A Comparative Analysis of the Sustainable Growth of Global Hydro, Solar, and Wind Power Systems (Renewable Energy Systems)

The unfettered reliance on fossil fuels for centuries has pushed the world to the brink of severe environmental crises. While individual studies on renewable energy generation capacity have been conducted, a comprehensive analysis is lacking. This study aims to address this gap by providing a comparative analysis of three major renewable energy sources—hydro, solar, and wind— and their current global utilization statistics. Additionally, it will examine the efficacy of fossil fuels and their detrimental impact on the environment. Global warming and its associated health consequences on the ecosystem are rapidly escalating. Without a complete decarbonization of our energy systems, environmental deterioration is poised to continue at an alarming rate. Fortunately, a plethora of traditional and renewable energy resources exist that have minimal or no environmental impact and have been available for years. However, these resources remain largely untapped. The full potential of RE resources hinges on the development of sustainable technologies to harness their energy to their fullest capacity. This study delves into the current global and regional RE utilization from 2013 to 2022, based on data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) 2023. The focus is limited to the three primary renewable energy sources with the highest harnessing capacity in recent times. Employing appropriate mathematical analyses, the results reveal exponential growth in renewable energy, with an average annual generating capacity of 2353550.7 MW over the past decade. Hydroelectric power, solar power, and wind, among others, have played a significant role in the global penetration of renewable energy systems. The changing dynamics have propelled these RE resources into the spotlight in recent years, owing to their sustainability and environmental friendliness.

Improving the Energy Performance of a High-Pressure Hydraulic Turbine by Researching the Flow in the Flow Part

In this study, the goal is to increase the efficiency of a high-pressure hydraulic turbine. The goal is achieved by numerical flow simulation using CFX-TASCflow. This approach reduces costs and time compared to the experimental approach and allows for improving the turbine productivity and its design. The analysis of energy losses in the flow part of the turbine Fr500, as well as the analysis of the influence of the opening of the guide vanes on changes in energy losses. The results showed that the greatest losses occur in the guide vane 3.02% based on the two-dimensional model and 2.5% based on the 3D model, which significantly affects the efficiency. The analysis was carried out using programs for calculating fluid flow in two-dimensional and three-dimensional formulations. With the help of the study, the main energy problem is solved—increasing efficiency.

Evaluating the characteristics of geological structures in karst groundwater inflow, Nowsud Tunnel

Highly permeable geological structures such as dissolution channels, open fractures, and faults create environmental challenges regard to hydrological and hydrogeological aspects of underground construction, often causing significant groundwater inflow during drilling due to the limitations of empirical and analytical methods. This study aims to identify the geological factors influencing water flow into the tunnel. High-flow zones' geological features have been identified and examined for this purpose. According to the geological complexity of the Nowsud tunnel, presence of different formations with different permeability and karstification have led to a high volume of underground inflow water (up to 4700 L/s) to the tunnel. The Nowsud tunnel faces significant geological and hydrogeological challenges due to its passage through the Ilam formation's LI2 unit, characterized by dissolution channels, faults, and fractures. The highest inflow rate (4700 L/s) occurred in the Hz-9 zone within the Zimkan anticline. The relationship between geological features and groundwater inflow indicates that anticlines are more susceptible to inflow than synclines. Additionally, different types of faults exhibit varying hydraulic effects, with strike-slip faults having the most significant impact on groundwater inflow, thrust faults conducting less water into the tunnel, and inflow through normal faults being negligible compared to the other two types of faults. The novelty of this paper lies in its detailed analysis of geological features influencing groundwater inflow into the Nowsud tunnel, providing empirical data on high-flow zones and differentiating the hydraulic effects of various fault types, which enhances the understanding and prediction of groundwater inflow in underground constructions.

Prediction of Porous Media Fluid Flow with Spatial Heterogeneity Using Criss-Cross Physics-Informed Convolutional Neural Networks

Recent advances in deep neural networks have shed new light on physics,engineering,and scientific computing.Reconciling the data-centered viewpoint with physical simulation is one of the research hotspots.The physicsinformedneural network(PINN)is currently the most general framework,which is more popular due to theconvenience of constructing NNs and excellent generalization ability.The automatic differentiation(AD)-basedPINN model is suitable for the homogeneous scientific problem;however,it is unclear how AD can enforce fluxcontinuity across boundaries between cells of different properties where spatial heterogeneity is represented bygrid cells with different physical properties.In this work,we propose a criss-cross physics-informed convolutionalneural network(CC-PINN)learning architecture,aiming to learn the solution of parametric PDEs with spatialheterogeneity of physical properties.To achieve the seamless enforcement of flux continuity and integration ofphysicalmeaning into CNN,a predefined 2D convolutional layer is proposed to accurately express transmissibilitybetween adjacent cells.The efficacy of the proposedmethodwas evaluated through predictions of several petroleumreservoir problems with spatial heterogeneity and compared against state-of-the-art(PINN)through numericalanalysis as a benchmark,which demonstrated the superiority of the proposed method over the PINN.

