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Wastewater treatment plants can provide a sustainable solution for hydrogen production by harnessing renewable energy and using treated water as feedstock as hydrogen demands in the future are expected to increase significantly. This study provides a decision-making model that enables the determination of optimal capacities of solar power, wind power, reverse osmosis, electrolyser, storage tank, and optimal hourly grid import. Such a project simultaneously provides electricity for hydrogen production and wastewater treatment, and sells hydrogen and renewable energy certificates. The planning aims to maximise the annual profits and renewable energy ratio. The case study shows that coupling a 120,000 m 3 /day plant scale with a 5 ton/day hydrogen facility shows a gross profit margin of 35.2%, a payback period of 7.2 years. This outperforms scenarios that exclude land and energy constraints in wastewater treatment plants. The influence of renewable energy ratios, hydrogen demand, and the prospective water usage for future regional scenario are further discussed. [Display omitted] • Hydrogen production from treated wastewater powered by solar–wind energy is designed. • Multi-objective model is proposed to decide optimal installed capacities and operation. • Proposed solution is feasible and can reduce electricity curtailment and plants' tariff. • A higher renewable energy ratio leads to worse financial performance. • The prospective water usage for future regional scenario is further discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residential cooking with non‐renewable energy sources, such as firewood, charcoal, natural gas, participate in the emission of more than a gigaton of CO2 per year, which represents 2% of the global CO2 emissions. Additionally, toxic particles including sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and mercury are released leading to elevated levels of indoor air pollution, and adversely affecting the health of the inhabitants. The residential sector's non‐renewable energy cooking devices also pose significant problems, consuming approximately 30%–40% of global energy usage, with over 80% dedicated to cooking applications. To mitigate the negative impacts of traditional cooking on health and the environment, various renewable energy‐based cooking technologies have been developed recently. The primary contributions of our paper are to: (a) present a comprehensive review of concentrated solar thermal cooking technologies, assessing their social, economic, and environmental impact across different climatic zones in developing countries like India; (b) classify and compare different solar cooking technologies, highlighting their advantages and limitations in various scenarios; (c) evaluate the energy efficiency of diverse solar cooking technologies; (d) analyze the impact of solar cookers on communities in developing countries; and (e) identify the challenges and future directions for solar cooker technologies, particularly in solar community kitchens. Our novel findings demonstrate that using solar cooking devices can reduce energy consumption by up to 56% in Indian schools. Moreover, the payback period ranges from 3 to 6 years, contingent on the technology's cost, climatic conditions, and available subsidies. Consequently, significant positive impacts on society, the economy, and the environment are observed when traditional cooking devices are replaced by solar cooking devices. This study provides a unique and thorough analysis, contributing to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable cooking solutions and their potential to transform energy consumption patterns in developing regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid global transition toward renewable energy necessitates innovative solar PV deployment strategies beyond conventional roof installations. In this context, commercial building facades represent an expansive yet underutilized resource for solar energy harvesting in urban areas. However, existing studies on commercial rooftop solar PV predominantly focus on European contexts, neglecting the unique design constraints and performance trade-offs present in regions such as the Middle East. This study addresses this gap by specifically investigating the impact of architectural and structural features on the utilizable facade area for PV deployment in commercial buildings within the hot desert climate of Saudi Arabia. Detailed case studies of twelve representative buildings are conducted, combining architectural drawing analysis, on-site measurements, and stakeholder surveys. The methodology identified sixteen parameters across three categories—facade functionality, orientation suitability, and surrounding obstructions—that impose technical and non-technical restrictions on photovoltaic integration 3D modeling, and irradiance simulations revealed that, on average, just 31% of the total vertical facade area remained suitable for PV systems after accounting for the diverse architectural and contextual limitations. The study considered 698 kWh/m2 of solar irradiance as the minimum threshold for PV integration. Shopping malls displayed the lowest utilizability, with near-zero potential, as extensive opaque construction, brand signage, and shading diminish viability. Offices exhibited the highest utilizability of 36%, owing to glazed facades and unobstructed surroundings. Hotels and hospitals presented intermediate potential. Overall, the average facade utilizability factor across buildings was a mere 16%, highlighting the significant hurdles imposed by contemporary envelope configurations. Orientation unsuitability further eliminated 12% of the initially viable area. Surrounding shading contributed an additional 0.92% loss. The results quantify the sensitivity of facades to aspects such as material choices, geometric complexity, building form, and urban context. While posing challenges, the building facade resource holds immense untapped potential for solar-based urban renewal. The study highlights the need for early architectural integration, facade-specific PV product development, and urban planning interventions to maximize the renewable energy potential of commercial facades as our cities rapidly evolve into smart solar energy landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares concentrated and distributed reactive power compensation to improve the power factor at the point of common connection (PCC) of an industrial electrical system (IES) with harmonics. The electrical system under study has a low power factor, voltage variation, and harmonics caused by motors operating at low loads and powered by variable-speed drives. The designed compensation system mitigates harmonics and reduces electrical losses with the shortest payback period. Four solutions were compared, considering concentrated and distributed compensation with capacitor banks and harmonic filters. Although the cost of investment in concentrated compensation is lower than that of distributed compensation, a