Power and Energy Commons^™

Machine Learning For Predictive Energy And Emissions Modeling Of Vehicles And Power Grids In The United States, S M Tanvir Faysal Alam Chowdhoury

Dissertations

The environmental benefits of electric vehicle (EV) adoption depend on more than replacing internal combustion engine vehicles with electric powertrains. EV adoption reshapes electricity demand, interacts with regional generation mixes, and influences travel behavior and congestion, creating a coupled transportation-energy system in which vehicle and power-plant emissions must be evaluated together. This dissertation develops machine-learning frameworks for predicting energy consumption and emissions from vehicles and power grids under rising EV adoption. The first component forecasts grid emissions from EV charging. Using simulation data from NREL's Cambium database, a Prophet-based time-series framework predicts carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane emission rates …

Policy Reflections On Promoting Strategic Oriented Basic Research In China: Insights From The U. S. Department Of Energy’S Basic Research Funding System, You Yu, Yun Liu, Wenneng Zhou

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Strategy-oriented basic research is a key pathway to driving major original breakthroughs at the frontiers of science, serving national strategic needs, and securing a leading position in global science and technology. It is also a vital pillar for achieving high-level self-reliance and self-strengthening in science and technology and enhancing the capacity for original innovation. Faced with the urgent need to build a science and technology powerhouse and achieve breakthroughs in key core technologies, China has gradually improved its organizational framework for advancing strategy-oriented basic research and has established a solid foundation for policy support and resource allocation. Nevertheless, when measured …

Ammonia Synthesis By Nanosecond Pulsed Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jets Impinging On Water, Zach Caudell, Lynnet Rich, Olga Pakhomova, Chunqi Jiang

Bioelectrics Publications

Developing energy-efficient technologies for carbon-neutral ammonia (NH₃) synthesis is critical for decentralized fertilizer production and global decarbonization. This study investigates generating NH₃ from water using a nanosecond pulsed atmospheric pressure plasma jet (ns‑APPJ) operating in either N₂ or dry air. The plasma jet reactor employed approximately 250 ns, up-to-22 kV pulses at 500 Hz to sustain a nonequilibrium discharge impinging directly on static liquid water. The kinetics, energy efficiency, and product selectivity of NH3 formation were quantified as functions of the pulse voltage, repetition frequency (PRF), and gas flow rate. NH₃ production increased linearly with treatment time and scaled strongly …

Agricultural Productivity Under Energy Development: Insights From California, Wai Yan Siu, Sherzod B. Akhundjanov

ODU Articles

This paper examines how agricultural productivity patterns in Kern County, California, a leading region for both agricultural production and oil and gas development, co-vary with the spatial and temporal expansion of hydraulic fracturing and associated energy infrastructure. Using parcel- and county-level analyses, we characterize how agricultural productivity differs across proximity to energy development and across spatial scales. The results reveal spatially heterogeneous and scale-dependent patterns: parcel-level evidence indicates lower Enhanced Vegetation Index-based vegetation productivity within the 20-mile proximity zone around fracking wells, while county-level results show heterogeneous crop-specific yield changes during the post-expansion period. Together, these findings highlight the importance …

Analysis Of Policies And Incentives For The Successful Implementation Of Hydrogen-Fueled Medium-Duty And Heavy-Duty Vehicles In Humboldt County, California, Alka Verma

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The 21st century has seen a significant rise in global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the transportation sector contributing 23% of these emissions. Medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles (MD/HD) are particularly impactful, accounting for over a quarter of transport-related emissions. In Humboldt County, California, transportation represents 53% of total emissions, with MD/HD vehicles being a major contributor. As light-duty vehicles shift to zero-emission alternatives, the MD/HD sector faces unique challenges. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer a promising solution, providing longer range, higher energy density, and quicker refueling compared to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). These features make hydrogen an attractive option for …

Element-Based Predictive Modeling Of Hydrothermal Liquefaction Bioproducts Derived From Corn Stover, Isamu Umeda, Meicen Liu, Yi Zheng, Jiefu Wang, Zhiwu Wang, Sandeep Kumar

Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

The hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process offers an energetic advantage over pyrolysis because it does not require prior drying of the biomass feedstock. However, there are significant challenges in simultaneously estimating both the yields and characteristics of products from the HTL of biomass with theoretical support. This study developed a unique element-based kinetic model to predict the yields, higher heating values, and fuel characteristics of solid residue and heavy bio-oil, based on the temperature, residence time, solid loading, and elemental composition (C, H, N, and O) of corn stover. Furthermore, the model predicted the weights of dissolved carbon and nitrogen in …

