposed and thereby causes environmental concerns. But bagasse can be used for the provision of heat and/or electricity within the sugar refineries. The present study examines and compares the cradle-to-gate life cycle impacts of the energy generation from bagasse along with cane trash based on combustion, gasification or anaerobic digestion (AD) exemplarily in Iran. The paper shows that the three conversion options for bagasse are characterized by quite different environmental key figures. In tendency the combustion option shows the most promising figures compared to gasification and AD especially when considering the potential of exporting the surplus electricity to the grid and also savings of greenhouse gas emissions. However, gasification and biogas production can be potentially characterized by a much better environmental performance in some impact categories. Additionally, the market maturity of the combustion option is much better than the other two options along with also its data availability and reliability. • Using bagasse energy in sugar mills instead of natural gas reduces GHG emissions. • Co-generation has the main GWP impact in electricity generation from bagasse. • Bagasse combustion generates more electricity compared to gasification. • Bagasse combustion generates more electricity compared to anaerobic digestion. • Environmental impacts of electricity generation from bagasse vary across cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the status of energy consumption and environmental impacts in the raisin production using life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. Required data were collected from 50 grape producers in Dena county and raisin production workshop in Yasuj county through questionnaire and face-to-face interview. The energy equivalent of inputs and outputs was obtained using related specific energy coefficients and environmental indices including abiotic depletion (AD), acidification (AC), eutrophication (EUP), global warming (GW), ozone layer depletion (OLD), human toxicity (HT), fresh water aquatic ecotoxicity (FE), marine aquatic ecotoxicity (ME), terrestrial ecotoxicity (TE) and photochemical oxidation (PO) were compared in vineyard, processing workshop, packaging and transportation phases using Simapro software and CML2 baseline 2000 modeling approach. Results showed that based on the production of 500 g packaged raisin, total input energy for vineyard and processing workshop was calculated as 8.70 and 32.7 MJ and energy ratio was 3.38 and 0.7, respectively. The contribution of electricity energy input in vineyard and grape energy input in processing factory to the related total energy were calculated as 28% and 90%, respectively. Results obtained from the analysis of environmental indices showed that the GW index is 4.258 kg CO 2 eq per production of 500 g packaged raisin, which inputs production and consumption in vineyard had a contribution of 95% to GW index. In other indices, emissions related to the vineyard was higher than three other stages. Farmyard manure (FYM), machines and adhesive tape in factory sector were indicated as major contributor to pollutant emissions in vineyard, processing and packaging, respectively. • The total input energy for vineyard and processing plant was calculated as 8.70 and 32.7 MJ. • The contribution of electricity energy was calculated as 28% of energy input total. • FYM was indicated as major contributor to emissions in vineyard sector. • Machines were indicated as major contributor to emissions in processing plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper investigates the potential of renewable energies utilization in detail through three in-house developed strategies to increase the renewable power generation share until the year 2050 assuming either an optimistic 100% or a practical 50% based on the national policies. Solar, wind, and waste energy are the most feasible alternative energy resources in Iran. In the first strategy, power plants are phased out according to their lifetime and replaced by renewable resources in 5-year time steps. The second strategy employs a 3% replacement rate to reach a 100% renewable power generation in 2050. In the third strategy, the national plan of the power ministry is utilized to adopt a more practical pathway for increasing the renewable power generation share up to 50%. Pollution and water shortage crises are also considered within the framework of this study. The following work can lay the foundation for future studies of its kind in Iran as well as other countries all over the world. Developing the presented results can lead to the practical implementation of the study, which will vastly benefit the residents. Moreover, it will provide a great investment opportunity for foreign and domestic companies working on the field. Highlights • Approach applied to renewable penetration in the power system of Iran. • Three strategies are proposed for transition to 100% renewable. • The storage cost for three scenarios for the year 2050 are calculated. • The storage problem was addressed for various regions of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grid–connected photovoltaic (GCPV) systems are currently known as a top leading source of energy among all distributed generators. Despite numerous benefits, this technology suffers from the high initial burden cost. Hence, governments have been decided to encourage the investors to install GCPV systems through different support mechanisms such as feed–in tariff (FIT). This paper investigates the viability of GCPV technology under a new dynamic FIT strategy. The new scheme introduces the annual update of the FIT regarding the goods retail prices and Euro exchange rate rather than the retail electricity cost. These objects are two parameters mostly affect the