higher reduction in electrical losses and a lower payback period are obtained with distributed compensation. Although the lowest payback period was obtained with distributed compensation with capacitor banks (0.4 years), it is not recommended in the presence of harmonics because the effects of current harmonics significantly reduce the useful life of these elements. For this reason, distributed compensation with harmonic filters obtained a payback period of 0.6 years, and it was proposed as the best solution. These results should be considered in projects aimed at power factor compensation in IESs with harmonics. The concentrated compensation of the capacitor bank at the PCC is proposed because of the lower investment cost and ease of installation. However, the advantages of distributed compensation with harmonic filters have not been evaluated. An energy efficiency approach is used to analyze the impact of the location methods of the power factor compensation equipment on the electrical losses of the IES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares concentrated and distributed reactive power compensation to improve the power factor at the point of common connection (PCC) of an industrial electrical system (IES) with harmonics. The electrical system under study has a low power factor, voltage variation, and harmonics caused by motors operating at low loads and powered by variable-speed drives. The designed compensation system mitigates harmonics and reduces electrical losses with the shortest payback period. Four solutions were compared, considering concentrated and distributed compensation with capacitor banks and harmonic filters. Although the cost of investment in concentrated compensation is lower than that of distributed compensation, a higher reduction in electrical losses and a lower payback period are obtained with distributed compensation. Although the lowest payback period was obtained with distributed compensation with capacitor banks (0.4 years), it is not recommended in the presence of harmonics because the effects of current harmonics significantly reduce the useful life of these elements. For this reason, distributed compensation with harmonic filters obtained a payback period of 0.6 years, and it was proposed as the best solution. These results should be considered in projects aimed at power factor compensation in IESs with harmonics. The concentrated compensation of the capacitor bank at the PCC is proposed because of the lower investment cost and ease of installation. However, the advantages of distributed compensation with harmonic filters have not been evaluated. An energy efficiency approach is used to analyze the impact of the location methods of the power factor compensation equipment on the electrical losses of the IES.

Blue economy approach is slowly gaining significance, and many nations are placing it on their national agendas to strengthen the maritime policy. The sustainable exploitation of marine resources is the key to achieving blue economic development including commercial seaweed farming. The production of red seaweeds with superior-quality agar in India has propelled research to develop viable cultivation technologies. However, the carragenophyte Kappaphycus alvarezii has more industrial support and is the only seaweed taxa commercially farmed in India. The present investigation offers a comparative economic case study between these two groups. Critical economic parameters were analyzed for important operational components, i.e., individual-centric operation and family-centric operation, under three scenarios namely, without subsidy and 40% and 60% subsidy respectively. A lowest payback period was noticed for K. alvarezii cultivated by the family-centric operation under all three scenarios (without subsidy: 0.76 year; 40% subsidy: 0.61 year; 60% subsidy: 0.53 year). However, the minimum breakeven point in the range of 7.3–10.1 dry tons was reported in the case of farming of Gracilaria dura under different subsidies, followed by K. alvarezii (breakeven point value: 15.1–22 dry tons). The net present value and internal rates of return of K. alvarezii were found to be 3123–8863 USD and 31–90%, respectively under different subsidies. All four agarophytes resulted in negative net present values irrespective of subsidy scenario and hence, it is not economically viable. In terms of profit, among five seaweeds, K. alvarezii only showed a profit of 328–902 USD and 4905–10,646 USD for individual and family-centric models, respectively. The more comprehensive analysis with realistic costing—considering uncertain weather conditions and disease infestation—also pointed out the superiority of family-centric operations. The projections from economic analysis revealed that commercial farming of agarophyte is not viable at individual and family-centric operations, but K. alvarezii farming is viable for both operations in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2,3-Butanediol (BDO) is a crucial precursor in various industries, traditionally derived from fossil resources, raising environmental concerns. This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of producing BDO from wood residues, a sustainable resource abundantly available in Nordic countries. By modeling a biorefinery plant with a daily capacity of 100 metric tons of wood chips, three scenarios (Sc.) were explored: Sc. 1, where BDO is the sole product; Sc. 2, where BDO is produced alongside methane and biofertilizer; and Sc. 3, which incorporates a combined heat and power system using biogas from the waste stream. The analysis emphasizes the minimum selling price (MSP) of BDO, revealing it to be lowest in Sc. 1 at USD2.97/kg, compared to USD3.20/kg and USD3.48/kg for Sc. 2 and Sc. 3, respectively. Notably, sensitivity analysis highlighted the impact of processing capacity on economic performance, suggesting a potential for higher scalability and profitability in Sc. 2. This study contributes novel insights into the role of processing capacity and fermentation yield in optimizing BDO production, providing a valuable framework for technology developers aiming to establish wood-based biorefineries. These findings not only enhance understanding of economic thresholds but also underscore the importance of resource efficiency and strategic planning in bio-based production setups. Highlights: Economic viability of a biorefinery unit was assessed for 2,3-butanediol production. Facilities and utilities expenses were the main contributors to operating costs. Equipment and construction fees were the main contributors to total capital cost. For profitability, processing capacity should exceed 2.6-ton wood residues/h. Valorizing process waste streams increased both revenue and associated costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries, electrical power distribution networks are often inadequate, particularly in small health centers. As a result, the electrical energy supplied by the grid is frequently interrupted. The productivity and quality of service delivered by these health centers