Comparative Assessment Of Energy And Emission Costs For Geothermal Heat Pumps And Fossil-Fuel Heating Systems Across U.S. Climatic Zones, Md Shahin Alam, Shima Afshar, Seyed Ali Arefifar, Mohammad Haq

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

In response to growing concerns over global warming and energy sustainability, transitioning from fossil-fuel-based heating systems to renewable alternatives is essential. This study evaluates the economic and environmental performance of geothermal heat pumps for building heating and compares it with conventional coal-fired boilers, natural-gas boilers, and diesel furnaces. Using the heating degree-day (HDD) method, heating energy demand was analyzed for four U.S. cities—Anchorage (AK), San Francisco (CA), Salt Lake City (UT), and Las Vegas (NV)—representing diverse climatic zones. The analysis integrates thermodynamic and economic parameters, including the coefficient of performance (COP = 2–5) and annual fuel-utilization efficiency (AFUE = 80–97%), …

Developing A Waste-To-Energy Assessment Framework Integrating Engineering And Policy Dimensions Using A Triple Bottom Line Approach, Izech Brian O. Edwin, King Harold A. Recto

Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering Faculty Publications

The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) in swiftly urbanizing Philippine cities has emerged as a critical concern in both energy and governance. Dependence on landfills is approaching critical thresholds as disposal sites near saturation, transportation costs escalate, and host communities increasingly resist garbage transfers. In response, this study proposes a comprehensive Waste-to-Energy (WtE) assessment framework that integrates engineering evaluation with policy and stakeholder analysis to support sustainable decision- making.

Using Baguio City as a case study, the framework applies a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach to evaluate three waste management scenarios: (1) current landfill-dominated practices, (2) engineered landfill with …

Solar Powered Conservation: The Effects Of Solar Photovoltaic Facilities On Avian Community Composition, Michael Christopher Ferrara

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The expansion of solar photovoltaic energy infrastructure is transforming landscapes worldwide. Increasingly, facilities are planted with native vegetation, yet how vegetation characteristics and landscape variables shape wildlife communities in solar facilities remains poorly understood. Because avian populations have been in decline and are sensitive to habitat changes, understanding how solar facilities influence avian communities is important. In Chapter 1, we used autonomous recording units, local vegetation measurements, and land use and land cover data to quantify how avian community occupancy is influenced by solar cover in solar facilities and comparable reference sites. We used a Bayesian multi-species occupancy model to …

Data-Driven Evaluation Of Sustainable Waste-To-Energy Pathways For Intelligent Urban Systems, Izech Brian O. Edwin, King Harold A. Recto

Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering Faculty Publications

The handling of municipal solid waste (MSW) in swiftly urbanizing Philippine cities poses intricate energy and governance challenges. In Baguio City, reliance on landfills has reached critical levels due to diminishing capacity, rising transport costs, and opposition to trash transfers by nearby LGUs. Although shaped by unique topographical and governance constraints, Baguio’s situation reflects issues faced by other rapidly growing Philippine cities; therefore, analyzing it offers insights for national MSW decision-making. This study applies a triple bottom line (TBL) framework to assess three management scenarios: (1) Status Quo, where all MSW is landfilled with no energy recovery; (2) Landfill with …

High Frequency Dc-Dc Converter Design Optimization, Modeling And Control Based-Wbg Technology., Salah Ahmed Abdullah Eltief

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The performance of DC-DC power converters is a cornerstone of modern electric vehicle (EV) powertrains, directly governing overall system efficiency, size, cost, and reliability. This dissertation presents a comprehensive performance analysis and optimization of DC-DC converter topologies to determine the most suitable design for high voltage EV applications. The evaluation rigorously compares efficiency, power losses, and physical size under a range of harsh operating conditions. A primary objective is to leverage Wide Bandgap (WBG) semiconductors, specifically Silicon Carbide (SiC), to push the performance boundaries of power conversion. While SiC devices are known for their superior material properties, a clear understanding …

Localized Nuclear Utility For Erau Environmental Improvement, Timothy Schroeder, Jacob Blanton, Christopher Anderson

Sustainability Conference

The reliance of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) on energy supplied by Florida Power & Light (FPL), which currently draws large amounts of power from fossil fuel sources, is continuously suboptimal both environmentally and financially. This study proposes assessing the feasibility of deploying a campus scale nuclear reactor tailored to ERAU’s power consumption profile. This serves as a path toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting dependence on external fossil fuel generation. The methods used are primarily literature review(s), and numerical analysis on comparable use cases. The literature reviews focused on design theory and yield of nuclear reactors on a …

