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Technologies for Resource-Efficient Recycling of End-of-Life Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Panels
No full textGlobal PV installations recently crossed the terawatt scale. The growth of photovoltaic (PV) installations is an important and desirable element in generating clean electricity and combating climate change. However, after the end of their useful life, the PV panels would also lead to the generation of PV waste that would need to be dealt with in a manner which is safe and environmentally responsible. In this work, we present early-stage research results based on experiments conducted with recycling end-of-life (EOL) crystalline silicon (c-Si) PV panels promoting resource efficiency and circularity. We explore experimental pathways for both closed-loop and open-loop recycling of EOL PV panels. For closed-loop recycling, we present experimental results using the recently developed electrohydraulic shock wave-based fragmentation (EHF) of PV panels. The EHF process allows for the recovery of almost all valuable materials used in the manufacturing of PV panels. We further provide a succinct literature review for further downstream treatment of the end products obtained after EHF processing of EOL PV panels to recover precious metals such as Silver. For open-loop recycling, we propose using the panels in the production of ferrosilicon compounds, thereby reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases associated with their production. Through experiments, it was observed that the size of the recycled Si does not impact the microstructure of the FeSi produced, which means that the technology could be easily used to handle different sizes of Si source. Through careful experiments and analysis, we provide recycling methods to improve the circularity and resource efficiency in the management of end-of-life c-Si PV panels. Both experimental recycling pathways discussed in this work could potentially provide sustainable technical pathways to recycle EOL PV modules, which do not involve producing harmful greenhouse gases
Assessing the Impact of Urban Canyon Geometry on Outdoor Thermal Comfort: A Case Study in Marrakech, Morocco
No full textThe rapid urbanization of cities, combined with the challenges of climate change, has made managing outdoor thermal comfort a priority in urban planning. As cities experience rising temperatures, strategies to mitigate the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and enhance outdoor thermal comfort are becoming essential for enhancing the quality of life and promoting sustainable, healthy urban environments. This study investigates the impact of urban form features on UHI intensity and outdoor thermal comfort in Marrakech, Morocco. The UHI effect and thermal comfort, quantified using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), were simulated across various urban canyon design scenarios using the Urban Weather Generator and Ladybug Tools. Five simulation experiments analyzed the effects of altering street aspect ratios, building heights, and street orientations within urban canyon geometry. The results show that compact urban canyons can increase air temperature by up to 6°C but offer significant benefits for thermal comfort during winter nights and spring and summer days. Street orientation had the greatest impact on thermal comfort, with UTCI variations reaching up to 15°C. The northeast-southwest orientation proved optimal across all seasons and building heights had a limited effect, except during winter. This study highlights the importance of urban design in mitigating UHI and enhancing outdoor thermal comfort, providing key insights for sustainable urban planning in hot climates. Overall, a compact urban canyon with a northeast-southwest street orientation is identified as the most effective design for improving outdoor thermal comfort in Marrakech
Integrating Renewable Energy and NZEB Standards in the EU A Multi-Factor Analysis
No full textBuildings account for approximately 40% of total global energy consumption, making them a significant contributor to energy demand. Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) have emerged as a critical area of interest due to the depletion of conventional energy resources. However, the lack of a universally accepted definition of NZEBs presents challenges in fully understanding the concept. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the development of NZEBs in the European Union (EU), along with an overview of the relevant guidelines. Additionally, the study examines the influence of climatic conditions on the development of NZEBs across different EU regions. The paper defines various NZEB concepts outlined by the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) to assess their implementation across EU Member States. Furthermore, it presents an analysis of renewable energy technologies and their benchmarks in different EU countries. A detailed quantitative assessment of renewable energy technology installations in the Member States is also provided to support the development of NZEBs in the EU. The study compares different strategies for reducing energy demand while offering valuable insights into the strategic development of NZEBs across Member States. The findings contribute essential knowledge for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to understand the economic landscape of transitioning to NZEBs and optimizing the use of renewable energy resources