to the people who live in these areas are severely affected by this issue. This issue can be resolved by incorporating battery storage systems along with renewable energy sources into the distribution system. The direct delivery of energy to customers is greatly aided by these renewable energy supplies. Partially, the grid supports such a system on a limited scale to guarantee the continuity of the energy supply. This study tried to resolve the problem due to these frequent power outages and its economic expenditures. To address the illustrated challenges, we tried to renovate the diesel generator with a solar and battery energy supply. The PVsyst software shows the average global solar radiation in the selected zone is5.84kmh/m2/day$$ 5.84\ \mathrm{kmh}/{\mathrm{m}}^2/\mathrm{day} $$. The annual energy demand for Gedeo health centers in 2023 is 3.32 MWH and the proposed PV‐battery hybrid system has a 10.95 MWH capacity. Moreover, when we utilize a diesel generator the Capital cost (CC), Net present cost (NPC), levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and payback period are 12 452.25$, 13 369.12$, 0.1$, and 10.7 years respectively. The economic assessment result of the proposed system is 4083$, 4727$, 0.059$, and 3.8 years consecutively. In southern Ethiopia, the annual emission from diesel generators alone, excluding the emission from the vehicles is close to 692 tons. Consequently, from the empirical economic assessment the installed solar energy is 90% more beneficial than the existing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past research has shown that controlled corn seed orientation at planting leads to symmetrically oriented leaves across rows, resulting in increased grain yields. This study determined the financial outcome, in terms of net present value (NPV), of implementing new corn planter technology that allows for corn seed orientation. NPV's were estimated using stochastic analysis for input prices, yield, and revenue. Additionally, the payback period was calculated. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using potential price points and usage levels for the new corn planter technology. Three producer usage levels were evaluated: 647 ha (low), 971 ha (medium), and 1295 ha (high). All scenarios were analyzed over 5 years. Three potential machine (technology) costs were also evaluated: $32,000, $96,000, and $160,000. The use of oriented corn seed placement technology (OSP) outperformed traditional methods for all usage levels when sold at $32,000. The use of OSP was about equal for the high-usage producer at a price of $96,000. Within the parameters evaluated, some producers would benefit from adopting the oriented corn seed placement technology if the technology was offered at a price of $32,000. This research is of interest to developers and manufacturers interested in developing such technology, as well as researchers considering further evaluation of oriented corn seed placement. Further research is needed to better establish yield benefits and prices for oriented corn seed technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to enhance the operational reliability and production capacity of the Hydrocracking Complex (HCC) at PT Kilang Pertamina International - RU V Balikpapan by replacing the G-3-02B/D pump, which plays a vital role in the wash water injection process. This pump functions to dissolve Ammonia (NH3) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) from the recycle gas, preventing fouling in the internal tubes of the Combine Feed Exchanger (CFE) and Reactor Effluent Air Cooler (REAC), and maintaining H2 purity and hydrocracking reaction activity. Maintenance data indicates that the G-3-02BD pump has a very low Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of 6,257 hours compared to the best practice of 26,280 hours and a Reliability Index of 9.07% compared to the best practice of 71.65%. The investment evaluation method used includes Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Payback Period (PP), and Profitability Index (PI). The analysis results show that the pump replacement project has an NPV of $992,590, an IRR of 32.81%, a PP of 2.90 years, and a PI of 2.55. In conclusion, the project is economically feasible. Replacing the G 3-02B/D pump is expected to meet the minimum wash water requirement of 5% vol intake HCU, ensure the reliability of the wash water pump, and support the Daily Processing Plan (RPH) targets, thereby improving the refinery's operational efficiency and reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the energy, exergy, and economic analysis of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system powered by biogas to provide electricity, heating, and cooling loads for a residential building in Munich city is investigated. Two methods have been proposed to meet the heating and cooling needs of the residential building. In the first method, heating and cooling needs are provided by a heat pump and mechanical refrigeration (System I), and in the second method, these needs are provided by a radiator and absorption refrigeration cycle (System II). In both modes of this system, the effects of battery energy storage (BES) have been analyzed for peak shaving. The working method of this research is that the residential building's electricity, heating, and cooling needs are calculated by Homer and Carrier software, respectively. Engineering equation solver software models the main local power generation system. A new method has been proposed to select the required number of units to meet the needs of the building with and without BES. The results showed that for System I with and without BES, 3 and 1 ORC units with a nominal power of 2 kW can meet all the needs of the building, respectively. In contrast, for System II, the number of 1 unit with 2 kW and 1 unit with 1 kW is needed to meet the energy needs of a residential building with and without BES. It can be concluded that heating and cooling the building with a radiator and absorption chiller cycle is more cost‐effective. The energy and exergy efficiency of ORC is reported as 11.3% and 65.7%, respectively, and the highest exergy destruction rate is related to the heater and boiler. From the economic point of view, the payback period of System II compared with System I is reduced from 18.4 to 5.66 years without using BES. With the use of BES, the payback period is reduced to 5.3 and 5.66 years, respectively. The lowest and highest electricity prices belong to System I with and without BES, which are 3.11 and 0.36 US$/kWh, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar heat transfer fluid (HTF) plays a crucial role in the performance of parabolic trough solar collectors (PTSC) and the energy systems integrated with them. In this study, a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) analysis is employed to prioritize the HTFs for three solar-driven multi-generation energy systems. These systems are based on a direct-fed organic Rankine cycle (ORC) and bottom-cycle arrangement of a double-effect absorption refrigeration cycle and a Kalina cycle system. The ORC configurations include simple, regenerative, and ORC integrated with an internal heat exchanger. The MADM analysis shows that the optimal HTF for all systems is Therminol 66 for which ORC based system demonstrates the best performance in both energy (80.17 %) and exergy (33.21 %) viewpoints. Additionally, this system exhibits the highest performance in terms of net present value (82.6 M$), dynamic payback period (2.19 years) and cost of energy (0.018 $/kWh). