Analysis of the Stakeholder Engagement in the Deployment of Renewables and Smart Grid Technologies

The implementation of higher shares of renewables in a global energy mix has to be accompanied by simultaneous deployment of enabling smart grid technologies （SGTs）. This combination will inevitably lead to a revolutionary change in a conventional energy system, particularly, the shifting role of consumers to prosnmers. But resistance may arise from such a dramatic shift, since it is associated with high uncertainty in conjunction with increasing responsibilities of all stakeholders, the urgent need of effective control, and the development of a process. To ensure the positive influence, coherent actions of all players, and appropriate treatment of the spots of resistance, the analysis of the interplay between key stakeholders has been done. The paper introduces the framework for stakeholders＇ analysis, applies it on the European Union （EU） example, and provides recommendations to reduce the resistance of SGTs deployment.

Optimal FOPID Controllers for LFC Including Renewables by Bald Eagle Optimizer

In this study,a bald eagle optimizer(BEO)is used to get optimal parameters of the fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative(FOPID)controller for load frequency control(LFC).SinceBEOtakes only a very short time in finding the optimal solution,it is selected for designing the FOPID controller that improves the system stability and maintains the frequency within a satisfactory range at different loads.Simulations and demonstrations are carried out using MATLAB-R2020b.The performance of the BEOFOPID controller is evaluated using a two-zone interlinked power system at different loads and under uncertainty of wind and solar energies.The robustness of the BEO-FOPID controller is examined by testing its performance under varying system time constants.The results obtained by the BEOFOPID controller are compared with those obtained by BEO-PID and PID controllers based on recent metaheuristics optimization algorithms,namely the sine-cosine approach,Jaya approach,grey wolf optimizer,genetic algorithm,bacteria foraging optimizer,and equilibrium optimization algorithm.The results confirm that the BEO-FOPID controller obtains the finest result,with the lowest frequency deviation.The results also confirm that the BEOFOPID controller is stable and robust at different loads,under varying system time constants,and under uncertainty of wind and solar energies.

Hydropower Energy Source Combining with Other Renewables in the Teritory of Kosova

With the continuous growing of population and the economical needs in the Balkan region, as in the whole world, the needfor new energy resources is getting more reasonable than ever. Considering the nowadays exponential growth in development of therenewable energy sources, in this paper, a comparison of the hydropower energy capacities with the wind and solar energy sources,in the territory of Kosova is generally presented. Today, the territory of Kosova, has 1,513 MW installed capacity of electricity,which is generated from two thermo-power plants KOSOVA A and KOSOVA B. This energy generation capacity is proved to beinsufficient for meeting the entire electricity needs of the 2 million population and the overall economical development. In this paper,a specific attention is given to the electricity generation by the renewable energy sources as the wind and hydropower. A specificemphasis is given to the combination of hydropower with wind power, in Kosova, as a optimal solution for the generation of therenewable energy sources. In this paper, a concrete idea for combining the ZHUR hydro-powerplant system with the numerous windturbines is given, which could be placed in the near zone of this hydropower-plant. In combination, these electricity regeneratorswould promise a more reliable energy source, and contribute to the fulfilment of the overall electricity requirements of Kosova.

Economic potentials of energy storage technologies in electricity markets with renewables

The increasing penetration of renewables in power systems urgently entails the utilization of energy storage technologies.As the development of energy storage technologies depends highly on the profitability in electricity markets,to evaluate the economic potentials for various types of energy storage technologies under the compre-hensive market environment is of great significance.To this end,this study aims at conducting a quantitative analysis on the economic potentials for typical energy storage technologies by establishing a joint clearing model for electric energy and ancillary service(AS)markets considering the operating features of energy storage systems(ESSs).Furthermore,a test system is adopted for numerical analysis that accurately represents for the real-world operation characteristics of power systems in China,with which the market prices,and operation schedules and profitability of ESSs are comparatively studied.The proposed methodology and results could provide benefi-cial references for the modifications on electricity markets and the development of ESSs towards the increasing penetration of renewables in power systems.