justification of a project in developing countries with predominantly imported equipment and unstable economic conditions. The new policy is described, and the economic perspective is cleared by computing the economic indices, including net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period time (PBT) as well as the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for Iran as a case study. The computed outputs and significant rise in the installed capacity rate after running the proposed scheme, remark the technology viability for short and mid–term courses in the country. The outputs demonstrate proper attractiveness of the power stations for foreign investment probably does not benefit from excess FIT regarding the utilization of foreign PV module. Finally, it has been concluded that this program can be implemented in developing countries, especially in the Middle East region with almost similar climate patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is concerned with the optimal design of a hybrid photovoltaic-hydroelectric standalone energy system for coastal areas in the north and south of Iran. In this regard, a novel approach, which is a combination of a straightforward quasi-steady operational strategy and Genetic Algorithm, is employed. Investment cost and loss of power supply probability (LPSP) are considered as objective functions. Number of PV modules, turbine capacity, charge and discharge pipes diameters, and reservoir volume, installation height and depth to diameter ratio constitute the set of design variables. To the best of our knowledge; it is the first time that such a wide range of design variables is being considered. The results show that the proposed approach is able to reach a design with the full satisfaction of fluctuating power demand and system constraints. In this case, for the yearly-averaged demand of 32.4 kW, the investment cost is obtained to be 2.13M$ and 1.59M$ for the north and south of Iran. Moreover, a compromise between objective functions results in 26.1%/17.6% reduction in investment cost at the expense of 13.8%/11.1% increase in LPSP for the north/south region. The paper compares in detail the optimal system designs and operations obtained for the two regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilization of wind turbines to produce energy has been increasing in recent years, due to technology advancement, cost stability and environmental issues. In this paper, the wind resource and economic feasibility have been studied to avoid investment risk in cites of Zabol, Zahak, Zahedan and Mirjaveh in Sistan and Balouchestan province of Iran. The Weibull distribution function has been applied to estimate the wind power and energy density, using meteorological data. Determination of coefficient, root mean square error, mean bias error and mean bias absolute error are also calculated to ensure the accuracy of the statistical analysis of fitted distribution. Windographer software has been employed to investigate the prevailing wind direction. The estimated annual energy densities are 2495.36, 2355.69, 1265.24 and 1214.01 kWh/m 2 /year, and the annual mean power densities are 284.97, 269.02, 144.49 and 138.64 W/m 2 . It is found that Zabol and Zahedan are suitable for large scale power generation. The results indicate that using DW61-900 kW wind turbines are highly beneficial for Zabol and Zahak, while for Zahedan, DW52/54-250 kW wind turbine is more appropriate for generating electricity. However, Mirjaveh is suitable for off-grid applications. It should be noted that in this analysis, monetary units are presented in 2016 U.S. dollar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper assesses the potential of harnessing solar radiation in different regions of Iran. In this regard, solar radiation maps are generated for five different cases: total radiation on a south facing fixed surface tilted at the latitude angle; total radiation on a surface tilted at the latitude angle with East–West tracking; total radiation on a surface tilted at the latitude angle with azimuth tracking; direct beam radiation on a horizontal surface with East–West tracking; and direct beam radiation on a surface with two axis tracking. The first three cases are generally applicable to photovoltaic (PV) power plants while the last two are generally used for concentrating solar power (CSP) plant design. In the second part of the paper, a 5 MW PV power plant is considered for 50 cities of Iran. Capacity factors, electricity generated and annual greenhouse gases emission reductions are compared. The results show a great potential for central and southern parts of the country. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the past, at several areas of Iran, different efficient methods are used for improving the life quality. Environmental conditions in hot and semi-humid climate of southwest of Iran persuade native architects to construct buildings under the ground. These buildings in depth of 5–15 m create comfort mean temperature by using soil thermal properties in various seasons of year. In the north of Khuzestan particularly in Dezful and Shushtar, these spaces are called Shavadoon. The aim of this paper is to recognize and introduce some ways to use Shavadoon in green houses. In this research, Shavadoon components are first explained. Then, natural ventilation and heat transfer in Ghasri's Shavadoon during August is numerically studied by a viscous flow solver. The results show that when the ambient temperature is 45 °C, the temperature of Shavadoon becomes about 28 °C. For this case, the mean temperature is suitable in terms of comfort conditions not ventilation. Thus, some different geometrical parameters like form of stairs, valve at the canal outlet, place and diameter of canal for better living are perused. The