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Residential cooking with non‐renewable energy sources, such as firewood, charcoal, natural gas, participate in the emission of more than a gigaton of CO2 per year, which represents 2% of the global CO2 emissions. Additionally, toxic particles including sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and mercury are released leading to elevated levels of indoor air pollution, and adversely affecting the health of the inhabitants. The residential sector's non‐renewable energy cooking devices also pose significant problems, consuming approximately 30%–40% of global energy usage, with over 80% dedicated to cooking applications. To mitigate the negative impacts of traditional cooking on health and the environment, various renewable energy‐based cooking technologies have been developed recently. The primary contributions of our paper are to: (a) present a comprehensive review of concentrated solar thermal cooking technologies, assessing their social, economic, and environmental impact across different climatic zones in developing countries like India; (b) classify and compare different solar cooking technologies, highlighting their advantages and limitations in various scenarios; (c) evaluate the energy efficiency of diverse solar cooking technologies; (d) analyze the impact of solar cookers on communities in developing countries; and (e) identify the challenges and future directions for solar cooker technologies, particularly in solar community kitchens. Our novel findings demonstrate that using solar cooking devices can reduce energy consumption by up to 56% in Indian schools. Moreover, the payback period ranges from 3 to 6 years, contingent on the technology's cost, climatic conditions, and available subsidies. Consequently, significant positive impacts on society, the economy, and the environment are observed when traditional cooking devices are replaced by solar cooking devices. This study provides a unique and thorough analysis, contributing to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable cooking solutions and their potential to transform energy consumption patterns in developing regions.

The purpose of this study is to monitor various available methods for evaluating the efficiency of economic business projects, to determine their advantages and disadvantages, as well as to develop a number of recommendations for improving these methods. The objectives of the research are: to analyze the existing methods for evaluating the efficiency of economic projects; determination of the advantages and disadvantages of each of the methods; development of recommendations for improving the practice of evaluating the efficiency of economic projects. The article discusses the theoretical and practical aspects of evaluating the efficiency of business projects. The authors emphasize that the evaluation of efficiency of the project is an important stage in its development and implementation, as it allows you to determine the feasibility of its implementation and make optimal decisions on its financing and the functioning of the business as a whole. The practical aspects of evaluating the efficiency of economic projects are analyzed in detail. Efficiency evaluation is an important stage in the project life cycle, which involves a detailed consideration of the financial, economic and social aspects of its implementation. The authors also highlight the methods and tools that are used to conduct the evaluation, describe in detail the financial models that allow calculating efficiency indicators, such as NPV (net present value), IRR (internal rate of return) and some others. In the context of making informed decisions on the implementation of the project, it is emphasized that practical efficiency evaluation is becoming a key tool for management and investors. It provides specific numerical data and analytical information that serves as the basis for deciding whether to proceed with a project. In general, the evaluation of the efficiency of economic projects is an important tool for decision-making on the implementation of projects. Under martial law, this evaluation becomes even more relevant, as it is necessary to ensure the efficient use of limited resources and the compliance of projects with the needs of the population. To improve the practice of evaluating the efficiency of economic projects, it is necessary to develop new evaluation methods that take into account the time value of money, the ability to compare projects with different capital intensity and ease of use in practice. We believe that the implementation of the recommendations presented in the article will improve the quality of evaluating the efficiency of economic projects in Ukraine and will contribute to the effective use of limited resources for the country’s recovery.

Due to technological advancement and modernization, the demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs) is rising. In Bangladesh, there is a growing demand for electric vehicles such as auto-rickshaws and easy bikes, and electric automobiles will be familiar soon. The demand for electrically powered vehicles is increasing in response to growing environmental concerns; it helps balance the greenhouse effect and global warming. Solar-based charging systems are becoming increasingly popular due to their low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The CO2 emissions produced by solar-based EV charging systems are lower than those produced by coal-based chargers. Moreover, the Government of Bangladesh wants to accomplish Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 by 2030 by increasing the proportion of accessible, cutting-edge, renewable energy sources. This study investigates and analyses the technological, economic, and ecological viability of a solar PV power plant in Bangladesh for charging EVs. This study examined solar-based EV charging stations, which generate 36,785.76 MWh of electricity for 20 years of their lifetime and are used to charge EVs. Furthermore, the net present value (NPV) is USD 652,656.80, the initial investment is USD 1,365,300, the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) is 11.70 %, and the Payback Period (PBP) is 7.2 years. Approximately per day, 250 battery-operated three-wheeler EVs can be charged using the generated electricity. In addition, the project will prevent the emission of 24,013.86 tons of CO2, 251.25 tons of SO2, 63.39 tons of NOx, and 12.55 tons of CO. Eliminating these GHG emissions may also aid Bangladesh in achieving SDG 13.