Assessing Solar Radiation Patterns In Sarawak Using Measured Data And The Hargreaves-Samani Model For Photovoltaic Systems Application, Chun Yong Soo, Xian Hwa Chan, Wan Mohamad Husni Wan Mokhtar, Ahmad Rujhan Mohd Rais

Makara Journal of Technology

This study evaluates the Hargreaves-Samani model for estimating solar radiation in five locations in Sarawak: Bintulu, Kapit, Sri Aman, Kuching, and Miri (Subis), using minimum and maximum temperatures as key inputs. Analysis reveals stable minimum temperatures (19.7 °C to 28.8 °C), supporting consistent solar radiation patterns favorable for Photovoltaic (PV) performance. Miri (Subis) recorded the highest daily maximum temperature of 44.8 °C, while Kuching had the lowest at 24.7 °C, highlighting significant regional climatic variability. Analysis also indicates strong solar potential in Bintulu, Kapit, Sri Aman, Kuching, and Miri, with radiation peaking at 7.5 kWh/m², though seasonal variations impact PV …

Who Owns The Wind: The Absence Of Community Wind Farms In California, Sky Berry-Weiss

Master's Projects and Capstones

Community ownership structures for wind farms have been around for decades, particularly in European countries, due to high socioeconomic benefits. Given these significant benefits, one might expect community wind to thrive in the United States—especially in a state like California, which prides itself on progressive climate policy and renewable energy leadership. Yet utility-scale community wind remains largely absent from research on California’s energy system, raising questions about its existence in the state. To pinpoint how many utility-scale community owned wind farms are in California, this study surveys every operational wind turbine in the state. After classifying each wind farm by …

The Rhythm Of Renewables: Minute-By-Minute Insights From Kentucky, David S. Beyerle, Noah M. Stewart, Shaun E. Lavin, Chad C. Alkire, Heather Nikolic, Samuel Kelty, Ezekiel A. Boggs, Declan Boyle, Lawrence E. Holloway, Aron Patrick

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Kentucky’s renewable energy landscape beats with a distinct rhythm shaped by ever-changing variations in sunlight, wind, rainfall, and the ever-modernizing grid that connects them. This paper analyzes minute-by-minute performance data from seven renewable and storage assets owned and operated by the PPL Corporation in Kentucky, including hydroelectric, solar, wind, and lithium-ion battery systems. Using a full year of synchronized, high-resolution data from multiple sites in the Commonwealth, the study examines daily and seasonal capacity factor trends, explores correlations among generation types, and evaluates their alignment with utility load profiles. Our analysis found 279 hours—about 3.2% of the year—with zero renewable …

Assessing Tidal Energy Potential In The Visayas: Viability Of The San Bernardino, San Juanico, And Cebu Straits, Justin Kyle O. Ricafort, King Harold A. Recto

Sustainability, Disaster Science and Energy

By laying the groundwork for sustainable tidal energy infrastructure, this study contributes to advancing the Philippines' renewable energy portfolio and supports the global transition to clean energy solutions. With the country's extensive coastline and rising energy demands, tidal energy presents a largely underutilized yet promising resource that can address both local and global energy challenges. Tidal energy is highly predictable, stable, and environmentally friendly, offering a reliable alternative to conventional energy sources like coal and natural gas, which are often subject to price volatility and environmental concerns. The study focuses on the Visayas region, a prime candidate for tidal energy …

Fabrication Of Thylakoid Membrane-Based Photo-Bioelectrochemical Bioanode For Self-Powered Light-Driven Electronics, Amit Sarode, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

The transition toward sustainable and decentralized energy solutions necessitates the development of innovative bioelectronic systems capable of harvesting and converting renewable energy. Here, we present a novel photo-bioelectrochemical fuel cell architecture based on a biohybrid anode integrating laser-induced graphene (LIG), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and isolated thylakoid membranes. LIG provided a porous, conductive scaffold, while PEDOT enhanced electrode compatibility, electrical conductivity, and operational stability. Compared to MXene-based systems that involve complex, multi-step synthesis, PEDOT offers a cost-effective and scalable alternative for bioelectrode fabrication. Thylakoid membranes were immobilized onto the PEDOT-modified LIG surface to enable light-driven electron generation. Electrochemical characterization revealed enhanced redox …

Computational Assessment Of Vitrimers Self-Healing For Renewable Energy And Aerospace Structures, Walaaeldin Mohamed Ahmed Derbala