numerical results show that using the S-shaped intake with exit controlling valve improves the ventilation without deteriorating the thermal comfort conditions inside the Shavadoon. Therefore, it can effectively decrease energy consumption and help to enrich the nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Over the past decade, several new approaches have emerged to renewable energy education that seek to address the needs of the 21st century for sustainable energy supply systems. In addition, unlike conventional architectural education which does not cover renewable energy issues in its curriculum, these days, renewable energy education has an identity of its own within the discipline of architecture. This paper will clarify academic obstacles that are impeding the development of sustainable architectural education. These obstacles include: ambiguous definitions of sustainable architecture, confusion over the meaning of sustainability, and lack of experts in this field. In the last part of this paper we compare academic architectural education in the field of renewable energy in two countries, Iran as a developing country in Asia and Australia as a developed country in Oceania. Lessons can be drawn from these case studies in regard to the obstacles and progress in the development of sustainable architecture education. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, the hourly measured wind speed data for years 2007–2010 at 10 m, 30 m and 40 m height for Binalood region in Iran have been statically analyzed to determine the potential of wind power generation. The study showed that the long-term wind speeds were found to be relatively high. The numerical values of the dimensionless Weibull shape parameter (k) and Weibull scale parameters (c) were also determined. Based on these data, it was found that the numerical values of the shape and scale parameters for Binalood varied over a wide range. The yearly values of k at 40 m elevation range from 2.165 to 2.211 with a mean value of 2.186, while those of c are in the range of 7.683–8.016 with a mean value of 7.834. However, the yearly mean wind speed, mean power density and power density of Binalood at 40 m height are found as 5.923 m/s, 305.514 W/m2 and 2676.30 (kWh/m2/year) respectively. The results show that Binalood has available great wind energy potential for grid connection system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper studies the energy balance between the input and the output per unit area for garlic in Hamedan province of Iran. In this study, data were collected by administering a questionnaire in face-to-face interviews. Results showed that the highest share of energy consumption belongs to chemical fertilizers (41.7%) followed by diesel (13.94%). The results indicated that a total energy input of 40307.89 MJ ha−1 was consumed for garlic production. The energy productivity and net energy value were estimated as 0.416 kg MJ−1 and −13477.82 MJ ha−1, respectively. The ratio of energy outputs to energy inputs was approximately 0.66. Results indicated that direct, indirect, renewable and non-renewable energies were (28.14%), (71.85%), (36.73%) and (63.26%), respectively. Highest shares of expenses were found to be 45% and 19% for human labor and hired machineries, respectively. Cost analysis revealed that total cost of production for 1 ha garlic production was around 6969.11$. Accordingly, the benefit-cost ratio was estimated as 1.36. Using Cobb-Douglas model, energy function was estimated with the coefficient of determination, R 2 of (80%), and expenses function was estimated with coefficient of determination, R 2 of (83%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Renewable distributed generation introduced as an environmental friendly alternative energy supply while it provided the power system with ever-growing technical benefits such as loss reduction and feeder voltage improvement. The evaluation of the effects of small residential photovoltaic and wind DG systems on various system operating indices and the system net load is complicated by both the probabilistic nature of their output and the variety of their spatial allocations. The increasing penetration of renewable distributed generation in power systems necessitates the modeling of this stochastic structure in operation and planning studies. An advanced stochastic modeling of the system requires multivariate uncertainty analysis involving non-normal correlated random variables. Such an analysis is to epitomize the aggregate uncertainty corresponding to spatially spread stochastic variables. In this paper, an integration study of photovoltaics and wind turbines, distributed in a distribution network, is investigated based on the stochastic modeling using Archimedean copulas as a new efficient tool. The basic theory concerning the use of copulas for dependence modeling is presented and focus is given on an Archimedean algorithm. A comprehensive case study for Davarzan area in Iran is presented after reviewing Iran''s renewable energy status. This study shows an application of the presented technique when large datasets, assuming 10-min interval between data points of PV, wind and load profiles, are involved where a deterministic study is not trivial. