How the Tesla Turbine Works

The Tesla turbine is a type of turbine designed by inventor Nikola Tesla in the 1890s, characterized by its use of smooth, flat disks instead of conventional blades to harness energy from fluid flow. This innovative design operates on the principles of boundary layer effects and laminar flow, allowing for potentially higher mechanical efficiencies, particularly in smaller applications. The turbine’s unique construction and operational principles differentiate it from traditional turbines, making it a subject of renewed interest in both engineering and renewable energy fields due to its versatility and efficiency. Notably, the Tesla turbine can achieve mechanical efficiencies of up to 97% under optimal conditions, although real-world applications often yield […]

November 12, 2024 / 16 minutes of reading

Energy Engineering

Photovoltaic Charger For Off-Board Electric Vehicles With Adaptive-Network-Based Fuzzy Inference System

Introduction Photovoltaic Charger for Off-Board Electric Vehicles with ANFIS Photovoltaic (PV) chargers represent a sustainable solution for charging batteries of off-board electric vehicles (EVs) by harnessing solar energy. This technology employs photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity, enabling efficient and eco-friendly power management. The integration of Adaptive-Network-Based Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS) into this framework enhances the optimization of energy management, allowing for real-time adjustments based on factors such as the state of charge (SoC) of the vehicle’s battery and fluctuating electricity prices. This dual focus on sustainability and economic viability has propelled the adoption of PV chargers in modern transportation systems, making them an increasingly relevant topic in energy management

September 21, 2024 / 9 minutes of reading

Energy Engineering

Biodiesel

Introduction Biodiesel is a renewable alternative fuel derived primarily from vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled cooking grease, designed to replace or supplement traditional petroleum diesel. Its significance has surged in response to increasing fossil fuel depletion and environmental concerns, positioning biodiesel as a crucial component in the global shift towards sustainable energy sources. Notably, biodiesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, making it a pivotal player in addressing climate change and energy security. Biodiesel is categorized into three generations based on its feedstock: first-generation biodiesel is derived from edible oils, second-generation from non-edible oils and waste materials, and third-generation from microbial lipids, particularly microalgae. While first-generation biodiesel

September 4, 2024 / 15 minutes of reading

Energy Engineering

Assessment of Wastes for Future Bioprospecting

Introduction Assessment of Wastes for Future Bioprospecting refers to the systematic evaluation of various waste materials, particularly from agro-industrial sectors, for their potential to yield valuable bioproducts through biotechnological processes. This field has gained significant attention due to the escalating global waste crisis and the pressing need for sustainable waste management strategies that can contribute to environmental preservation while simultaneously creating economic value. By identifying and harnessing the biochemical properties of waste, researchers aim to transform by-products from food processing, agriculture, and other industries into biofuels, biopolymers, and other bioactive compounds. Notably, agro-industrial waste—including food waste, plastic waste, dairy waste, and cereal waste—constitutes a major portion of the waste generated worldwide.

September 3, 2024 / 11 minutes of reading

Energy Engineering

Waste Biomass: Processing and Valorization

Introduction Waste Biomass: Processing and Valorization Waste biomass refers to organic materials that are by-products or residuals from various sectors, including agriculture, forestry, and municipal activities. As global concerns regarding waste management and energy sustainability rise, the valorization of waste biomass has gained prominence, positioning it as a critical component in the development of renewable energy and sustainable practices. By converting waste biomass into valuable resources such as biofuels, biogas, and bio-based products, stakeholders can enhance resource efficiency while mitigating environmental impacts, thereby contributing to a circular economy. The processing and valorization of waste biomass encompass a range of techniques, including biological, thermal, mechanical, and combined methods, aimed at maximizing energy

September 3, 2024 / 15 minutes of reading

Energy Engineering

Direct-Ammonia Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (DA-SOFC)

Introduction Direct-Ammonia Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (DA-SOFCs) are an innovative type of fuel cell that directly utilize ammonia as a fuel source, offering a promising solution for sustainable energy generation. Emerging from the evolution of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), DA-SOFCs capitalize on ammonia’s potential as a carbon-free hydrogen carrier, which is crucial in the quest to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional fossil fuels. This technology is notable for its ability to improve efficiency and environmental outcomes, thereby attracting significant interest from both academic research and industry applications in recent years. The operation of DA-SOFCs involves the electrochemical conversion of ammonia into nitrogen and hydrogen, facilitating electricity generation while

September 3, 2024 / 11 minutes of reading

Energy Engineering

Residential Geothermal Heat Pump

Introduction Residential Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) systems are energy-efficient technologies that harness the Earth’s stable underground temperatures for heating and cooling residential buildings. By utilizing a series of underground pipes, GHPs transfer heat between the home and the ground, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Notable for their ability to decrease energy bills by up to 60% compared to conventional HVAC systems, GHPs have gained traction as a sustainable alternative amid growing environmental concerns and rising energy costs in recent decades. The adoption of residential geothermal heat pumps has been catalyzed by advancements in technology since their inception in the mid-20th century, which have improved their efficiency

August 30, 2024 / 21 minutes of reading

Energy Engineering

How Nitrogen Compounds in Fertilizers Affect Global Warming

Introduction Nitrogen compounds in fertilizers are crucial to modern agriculture, significantly impacting plant growth and food production. Common forms of nitrogen used in fertilizers include nitrate (NO3), ammonia (NH3), ammonium (NH4), and urea (CH4N2O). While these compounds enhance agricultural yields, their application also contributes to serious environmental issues, particularly the emission of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential nearly 300 times greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO2) over a century. The reliance on nitrogen-based fertilizers raises concerns about their role in exacerbating climate change, as they contribute approximately 2.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, largely through agricultural soil management practices. The impact of nitrogen

August 29, 2024 / 12 minutes of reading

Energy Engineering

How Composting Works

Introduction How Composting Works is a process that transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich compost through biological decomposition, benefiting both the environment and agriculture. Composting plays a crucial role in sustainable waste management, as it diverts a significant portion of organic material from landfills, where it would otherwise contribute to methane emissions—an influential greenhouse gas. The practice also enhances soil health by improving structure, water retention, and microbial activity, ultimately supporting biodiversity and resilience in ecosystems. There are several composting methods, each suited to different environments and needs. The primary types include aerobic composting, which requires oxygen and is often quicker due to higher temperatures, and anaerobic composting, which occurs without oxygen

August 28, 2024 / 10 minutes of reading