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Techno-economic analysis of an integrated membrane-based harvesting and effluent recycling strategy for microalgal biomass production in raceway ponds
No full textMicroalgae-based systems offer a sustainable route for biomass production and carbon dioxide (CO2) capture; however, their economic feasibility remains scale-dependent. This study presents a techno-economic analysis (TEA) of Monoraphidium sp. KMC4 cultivated in open raceway ponds (ORPs) using low-cost kaolin-based ceramic membranes integrated with a three-batch effluent recycling system. Four scenarios (S1–S4) were evaluated to assess the influence of production scale (1–100 ha) and electricity subsidies. Capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenditure (OPEX) were quantified, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted for plant life, discount rate, biomass selling price, and utility and labor costs. Results show that small-scale systems with subsidies (S1) yield marginal profitability (net present value, NPV: 7.50 per kilogram, a payback period of 5.3 years, and an NPV of $145.78 million. The sensitivity analysis confirmed that the biomass selling price and utility costs are the most influential parameters that affect economic viability. Overall, the findings emphasize that economies of scale, process optimization, and resource recovery are key to widespread adoption and the feasibility of algae-based systems.The authors acknowledge the financial support received from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India under IndoDanish Research and Innovation Cooperation in the area of ‘Water’ (Grant no. BT/IN/Denmark/61/KM/2018-19).ACS ES&T Wate
Decision-making in additive manufacturing supply chains: a systematic literature review
No full text11th IFAC Conference on Manufacturing Modelling, Management and Control MIM 2025: 30 June – 3 July 2025, Trondheim, NorwayAdditive Manufacturing (AM) is reshaping supply chain (SC) structures by enabling decentralised production, digital inventories, and on-demand manufacturing. These transformations demand new decision-making approaches to manage disruptions in SC configuration, inventory management, supplier selection, and manufacturing design. This study systematically reviews 27 peer-reviewed studies to assess decision-support tools—such as optimisation models, simulation techniques, and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) frameworks—used to facilitate AM integration. A structured mapping is proposed to map AM-induced SC changes to appropriate decision tools. The findings provide structured insights to enhance SC performance, adaptability, and resilience in AM-enabled environments.IFAC-PapersOnLin
Editorial: Advanced methods, equipment and platforms in precision field crops protection, volume II
No full textThe proliferation of pests, diseases, and weeds constitutes a primary constraint on agricultural productivity. Recently, leveraging modern information technology to realize precision crop protection has become a key area of research within the domain of smart agriculture. This Research Topic focuses on novel sensor technologies for early detection and identification of biotic stresses, artificial intelligence-based methods for intelligent diagnostics and phenotypic analysis, and the development of precision equipment and systems for variable-rate crop protection strategies. Concurrently, this Research Topic delves into the innovative integration of digital twin models, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud-based platforms into crop protection paradigms, while also offering a perspective on the future trajectories of this research field.Frontiers in Plant Scienc
Thermal analysis and modelling of cryogenic coolant flow in an aerospike engine additively manufactured cooling channel
Get PDFCryogenic propellants play a crucial role in regenerative cooling systems of liquid rocket engines, particularly in high-heat flux applications such as aerospike engines. The present study is conducted within the framework of the DemoP1 demonstrator, a 20 [kN] LOx/LNG Additively Manufactured (AM) aerospike engine developed by Pangea Aerospace. This work aims to present a numerical characterisation of the cryogenic liquid oxygen flow within an AM cooling channel of the DemoP1 demonstrator. To analyse the development of the fluid primitive variables, the objective of this study is to provide a detailed assessment of the thermophysical properties and dimensionless numbers governing the cryogenic flow. The numerical findings are compared against experimental data obtained from the full-scale, single-injector hot-fire testing campaign of the demonstrator. The results highlight the enhanced heat transfer performance of AM cooling channels with high process-inherited roughness compared to conventional smooth-surface channels. Finally, a modified Dittus–Boelter correlation is introduced to characterise the heat transfer behaviour of the cryogenic flow in the AM channel. The case study presented here consists one of the first attempts to provide a comprehensive analysis on the cryogenic flow characteristics in the novel dual regenerative cooling system of an aerospike engine.This research work was financially sponsored by the Centre for Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering and the Cranfield Air and Space Propulsion Institute (CASPI) at Cranfield University, UK, in collaboration with Pangea Aerospace, Spain under the project code EDA3126Z.Applied Thermal Engineerin
