Papers by Keyword: Techno-Economic Analysis

Abstract: Salinity gradient power (SGP), also known as blue energy, represents a promising renewable energy (RE) source that can diversify global RE portfolios and address energy security challenges. The Philippines, with its extensive network of estuaries where river outflows meet the sea, offers a strategic opportunity for deploying SGP technologies like the pressure retarded osmosis (PRO). PRO utilizes the osmotic energy produced when freshwater diffuses through a semi-permeable membrane into seawater, generating pressurized flow that can drive turbines for electricity generation. This paper explores the energetic and economic feasibility of stand-alone PRO-based power generation in the Philippines, highlighting its potential to support the country’s transition to RE. The work employed a process simulation that integrates unit operation models with mass and energy streams. Key economic indicators were evaluated, including net present value (NPV) for total project feasibility, internal rate of return (IRR) for the annualized return rate, and discounted payback period (DPP) for the time needed to recover investments. The levelized cost of PRO energy (LCOE), reflecting the lifetime cost per kWh produced, was compared against benchmarks from other RE sources. Results indicate the viability of PRO, demonstrating a positive NPV at a 10% discount rate, with a 7-year DPP and an IRR of 12.16%. The study found that the LCOE value of $0.17 per kWh, using cellulose triacetate membranes with approximately 90% efficiency, is cost-competitive with other RE sources. However, advancements in membrane properties, particularly durability and water permeability, are essential to improving both cost-effectiveness and scalability of PRO power plants. This investigation emphasizes the potential of blue energy as a RE source uniquely suited to archipelagic countries like the Philippines. By prioritizing innovation in membrane technology, PRO can transition from an emerging technology to a cornerstone of sustainable energy strategies, aligning with global carbonization efforts.

Abstract: In this study, we conduct a techno-economic comparative analysis between traditional manufacturing and 3D printing technology (i.e., additive manufacturing (AM)) for fused deposition modeling (FDM) --based finger casts. Manufacturing costs are initially collected for machine cost, material cost, and labor cost, in which the Monte Carlo method is also implemented to simulate the number of pieces manufactured in each manufacturing cycle. Traditional manufacturing based on injection technology is found to have high manufacturing costs due to the mold requirement, in which the economies of scale are applied with the increase in manufacturing quantity. In addition, manufacturing costs with AM technology are analyzed using the Cura platform to assess the designed experiment from the FDM-based AM printer to fabricate single and multiple healthcare workpieces per time, respectively. In particular, the breakeven point analysis is investigated, where manufacturing one and five workpieces with AM technology is comparable to producing 1,854 and 6,048 pieces using traditional, injection manufacturing technology in our exemplified case study. The results from the techno-economic evaluation in this study are expected to be further used as a guideline for studies relevant to operational and tactical planning for AM-related applications.

Abstract: Climate change resulting from the burning of fossil fuels has led to severe consequences like global warming, flooding, and melting of ice sheets. One of the significant contributors to this problem is the ever-increasing production and consumption of energy, which is still primarily fossil-based and emits billions of tons of hazardous GHG. The transportation industry is one of the biggest contributors to carbon dioxide emissions, and the rail transportation sector has a significant opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint by adopting renewable energy sources like solar power. This research aims to assess the potential of solar photovoltaic systems in powering railway transportation and to evaluate the economic viability of such a system. The study focuses on the light rail transit system in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and aims to determine the energy-generating capacity and economic benefits of installing solar panels on various structures like train rooftops, railway depots, passenger stations, and DC traction substations. Subsequently, the research tried to address the question of how much energy could be generated by a solar photovoltaic system installed on various structures in the railway transportation system and to what extent these energies could support the railway traction supply system. The study also aimed to determine the economic feasibility of adopting solar power in railway transportation. Therefore, the research employs a quantitative research methodology and uses a Google Earth system with Helioscopes software to evaluate the potential of PV systems along rail lines and on rooftops. The study uses a case study approach and analyses the data collected through simulations to determine the energy-generating capacity and potential economic benefits. Consequently, the research finds that the solar PV system can generate 72.6 MWh per day, with an annual power output of 10.6 GWh, which can reduce CO2 emissions by 180,000 tons while generating a total profit of 892 million Ethiopian birrs. The PV-AA-LRTS has a return on investment of 200%, with a payback time of less than 13 years, and the price of solar-generated electricity is less than $0.08/kWh. Finally, the research concludes that solar power has tremendous potential in the railway transportation sector, particularly in reducing carbon emissions and generating economic benefits. In addition, the research findings support the adoption of solar power in railway transportation systems and provide a framework for assessing the potential of renewable energy sources in powering transportation systems.