This research paper presents a comprehensive study on the implementation of photovoltaic (PV) energy systems at Al-Abrar Mosque in Saudi Arabia. The primary objective was to explore optimal regional solar power strategies. By synergistically integrating technical evaluations of the PV system with economic analyses, including the payback period and levelized cost of energy (LCOE), alongside an investigation of net metering and net billing scenarios, we delineated a pathway toward achieving net zero billing for the mosque's energy requirements. This study examined two scenarios: Scenario I involved net metering, while Scenario II explored net billing. Our theoretical and simulation results, derived from detailed analyses conducted using PVsyst software, unequivocally demonstrated the superiority of net metering for this specific application. With net metering, the mosque's energy needs can be efficiently met using minimal infrastructure—comprising only 34 photovoltaic modules and a single inverter. In contrast, net billing requires significantly higher resource demands, underscoring the economic and spatial advantages of net metering. Additionally, the payback period for Scenario I is 7.9 years, while for Scenario II, it extends to 87 years. Through rigorous simulations, this study reaffirmed the practicality and feasibility of the net metering approach within the context of Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, our research provides actionable insights for implementing sustainable solutions at specific sites, such as the Al-Abrar Mosque, and contributes to advancing renewable energy knowledge in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agrivoltaics or agrophotovoltaics (APV), which simply describes farming under a canopy of PV panels, has been recently gaining a wider implementation to improve farming yields as well as generate electricity on the same piece of land. The presented study undertakes an economic analysis to justify the implementation of agrivoltaics in a tomato farm. Three research cases are investigated; Case 1 is the control scenario which is just ordinary tomato farming that is used as a baseline. And then there are Cases 2 and 3, which are low‐density and high‐density agrivoltaics, respectively. The farm is irrigated from a borehole using a diesel generator in Case 1 and solar pumps in the Agrivoltaics Cases 2 and 3. The study found that tomato harvest is reduced by a minimum of 16% in agrivoltaics setup. However, this reduced harvest is compensated by the PV output. The payback period has been calculated considering the capital costs of the PV system and other operational costs within the farm, and it is found that Case 2 and Case 3 have 3 years and 3.6 years payback periods, respectively. While on the other hand, ordinary tomato farming is unattractive with a lengthy payback period of 17.5 years. Net present value analysis is also used to determine the profitability of the three scenarios over a 10‐year period, and the agrivoltaics scenarios are calculated to be profitable while ordinary tomato farming is not profitable. Therefore, this study justifies economic investment in agrivoltaics for tomato farming in Botswana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a thermo-economic assessment of three low-global-warming-potential (GWP) substitutes, R1233zd(E), R1234ze(Z) and R1234ze(E), for R245fa used in organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems, considering two models with different heat sources. The exhaust heat from a diesel generator is served as heat source of Model I, while the waste heat of exhaust and jacket cooling water are used as heat source of Model II. It is noted that the working pressure of R1234ze(E) is much higher than that of R1233zd(E), R1234ze(Z) and R245fa in a fixed evaporation-temperature range. Furthermore, the system using R1234ze(E) has the minimum net power output for Model I, while it turns into the maximum net power output for Model II. In addition, both R1234ze(Z) and R1233zd(E) can be used as good alternative working fluids for R245fa because R1234ze(Z), R1233zd(E) and R245fa have close working pressures, maximum net power outputs, and minimum levelized energy costs. Compared to Model I, LECmin of R1233ed(E) and R1234ze(Z) are reduced by 10.8 % and 9.9 % and PBmin of R1233ed(E) and R1234ze(Z) are reduced by 11.5 % and 10.1 %, respectively, in Model II. However, R1233zd(E) has the highest minimum payback period for both Model I and Model II among the four working fluids investigated.

In this study, an operational 8 MW wind farm was analyzed through a statistical approach to determine the wind speed and feeder trip correlation with energy loss and energy production. In December, a higher wind potential was recorded; however, a higher feeder trip was recorded during the low wind potential period of October, with a maximum duration of 1800 min. The box plot and histogram show that a higher feeder trip occurred at a wind speed of 4-6 m/s, indicating that grid voltage and load consumption were the major causes of the feeder trip. The Pearson Correlation method expressed a similar trend for feeder trips associated with energy losses that had a strong positive correlation compared to feeder trip time. To improve the stability of the wind farm’s power generation, a 1-5 MWh battery energy storage system was studied to determine its impact on the grid voltage at the wind farm and the load terminals. It was found that 411071.84 kWh is enhanced for a 5 MWh battery energy storage system compared to the conventional wind farm. This enhancement in power production shows a positive correlation of grid voltage at the factory, village 1, wind farm, village 2, and village 3 with a range of 0.703, 0.873, 0.665, 0.894, and 0.896, respectively. Further, the economic analysis of the 5 MWh battery incorporation increased the annual revenue to 2825585 baht with a payback period of 7.79 years and a return on investment of 0.10 years.