Rediscovering The Past: A Journey Along The Chatrams of a Forgotten Pilgrimage Route
No full textCultural routes have emerged as a vital means of uncovering and preserving hidden cultural gems in remote rural areas. Pilgrimage routes involving journeys to sacred or religious sites fall under the umbrella of cultural routes. This paper examines the cultural significance of the Kashi-Rameshwaram Pilgrimage Route in India, with a specific focus on historical resting places called Chatrams built along the Route during the 17th-century Martha rule in Thanjavur, a city located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. The study examines the Chatrams' contemporary condition, influence on the surrounding neighbourhood, and the challenges they face amidst the landscape that once played an essential role in shaping the region's cultural landscape along the Pilgrimage Route. It employs qualitative data from interviews with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) with Historians and the local community, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach, as well as on-site observations. The findings scrutinize the contemporary condition of these Chatrams, their profound influence on the neighbourhood, and the challenges they confront amidst the surrounding landscape, along with the current policies of stakeholders, which often prove ineffective in preserving and revitalizing these Chatrams. Community participation emerges as a crucial factor in revitalizing these sites. The research concludes that restoring Chatrams can preserve cultural heritage, enhance cultural tourism, and improve the overall aesthetics of the landscape
The Demise of Modernist Buildings in Khor Dubai: A Case Study on the FNCB Building
No full textKhor Dubai, or Dubai Creek, is the historic district that went through the first layer of development before the urban expansion to the desert. It witnessed profound architectural transformations in three economic phases: the pearl trade, oil discovery, and real estate. Today, early modernist buildings have been replaced with high-rise buildings to meet the financial demands of real estate. This replacement has been a rapid process, making it difficult for the Modern Heritage Initiative of Dubai (MHID) to cease it. In the creek, the First National City Bank building (FNCB) is one of the buildings that marked modernity yet failed the test of time. This study aims to illustrate the economy’s impact on Dubai’s modern heritage, focusing on the FNCB. It also identifies the issues that hinder preserving the architectural heritage of smaller buildings. A descriptive research methodology is employed for this study using visual analysis, site visits, and conversations to illustrate the rise and fall of modernist structures. The findings establish that due to Dubai’s fast-paced growth, replacing heritage is more profitable to sustain the ever-growing demands of Dubai as a real estate hub. It also discusses the importance of immaterial and material values historic buildings hold despite how insignificant they seem now
Topology Optimization of Horizontal Links in Multi-story Eccentric Braced Frames
No full textIn recent years, the adoption of additive manufacturing has become important, primarily driven by an imperative to minimize material usage and mitigate environmental impacts associated with climate change. The integration of topology optimization and additive manufacturing techniques has paved the way for the fabrication of complex geometries that are both cost-effective and material efficient, enabling structures that would be challenging to produce using traditional manufacturing methods. Concurrently, the application of eccentric braced frames with link elements has seen a notable increase, attributed to their enhanced seismic resistance capabilities compared to concentric braced frames. This study integrates topology optimization and AM to design optimized shear links for EBFs that outperform standard HEB European sections. Finite Element Models were developed in Abaqus to simulate both monotonic and cyclic loading scenarios. Pushover and cyclic analyses were performed on single-, two-, and three-story frames to assess the performance of the optimized links. Through pushover analysis, the results show that employing optimized HEB sections leads to a significant reduction in steel volume while simultaneously enhancing both the yielding and ultimate strength of the structure, with some multi-story frames demonstrating a twofold increase in performance over standard designs. Moreover, cyclic performance analysis of models with optimized links underscores a notable increase in the base shear ultimate force with marked improvement in the effective stiffness compared to models with standard sections. However, this was accompanied by a reduction in energy dissipation and the viscous damping coefficient
Performance enhancement of microbial fuel cells through g-C₃N₄-embedded biochar anodes