Abstract: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of the yttrium recovery from compact fluorescent lamp waste using methyltrioctylammonium peanut oil ([N_1,8,8,8][PO]) compared to methyltrioctylammonium naphthenic acid ([N_1,8,8,8][NA]) and tetraoctylphosphonium oleate ([P_8,8,8,8][Oleate]) on a large scale. Based on the techno-economic analysis, the process was feasible on a large scale commercially due to changes in economic parameters such as gross profit margin (GPM), payback period (PBP), break-even point (BEP), break even capacity (BEC), cumulative net present value (CNPV), profitability index (PI), internal rate return (IRR), and return on investment (ROI) tend to be positive with the greatest profit when using [P_8,8,8,8][Oleate] compared to [N_1,8,8,8][NA] and [N_1,8,8,8][PO] under ideal conditions and the use of [N_1,8,8,8][PO] can still be profitable under non-ideal conditions with certain fluctuation limits.

Abstract: The continuous desire to drift from the conventional sources of energy to renewable energy resources is stymied by the intermittent nature of some of renewable sources such as solar and wind. However, analyses on some of the required conditions in which intermittent energy resources will be attractive and when it will be less attractive are presented in this paper.Pearson’s product moment of correlation coefficient (r) technique was used to calculate to calculate the correlation coefficient with respect to how three distinct hourly load profiles relate to the available solar radiation. The three calculated r values were analysed and applied as the operating strategies for modelling the power system in RETScreen softwareThe results from the three strategies employed show that the positive r value strategy was the most viable option and it can compete with the diesel only system.Therefore, for a distributed power generation system that utilizes an intermittent energy source, the relationship between the intermittent source and the load profile should be considered as an important indicator for determining the feasibility of the project.

Abstract: With the development of electrolytic aluminum in our country, sulphur content in aluminum anode increased year by year, thus there is the risk of SO₂ discharge over standard in exhaust gas treatment in electrolytic aluminum industry. Further, the waste heat from exhaust gas of electrolytic aluminum has not been made full use at present. It is necessary to development new exhaust gas treatment and utilization technology. In this study, a scheme about electrolytic aluminum exhaust gas cascade utilization has been proposed according to the characteristics of electrolytic aluminum exhaust gas. The electrolytic aluminum exhaust gas after dry treatment could be sent to power plant boiler as combustion air, as the discharge of electrolytic aluminum exhaust gas and air pollutants could be decreased greatly. After the comparison of techno-economic analysis, the discharge by the scheme of cascade utilization was less than that with desulfurization, with more economic benefit. Thus it is worth to be extended, since the scheme of electrolytic aluminum exhaust gas cascade utilization showed good techno-economy.

Abstract: Yangshan Port, one of the most essential hardware of Shanghai International Shipping Centre, accounts for more than one-third of the total throughput of Shanghai Port. However, as ocean transport develops rapidly, Donghai Bridge, the only channel from the port to economic hinterland, indicates high risks of unavailability and insecurity. The aim of this paper is to investigate the solution for solving this disputed contradiction by exploring the second channel. This paper analyzes the real situation about Yangshan Port and the necessity for the second channel in security and transportation structure aspect. Furthermore, this paper also studies and compares three alternatives through technical and economic assessment and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. The results show that the highway-railway dual-purpose tunnel is the most feasible and effective solution, which provides some advice and references to the continuous development and improvement of Yangshan Port.

Abstract: This paper analyzed the grade of iron and sulfur of cobalt concentrate in an iron in the past decade. The utilization of the magnetic separation technology for treating cobalt concentrate was carried out the techno-economic analysis. It was indicated that the cobalt concentrate quality had been improved significantly after magnetic separation; the grade of cobalt has been increased for 0.08 percentage points higher and the sulfur 3 percentage points higher. The recovery operations of cobalt and sulfur were 83.1% and 80.6% respectively, and the product yield of the magnetic was 27.85%, the grade of iron was 42.63% and the sulfur was 17.76%. According to the actual production data in 2009 and the experimental data of magnetic treatment of cobalt concentrate, the benefits of treating cobalt concentrate were calculated. The results showed that 5.342 million was increased for the sales and more than 4.6 million was increased for net returns by the magnetic treatment of cobalt concentrate.