Trends in Renewable Energy
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Virtual Topologies for Populating Overhead Low-Voltage Broadband over Powerlines Topology Classes by Exploiting Neural Network Topology Generator Methodology (NNTGM) - Part 1: Theory
Get PDFBased on a set of indicative overhead low voltage broadband over power lines (OV LV BPL) topologies of respective OV LV BPL topology classes, Neural Network Topology Generator Methodology (NNTGM) is theoretically proposed in this paper, so that its generated OV LV BPL topologies (NNTGM OV LV BPL topologies) can populate the OV LV BPL topology classes. Given the indicative topology of the OV LV BPL topology class, the NNTGM OV LV BPL topologies can be statistically familiar with the corresponding indicative OV LV BPL topology in terms of the theoretical channel attenuation behavior. Actually, NNTGM is based on the reverse procedure of the Neural Network Identification Methodology for the distribution line and branch Line Length Approximation (NNIM-LLA); say, NNTGM generates theoretical channel attenuation behaviors given the number of branches, the distribution line lengths and the branch line lengths, when appropriate NNTGM default operation settings are assumed. The statistical familiarity between the examined indicative OV LV BPL topology and an NNTGM OV LV BPL topology is examined after the application of appropriate channel attenuation metrics. On the basis of the channel attenuation metrics, class maps are theoretically defined so that the relative positions of indicative OV LV BPL topologies and their respective NNTGM OV LV BPL topologies (NNTGM virtual topologies) can be further studied.Citation: Lazaropoulos, A. (2024). Virtual Topologies for Populating Overhead Low-Voltage Broadband over Powerlines Topology Classes by Exploiting Neural Network Topology Generator Methodology (NNTGM) - Part 1: Theory. Trends in Renewable Energy, 10(3), 301-314. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2024.10.3.0018
Mechanical Study of a Solar Central Air Conditioning Duct Cleaning Robot
Get PDFWith the rapid economic development and the depletion of fossil fuels, the use of renewable energy such as solar energy can help alleviate energy supply pressure and carbon emissions. There have been many studies on solar energy powered robots. In this paper, a solar-powered duct-cleaning robot is used as the basis for the design of its mechanism. The robot is designed to clean vertical ducts with a length of 5~10 meters, a width of more than 400 mm and a height of 500~800 mm. The design of the robot is based on four aspects: solar energy, drive, camera and cleaning device. AutoCAD was used for 2D drawing of each part, while SolidWorks was used for modeling and assembling the parts of the vertical duct cleaning robot. The solar duct cleaning robot is characterized by high adaptability, low cost, and smooth and fast movement within the allowed size range.Citation: Sun, L. (2024). Mechanical Study of a Solar Central Air Conditioning Duct Cleaning Robot. Trends in Renewable Energy, 10(2), 239-256. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2024.10.2.0017
Effect of Compression Ratio on the Performance of Direct-Injection Hydrogen Engines
Get PDFDirect injection of hydrogen into the cylinder can avoid abnormal combustion such as backfire, and the hydrogen engine can operate in a wider range of excess air coefficient. However, direct injection hydrogen engines still have problems such as high NOx emissions under high load conditions, reduced power output due to lean combustion, and low thermal efficiency. This paper adopts a variable compression ratio structural design to study the impact of compression ratio changes on the comprehensive performance of direct injection hydrogen engines. The results show that under the same working conditions, as the engine compression ratio increases, the turbulence in the engine cylinder becomes more intense, increasing the back pressure in the cylinder, inhibiting the diffusion of hydrogen, making the hydrogen distribution more concentrated and the combustion conditions in the cylinder better. The overall performance of the engine is significantly improved. Citation: Xu, Z. (2024). Effect of compression ratio on the performance of direct-injection hydrogen engines. Trends in Renewable Energy, 10(3), 283-300. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2024.10.3.0017
Trend and Variations of Surface Air Temperatures across Selected Eco-Climatic Zones in Nigeria