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Self-healing polymers, particularly vitrimers, are emerging as promising candidates in the development of advanced materials for renewable energy and aerospace structures. These materials exhibit dynamic covalent bond exchange mechanisms that enable reprocess ability, damage repair, and extended operational lifetime under harsh conditions. This study presents a density functional theory (DFT)-based computational investigation of the mechanistic pathways and energetics of bond exchange reactions in model vitrimer systems. We explore transition states, energy barriers, and thermodynamic features corresponding to associative and dissociative self-healing reactions in vitrimers. The study focuses on Diaminodiphenyl disulfide (AFD), a bifunctional molecule composed of two para-substituted aminophenyl rings …

Hydrogen Storage Density And Adsorption Energy Barriers On Li-Decorated Bc3 Nanosheet, Sri Venkat Pavan Upasi

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Hydrogen is considered an emerging carrier of clean energy with renewable capabilities. Widespread hydrogen energy utilization necessitates efficient storage strategies. Functionalized nanomaterials, such as Li-decorated BC3 nanosheets, are among the primary candidate materials for hydrogen storage. This research investigates the feasibility of hydrogen storage by estimating energy barriers and their dependence on storage density on Li-decorated BC3 nanosheet. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations provide estimates of adsorption energies and saddle points for hydrogen storage and compare corresponding reaction rates. The results are expected to help us understand the advantages and possible shortcomings of hydrogen storage on such nanomaterials.

Streamer Discharge Modeling For Plasma-Assisted Combustion, Stuart Reyes, Shirshak Kumar Dhali

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Some of the popular and successful atmospheric pressure fuel/air plasma-assisted combustion methods use repetitive ns pulsed discharges and dielectric-barrier discharges. The transient phase in such discharges is dominated by transport under strong space charge from ionization fronts, which is best characterized by the streamer model. The role of the nonthermal plasma in such discharges is to produce radicals, which accelerates the chemical conversion reaction leading to temperature rise and ignition. Therefore, the characterization of the streamer and its energy partitioning is essential to develop a predictive model. We examine the important characteristics of streamers that influence combustion and develop some …

Refining Chlorosulfonation Methods For The Synthesis Of A Perfluoroalkyl Arylsulfonimide (Pfsi) Monomer, Ainsley P. Foster, Benjamin Varney, Hua Mei

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are sources of energy that are clean, quiet, and highly responsive to changes in power needs, making them promising for use in automobiles and other portable power devices. The electrolyte of a PEM cell–the layer responsible for conductivity–is a polymer membrane, commonly consisting of perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid (PFSA) polymers. Perfluoroalkyl arylsulfonimide (PFSI) polymers are expected to improve the efficiency of PEM fuel cells through optimal stability and proton conductivity. The trifluovinylether (TFVE) aryl perfluorosulfonamide monomer is a new PFSI monomer proposed to fulfill these benefits once polymerized. A six-step synthesis route was initially designed to …

Development Demand, Power Energy Consumption And Green And Low-Carbon Transition For Computing Power In China, Xiaohong Chen, Liaoying Cao, Jiaolong Chen, Jinghui Zhang, Wenzhi Cao, Yangjie Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

As a critical digital infrastructure, computing power has become the core productivity and a new engine driving economic growth in the digital economy. Nevertheless, the power-hungry nature of computing/data centers, representing the computing infrastructure, consumes a significant amount of electrical energy. Currently, China’s economy is transitioning from high-speed growth to high-quality development. It is imperative to study how to coordinate the development of computing power while ensuring its safety and achieving green and low-carbon goals. Based on an overview of the current status of computing power development, this study predicts the future demand for computing power in China, analyzes the …

Analysis And Recommendations For Energy Conservation And Carbon Emission Reduction In Industry Boosted By Digital Energy Management Systems, Duanyang Geng, Tong Xu, Qinghua Zhu, Steve Evans

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Energy consumption during production processes in the industry is a main source of carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, for China’s dual-carbon goals, industrial enterprises need to focus on reducing energy waste to achieve energy-efficient production, thereby effectively reducing carbon emissions in industrial production. In recent years, with the continuous development and popularization of digital technology, digital energy management systems have played a crucial role in energy saving by visualizing invisible energy in the industry. In this context, this study first analyses the current status of digital energy management system applications in the UK, the US, Germany, and Sweden, summarizes their characteristics …

Path And Strategy Of Pollution And Carbon Reduction By Digitization In Electric Power Enterprises, Xiaohong Chen, Runcheng Tang, Dongbin Hu, Xuesong Xu, Xiangbo Tang, Guodong Yi, Weiwei Zhang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