Automatic Generation Control with Virtual Synchronous Renewables

As synchronous generators(SGs)are gradually displaced by renewable energy sources(RESs),the frequency stability of power systems deteriorates because RESs,represented by utility-scale solar and wind power sources,do not provide the inertial response,primary frequency response,secondary frequency response,and tertiary frequency regulation.As a result,the remaining SGs may not be sufficient to maintain the power balance and frequency stability.The concept and control strategies of virtual synchronous generators(VSGs)enable the inverter-based wind and solar power sources to emulate the outer characteristics of traditional SGs and participate in the active power and frequency control of power systems.This paper focuses on the automatic generation control(AGC)with virtual synchronous renewables(VSRs).First,the VSR strategy that enables the RESs to participate in AGC is introduced.Second,based on the interval representation of uncertainty,the output of RES is transformed into two portions,i.e.,the dispatchable portion and the stochastic portion.In the dispatchable portion,the RESs can participate in AGC jointly with SGs.Accordingly,a security-constrained economic dispatch(SCED)model is built considering the RESs operating in VSR mode.Third,the solution strategy that employs the slack variables to acquire deterministic constraints is introduced.Finally,the proposed SCED model is solved based on the 6-bus and 39-bus systems.The results show that,compared with the maximum power point tracking(MPPT)mode,VSRs can participate in the active power and frequency control jointly with SGs,increase the maximum penetration level of RESs,and decrease the operating cost.

Electricity as an Energy Vector: A Performance Comparison with Hydrogen and Biodiesel in Italy

This study presents a comparative analysis of electricity, hydrogen, and biodiesel as energy vectors, with a focus on powering an aluminum smelter in southern Italy. It evaluates these vectors in terms of efficiency, land requirements for carbon-neutral energy production, and capital expenditure, providing insights throughout the entire supply chain (upstream, midstream, and downstream) into their feasibility for industrial applications. The research reveals that biodiesel, despite being carbon neutral, is impractical due to extensive land requirements and lower efficiency if compared to other vectors. Hydrogen, downstream explored in two forms as thermal power generation and fuel cell technology, shows lower efficiency and higher capital expenditure compared to electricity. Additionally, green hydrogen production’s land requirements significantly exceed those of electricity-based systems. Electricity emerges as the most viable option, offering an overall higher efficiency, lower land requirements for its green production, and comparatively lower capital expenditure. The study’s findings highlight the importance of a holistic assessment of energy vectors, considering economic, environmental, and practical aspects along the entire energy supply chain, especially in industrial applications where the balance of these factors is crucial for long-term sustainability and feasibility. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable guidance for similar industrial applications, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in the selection of energy vectors.

Experimental Investigation of the Stability of the Performance Characteristics of a Photovoltaic Module in the Face of Environmental and Meteorological Factors

The explosive technological improvement of photovoltaic systems as well as the necessity of populations to come to less expensive energy sources, that have led to an implosion at the level of solar panel manufacturers. This causes a large flow of these equipments to developing countries where the need is high, without any quality control. That conducted an experimental investigation on the performance characteristics of a 250 wp monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic module in other to check the verification and quality control. Most of these PV panels which often have missing informations are manufactured and tested in places that are inadequate for our environmental and meteorological conditions. Also, their influences on the stability of internal parameters were evaluated in order to optimize their performance. The results obtained at maximum illumination (1000 w/m2) confirmed those produced by the manufacturer. The analysis of these characteristics showed that the illumination and the temperature (meteorological factors) influenced at most the stability of the internal characteristics of the module in the sense that the maximum power increased very rapidly beyond 750 w/m2 but a degradation of performance was accentuated for a temperature of the solar cells exceeding 50°C. The degradation coefficients were evaluated at -0.0864 V/°C for the voltage and at -1.6248 w/°C for the power. The 10° inclination angle of the solar panel proved to be ideal for optimizing overall efficiency in practical situations.

Successful Large-scale Renewables Integration in Portugal:Technology and Intelligent Tools

Portugal is seen worldwide as a case of success in the large-scale integration of renewables in its power system,especially for wind power.Consistent policies and sound management decisions are fundamental,but a sustainable process is not possible without the development of endogenous knowledge.This paper summarizes a set of models,both applied by the industry and representing actual technologic advancement,denoting the context of research and innovation in the country that helps to explain such success.Novelties arise in reliability assessment for systems with renewables,active and reactive power control,integration of wind farms,storage,electric vehicle integration,wind and solar power forecasting and distribution operation and state estimation taking advantage of smart grid structures.In all cases,one relevant trait is evident:the pervasive use of computational intelligence tools.

Optimal Operation of Energy Hub Based Micro-energy Network with Integration of Renewables and Energy Storages

This study proposes an optimized model of a micro-energy network(MEN)that includes electricity and natural gas with integrated solar,wind,and energy storage systems(ESSs).The proposed model is based on energy hubs(EHs)and it aims to minimize operation costs and greenhouse emissions.The research is motivated by the increasing use of renewable energies and ESSs for secure energy supply while reducing operation costs and environment effects.A general algebraic modeling system(GAMS)is used to solve the optimal operation problem in the MEN.The results demonstrate that an optimal MEN formed by multiple EHs can provide appropriate and flexible responses to fluctuations in electricity prices and adjustments between time periods and seasons.It also yields significant reductions in operation costs and emissions.The proposed model can contribute to future research by providing a more efficient network model(as compared with the traditional electricity supply system)to scale down the environmental and economic impacts of electricity storage and supply systems on MEN operation.