Get PDFThe trends and variability in surface air temperatures over selected eco-climatic zones in Nigeria were assessed using Merra-2 datasets from 1981 to2018. A total of 15 stations spread across the eco-climatic zones in Nigeria were used for this study. The Mann-Kendall, linear trend and Sen’s slope trend test, time series plots and descriptive statistics were used. The coefficients of variability of surface air maximum temperature showed low variability for the Mangrove-swamp rainforest and moderate variability for the Guinea-wooded, Sudan and Sahel savannas. Similarly, the coefficients of variability of surface air minimum temperature showed moderate variability for all the selected eco-climatic zones. The M-K trend test showed that 14 stations had upward trends and 1 downward trend, with 13 stations having statistically significant trend in air surface maximum temperature. All the stations had statistically significant upward trends in air surface minimum temperature. The average increase in maximum and minimum air surface temperatures is estimated to be about 0.035°C and 0.036°C per year, respectively. For Nigeria, the average air surface temperature is estimated to increase by about 0.036°C per year, and the average air surface temperature is estimated to have increased by about 1.4°C over the 38 years. This study then gives a linear trend projection of about 4.3°C increase in estimated mean air surface temperature by year 2100 in Nigeria.Citation: King, L., Udo, S., Ewona, I., Amadi, S., Ebong, E., & Emeka, C. (2024). Trend and Variations of Surface Air Temperatures across Selected Eco-Climatic Zones in Nigeria. Trends in Renewable Energy, 10(2), 170-209. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2024.10.2.0017
A Review of Nanofluid Boiling Heat Transfer and Its Applications in Heat Pipes
Get PDFNanofluid is a new type of heat transfer medium formed by adding metal or non-metal in liquid medium in a certain proportion and manner, which has many advantages over the traditional working fluid. Combining heat pipes with nanofluids and using nanofluids as the working material of heat pipes can reduce thermal resistance and effectively improve the heat transfer performance of heat pipes. This paper provides a relevant overview of heat pipes and nanofluids, and introduces the relevant classifications of heat pipes, the working principle and the relevant research on nanofluid-enhanced boiling heat transfer. It conducts a literature review on the application of nanofluids in heat pipes, and finally proposes possible future research directions.Citation: Wang, X., & Li, Y. (2024). A Review of Nanofluid Boiling Heat Transfer and Its Applications in Heat Pipes. Trends in Renewable Energy, 10(2), 210-228. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2024.10.2.0017
From Policy to Practice: Evaluating the Role of Private-Sector Champions Like Elon Musk in Shaping Trump's 2.0 Climate Agenda
Get PDFThis paper explores the prospective influence of private-sector leaders, particularly Elon Musk, on the formulation of climate and energy policy in a possible second term of President Donald Trump. Historically, the goals of the Trump administration have been viewed as opposed to environmental advocacy; yet, this analysis explores the potential for public-private partnerships that reconcile economic objectives with climate-positive results. Musk's enterprises—Tesla, SpaceX, and SolarCity—are transforming clean energy, and his impact on federal climate policies may initiate a new phase of environmentally sustainable economic development within conservative administration. This study analyzes case studies where Musk has collaborated with public authorities to tackle environmental and energy issues, highlighting practical strategies for partnership. Potential synergies are seen in sectors including renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, and sustainability-oriented manufacturing, underscoring their alignment with Trump's economic plan. Additionally, the article examines the policy mechanisms—tax incentives, regulatory reforms, and investments in clean technology—that may encourage private sector participation in a nationally endorsed climate agenda. This article advocates for a worldview in which leaders like Musk advance environmental progress by harmonizing innovation with conservative regulatory frameworks while preserving traditional economic objectives. Ultimately, it advocates for a revolutionary public-private partnership paradigm that utilizes private sector expertise to tackle climate challenges. This viewpoint enhances the current dialogue on sustainable development and the changing function of private enterprises in public policy, proposing a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship coexist within U.S. federal climate policy.Citation: Nwokolo, S. (2024). From Policy to Practice: Evaluating the Role of Private-Sector Champions Like Elon Musk in Shaping Trump's 2.0 Climate Agenda. Trends in Renewable Energy, 11(1), 122-154. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2025.11.1.0019
Climate Risks and Economic Consequences of Rising Global CO2 Emissions in Aviation, Shipping, and Heavy-Duty Transport
