https://test.sciltp.com/testj/index.php/gefr Scilight Press en-US Green Energy and Fuel Research 2982-2106 https://test.sciltp.com/testj/index.php/gefr/article/view/362 <p class="categorytitle"><em>Editorial</em></p> <h1>Editorial for First Issue of Green Energy and Fuel Research</h1> <p><strong>Wei-Hsin Chen </strong><strong>^1,2,3</strong></p> <p>¹ Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan<br />² Research Center for Smart Sustainable Circular Economy, Tunghai University, Taichung 407, Taiwan<br />³ Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung 411, Taiwan<br />Correspondence: <a href="mailto:weihsinchen@gmail.com">weihsinchen@gmail.com</a>; <a href="mailto:chenwh@mail.ncku.edu.tw">chenwh@mail.ncku.edu.tw</a><br />Received: 29 April 2024; Revised: 18 May 2024; Accepted: 22 May 2024; Published: 22 May 2024</p> Wei-Hsin Chen Copyright (c) 2024 by the authors. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 2024-05-22 2024-05-22 1–2 1–2 10.53941/gefr.2024.100001 https://test.sciltp.com/testj/index.php/gefr/article/view/419 <p class="categorytitle"><em>Review</em></p> <h1>A Brief Overview of Green Hydrogen on Production, Regulations, and Commercialization</h1> <div class="abstract_title"> <p><strong>Kuan</strong><strong>-T</strong><strong>ing Lee *, Yuan</strong><strong>-S</strong><strong>hao Cai, Qian</strong><strong>-Y</strong><strong>i Hou, Ting</strong><strong>-J</strong><strong>ung Hsu, </strong><strong>and </strong><strong>Wei</strong><strong>-H</strong><strong>ao Hsu</strong></p> </div> <div class="abstract_top"> <p>Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Tunghai University, Taichung 407, Taiwan</p> <p><strong>*</strong> Correspondence: s9832806@gmail.com or ktlee@thu.edu.tw</p> <p>Received: 1 July 2024; Revised: 19 July 2024; Accepted: 22 July 2024; Published: 15 August 2024</p> <p> </p> </div> <p><strong class="label">Abstract: </strong>With the deadline for meeting the net-zero emissions target by 2050 fast approaching, developing low-carbon energy sources has become a priority for governments worldwide. Green hydrogen is considered a promising low-carbon energy in response to the urgent need for net-zero energy. In this minor review, we have provided an overview of the progress made in the commercialization of green hydrogen, focusing on aspects such as manufacturing, regulations, and patent analysis for achieving environmental sustainability and net-zero emissions. In addition, the developemental progress achieved in green hydrogen by various countries such as Europe, United States, Japan, and South Korea is also highlighted, emphasizing their determination and commitment to exploit and incorporate hydrogen energy industry into existing energy policy. Key challenges identified include the difficulty of ensuring a stable supply source, optimizing transportation and storage infrastructure, and reducing energy consumption costs. The international regulations and patents related to green hydrogen are also discussed. This review provides insights into the current state of green hydrogen industries of various countries as we aim to achieve net zero emmissions and improve sustainability.</p> Kuan-Ting Lee Yuan-Shao Cai Qian-Yi Hou Ting-Jung Hsu Wei-Hao Hsu Copyright (c) 2024 by the authors. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 2024-08-15 2024-08-15 3–12 3–12 10.53941/gefr.2024.100002 https://test.sciltp.com/testj/index.php/gefr/article/view/414 <p class="categorytitle"><em>Review</em></p> <h1>Progress in Green Energy and Fuel for Sustainability</h1> <div class="abstract_title"> <p><strong>Wei-Hsin Chen </strong><strong>^1,2,3</strong></p> </div> <div class="abstract_top"> <p>¹ Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; weihsinchen@gmail.com or chenwh@mail.ncku.edu.tw</p> <p>² Research Center for Smart Sustainable Circular Economy, Tunghai University, Taichung 407, Taiwan</p> <p>³ Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung 411, Taiwan</p> <p>Received: 26 June 2024; Revised: 9 August 2024; Accepted: 9 August 2024; Published: 24 August 2024</p> <p> </p> </div> <p><strong class="label">Abstract: </strong>Developing green energy and sustainable fuels is crucial to overcoming the environmental and resource challenges posed by fossil fuel consumption and dependence. To provide a comprehensive insight into the progress in green energy and fuels, including solar, wind, bioenergy, hydropower, marine, and geothermal energy, this study explores significant