The importance of energy in the world is increasing day by day. Most of the countries’ energy needs are met by fossil fuels. Due to the depletion of fossil fuels, their increasing prices and the damage they cause to the environment, researchers have turned to alternative energy sources. The demand for renewable energy sources as alternative energy has increased significantly in recent years. Solar energy is one of the most popular and widely used energy sources among renewable energy sources all over the world. For this reason, efforts are being made to increase the use of solar energy in Türkiye and European countries. Although the amount of solar radiation in Türkiye is high, it has not reached the expected levels. In this study, the payback periods (PBP) of a 1 MW solar power plant (SPP) connected to the grid between Türkiye and European countries were compared. It is assumed that the compared countries use monocrystalline solar panels with an efficiency of 22.6% at their specific solar radiation values. Additionally, due to the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on energy prices, the PBP of the SPP was determined based on two scenarios. According to the results, in the first scenario, the highest PBP is in Karaman with 2.75 years, followed by Türkiye with 3.17 years. PBPs in Spain, France and Germany are calculated as 3.6, 5.6 and 5.7 years, respectively. In second scenario (after the Russia-Ukraine war), the highest PBPs were determined as Germany with 2.22 years and France with 3.27 years. PBPs in Spain, Karaman and Türkiye were determined as 2.41, 2.75 and 3.17 years, respectively.

AbstractCurrently, advanced technologies have been developed to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The fact that the building envelope causes energy losses of up to 73% leads to the search for the right solutions in the design of building systems. Providing human comfort in interiors with current design strategies would decrease the need for using active systems and bring along energy gains. As a result, less fuel will be consumed, and fewer emissions will be generated, contributing to a healthier environment on a global scale. In the scope of this study it is aimed to evaluate different facade applications on a reference building for three provinces located in different climate zones, which are Karabük, Konya, and Mersin in Turkey. In addition, façade scenarios in the direction of east-west and north-south axes were evaluated to determine the energy waste or gains caused by orientation. The scenarios were analyzed considering heating-cooling energy demand, thermal comfort, carbon emissions, and payback periods. REVIT and Design Builder were used for 3D modeling and simulations. Results indicated that an opaque ventilated wall is the most advantageous scenario for the Mediterranean climate zone in all parameters. This façade system performs better than the others in reducing carbon emissions and saving costs for all the regions. Although the solar chimney makes a significant contribution to the reduction of especially heating loads for all regions, this system is not applicable when the payback period is considered. In terms of thermal comfort, southward orientation minimizes the humidity and temperature fluctuations indoors throughout the year.

Phase change materials are increasingly used because they can be used for cold energy storage in air conditioning systems to increase system efficiency and achieve energy savings. However, many potential adopters of phase change cold storage systems fail to consider environmental and economic factors, so feasibility assessments are difficult and significant gaps between expected benefits and actual outcomes become apparent. This study establishes an economic analysis model using a technology company in Taiwan as an example. The model determines the costs and energy-saving carbon reduction benefits of implementing phase change materials to allow businesses to achieve energy-saving, carbon reduction, and sustainable development objectives. The results of this study demonstrate that companies can achieve a 32% reduction in electricity costs, reduce energy consumption by 118,411 kWh per year, and reduce carbon emissions by 60,272 tons per year by adopting phase change materials. The dynamic payback period is as little as 2.9 years for low-load conditions. A cost–benefit analysis also shows that the use of phase change materials for energy storage, coupled with the prior construction of energy storage areas, provides the maximum economic benefits and is the optimal choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has an abundance of solar energy resources. Nearly 90% of the urban dwellers in different parts of India used electricity for heating water. Using electricity for resident water heating not only contributes to negative environment impact via the emission of a substantial quantity of carbon dioxide but also places a financial burden on households. The examination of solar irradiance, economic feasibility, and hot water demands is crucial in assessing the potential of solar thermal collector (STC) to fulfill hot water requirement. In order to enhance the value of the STC, it is essential for the collector to effectively manage operations with a focus on minimizing cost. To get an optimal heating effect, the present STC is fastened with an obstruction inside the tube. The collector is examined in three distinct seasons to observe temperature variations and the appropriate use of the device during non-operational hours. The recommended average temperatures for summer, rainy season, and winter are 68, 57, and 47 °C, respectively. Additionally, a thorough examination of the economic analysis and payback period for STC was also conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current research work, performance enhancement of stepped solar still (SSS) having an external reflector (ER) and glass cover cooling (GCC) arrangements is presented. The individual and combined effects of ER and GCC on the performance of SSS have been evaluated and compared with simple SSS. The GCC reduces the glazing temperature significantly and results in increased distillate. The ER reflected the solar radiation inside the basin that increases the water temperature, consequently increasing distillate. The SSS having ER and GCC (SSS‐ER‐GCC) gave a maximum distillate of 4.340 kg/m2 which was observed, respectively, 12.43%, 3.21%, and 1.36% higher than that of simple SSS, SSS with ER (SSS‐ER) and SSS with GCC (SSS‐GCC). The average energy efficiency of SSS‐ER‐GCC was evaluated as 40.78%, which was found to be 14.36%, 7.84%, and 10.64%, respectively, higher than that of simple SSS, SSS‐ER, and SSS‐GCC. The carbon credits earned and CO2 mitigation were found the maximum for SSS‐ER‐GCC having values $65.96 and 4.40 tons, respectively. The economic payback period was found the minimum (490 days) for SSS‐ER‐GCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research article evaluates the economic viability of twin row maize planters compared to conventional single-row planters. The study analyzes the economic benefits, costs, and profitability associated with the adoption of twin row planting in maize cultivation. Factors such as yield improvement, input savings, labor requirements, and machinery costs are considered. The analysis shows that twin row maize planters can save up to 20% compared to traditional methods. The study provides valuable insights for farmers and highlights the importance of mechanization technologies in improving farm productivity and economic outcomes. The document also provides information on the cost determination and analysis of a twin-row maize planter and mini tractor for agricultural operations, including equations for calculating costs and discussing breakeven analysis and payback period. The results and discussion section highlights the benefits of using the twin-row maize planter, including improved seed placement accuracy and cost savings compared to traditional manual methods. The conclusion emphasizes the economic viability and savings of using the twin-row maize planter. [Extracted from the article]