Participatory Forest Management and Gender Inclusiveness within the Community Forest Management Groups of Bhutan

Community forest management groups (CFMGs) in Bhutan exhibit participatory forest management practices that recognize the importance of community’s collective participation in the management of natural forest resources. This approach involves the community in the stewardship of designated forest areas and resources to ensure sustainable livelihoods and realization of forest conservation objectives. The increase of CFMGs in the country has been successful. However, research on the extent of gender-inclusive participation in CFMGs is either insufficient or missing vis-à-vis the allocation of decision-making power. Therefore, this study analyzes the factors influencing gender participation in CFMGs and their integration into decision-making processes. Primary data were collected from 12 study sites spanning 4 regions, complemented by secondary data from the Forest Department. Regression models were used to identify factors significantly influencing CFMG member participation in decision-making. The empirical results of this study reveal that gender is a significant factor influencing participation in CFMG decision-making. The study concludes that there is insufficient participation of women members in decision-making processes. Therefore, consideration of gender should be included in the development phase of the CFMG policy in addition to promoting awareness of inequity between gender and the promotion of leadership roles for women in CFMGs.

Spatial and temporal patterns of drought in Zambia

Drought acutely affects economic sectors, natural habitats and communities. Understanding the past spatial and temporal patterns of drought is crucial because it facilitates the forecasting of future drought occurrences and informs decision-making processes for possible adaptive measures. This is especially important in view of a changing climate. This study employed the World Meteorological Organization(WMO)-recommended standardized precipitation index(SPI) to investigate the spatial and temporal patterns of drought in Zambia from 1960 to 2016. The relationship between the occurrence of consecutive dry days(CDD; consecutive days with less than 1 mm of precipitation) and SPI was also investigated. Horizontal wind vectors at 850 hPa during the core of the rainy season(December–February)were examined to ascertain the patterns of flow during years of extreme and severe drought; and these were contrasted with the patterns of flow in 2007, which was a generally wet year. Pressure vertical velocity was also investigated. Based on the gamma distribution, SPI successfully categorized extremely dry(with a SPI value less than or equal to –2.0) years over Zambia as 1992 and 2015, a severely dry(–1.9 to –1.5) year as 1995, moderately dry(–1.4 to –1.0) years as 1972, 1980, 1987, 1999 and 2005, and 26 near normal years(–0.9 to 0.9). The occurrence of CDD was found to be strongly negatively correlated with SPI with a coefficient of –0.6. Further results suggest that, during wet years, Zambia is influenced by a clockwise circulating low-pressure zone over the south-eastern Angola, a second such zone over the northern and eastern parts, and a third over the Indian Ocean. In stark contrast, years of drought were characterized by an anti-clockwise circulating high-pressure zone over the south-western parts of Zambia,constraining precipitation activities over the country. Further, wet years were characterized by negative pressure vertical velocity anomalies, signifying ascending motion; while drought years were dominated by positive anomalies, signifying descending motion, which suppresses precipitation. These patterns can be used to forecast drought over Zambia and aid in strategic planning to limit the potential damage of drought.

Numerical Simulation of Flow over Stepped Spillways with Varying Step-Angle

In the present study,the flow over the stepped spillway was numerically investigated by using Flow3D model.The effect of step angle on different properties of Nappe flow regime such as the water surface profile,location of free-surface aeration inception,Froude number at the spillway’s toe,and pressure,flow velocity,air concentration and cavitation index were evaluated.The realizable k–εwas applied as the turbulence model,and Volume of Fluid(VOF)model was used to determine the free surface flow profiles of the spillway.The model was verified using experimental data.In order to investigate the different characteristics of Nappe flow regime,17 numerical runs was designed,in which,four step angles,four flow discharge were considered to investigate the flow characteristics over the stepped spillway.The results indicated that the numerical model is well suited with the experimental data over the stepped spillway(RMSE=0.147 and ARE=6.9%).In addition,with increasing the step angles,the aeration inception point is generally moved downstream.By increasing the step angles from zero to 10 degrees,the Froude number does not change significantly,however,at the angle of 15 degrees,the Froude number decreases by about 42 percent.