Improved combustion stability of biogas at different CO_(2) concentrations using inhomogeneous partially premixed stratified flames

Biogas is a renewable and clean energy source that plays an important role in the current environment of lowcarbon transition.If high-content CO_(2) in biogas can be separated,transformed,and utilized,it not only realizes high-value utilization of biogas but also promotes carbon reduction in the biogas field.To improve the combustion stability of biogas,an inhomogeneous,partially premixed stratified(IPPS)combustion model was adopted in this study.The thermal flame structure and stability were investigated for a wide range of mixture inhomogeneities,turbulence levels,CO_(2) concentrations,air-to-fuel velocity ratios,and combustion energies in a concentric flow slot burner(CFSB).A fine-wire thermocouple is used to resolve the thermal flame structure.The flame size was reduced by increasing the CO_(2) concentration and the flames became lighter blue.The flame temperature also decreased with increase in CO_(2) concentration.Flame stability was reduced by increasing the CO_(2) concentration.However,at a certain level of mixture inhomogeneity,the concentration of CO_(2) in the IPPS mode did not affect the stability.Accordingly,the IPPS mode of combustion should be suitable for the combustion and stabilization of biogas.This should support the design of highly stabilized biogas turbulent flames independent of CO_(2) concentration.The data show that the lower stability conditions are partially due to the change in fuel combustion energy,which is characterized by the Wobbe index(WI).In addition,at a certain level of mixture inhomogeneity,the effect of the WI on flame stability becomes dominant.

Lipase and photodecarboxylase coexpression: A potential strategy for alkane-based biodiesel production from natural triglycerides

Alkane-based biodiesel is considered the next generation of biodiesel owing to its potential environmental benefits and the fact that it exhibits much higher specific caloric values than traditional biodiesel.However,the formidable obstacle impeding the commercialization of this cutting-edge fuel alternative lies in the cost associated with its production.In this study,an engineered strain Escherichia coli(E.coli)showcasing harmonized coexpression of a lipase(from Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase,TLL)and a fatty acid photodecarboxylase(from Chlorella variabilis,CvFAP)was first constructed to transform triglycerides into alkanes.The potential of E.coli BL21(DE3)/pRSFDuet-1-TLL-CvFAP for alkane synthesis was evaluated with tripalmitin as a model substrate under various process conditions.Following a comprehensive examination of the reaction parameters,the scope of the biotransformation was expanded to‘real’substrates(vegetable oils).The results showed that bioderived oils can be transformed into alkanes with high yields(0.80-10.20 mmol·L^(-1))under mild conditions(35℃,pH 8.0,and 36 h)and blue light illumination.The selected processes were performed on an increased lab scale(up to 100 ml)with up to 24.77 mmol·L^(-1) tripalmitin,leading to a yield of 18.89 mmol·L^(-1) pentadecane.With the employment of a method for efficiently producing alkanes under mild conditions and a simple procedure to isolate alkanes from the reaction system,the utilization of sustainable biomass as a fundamental feedstock emerges as the primary solution to lower the cost of alkane-based biodiesel.Thus,this study proposes a readily implementable and highly effective approach for alkane-based biodiesel production.

Review on inorganic and polymeric materials-coordinated metal-organic-framework photocatalysts for green hydrogen evolution

Metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)possess a distinct advantage over conventional heterogeneous photocatalysts because of their carefully defined architecture and particular pores,which facilitate the targeted incorporation of other efficient cocatalysts or semiconductor materials.The integration of MOFs with other materials has resulted in significant breakthroughs,as the coupled materials improve the performance due to the combined effect.The unique MOF structures allow them to host foreign materials,which results in harvesting the visible region of the solar spectrum and effectively mitigating charge recombination by promoting charge separation.The review presents an evaluation of the latest developments in the utilization of surface and/or pore chemistry of MOF-supported heterojunctions for photocatalytic green-hydrogen generation with a basic understanding of the mechanism involved.The review begins with the basic principles of photocatalysis,the significance of MOFs,their optical properties,the methods used for synthesizing MOFs,and their coordination with other inorganic and polymeric materials.Furthermore,methods to increase photocatalytic H2 evolution using MOF-supported heterojunction have been proposed as standard practice.Lastly,to address environmental challenges,we highlight the future potential of MOF-supported heterojunctions for use in green-energy production.We hope that this review provides guidance to researchers in the development of effective heterojunctions based on MOFs to address challenges in energy applications and catalytic processes.