This study used the benefit-cost analysis and various financial indicators, such as Net Present Value, Benefit-Cost Ratio, Internal Rate of Return, and Payback Period, to determine the economic feasibility of saffron production under controlled conditions in Mazandaran province. Data for calculating these financial indicators were collected through field surveys, questionnaires, interviews with experts and specialists from the Agriculture Jihad Organization of Mazandaran province, and by obtaining fixed and variable costs as well as income from the establishment of controlled environment spaces for saffron production (spaces with areas of 200 square meters, 1000 square meters, and 5000 square meters) from agricultural service centers. The collected data were analyzed and evaluated using COMFAR software version 3.3, and the results, including financial indicators and sensitivity analysis under different scenarios, were presented. The findings suggest that at a discount rate of 18% and an inflation rate of 35.06%, establishing a saffron production unit on a 200-square-meter plot is not financially viable within a seven-years. (one year for construction and six years for operation). However, for plots with areas of 1000 and 5000 square meters, the internal rate of return is 36.85% and 53.99%, respectively, making them financially viable. According to the project ranking test, increasing the plot area for saffron production under controlled conditions leads to higher financial profitability. Furthermore, based on the sensitivity analysis results, it was identified that increasing product sales income has a more significant impact on project profitability compared to reducing fixed and variable costs. Positive steps such as increasing production, effective marketing, and improving product quality can enhance profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ship recycling is one of the most promising industries for Bangladesh. A significant amount of local steel demand is fulfilled by scrap metals from ship recycling yards. Bangladesh has been maintaining a competitive position in the ship recycling sector along with China, India, and Pakistan. But, in the absence of substantial workplace safety and infrastructure development and for not following international regulations, Bangladesh may lose its market share to other countries in this sector. This paper presents a financial analysis to establish compliant ship recycling facilities that will fulfill the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) requirements. This analysis has considered all the facilities of a compliant shiprecycling yard, including impermeable floors, mechanized systems, oily water separators, firefighting systems, and other special features. The worthiness, scalability, and sustainability of investing in the development of compliant ship recycling facilities have been assessed from Bangladesh's perspective and the benefits over the conventional ones have been discussed. Also, the challenges for ship recyclers and their prevalent perspective toward establishing compliant ship recycling facilities have been depicted. Lastly, recommendations have been suggested to assist the ship recyclers in Bangladesh by encouraging them to invest and enable HKC-compliant ship recycling to harness long-term economic rewards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, advanced technologies have been developed to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The fact that the building envelope causes energy losses of up to 73% leads to the search for the right solutions in the design of building systems. Providing human comfort in interiors with current design strategies would decrease the need for using active systems and bring along energy gains. As a result, less fuel will be consumed, and fewer emissions will be generated, contributing to a healthier environment on a global scale. In the scope of this study it is aimed to evaluate different facade applications on a reference building for three provinces located in different climate zones, which are Karabük, Konya, and Mersin in Turkey. In addition, façade scenarios in the direction of east-west and north-south axes were evaluated to determine the energy waste or gains caused by orientation. The scenarios were analyzed considering heating-cooling energy demand, thermal comfort, carbon emissions, and payback periods. REVIT and Design Builder were used for 3D modeling and simulations. Results indicated that an opaque ventilated wall is the most advantageous scenario for the Mediterranean climate zone in all parameters. This façade system performs better than the others in reducing carbon emissions and saving costs for all the regions. Although the solar chimney makes a significant contribution to the reduction of especially heating loads for all regions, this system is not applicable when the payback period is considered. In terms of thermal comfort, southward orientation minimizes the humidity and temperature fluctuations indoors throughout the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study addresses the pressing energy constraints in nations like Bangladesh by proposing the implementation of photovoltaic (PV) microgrids. Given concerns about environmental degradation, limited fossil fuel reserves, and volatile product costs, renewable energy sources are gaining momentum globally. Our research focuses on a grid-connected solar PV system model at Char Jazira, Lalpur, Natore, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Through PVsyst 7.1 simulation software, we assess the performance ratio (PR) and system losses, revealing an annual solar energy potential of 3375 MWh at standard test condition (STC) efficiency. After considering losses, the system generates 2815.2 MWh annually, with 2774 MWh exported to the grid. We analyze an average PR of 78.63% and calculate a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 2.82 BDT/kWh [1 USD = 110 BDT]. The financial assessment indicates a cost-effective LCOE for the grid-connected PV system, with an annual gross income of 27,744 kBDT from selling energy to the grid and operating costs of 64,060.60 BDT/year. Remarkably, this initiative can prevent 37,647.82 tCO2 emissions over the project's 25-year lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to climate change, Egypt has recently suffered from recurring electricity crises. Despite efforts made to increase electricity