• Journal of Hydrogen and New Energy
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.618-635
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• 2021

Environmental issues caused by our dependence on fossil fuels have caused our society to move toward new renewable sources of energy and chemicals. In this study, we develop an integrated process that co-produces butene oligomer (i.e., biofuels) and 1,3-butadiene (i.e., monomer for the production of synthetic rubber). To minimize utility consumption, we conduct heat integration. Then, we conduct a range of techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment to investigate economic and environmental feasibility of the proposed process.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.496-523
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• 2018

The objective of this study is to evaluate the economic feasibility of two fast pyrolysis and biooil upgrading (FPBU) plants including feed drying, fast pyrolysis by fluidized-bed, biooil recovery, hydro-processing for biooil upgrading, electricity generation, and wastewater treatment. The two FPBU plants are Case 1 of an FPBU plant with steam methane reforming (SMR) for $H_2$ generation (FPBU-HG, 20% yield), and Case 2 of an FPBU with external $H_2$ supply (FPBUEH, 25% yield). The process flow diagrams (PFDs) for the two plants were constructed, and the mass and energy balances were calculated, using a commercial process simulator (ASPEN Plus). A four-level economic potential approach (4-level EP) was used for techno-economic analysis (TEA) under the assumption of sawdust 100 t//d containing 40% water, 30% equity, capital expenditure equal to the equity, $H_2$ price of $1050/ton, and hydrocarbon yield from dried sawdust equal to 20 and 25 % for Case 1 and 2, respectively. TCI (total capital investment), TPC (total production cost), ASR (annual sales revenue), and MFSP (minimum fuel selling price) of Case 1 were $22.2 million, $3.98 million/yr, $4.64 million/yr, and $1.56/l, respectively. Those of Case 2 were $16.1 million, $5.20 million/yr, $5.55 million/yr, and $1.18/l, respectively. Both ROI (return on investment) and PBP (payback period) of Case 1(FPBU-HG) and Case 2(FPBU-EH) were the almost same. If the plant capacity increases into 1,500 t/d for Case 1 and Case 2, ROI would be improved into 15%/yr.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.261-272
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• 2020

Recent severe earthquakes in and around the vital public places worldwide indicate the severe vulnerability of ground excitation to be assailed. Reducing the effect of seismic lateral load in structural design is an important conception. Essentially, seismic isolation is required to shield the superstructure in such a way that the building superstructure would not move when the ground is shaking. This study explores the effectiveness, design, and practical feasibility of base isolation systems to reduce seismic demands on buildings of varying elevations. Thus, static and dynamic analyses were conducted based on site-specific bi-directional earthquakes for base-isolated as well as fixed-based buildings. Remarkably, it was discovered that isolators used in low-rise to high-rise structures tend to significantly decrease the structural responses of seismic prone buildings. The higher allowable horizontal displacement induces structural flexibility and ensure good structural health of the building stories. Reinforcement from vertical and horizontal members can be reduced in significant amounts for BI buildings. Thus, although incorporating base isolators increases the initial outlay, it considerably diminishes the total structural cost.

• Advances in Energy Research
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.127-146
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• 2013

Torrefaction technologies convert assorted biomass feedstocks into energy-concentrated, carbon neutral fuel that is economically transported and easily ground for blending with fossil coals at numerous power plants around the world without needs to retrofit. Utilization of torrefied biomass in conventional electric generating units may be an increasingly attractive alternative for electricity generation as aging power plants in the world need to be upgraded or improved. This paper examines the economic feasibility of torrefaction in different scenarios by modeling torrefaction plants producing 136,078 t/year (150,000 ton/year) biocoal from wood and corn stover. The utilization of biocoal blends in existing coal-fired power plants is modeled to determine the demand for this fuel in the context of emerging policies regulating emissions from coal in the U.S. setting. Opportunities to co-locate torrefaction facilities adjacent to corn ethanol plants and coal-fired power plants are explored as means to improve economics for collaborating businesses. Life cycle analysis was conducted in parallel to this economic study and was used to determine environmental impacts of converting biomass to biocoal for blending in coal-fired power plants as well as the use of substantial flows of off-gasses produced in the torrefaction process. Sensitivity analysis of the financial rates of return of the different businesses has been performed to measure impacts of different factors, whether input prices, output prices, or policy measures that render costs or rewards for the businesses.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2015

China accounts for nearly half of the global steel production. As a waste material or a by-product in the manufacture process, a large amount of blast furnace slag is generated every year. The majority of recycled blast furnace slag is used as an additive in low-grade blended cement in China (equivalent to the UK CEM II or CEM III depending on the slag content). The cost of using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) in such low-grade applications may not be entirely reimbursed based on market research. This paper reports an on-going project at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) which investigates the feasibility of using GGBS in long-span concrete structures by avoiding/reducing the use of crack control reinforcement. Based on a case study investigation, with up to 50% of CEM I cement replaced with GGBS, a beneficiary effect of reduced thermal contraction is achieved in long-span concrete slabs with no significant detrimental effect on early-age strengths. It is believed that this finding may be transferable from China to other Asian countries with similar climates and economic/environmental concerns.