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on available surveys, it has been shown that Iran has substantial geothermal potential in the north and north-western provinces, where in some places the temperature reaches 240°C. In order to better exploit these renewable resources, it is necessary to study this area. Thus, the aim of this paper is a comparative study of the different geothermal power plant concepts, based on the exergy analysis for high-temperature geothermal resources. The considered cycles for this study are a binary geothermal power plant using a simple organic Rankine cycle (ORC), a binary geothermal power plant using an ORC with an internal heat exchanger (IHE), a binary cycle with a regenerative ORC, a binary cycle with a regenerative ORC with an IHE, a single-flash geothermal power plant, a double-flash geothermal power plant and a combined flash-binary power plant. With respect to each cycle, a thermodynamic model had to be developed. Model validation was undertaken using available data from the literature. Based on the exergy analysis, a comparative study was done to clarify the best cycle configuration. The performance of each cycle has been discussed in terms of the second-law efficiency, exergy destruction rate, and first-law efficiency. Comparisons between the different geothermal power plant concepts as well as many approaches to define efficiencies have been presented. The maximum first-law efficiency was found to be related to the ORC with an IHE with R123 as the working fluid and was calculated to be 7.65%. In contrast, the first-law efficiency based on the energy input into the ORC revealed that the binary cycle with the regenerative ORC with an IHE and R123 as the working fluid has the highest efficiency (15.35%). Also, the maximum first-law efficiency was shown to be given by the flash-binary with R123 as the working fluid and was calculated to be 11.81%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper a novel intelligent method is applied to the problem of sizing in a hybrid power system such that the demand of residential area is met. This study is performed for Kahnouj area in south-east Iran. It is to mention that there are many similar regions around the world with this typical situation that can be expanded. The system consists of fuel cells, some wind units, some electrolyzers, a reformer, an anaerobic reactor and some hydrogen tanks. The system is assumed to be stand-alone and uses the biomass as an available energy resource. In this system, the hydrogen produced by the reformer is delivered to the fuel cell directly. When the power produced by the wind turbine plus power produced by the fuel cell (fed by the reformer) are more than the demand, the remainder is delivered to the electrolyzer. In contrast, when the power produced by the wind turbine plus that produced by the fuel cell (fed by the reformer) are less than the demand, some more fuel cells are employed and they are fed by the stored hydrogen. Our aim is to minimize the total costs of the system such that the demand is met. PSO algorithm is used for optimal sizing of system''s components. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In recent years there have been many efforts to develop a hydrogen energy system in Iran. For instance, the Iranian fuel cell steering committee conducted a project and determined some targets to implement hydrogen in different sectors, especially transportation. In this paper, the costs of building stations and the levelized cost of hydrogen for two types of stations, SMR and electrolysis, with various sizes and capacity factors have been investigated. Also, in the case of electrolysis, hydrogen cost sensitivity to the price of electricity has been examined. According to the cost analysis conducted here, it is understandable that hydrogen costs ($/kg) vary considerably based on station type, size, and capacity factor. Hydrogen production from natural gas results in lower costs ($3–7/kg H2) in comparison to electrolysis ($6–10/kg H2). Hydrogen cost would decrease by increasing the capacity factor, but in the case of electrolysis, from a specific capacity factor, hydrogen cost begins to rise; this is due to the trade off between the capacity factor and the price of electricity in various load zones. In general, hydrogen costs in Iran are estimated from 3 to 10.5$/kg, however a strategy for producing even lower cost hydrogen in the early years of hydrogen implementation, is proposed, which all together indicates that hydrogen could be an economical alternative fuel to substitute gasoline in the Iran''s transportation sector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

At the Paris Agreement in 2015, Iran pledged a 4% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and bio-fuels like wood pellet are an option. To estimate the volume of waste woody biomass the International Energy Agency model was employed and results show that a total opportunity of 754,840 m3 of woody by-products. An economic feasibility study of wood pellet production was performed by calculating the economic indices and analyzing their sensitivity using COMFAR III software for three scenarios in annual capacities of 48,000, 75,000 and 120,000 tons. The costs of wood pellet production for each plan are 104.29, 107.63, and 106.92 €/Mt, respectively. Acceptable IRR (45%–124%) and NPV (7–14 Million Euro) support the feasibility of wood pellet production in Iran. Standard VDI 2067 used to calculate specific cost of generating energy with wood pellet fuel against domestic water boilers using diesel and natural gas fuels. Results showed that the cost of generating energy is higher by wood pellet (43.5 €/Mwh, against gasoline, 25.9 €/Mw, and natural gas, 22.3 €/Mwh) due to the high initial investment in the wood pellet-fired boilers compared to established fossil fuels and the low price of diesel and natural gas in Iran. • There are 754,840 cubic meters of wood debris that can be used for producing wood pellet as a source of Bio-energy. • This study showed that the costs of wood pellet production in Iran were considered to be between 104.29 and 107.63 €/Mt. • Economic indicators are more sensitive to operating costs due to the high share of the cost of raw materials. • The low price of fossil fuels in Iran makes the wood pellet competition harder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]