advancements and ongoing challenges in various renewable energy sectors. This study also highlights the development of green fuels such as biofuels, hydrogen, ammonia, and synthetic fuels, emphasizing their potential to achieve carbon neutrality and integration into existing infrastructures. Key challenges are identified, such as improving the efficiency and performance of renewable technologies, addressing high initial investment costs, and overcoming policy and social acceptance barriers. The environmental impacts of renewable energy production and resource availability are also discussed. The research underscores the necessity of collaborative efforts, supportive policies, and public engagement to overcome these challenges and achieve a sustainable energy future. This comprehensive overview provides insights into the current state and future prospects of green energy and fuel research for sustainability.</p> Wei-Hsin Chen Copyright (c) 2024 by the authors. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 2024-08-27 2024-08-27 13–22 13–22 10.53941/gefr.2024.100003 https://test.sciltp.com/testj/index.php/gefr/article/view/373 <p class="categorytitle"><em>Review</em></p> <h1>Life Cycle Assessment of Microalgal Carbon Fixation and Torrefaction for Carbon Neutralization: A State-of-the-Art Review</h1> <div class="abstract_title"> <p><strong>Congyu Zhang *, Jin Fang, Yong Zhan, Xin Wang, Tao Chen, Kuifeng Hao, Jiaqi Ma</strong><strong> and </strong><strong>Yuting Wang</strong></p> </div> <div class="abstract_top"> <p>School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China</p> <p><strong>*</strong> Correspondence: ztdw7727@163.com</p> </div> <div class="abstract_top"> <p>Received: 23 May 2024; Revised: 12 August 2024; Accepted: 5 September 2024; Published: 10 September 2024</p> <p> </p> </div> <p><strong class="label">Abstract: </strong>In the past decades, a series of phenomena such as global warming, glacier melting, sea level rise, and haze weather caused by the greenhouse effect have been reported, which seriously threaten the future of humans. To address this challenge, several countries have initiated interventions to prevent climate change, such as carbon neutralization. Given the current economic, social development and environmental protection requirements, microalgal carbon fixation appears to be a suitable approach to achieve carbon net zero emission while also promoting microalgal biofuel production. This promotes the realization of energy structure transformation and optimization of carbon neutralization. This article provides a comprehensive and state-of-the-art review of research progress on microalgal carbon capture and solid biofuel production via the torrefaction process, with focus on the efficiency and capacity of microalgal carbon fixation, as well as the principle and application of microalgal torrefaction. The detailed review includes the practical value and development prospect of microalgal torrefied biochar, fuel performance conversion, and mechanism in the torrefaction process. Furthermore, the environmental impact of microalgal carbon fixation and torrefaction process are discussed to evaluate the overall environmental benefits of microalgal utilization via life cycle assessment (LCA) method. The technical difficulties of microalgal carbon fixation and torrefaction process are also discussed. This review paper is beneficial to guide the scheme demonstration and specific implementation of microalgal carbon neutralization and thus lead to the efficient establishment of microalgal carbon reduction, biomass accumulation, and biofuel production techniques.</p> Congyu Zhang Jin Fang Yong Zhan Xin Wang Tao Chen Kuifeng Hao Jiaqi Ma Yuting Wang Copyright (c) 2024 by the authors. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 2024-09-10 2024-09-10 23–38 23–38 10.53941/gefr.2024.100004 https://test.sciltp.com/testj/index.php/gefr/article/view/428 <p class="categorytitle"><em>Article</em></p> <h1>Heating Performance and Energy Efficiency Analysis of Air-Source Heat Pumps in Public Buildings Across Different Climate Zonings</h1> <div class="abstract_title"> <p><strong>Junbao Fan ¹, Yilin Liu ^1,*, Jing Ma ², Ying Cao ^1,2, Zhibin Zhang ¹, Xin Cui ¹ and Liwen Jin ^1,*</strong></p> </div> <div class="abstract_top"> <p>¹ School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, No. 28 Xianning West Road, Xi’an 710049, China</p> <p>² China Architecture Design and Research Group, Beijing 100044, China</p> <p><strong>*</strong> Correspondence: ylliu@xjtu.edu.cn (Y.L.); lwjin@xjtu.edu.cn (L.J.)