TRACING METHOD OF NATURAL SEDIMENTS BY NEUTRON ACTIVATION

A new method of NAA for sediment movement study is presented in this paper. Through analyzing the natural sediment, the information about natural tracing agents has been obtained, which can show the direction of sediment movement and relative discharge of sediment transportation. Test results in some areas, such as Shantou Harbour and Hangzhou Bay, are in good agreement with those from normal hydrologic measurements and some results are not obtainable with the latter. The NAA is economical, practical and reliable, and should be widely used in engineering practice.

Nitrate contamination in groundwater of Kabul Province,Afghanistan:Reasons behind and conceptual management framework discourse

Groundwater contamination has been on the rise in Afghanistan.It has become a major concern among the policy makers.This paper aims to propose practical options for the management of nitrate contamination in one of Afghanistan’s groundwater polluted provinces,Kabul.The management framework utilized Mann-Kendall and Sen Slope tests to detect nitrate trend and geostatistical analysis option in Arc GIS 10.5 to assess the nitrate change.To explore the impact of various management options,a number of legislative documents were reviewed.The results indicate a decline in the nitrate storage of Kabul aquifers from 108 mg/L in 2005 to 0.044 mg/L in 2010.Considering the whole period of the study,the results show that the nitrate volumes remain lower than the nitrate concentration range proposed by World Health Organization(50 mg/L).Groundwater dynamics in Kabul aquifers were influenced by nitrate derived from precipitation and nitrate input from root zones in agricultural areas.Finally,different management options for groundwater pollution from nitrate and corresponding authorities,incorporated urban,rural and agriculture,were proposed.It is expected that this study will help policy makers to better manage the nitrate storage of Kabul aquifers by implementing the proposed management options.

The Appraisal of the Nyakasura Cave and Waterfall Geosite--＇Amabeere ga Nyina Mwiru＇, Torc Fort Portal Scenic Area, Uganda

The Nyakasura caves and waterfall geosite of stalagmites and stalactites （191,271 m E, 74,776 m N） locally referred to as ＇Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru＇ is part of the Nyakasura--Fort Portal volcanic field and scenic area. The geosite is one of the country＇s most exciting and educative features. This geosite has been long known and several legends about it were written and taught in schools. The site is taken care of by a family of the Rubomboras in whose home is situated and also referred to as the Wonder of Uganda and named Camp Beseri. The other beautiful sites include the landscape, panorama, the calderas, lava domes, water bearing and dry craters, fauna and flora and others viewed from the Kyeganywa hill （192391, 75681; 1,594 m, 00°41＇2.0682＂ N, 30°14＇11.3244＂ E） in Kabarole district. The nation＇s capacity to strengthen geopark development lies in funding the development activities and inviting or attracting geopark expatriates as well as investors. The geopark development is fundamental for harnessing geotourism which is one of the opportunities Uganda has for achieving faster socio-economic transformation as per Uganda＇s Vision 2040.

Effects of electrical resistance on the spontaneous combustion tendency of coal and the interaction matrix concept

There have been several developments in determining the spontaneous combustion liability of coal. Most of the methods of concern have purely been based on the internal properties of the coal itself. The relation between the crossing-point method and the electrical resistance of coal was examined here to outline the spontaneous combustion tendency of coal, The electrical resistance property of coal was looked into as a decision-making parameter of the interaction matrix concept for the final decision on the spontaneous combustion tendency.

Regulating Aspects and Geologic Solutions of the Natural Gas Building Capacities to a Gas Market Model in Albania

Caspian Gas into Balkans over medium to long term becames Albanian case on June 2013 when TAP route was selected. After Albanian National Territory Council approved TAP AG＇s Compound Development Permit, the project should start Construction Phase 1. Existing gas pipeline connections of Albania within the European network via TAP, is highly estimated by energy authorities in both technical and regulating aspects. New pipelines are projected to be build in order to meet local energy consume and seasonal fluctuations, as well as needs of Kosovo and FYROM. Some of important points： determination on the capacity sector building for a due Albanian Gas Market Model, supply options on the future gasification, alternatives of opening underground gas storages in the salt domes of Dumre region and extending pipelines to neighboring countries. By assistance of the Secretariat of Energy Community, MEI starts drafting the new gas law to meet Third Energy Package. TAP project, IAP project, Albania-Kosovo Pipeline, an LNG plant and terminals coastal construction, can contribute on the diversification of gas supply. Underground Gas Storage potentials are geologic solution target, considering the Upper Miocene depleted sandstone gas fields of Divjaka, as well as the Dumre evaporitic deposits diapir of the Upper Triassic.