With the extensive application and innovation of digital technology in the energy sector, digital technology has become increasingly crucial for the power industry to achieve the goal of reducing pollution and carbon emissions. How digital technology enables electric power enterprises to achieve this goal has attracted much attention. Firstly, the study analyzes the progress of digital technology applications in pollution reduction and carbon reduction in electric power enterprises. Then, it identifies the existing problems in the current application of digital technology in the power industry for reducing pollution and carbon emissions. Finally, it explores the potential ways and approaches of …

The Impact Of Dissolved Organic Matter On Photodegradation Rates, Byproduct Formations, And Degradation Pathways For Two Neonicotinoid Insecticides In Simulated River Waters, Josephus F. Borsuah, Tiffany L. Messer, Daniel D. Snow, Steven D. Comfort, Shannon Bartelt-Hunt

UK CARES Faculty Publications

The influences of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on neonicotinoid photochemical degradation and product formation in natural waters remain unclear, potentially impacting the sustainability of river systems. Therefore, our overall objective was to investigate the photodegradation mechanisms and phototransformation byproducts of two neonicotinoid pesticides, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, under simulated sunlight at the microcosm scale, to assess the implications of DOM for insecticide degradation in rivers. Direct and indirect photolysis were investigated using twelve water matrices to identify possible reaction pathways with two DOM sources and three quenching agents. Imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and potential degradants were measured, and reaction pathways identified. The photodegradation …

Economical And Environmental Evaluation Of Non-Residential Demand Response In The European Transition To Zero-Carbon Energy, Markus Fleshutz

Theses

To meet climate objectives, major energy consumers with local multi-energy systems (L- MESs) must transition to renewable energy sources soon. The variability of renewable energies requires increased operational flexibility for integration. In this context, demand response (DR), a strategy in which electricity consumers adjust their load profiles in response to incentives, has become crucial, offering cost-effective flexibility. It supports L-MESs in integrating renewable energy, reducing decarbonization costs, and enhancing resilience. However, quantifying the economic DR potentials for L-MESs under carbon emission constraints is complex, especially when considering investment options in distributed energy resources. This complexity hinders the rapid adoption of …

Electrochemical-Thermal Model Of A Lithium-Ion Battery, Paul Kalungi

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Lithium-ion batteries are an integral component of energy storage systems for renewable energy applications owing to their high energy density. Extensive research has therefore been carried out, utilizing both experimental and computational methods, to aid in a deeper understanding of lithium-ion batteries. Challenges related to efficiency, safety and thermal management persist, particularly during high current draw, extreme temperature conditions and extreme dynamic current operation such as in electric vehicles. This thesis work presents an electrochemical-thermal model of a lithium-ion battery that simulates and analyzes the variation of electrical behavior, chemical behavior and thermal behavior. The electrochemical model is developed by …

Vertical Free-Swinging Photovoltaic Racking Energy Modeling: A Novel Approach To Agrivoltaics, Koami Soulemane Hayibo, Joshua M. Pearce

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

To enable lower-cost building materials, a free-swinging bifacial vertical solar photovoltaic (PV) rack has been proposed, which complies with Canadian building codes and is the lowest capital-cost agrivoltaics rack. The wind force applied to the free-swinging PV, however, causes it to have varying tilt angles depending on the wind speed and direction. No energy performance model accurately describes such a system. To provide a simulation model for the free-swinging PV, where wind speed and direction govern the array tilt angle, this study builds upon the open-source System Advisor Model (SAM) using Python. After the SAM python model is validated, a …

Food-Water-Energy Nexus In The Perspective Of Green Revolution, Green Energy, Legal And Institutional Framework: A Killian Based Adjusted Bootstrap Approach, Zia Ur Rahman

CBER Conference

Food and water energy is crucial for human well-being, sustainable development, and poverty reduction. The growing global demand driven by population growth, economic development, urbanization, changing diets, technological advancements, and climate change projections indicates a significant increase in the need for these resources. Understanding the intricate interdependencies between food, water, and energy is essential for effectively addressing these challenges and fostering a prosperous and sustainable future. Therefore, this study incorporated statistical data collected from the Pakistan Economic Survey and the World Governance Indicator from 1990 to 2022 to elucidate the complex connection between food, water, and energy.

Does Green Energy Really Matter For Environment And Economic Sustainability? Validating The Long-Standing Existing Empirics On Pakistan Economy, Syed Kafait Hussain Naqvi

CBER Conference

The empirical outcomes of the study validate the widespread concern of the literature on the existence of the “growth hypothesis” which supports, that there is a systematic positive causation running from green energy to economic sustainability. The study findings suggest that regulations in the energy sector can encourage the applications of green energy resources, particularly in the real sector of the economy, leading to reduced emissions.