</p> </div> <div class="abstract_top"> <p>Received: 11 July 2024; Revised: 3 September 2024; Accepted: 5 September 2024; Published: 20 September 2024</p> </div> <p><strong class="label">Abstract: </strong>Public buildings exhibit the highest operational energy consumption and contribute the most to carbon emissions compared to other types of building. The electrification of energy terminals in public buildings is crucial for the energy conservation and emission reduction, especially the energy-saving retrofitting of heating systems. Given the significant impact of climate on the performance of air-source heat pumps, this study explored the performance and energy efficiency of air-source heat pump systems in public buildings across different climate zonings. Using Design Builder software, the physical models of three types of public buildings (commercial, hotel, and office) were constructed, and the annual variations in the building load was analyzed. Considering the effects of defrosting and low-temperature conditions, an air-source heat pump heating system models were developed using TRNSYS software. The simulation results showed that the average COP of the heat pump system on the coldest day in Harbin, Beijing, and Shanghai were 1.7, 2.46 and 2.49, respectively. Moreover, the analysis factor correlation analysis reveals that the COP of the heat pump system is positively correlated with the dry-bulb temperature, negatively correlated with the building load. Surprisingly, the COP is not affected by the types of public buildings. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable guidance for the application and regulation of air-source heat pumps in the public buildings.</p> Junbao Fan Yilin Liu Ying Cao Zhibin Zhang Xin Cui Liwen Jin Copyright (c) 2024 by the authors. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 2024-09-20 2024-09-20 39–52 39–52 10.53941/gefr.2024.100005 https://test.sciltp.com/testj/index.php/gefr/article/view/482 <p class="categorytitle"><em>Review</em></p> <h1>A Review of Geothermal Energy Coupled Hybrid System for Building Heat Supply</h1> <div class="abstract_title"> <p><strong>Jianke Hao ¹, Guosheng Jia ^1,*, Zhendi Ma ¹, Zhibin Zhang ¹, Congfu Ma ¹, Chonghua Cheng ² and Liwen Jin ^1,*</strong></p> </div> <div class="abstract_top"> <p>¹ School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China</p> <p>² Shaanxi Yateer Scientific and Technological Innovation Construction Co., Ltd., Xi’an 710076, China</p> <p><strong>*</strong> Correspondence: jiaguosheng@xjtu.edu.cn (G.J.); lwjin@xjtu.edu.cn (L.J.)</p> </div> <div class="abstract_top"> <p>Received: 3 September 2024; Revised: 8 October 2024; Accepted: 10 October 2024; Published: 11 October 2024</p> </div> <p><strong class="label">Abstract: </strong>Recently, there has been significant emphasis on studying the combination of geothermal energy with other forms of renewable energy. This has become an important area of research in sustainable energy development. The notable characteristic of this integration is its ability to improve the overall efficiency and reliability of the heat supply system. This study reviews the research conducted on the building heating system, which combines geothermal energy with solar energy, wind energy, and air-source energy. A thorough analysis of how previous studies have utilized renewable energy sources to address the drawbacks of geothermal heating systems has been performed, with a specific focus on energy consumption efficiency, soil temperature variations, system power supply, and cost analysis. Geothermal energy coupled with solar energy can mitigate the instability of the solar energy supply and reduce the ground temperature attenuation. The integration of geothermal and wind energy can produce electricity, thereby satisfying the power requirements. The combination of geothermal energy with an air-source heat pump system can enhance the overall performance and reduce the borehole heat exchanger depth. Through the detailed analysis of these hybrid systems, we aim to promote the development and popularization of the coupled system and provide a reference for renewable energy utilization.</p> Jianke Hao Guosheng Jia Zhendi Ma Zhibin Zhang Congfu Ma Chonghua Cheng Liwen Jin Copyright (c) 2024 by the authors. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 2024-10-11 2024-10-11 53–84 53–84 10.53941/gefr.2024.100006