Study on Deactivation and Regeneration of Modified Red Mud Catalyst Used in Biodiesel Production

Deactivation of solid catalyst often occurs in biodiesel production. In this work, deactivated modified red mud catalysts used in biodiesel production were regenerated with hexane and calcination treatments. The deactivated and regenerated catalysts were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, TG, N2 adsorption, measured for their basic strength, and tested in the transesterification of canola oil. The results revealed that the main cause of the catalyst deactivation is due to obstruction of the active sites by contaminants. The regeneration by washing with hexane followed by calcination can effectively improve the properties of the deactivated catalyst and increase its catalytic activity.

Production characteristics and sweet-spots mapping of the Upper Devonian-Lower Mississippian Bakken Formation tight oil in southeastern Saskatchewan, Canada

A workflow that helps identify potential production sweet spots in the Middle Bakken tight oil play is proposed based on analysis of large amounts of production data. The proposed approach is a multivariate statistical model that extracts relevant information from a training dataset of production wells to facilitate geological similarity comparison between economic and sub-economic production wells. The model is applied to the Middle Bakken tight oil play in southeastern Saskatchewan. Data screening for diagnostic geological indicators for sweet spots reveals that several geological factors indicative for conventional oil reservoirs seem to work for the Middle Bakken tight oil play as well. These factors include: a) the NE Torqunay-Rocanville Trend serving as a preferred regional migration path for connecting mature source rock in southern Williston Basin and the Middle Bakken tight reservoir in southeastern Saskatchewan; b) the oils in the Bakken tight reservoirs along the U.S. and Canada border are more likely from local matured Bakken source rocks; c) subtle structural components enhancing the convergence of dispersed hydrocarbons over a large area; d) top seal and lateral barrier improving preservation, thus favouring oil productivity; e) orientation of maximum horizontal stress coincident with the direction of the variogram spatial continuity in ultimate recoverable reserves, so the direction of horizontal well has a significant impact on the oil productivity.

Antibacterial Activity of Psidium guajava Leaf and Stem Bark Extracts on Selected Bacteria in Ugbokolo, Benue State, Nigeria

Aim: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in researching and developing new antimicrobial agents from various sources to combat microbial resistance. The study was aimed at determining the phytochemical constituents and in vitro antibacterial activity of methanol and aqueous extracts of Psidium guajava leaves and stem bark on Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus sp. in Ugbokolo, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The phytochemical screening of the plant materials for various bioactive components was conducted between July and December, 2019 using standard laboratory techniques. The extracts were purified using column chromatography. The identity of the test isolates were confirmed using morphological characteristics, gram stain, motility and appropriate biochemical tests such as indole, catalase, coagulase, triple sugar iron agar. The susceptibility of the isolates to each bioactive component was determined using the agar well diffusion method. The broth dilution method was employed for the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extracts. Results: The result of the study showed the presence of phenol, tannins, flavonoids and saponins as bioactive compounds. The antibacterial susceptibility of the isolates to aqueous and methanol extracts of leaf and stem bark of Psidium guajava varied significantly (P Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible isolate at 200 mg/ml concentration with average zone of inhibition of 13.05 mm for leaf extract and 15.34 mm for stem bark extract. Proteus sp. is the least susceptible with average zone of inhibition of 8.88 mm for the leaf extract and 12.36 mm for the stem bark extract respectively. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration of aqueous and methanol extract of P. guajava leaf and stem bark showed that dilutions of various concentrations of aqueous and methanol extracts can inhibit and/or kill the isolates. Lower MIC (3.125 mg/ml) was shown by methanol extract than aqueous extract. MBC of methanol extract ranges between 6.25 - 25.0 mg/ml. Statistical analysis of the result showed methanol extract is more effective than aqueous extract while the stem bark of the plant showed higher efficacy than the leaf. Conclusion: The findings of the study imply that the extract of Psidium guajava has shown promising properties against tested microorganisms. Further study of the extract is therefore recommended.

Hydrochemistry of the Mixed Dead Sea-Red Sea Water under Different Impoundment Scenarios as a Time Dependent State

The expected water mixing process between Red/Dead Sea water during the proposed conveyance projects is the main target of this research. The project will ensue transporting Red Sea water to recover and maintain certain level of the Dead Sea, mostly will reach -395 m. It is found that, the two different water bodies with different EC values or different densities (salinities) are relatively divided by stable plane. This plane is defined as the BARZACH PLANE. In this study, the mixing process occurred between the Red Sea with the Dead Sea waters, located at 20% - 24% of the Dead Sea column depth based on the Barzach Plane level. During a laboratory experimental work, it is found that the mixed Red/Dead Sea water evaporates in a high rate until certain level where the solution attains oversaturated conditions with different dissolved solids. At this stage, a thin layer of solids suddenly formed and floated at the surface of the dense brine. The salinity of the captured water is so dense that floated salt layer cannot be dissolved. In addition, the formed floated salt layer at the surface prevents the below captured water to evaporate and at this stage, stalactites start to form until the excess dissolved solids are not oversaturated with any mineral.