Connecting power to people: integrating community renewable energy and multi-level governance towards low-carbon energy transition in Nigeria
Get PDFDespite extensive investments and deregulation efforts, the issue of carbon lock-in persists in the Nigerian context and across much of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Recognising the value of citizen involvement in shaping energy transformation, this research advocates for the adoption of community renewable energy (CRE) in Nigeria. Drawing inspiration from paradigmatic CRE models in Germany and Denmark, the study explores the evolving landscape of low-carbon energy transitions in developing economies through the Nigerian case. Currently, Nigeria's low-carbon transition remains constrained by inadequate policies and top-down energy strategies, motivating the need for a more inclusive and decentralised approach. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a policy framework grounded in multi-level governance (MLG) theory. The conceptual framework delineates the roles and responsibilities of federal, state, and local governments, highlighting the scope for introducing renewable energy desk officers at the local level. Crucially, this research contributes to the limited body of CRE literature within Nigeria and similar sub-Saharan African contexts. The output provides concrete recommendations for renewable energy policy development in SSA nations with diverse political landscapes, in addition to supporting the future research agenda on CRE. Accordingly, the proposition of community renewable multi-level governance (CRE-MLG) reflects the rationale that citizen-centric energy practices can strengthen sustainability pathways in challenging contexts such as Nigeria. In contributing towards the burgeoning literature on energy transitions, this study advocates for an integrated governance approach and the bottom-up adoption of CRE practices to help drive sustainable development.Energy Research & Social Scienc
Environmental impact lifecycle assessment of green sand moulding in foundries
Get PDFThe metal casting industry faces significant challenges in reducing its environmental impact. This paper presents a study aimed at evaluating and minimizing the environmental effects of green sand moulding processes. The project uses advanced Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies, specifically the ReCiPe method, to analyse the entire lifecycle of moulding sand, from extraction to disposal. The study measures emissions during the metal pouring process and identifies key contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. By incorporating sustainable binder technologies and optimizing sand reclamation processes, the project suggests practical strategies for reducing the carbon footprint of foundries. The outcomes include a detailed lifecycle inventory report, an impact assessment highlighting critical areas for intervention, and a practical guide for implementing emission reduction strategies. This research supports global net zero targets and offers a model for sustainable practices in the foundry industry. The findings provide essential insights and feasible strategies for foundries to achieve substantial environmental impact reductions, contributing to a more sustainable future in metal casting. This comprehensive approach ensures that the proposed solutions are both effective and scalable, aligning with broader environmental sustainability goals.The authors thank and acknowledge Foseco International Ltd for their support and contribution to this research.Light Metals 2025. TMS 2025 Annual Meeting & Exhibitio
Stakeholder perceptions of drought resilience using government drought compensation in Thailand
Get PDFIn the context of escalating climate challenges in Southeast Asia, this study investigates the dynamics of disaster budget allocation in Thailand and examines farmers' perceptions of drought compensation, focusing on the Ping catchment situated in the Northwest of the country. The main objective of the study was to gauge stakeholders' awareness and views on government drought compensation and evaluate its effectiveness. Using government budget data, drought indicators, and a comprehensive survey in Chiang Mai and Tak provinces, the study explores correlations between budget allocation, drought indicators, and farmers' experiences. A correlation analysis unveils stronger links between compensation and Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) as compared to Drought Severity Index (DSI), with regional variations and the impact of irrigation practices. Compensation shows positive correlations with drought severity, suggesting support to farmers occurs when they suffer severe crop damage. We investigate drought occurrences and their impacts along with farmer's awareness and experiences of drought compensation schemes to uncover disparities in awareness, application rates, and satisfaction levels, providing insights into farmers' views on compensation effectiveness. The study concludes by proposing policy adjustments, tailored regional approaches, and feedback mechanisms to enhance the effectiveness of drought compensation strategies. Despite limitations in sample size and potential biases, this study contributes valuable insights into the complex dynamics of disaster budget allocation, drought compensation, and farmers' perspectives in Thailand, laying a foundation for refining policies and fostering sustainable agricultural practices amidst increasing climate challenges.Natural Environment Research CouncilThis project was funded through the Cranfield University Global Challenges Research Fund (grant no. QR2020/21) and a joint grant from NERC (Natural Environment Research Council, UK), grant number NE/S003223/1, and TSRI (Thailand Science Research and Innovation), grant number RDG6130017, for the STAR project (Strengthening Thailand's Agricultural drought Resilience). The funding was also complemented by UKCEH's NC international programme (NE/X006247/1) delivering national capability, funded by NERC.International Journal of Disaster Risk Reductio