Enhancing Renewable Energy Integration:A Gaussian-Bare-Bones Levy Cheetah Optimization Approach to Optimal Power Flow in Electrical Networks

In the contemporary era,the global expansion of electrical grids is propelled by various renewable energy sources(RESs).Efficient integration of stochastic RESs and optimal power flow(OPF)management are critical for network optimization.This study introduces an innovative solution,the Gaussian Bare-Bones Levy Cheetah Optimizer(GBBLCO),addressing OPF challenges in power generation systems with stochastic RESs.The primary objective is to minimize the total operating costs of RESs,considering four functions:overall operating costs,voltage deviation management,emissions reduction,voltage stability index(VSI)and power loss mitigation.Additionally,a carbon tax is included in the objective function to reduce carbon emissions.Thorough scrutiny,using modified IEEE 30-bus and IEEE 118-bus systems,validates GBBLCO’s superior performance in achieving optimal solutions.Simulation results demonstrate GBBLCO’s efficacy in six optimization scenarios:total cost with valve point effects,total cost with emission and carbon tax,total cost with prohibited operating zones,active power loss optimization,voltage deviation optimization and enhancing voltage stability index(VSI).GBBLCO outperforms conventional techniques in each scenario,showcasing rapid convergence and superior solution quality.Notably,GBBLCO navigates complexities introduced by valve point effects,adapts to environmental constraints,optimizes costs while considering prohibited operating zones,minimizes active power losses,and optimizes voltage deviation by enhancing the voltage stability index(VSI)effectively.This research significantly contributes to advancing OPF,emphasizing GBBLCO’s improved global search capabilities and ability to address challenges related to local minima.GBBLCO emerges as a versatile and robust optimization tool for diverse challenges in power systems,offering a promising solution for the evolving needs of renewable energy-integrated power grids.

Investigating and predicting the role of photovoltaic, wind, and hydrogen energies in sustainable global energy evolution

The global shift toward next-generation energy systems is propelled by the urgent need to combat climate change and the dwindling supply of fossil fuels.This review explores the intricate challenges and opportunities for transitioning to sustainable renewable energy sources such as solar,wind,and hydrogen.This transition economically challenges traditional energy sectors while fostering new industries,promoting job growth,and sustainable economic development.The transition to renewable energy demands social equity,ensuring universal access to affordable energy,and considering community impact.The environmental benefits include a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a lesser ecological footprint.This study highlights the rapid growth of the global wind power market,which is projected to increase from$112.23 billion in 2022 to$278.43 billion by 2030,with a compound annual growth rate of 13.67%.In addition,the demand for hydrogen is expected to increase,significantly impacting the market with potential cost reductions and making it a critical renewable energy source owing to its affordability and zero emissions.By 2028,renewables are predicted to account for 42%of global electricity generation,with significant contributions from wind and solar photovoltaic(PV)technology,particularly in China,the European Union,the United States,and India.These developments signify a global commitment to diversifying energy sources,reducing emissions,and moving toward cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.This review offers stakeholders the insights required to smoothly transition to sustainable energy,setting the stage for a resilient future.

Regional economic assessment of a novel place-based model for sustainable food systems

Several actions from both the environmental and human viewpoints have already been made to meet the sustainability goals targeted at food systems.Still,new place-based ideas to improve sustainability are needed.Agroecological symbiosis(AES),a novel food system model,is an example of a suggested system-level change to attain sustainability targets;it is a symbiosis of food production and processing using renewable energy that uses its own feedstock.AES has already been found advantageous from the ecological and biophysical viewpoints,but a regional economic evaluation of the model is still lacking.Thus,the aim of our paper is to assess the regional economic impact of a possible systemic change in the food system using the network of agroecological symbiosis(NAES)as an example.We applied scenarios representing different ways of moving towards envisioned NAES models in Mäntsälä,Finland,and a computable general equilibrium model to evaluate the regional economic impact.According to our results,both regional economy and employment would increase,and the regional production base would diversify with NAES implementation applied to the region,but the extent of the benefits varies between scenarios.The scenario that includes change in both public and private food demand,production of bioenergy and utilization of by-products would cause the largest impacts.However,realizing NAES requires investments that may influence the actual implementation of such models.Nonetheless,a change towards NAES can promote an economically and spatially just transition to sustainability,as NAES seems to be economically most beneficial for rural areas.