• Journal of Integrative Natural Science
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.89-97
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• 2022

This paper presents the comprehensive feasibility study of solar mini-grid project located in Bajhang District, Sudur Paschim Province, Nepal. The study has been conducted with the aim of developing a suitable size solar mini-grid system to meet electricity demand of proposed settlements of the village people. The study forecasts that the estimated average daily peak power consumption of load is about 20kW and average daily energy demand of load is about 100-150kWh/day in the base year 2022. The shared ratio of productive end uses is about 25% of the total power consumption and about 27% of the total energy demand, which will be used for small business/income generation activities and required 45kWp size solar power generation mini-grid system. The estimated project cost for the proposed 45kW solar mini-grid system technology, including 3 years of operation & maintenance, as well as power distribution network up to end user's premises is about 0.24 million USD. It is concluded that 45kWp photovoltaic mini-grid is feasible for the location.

• 한국신재생에너지학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2011.05a
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• pp.136.1-136.1
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• 2011

An energy modeling analysis method currently has been considered as a new approach for energy policy research, because the importance of renewable energy use has been emphasized more and more. This study used RETScreen model as a clean energy decision making methodology for adaptation to climate change and elimination of various pollutions. This modeling method includes five step standard analysis; energy model, cost analysis, GHG analysis, financial analysis, and sensitivity & risk analysis and it also assesses both conventional and modern energy sources and technologies. This methodology for the photovoltaic(PV) energy modeling is used to evaluate the energy production, financial performance and GHG emissions reduction of photovoltaic projects. In addition, the PV application systems are classified into three basic applications; On-grid system, Off-grid system and water pumping system. This study assesses the renewable energy techno-economic modeling method with the feasibility analysis result of 10 MW PV power plant in Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates. Furthermore this study stresses the importance of renewable energy model research by applying to domestic PV power plant which is now in preparation.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.76 no.5
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• pp.561-578
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• 2020

The present work addresses the surface integrity and chip morphology in finish hard turning of AISI D3 steel under nanofluid assisted minimum quantity lubrication (NFMQL) condition. The surface integrity aspects include microhardness, residual stress, white layer formation, machined surface morphology, and surface roughness. This experimental investigation aims to explore the feasibility of low-cost multilayer (TiCN/Al2O3/TiN) coated carbide tool in hard machining applications and to assess the propitious role of minimum quantity lubrication using graphene nanoparticles enriched eco-friendly radiator coolant based nano-cutting fluid for machinability improvement of hardened steel. Combined approach of central composite design (CCD) - analysis of variance (ANOVA), desirability function analysis, and response surface methodology (RSM) have been subsequently employed for experimental investigation, predictive modelling and optimization of surface roughness. With a motivational philosophy of "Go Green-Think Green-Act Green", the work also deals with economic analysis, and sustainability assessment under environmental-friendly NFMQL condition. Results showed that machining with nanofluid-MQL provided an effective cooling-lubrication strategy, safer and cleaner production, environmental friendliness and assisted to improve sustainability.

• Clean Technology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.59-70
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• 2023

This study aims to introduce a biowaste processing system that uses spent coffee grounds and implement a real options method to evaluate the proposed process. Energy systems based on eco-friendly fuels lack sufficient data, and thus along with conventional approaches, they lack the techno-economic assessment required for great input qualities. On the other hand, real options analysis can estimate the different costs of options, such as continuing or abandoning a project, by considering uncertainties, which can lead to better decision-making. This study investigated the feasibility of a biowaste processing method using spent coffee grounds to produce biofuel and considered three different valuation models, which were the net present value using discounted cash flow, the Black-Scholes and binomial models. The suggested biowaste processing system consumes 200 kg/h of spent coffee grounds. The system utilizes a tilted-slide pyrolysis reactor integrated with a heat exchanger to warm the air, a combustor to generate a primary heat source, and a series of condensers to harness the biofuel. The result of the net present value is South Korean Won (KRW) -225 million, the result of the binomial model is KRW 172 million, and the result of the Black-Scholes model is KRW 1,301 million. These results reveal that a spent coffee ground-related biowaste processing system is worthy of investment from a real options valuation perspective.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.401-414
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• 2014

The economic consequences of large earthquakes require a revolutionary change in the seismic performance objective of residential and commercial buildings. The majority of total construction costs consist of non-structural and architectural costs. Therefore, the aim of this research is to upgrade current Life Safety performance objectives and to offset adverse effects on country's economy after an occurrence of large earthquakes. However, such a proposal cannot easily prove the feasibility of cost-benefit analysis in structural design. In this paper, six generic reinforced concrete frames and dual system structures designed based on Turkish Seismic Code were used in cost analysis. The study reveals that load bearing structural systems with Immediate Occupancy performance level in seismic zones can be achieved with negligible costs.