Get PDFThis study examines methods to lessen the environmental consequences of global CO2 emissions from the hard-to-abate transport sector. The paper analyzed historical and projected trends in global CO2 emissions from the hard-to-abate transport industry under two scenarios: the stated policy scenario (STEPS) and the announced pledged scenario (APS). The study covered the historical period from 2010 to 2022 and projected emissions up to 2050. The analysis revealed that the compound annual growth rate (CAAGR) of STEP exceeded that of APS in 2030 and 2050 for challenging emissions from heavy- duty vehicles, aircraft, and shipping when compared to the baseline year of 2022. The aviation industry has a higher CAAGR of 5.3% and 2.5% for 2030 and 2050, respectively, compared to heavy-duty vehicles at 1.6% and 0.9% for 2030 and 2050, respectively, and shipping at 0.7% and 0.9% for 2030 and 2050, respectively, under STEPS. Under the APS scenario, shipping showed a negative CAAGR of -0.8% and -2.8% for 2030 and 2050, respectively, and 0.4% and -1.8% for 2030 and 2050, respectively, for heavy-duty trucks. In comparison, the aviation industry had CAAGRs of 4.5% and 0.8% for 2030 and 2050, respectively. The data shows that the aviation industry is expected to see a far greater CAAGR in emissions than heavy-duty vehicles and shipping in both STEPS and APS scenarios. Targeted efforts are necessary to mitigate the environmental effects of air travel in the upcoming decades. The paper also examined 56 publicly traded international transportation companies and their corresponding carbon emission targets. Only seven companies, or 12.5%, have established goals for reducing emissions from 2023 to 2050; 10 companies, accounting for 17.9%, have committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 to 2060; five corporations, representing 8.9%, have set targets for reducing emission intensity from 2025 to 2034; and 34 global corporations, making up 60.7%, have committed to achieving net zero emissions between 2040 and 2050. Despite some progress in setting emission reduction targets in the air travel industry, many companies still need to set carbon footprint reduction goals.Citation: Eyime, E., & Ushie, O. (2024). Climate Risks and Economic Consequences of Rising Global CO2 Emissions in Aviation, Shipping, and Heavy-Duty Transport. Trends in Renewable Energy, 11(1), 84-121. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2025.11.1.0018
Evaluation of PV-based Buck-Boost and SEPIC Converters for EV Charging Applications
Get PDFIn recent decades, environmental issues have become an area of greatest concern due to changes in global climate conditions. The transportation sector is a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, accounting for more than 22.9% of total carbon dioxide emissions. At present, most vehicles run on gasoline/diesel as fuel which is unsustainable and unviable as fossil fuels produce carbon emissions and fuel costs are rising. To address these issues, electric vehicles (EVs) offer an attractive solution as alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles that use electricity as an energy source. It is logical to use renewable energy to charge vehicles, which makes renewable energy an end-to-end clean energy source. In electric vehicles, energy conversion plays an important role. In the energy conversion process, alternating current (AC) can be converted to direct current (DC), or direct current can be converted to alternating current. In EV fast charging applications, DC-to-DC conversion is used, which requires DC-to-DC converters. In this paper, a detailed evaluation of the Buck-Boost and Single-Ended Primary Inductance Converters (SEPIC) with PV as input is analyzed for EV charging applications to make it end-to-end clean energy. For this purpose, a 5-by-5 PV system with a Buck-Boost, SEPIC converters with particle swarm optimization technique is considered, which is simulated in a MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. The simulation results showed that the ripples in output are minimal in SEPIC which supports the smooth and efficient charging of EV battery. Citation: K, J., & Chengaiah, C. (2024). Evaluation of PV-based Buck-Boost and SEPIC Converters for EV Charging Applications. Trends in Renewable Energy, 10(2), 159-169. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2024.10.2.0016
Research Progress of Microchannel Liquid Cooling Technology in the Application of Thermal Management of Prismatic Lithium Batteries (Withdrawn)