Enhancing Green Ammonia Electrosynthesis Through Tuning Sn Vacancies in Sn‑Based MXene/ MAX Hybrids

Renewable energy driven N_(2) electroreduction with air as nitrogen source holds great promise for realizing scalable green ammonia production.However,relevant out-lab research is still in its infancy.Herein,a novel Sn-based MXene/MAX hybrid with abundant Sn vacancies,Sn@Ti_(2)CTX/Ti_(2)SnC–V,was synthesized by controlled etching Sn@Ti_(2)SnC MAX phase and demonstrated as an efficient electrocatalyst for electrocatalytic N2 reduction.Due to the synergistic effect of MXene/MAX heterostructure,the existence of Sn vacancies and the highly dispersed Sn active sites,the obtained Sn@Ti2CTX/Ti_(2)SnC–V exhibits an optimal NH_(3) yield of 28.4μg h^(−1) mg_(cat)^(−1) with an excellent FE of 15.57% at−0.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.1 M Na_(2)SO_(4),as well as an ultra-long durability.Noticeably,this catalyst represents a satisfactory NH3 yield rate of 10.53μg h^(−1) mg^(−1) in the home-made simulation device,where commercial electrochemical photovoltaic cell was employed as power source,air and ultrapure water as feed stock.The as-proposed strategy represents great potential toward ammonia production in terms of financial cost according to the systematic technical economic analysis.This work is of significance for large-scale green ammonia production.

Study on green power supply modes for heavy load in Remote Areas

In this study,the present situation and characteristics of power supply in remote areas are summarized.By studying the cases of power supply projects in remote areas,the experience is analyzed and described,and the applicability of related technologies,such as grid-forming storage and power load management,is studied,including grid-connection technologies,such as grid-forming converters and power load management.On this basis,three power-supply modes were proposed.The application scenarios and advantages of the three modes were compared and analyzed.Based on the local development situation,the temporal sequences of the three schemes are described,and a case study was conducted.The study of the heavy-load power supply mode in remote areas contributes to solving the problem of heavy-load green power consumption in remote areas and promoting the further development of renewable energy.

A coordinated operation method of wind-PV-hydrogenstorage multi-agent energy system

Wind-photovoltaic(PV)-hydrogen-storage multi-agent energy systems are expected to play an important role in promoting renewable power utilization and decarbonization.In this study,a coordinated operation method was proposed for a wind-PVhydrogen-storage multi-agent energy system.First,a coordinated operation model was formulated for each agent considering peer-to-peer power trading.Second,a coordinated operation interactive framework for a multi-agent energy system was proposed based on the theory of the alternating direction method of multipliers.Third,a distributed interactive algorithm was proposed to protect the privacy of each agent and solve coordinated operation strategies.Finally,the effectiveness of the proposed coordinated operation method was tested on multi-agent energy systems with different structures,and the operational revenues of the wind power,PV,hydrogen,and energy storage agents of the proposed coordinated operation model were improved by approximately 59.19%,233.28%,16.75%,and 145.56%,respectively,compared with the independent operation model.

Virtual Power Plants for Grid Resilience: A Concise Overview of Research and Applications

The power grid is undergoing a transformation from synchronous generators(SGs) toward inverter-based resources(IBRs). The stochasticity, asynchronicity, and limited-inertia characteristics of IBRs bring about challenges to grid resilience. Virtual power plants(VPPs) are emerging technologies to improve the grid resilience and advance the transformation. By judiciously aggregating geographically distributed energy resources(DERs) as individual electrical entities, VPPs can provide capacity and ancillary services to grid operations and participate in electricity wholesale markets. This paper aims to provide a concise overview of the concept and development of VPPs and the latest progresses in VPP operation, with the focus on VPP scheduling and control. Based on this overview, we identify a few potential challenges in VPP operation and discuss the opportunities of integrating the multi-agent system(MAS)-based strategy into the VPP operation to enhance its scalability, performance and resilience.

Renewable Polymers in Biomedical Applications:From the Bench to the Market

Polymers from renewable resources have been used for a long time in biomedical applications and found an irreplaceable role in some of them.Their uses have been increasing because of their attractive properties,contributing to the improvement of life quality,mainly in drug release systems and in regenerative medicine.Formulations using natural polymer,nano and microscale particles preparation,composites,blends and chemical modification strategies have been used to improve their properties for clinical application.Although many studies have been carried out with these natural polymers,the way to reach the market is long and only very few of them become commercially available.Vegetable cellulose,bacterial cellulose,chitosan,poly(lactic acid)and starch can be found among the most studied polymers for biological applications,some with several derivatives already established in the market,and others with potential for such.In this scenario this work aims to describe the properties and potential of these renewable polymers for biomedical applications,the routes from the bench to the market,and the perspectives for future developments.