No full textGlobal demand for sustainable energy technologies capable of simultaneously generating electricity and treating wastewater has intensified interest in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). However, their practical application remains limited by low power density and insufficient electron‐transfer efficiency at the anode. This study addresses this challenge by embedding graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), a metal-free and environmentally benign material, into rice-husk-derived biochar to develop a low-cost, sustainable anode. Unlike conventional surface-coated electrodes, the embedded configuration enhances internal electron-transfer pathways and promotes microbial colonization throughout the electrode matrix. Anodes with 5, 10, and 12 wt% g-C₃N₄ were evaluated to clarify how nitrogen-rich functional groups and carbon conductivity interact to influence MFC performance. The 5 wt% anode exhibited the most favorable electrochemical behavior, achieving a maximum power density of 43.245 μW/cm²—approximately 1.9 times higher than the unmodified anode—highlighting the effectiveness of moderate nitrogen incorporation. Excessive loading reduced performance due to impaired conductivity. These findings provide new insight into the design of sustainable, biomass-derived anode materials and demonstrate the potential of g-C₃N₄-embedded biochar for scalable, environmentally friendly MFC applications. This work contributes to the global scientific effort toward low-cost, renewable energy systems for wastewater treatment and decentralized power generation
Unveiling The Olfactory Architectural Design: A Sensory Voyage
No full textUnderstanding sensory encounters in built environment requires a holistic approach that considers individual differences, contextual factors, and psychological states. While design features play a crucial role in shaping these experiences, they interact with a complex web of personal, social, and environmental factors. The olfactory architecture design is an innovative approach that integrates the sense of smell into the architectural experience. This concept goes beyond traditional visual and tactile elements, creating spaces that engage occupants through carefully curated smells. Factors to be considered in the science of smell and space through olfactory perception and behavior, applications in architecture, designing with smell including anchoring in mind and challenges in application. This study wants to revealing and exploring the essentials of how olfactory design is transforming the built environment based on sensory experience. Several tools and techniques are used for a captivating theories and approach in designing architecture by shaping smell sensory experiences and evoking specific feelings. From the results of this study, the olfactory architecture design offers a new dimension to the way we experience spaces, enhancing our emotional and psychological connection to our environment. As the field grows, architects and designers will continue to explore innovative ways to integrate smell, creating spaces that are not only visually and functionally appealing but also emotionally resonant. The future of built environment lies in these multi-sensory experiences, where the invisible power of smell plays a crucial role
Strengthening Emergency Response: Exploring On-site Water Treatment Technologies for Floods
No full textIn times of crisis, access to safe and clean water is critical for disaster response teams and affected communities. Water is essential for survival, particularly in the aftermath of disasters like floods. Ensuring sufficient quantities of potable water is a critical challenge in emergencies. This article explores on-site water treatment technologies, emphasising their role in enhancing emergency response. Point-of-use household-level techniques such as straining, sedimentation, filtration, boiling, and chlorine disinfection may be effective and sufficient for a family. However, portable or on-site water purification systems offer a more versatile alternative to cater to larger communities, as they can be customised with various treatment processes to address specific contaminants, making them suitable for camp or community-level responses. Additionally, emerging trends like advanced filtration and scalable on-site treatment units offer improved efficiency during crises. A laboratory prototype of an on-site water treatment system was demonstrated, showing the ability to meet emergency water quality standards. The prototype produced water with pH levels between 6.5 and 8.5, turbidity below 5 NTU, and residual chlorine up to 0.5 mg/L, meeting Sphere standards for emergency water supply
Performance of Biogenic Silica Photocatalytic Ceramic Foams and Cu-TiO2 NPs in the Degradation of Emerging Pollutants under Natural Solar Radiation
No full textEmerging contaminants in the drinking water supply are a growing concern due to their presence in various sources and incomplete degradation occurring in conventional treatment plants. This underscores the need to implement alternative and specialized processes for their removal. Photocatalysis, an advanced oxidation process that uses radiation as the sole energy source, is emerging as a promising solution. In this study, the performance of novel photocatalytic materials was evaluated: ceramic foams synthesized from biomass, specifically biogenic silica obtained from rice husk, and copper-decorated titanium dioxide nanoparticles (Cu-TiO2 NPs). These foams were synthesized using the direct foaming method with CO2, an efficient and sustainable approach. Their performance was evaluated in the degradation of acetaminophen (ACP), an emerging contaminant of pharmaceutical origin, achieving a removal of 91.0% with a loading of 1.5 g/L, a time of 83 minutes and using natural solar radiation. The results obtained demonstrate that these ceramic foams have the potential to overcome current limitations and represent a significant advance towards the implementation of photocatalysis on an industrial and global scale