Get PDFRetractionThis article was originally submitted to Trends in Renewable Energy on 8/1/2024. Following peer review and author revision, the article was accepted for publication on 9/2/2024. After professional English editing and layout editing, the proof was sent to the author on 9/15/2024 and the proof was published online as the paper in press.On 9/18/2024, the editorial office was noticed that due to the conflict of interest, the author would like to withdraw this article from the production process. The editorial office followed up on the author's request and conducted an investigation. It’s concluded that this article was not a simultaneous submission. Although Turnitin Similarity Report (http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2024.10.3.00183.s43) showed a 48% similarity index, the highest similarity from a single publication was less 4%. As a review article, it indicated that some paragraphs need further revisions, but overall the article was of good quality. Now this paper has been officially withdrawn. However, the abstract and the proof are still kept on the journal website as a record.Editors of Trends in Renewable EnergySeptember 27, 2024-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------AbstractLithium-ion batteries have significant advantages such as high energy density, long cycle life and low self-discharge rate. Therefore, they are ideal for energy storage in electric vehicles. However, lithium-ion batteries are very sensitive to temperature, which affects the battery's cycle life, efficiency, reliability and safety. During the charging and discharging process, a large amount of heat is generated inside the battery due to the electrochemical reaction and resistance, causing the battery temperature to rise. When the temperature gets too high, thermal runaway, electrolyte fire and explosions may occur. As battery energy density increases, the demand for efficient thermal management continues to increase, and a compact and efficient battery thermal management system is essential. This paper introduces the development status of different thermal management technologies, reviews the application of microchannel liquid-cooling technology in the thermal management of prismatic lithium batteries, discusses the current research direction and status of microchannel technology, and finally looks forward to the future research and development direction of microchannel technology.Citation: Zeng, Q. (2024). Research progress of microchannel liquid cooling technology in the application of thermal management of prismatic lithium batteries (Withdrawn). Trends in Renewable Energy, 10(3), 335-355. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2024.10.3.0018
A Promising Path toward a Net-Zero Clean Energy Future in Africa and Southeast Asia
Get PDFThis paper explores strategies for a rapid transition to net-zero energy in Africa and Southeast Asia through renewable energy sources. The study analyzes the current energy landscape and challenges faced by these regions, focusing on opportunities for economic development based on renewable energy generation, specifically solar PV and wind energy. The results show that an increase in renewable energy generation in Southeast Asia resulted in a comparable rise in renewable energy supply, electricity generation, and overall energy supply between 2021 and 2022. In Africa, an increase in renewable energy generation from 201-210 TWh demanded an increase in renewable energy supply, electricity generation, and overall energy supply between 2021 and 2022. Southeast Asia exceeded Africa in terms of solar PV generation in both years, with a share of 38-45 TWh, while Africa achieved a lesser proportion of 14-16 TWh in solar PV generation in the historical scenario. The same incremental trend was observed in both the stated policy scenario and the announced pledged scenario for both Africa and Southeast Asia in 2030 and 2050. According to the analysis, Africa produced a higher fraction of total wind energy production at 23–25 TWh, compared to Southeast Asia, which reported 9–14 TWh under the historical scenario between 2021 and 2022. However, according to the announced pledged scenario, Southeast Asia is predicted to outperform Africa in wind energy output between 2030 and 2050. However, by 2050, Southeast Asia is forecast to vastly outperform Africa in terms of wind energy output, with a staggering record of 1207 TWh compared to Africa's estimated 593 TWh. The authors propose five potential solutions to the challenges of renewable energy supply in Africa and Southeast Asia, based on the International Energy Agency's forecast between 2030 and 2050. These include exploring solar energy advancements, floating turbines, wave energy converters, ocean thermal energy conversion systems, energy storage and thermal energy solutions, and IoT integration for energy efficiency enhancement. The authors emphasize the need for long-term solutions and suggest policy implications for sustainable scenarios that encourage environmentally sound behaviors, drive economic growth, and promote social development. These scenarios include integrated resource planning, market liberalization, government incentives, and capacity-building.Citation: Eyime, E., & Ben, U. (2024). A promising path toward net zero energy in Africa and Southeast Asia. Trends in Renewable Energy, 11(1), 52-83. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17737/tre.2025.11.1.0018