Battery pack technological considerations for hybrid-electric regional aircraft feasibility
Get PDFThis paper presents a study of the effects of the durability and level of energy storage technology on energy management strategies and the performance of hybrid electric turboprops. The results highlight the key role of battery energy density on the durability of the battery pack and the viability of the concept of hybrid electric aircraft. Additionally, the trade-off between zero-day environmental compatibility and battery lifetime is identified, caused by the size of the pack. The effective energy density would decrease with the aging of the cells, leaving a significant inert mass and increasing fuel consumption. Optimal energy management strategies are suggested in light of this new information. Higher specific energy of the pack would mitigate this aspect, along with a reduction in fuel consumption and NOx emissions. Indeed, the improvement of environmental compatibility was found to be nonlinear with a positive rate, suggesting high returns in investing in great improvements in energy density over a gradual increase. This result relates to the results of the statistical technological forecast presented in this study, which, without an increase in funding, predicts the availability of the specific energy required to match the fuel-only baseline in the 2040–2050 decade.This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 875551.The Aeronautical Journa
Metal transfer and bead formation in plasma arc–based wire arc additive manufacturing with vertical wire feeding
Get PDFWire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is suitable for building large-scale engineering structures with high deposition rates and relatively low costs. However, in a typical plasma transferred arc (PTA)–based WAAM process using an inclined wire and vertical torch, keyhole defects can occur due to the high arc pressure, and the process is sensitive to the wire-feeding position with respect to the workpiece. Therefore, in this study, a PTA-based WAAM process with a new configuration employing a vertical wire and an inclined plasma torch was investigated for the potential of mitigation of keyhole formation and improvement of process tolerance. In particular, detailed investigations were carried out on the metal transfer mechanisms and bead formation characteristics under various processing conditions. The results show that the new configuration significantly reduces the likelihood of keyhole formation compared with the conventional approach due to the changes in arc pressure and heat distribution. Systematic analysis reveals that process parameters, including wire feed speed, arc current, and plasma gas flow rate, strongly influence droplet transfer stability, melt pool dynamics, and final bead morphology, which offer guidance for future process optimisation.(Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council|NEWAM (EP/R027218/1))The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technolog
Autonomous localization and navigation for a railway inspection and repair system
Get PDFStarr, Andrew - Associate SupervisorRobotic and autonomous systems have brought numerous benefits to various
industries, such as increased accuracy, safety, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and
reduced time. The railway industry has also leveraged robotic technologies for
track maintenance jobs, albeit their application is often restricted to specific use
cases. This research introduces the Robotic Inspection and Repair System
(RIRS), which operates both on and around the railway track. A key consideration
for autonomous systems is the need for absolute localization, which is essential
for maintenance systems on the railway track. Therefore, this thesis focuses on
implementing and developing an autonomous localization and navigation system
for the RIRS, using the Global Positioning System (GPS). However, due to the
railway environment complexity which includes electromagnetic interferences,
tunnels, and dense vegetation, GPS inevitably degrades, making vehicle
localization extremely challenging. The RIRS localization system is investigated
in two separate modes: off-track and on-track. For the off-track phase, to achieve
a higher frequency rate and accurate robot pose estimation even in GPS-denied
environments, the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) filter is applied to fuse
continuous data with global pose estimates. This approach's effectiveness is also
compared with the Real-Time Appearance-based Mapping (RTAB-Map)
approach's odometry based on absolute and relative pose error. For the on-track
phase, the RIRS aimed to identify track defects at the absolute level initially, but
this is infeasible due to GPS unavailability in almost 20% of the railway network.
Therefore, first, the RIRS starts navigating autonomously using GPS odometry.
Then track-side object detection and 3D pose estimation is implemented to
compensate for the error caused by GPS. The average error of 0.07 m in the
vehicle's location demonstrates the reliability of this strategy for a maintenance
vehicle.PhD in Manufacturin