The Economic and Environmental Impacts of Constructing Hydro Power Plants in Turkey:A Dynamic CGE Analysis(2004-2020)

Since Turkey’s economy and population is rapidly growing, Turkey mostly meets its energy demand from imported fossil sources due to the very limited indigenous oil and natural gas resources. However, Turkey has abundant renewable resources especially, hydro power potential to be used for generation of electricity. But only one-third of this significant economical potential could be used. This usage seems insufficient when compared with that of European countries. In order to analyze the potential long term impacts of the hydro power expanding shock on some macroeconomic variables of interest such as GDP, real consumption, real investment, exports, imports, trade balance, and carbon emissions, we developed TurGEM-D, a dynamic multisectoral general equilibrium model of the Turkish economy. Using TurGEM-D, we analyzed the impact of hydro power shock under policy scenario doubling hydro power generation. The simulation results show that doubling hydro power have slightly positive effects on macro indicators and carbon emissions for Turkish economy.

Geological and Engineering Properties of Granite Rocks from Aqaba Area, South Jordan

Jordanian granitic rocks (JG) are highly distributed and available in huge quantities in south Jordan, Aqaba area. Granite in south Jordan (JG) is belonging to Aqaba granite complex. This study has been carried out to investigate geological and engineering properties of JG from Aqaba vicinity, south Jordan, in addition to identify and classify the different granitic rocks. 27 random samples of JG were collected from different quarries in three locations from the study area to investigate their characterization. Engineering properties of JG were tested and investigated using ultra sonic velocity test, abrasion test, flexural strength, specific gravity test, and compressive strength test. Engineering tests results show that JG has metal disk abrasion less than 21 mm, flexural strength of 16.9 Mpa, average dry specific gravity of 2.69 and very low absorption while the compressive strength results range between 60 to 90 Mpa. The results show that the engineering characterization of JG is complying with local and international specifications and standards used for classifying the decorative and building granite stones.

基于ArcGIS建模器的数据处理模型在摩洛哥地球化学填图中的应用

随着我国一带一路战略部署的推进,我国在一带一路相关国家承担的地质调查任务也在逐步增加。地球化学填图由于其可靠性高、精度好、进度可控等原因,往往是国外地质调查工作的重要一环。地球化学调查工作主要环节包括野外样本采集、样本分析、数据处理及成图等。由于数据处理及成图决定了地球化学填图工作中地球化学异常的圈定及地球化学分布的判定,其模型和方法的研究越来越受到地质科学家的重视,并成为地球化学填图工作中的重要一环。设计了基于ArcGIS建模器的数据处理模型,并将其用于地球化学数据处理。该模型不仅实现了从地球化学采样数据分析到地球化学成图的自动化,而且模型可以在科研人员和生产人员之间共享。模型实现了地球化学填图工作中的以下主要功能:(1)地球化学各元素含量数据的批量插值;(2)元素的分类及异常提取;(3)用栅格数据表示的元素含量数据转换为矢量的等值线/面并平滑。该模型已成功应用于中国商务部援摩洛哥东阿特拉斯山地区1∶10万低密度地球化学填图项目,应用于包含3个工作区45种元素共7 974个地球化学样品的数据处理。成功地解决了项目有效工期短、数据分析任务重、输出图件质量要求高等问题,充分显示了模型的高效实用性,可望在未来地质调查工作中发挥巨大作用。

Quantitative hazard assessment for Zonguldak Coal Basin underground mines

Underground coal mining is one of the most dangerous occupations throughout the world.The reasons behind an underground occupational accident are too complex to analyze mainly due to many uncertainties which may arise from geological,operational conditions of the mine or individual characteristics of employees.This study proposes implementing a quantitative methodology for the analysis and assessment of hazards associated with occupational accidents.The application of the proposed approach is performed on the mines of Turkish Hard Coal Enterprises(TTK).The accidents in TTK between the years 2000 and 2014 are firstly statistically analyzed with respect to the number,type and location of accidents,age,experience,education level and main duty of the casualties and also injuries resulting from such accidents.The hazards are classified as individual,operational and locational hazards and quantified using contingency tables,conditional and total probability theorems.Lower and upper boundaries of hazards are determined and event trees for each hazard class are prepared.Total hazard evaluation results show that Armutcuk,Karadon and Uzulmez mines have relatively high hazard levels while Amasra and Kozlu mines have relatively lower hazard values.