production in Egypt, recently, in the summer months, the energy demand has increased at unprecedented rates, especially in the housing sector. Therefore, the government and homeowners should work together to improve the energy performance of residential buildings. This paper aimed to develop a decision-making tool that helps homeowners choose optimal energy retrofit measures that suit their priorities. The study began with the data-collection and case study selection. Then, the thermal evaluation of the base case for dwellings in the case study was conducted through simulation runs using the DesignBuilder v7.1 software. Then, the optimal envelope energy retrofitting measures were determined, followed by a retrofitting-measure scenario simulation process. Then, the payback periods were calculated for all scenarios, and the tool database was developed using an Excel spreadsheet. Finally, the user interface for envelope energy retrofitting measures for gated communities (EERMGCs) tool was designed by Visual Basic for Applications. EERMGCs, the tool developed in this paper, is a simple, multi-objective and interactive tool that provides the optimal envelope retrofit measures according to user priorities, either a specific budget, the shortest payback period, the lowest possible costs, or the highest energy saving rate. The outcome of this research is developing a framework that can be considered a basis for developing decision-making tools for gated community housing in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of disruptive business and technology has the potential to reduce the growth of electricity sales. The existence of "Indirect competitors" who also take advantage of the use of assets that do business in the electric vehicle ecosystem, companies providing solar PV rooftop services, and the emergence of new business areas will be a challenge for PLN. Companies must develop a business model strategy to ensure the company's financial sustainability, which ultimately ensures the sustainability of the electricity business in the future. Real improvements are expected to help companies increase revenue, efficiency, and cost effectiveness which can ultimately contribute to company revenue. Through the Extra Facilities business model, as a form of service to meet changing market tastes, sales strategies need to be implemented for customers who have special standards and needs. In this regard, the author carried out an analysis of the investment for connecting Extra Facility services to one of the prospective PLN customers of the Riau and Riau Islands Distribution Main Unit using a build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme. The feasible indicator that was being used was financial profitability, resulting in IDR. 6,914,249,547 NPV higher than zero. Moreover, this project also gives certain commitment by generating 17.56% IRR > WACC with a payback period of 4 years 8 months less than 10 years (based on the term of the agreement). This indicator is financially feasible because the service fees charged by PLN to customers can cover/reimburse the costs incurred in providing these services, with an adequate rate of return/margin. Financially feasible to conduct with the escalation of +15% and -15%, respectively for sensitivity analysis, with several variables sensitive to changes in NPV values such as changes in investment costs, incremental cashflow/revenue, operating and maintenance costs, and changes in the loan portion. This variable is also used as a reference in conducting scenario analysis and Monte Carlo analysis with a mere 1.27% probability of a negative NPV. The project has an estimated COD at the end of 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This study offers a fresh concept for the use of PV technology. The concept behind this research can serve as a model for the creation and application of other new energy sources. The "dual carbon" strategy has drawn attention to distributed PV systems for their flexibility and variability, but the rising need for direct-current (DC) loads on the load side has created additional difficulties for microgrid system upgrades. In this article, a PV-based microgrid design approach for residential buildings is suggested, working on the assumption that distributed PV systems are given top priority to handle domestic DC needs. The residential DC microgrid system's overall design concept is first put out, and the circuit system is then concentrated to supply the main idea for the ensuing verification of the system's viability. Secondly, the actual power generation in the selected area was clarified by testing, and then the electricity consumption of DC loads accounted for about 20.03% of the total power consumption according to the survey of 100 users. In addition, the circuit system is subjected to spectral model measurements and physical measurements to verify the operational performance of the circuit system; the feasibility of the PV microgrid system is further verified using dual testing of the PV system and the circuit system. The test results show that the proposed DC microgrid system can accurately provide the required voltage for small household DC appliances, such as 24 V, 14 V, 5 V, etc. Finally, the system economics were analyzed, and the equipment payback years were estimated. The supply and demand of PV power generation and DC appliances can be balanced via the construction of a microgrid. This study offers a fresh concept for the use of PV technology. The concept behind this research can serve as a model for the creation and application of other new energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Scientific Journal of Agricultural Sciences (SJAS) is the property of Beni Suef University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Agrivoltaics or agrophotovoltaics (APV), which simply describes farming under a canopy of PV panels, has been recently gaining a wider implementation to improve farming yields as well as generate electricity on the same piece of land. The presented study undertakes an economic analysis to justify the implementation of agrivoltaics in a tomato farm. Three research cases are investigated; Case 1 is the control scenario which is just ordinary tomato farming that is used as a baseline. And then there are Cases 2 and 3, which are low‐density and high‐density agrivoltaics, respectively. The farm is irrigated from a borehole using a diesel generator in Case 1 and solar pumps in the Agrivoltaics Cases 2 and 3. The study found that tomato harvest is reduced by a minimum of 16% in agrivoltaics setup. However, this reduced harvest is compensated by the PV output. The payback period has been calculated considering the capital costs of the PV system and other operational costs within the farm, and it is found that Case 2 and Case 3 have 3 years and 3.6 years payback periods, respectively. While on the other hand, ordinary tomato farming is unattractive with a lengthy payback period of 17.5 years. Net present value analysis is also used to determine the profitability of the three scenarios over a 10‐year period, and the agrivoltaics scenarios are calculated to be profitable while ordinary tomato farming is not profitable. Therefore, this study justifies economic investment in agrivoltaics for tomato farming in Botswana.