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1 – 10 of 252Diesel has traditionally been considered the best-suited and most widely used fuel in various sectors, including manufacturing industries, power production, automobiles and…
Abstract
Purpose
Diesel has traditionally been considered the best-suited and most widely used fuel in various sectors, including manufacturing industries, power production, automobiles and transportation. However, with the ongoing crisis of fossil fuel inadequacy, the search for alternative fuels and their application in these sectors has become increasingly important. One particularly interesting and beneficial alternative fuel is biodiesel derived from bio sources.
Design/methodology/approach
In this research, an attempt was made to use biodiesel in an unconventional micro gas turbine engine. It will remove the concentric use of diesel engines for power production by improving fuel efficiency as well as increasing the power production rate. Before the fuel is used enormously, it has to be checked in many ways such as performance, emission and combustion analysis experimentally.
Findings
In this paper, a detailed experimental study was made for the use of Spirulina microalgae biodiesel in a micro gas turbine. A small-scale setup with the primary micro gas turbine and secondary instruments such as a data acquisition system and AVL gas analyser. The reason for selecting the third-generation microalgae is due to its high lipid and biodiesel production rate. For the conduction of experimental tests, certain conditions were followed in addition that the engine rotating rpm was varied from 4,000, 5,000 and 6,000 rpm. The favourable and predicted results were obtained with the use of microalgae biodiesel.
Originality/value
The performance and combustion results were not exactly equal or greater for biodiesel blends but close to the values of pure diesel; however, the reduction in the emission of CO was at the appreciable level for the used spirulina microalgae biodiesel. The emission of nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide was a little higher than the use of pure diesel. This experimental analysis results proved that the use of spirulina microalgae biodiesel is both economical and effective replacement for fossil fuel.
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Aarzoo Sharma, Aviral Kumar Tiwari, Emmanuel Joel Aikins Abakah and Freeman Brobbey Owusu
This paper aims to examine the cross-quantile correlation and causality-in-quantiles between green investments and energy commodities during the outbreak of COVID-19. To be…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the cross-quantile correlation and causality-in-quantiles between green investments and energy commodities during the outbreak of COVID-19. To be specific, the authors aim to address the following questions: Is there any distributional predictability among green bonds and energy commodities during COVID-19? Is there exist any directional predictability between green investments and energy commodities during the global pandemic? Can green bonds hedge the risk of energy commodities during a period of the financial crisis.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use the nonparametric causality in quantile and cross-quantilogram (CQ) correlation approaches as the estimation techniques to investigate the distributional and directional predictability between green investments and energy commodities respectively using daily spot prices from January 1, 2020, to March 26, 2021. The study uses daily closing price indices S&P Green Bond Index as a representative of the green bond market. In the case of energy commodities, the authors use S&P GSCI Natural Gas Spot, S&P GSCI Biofuel Spot, S&P GSCI Unleaded Gasoline Spot, S&P GSCI Gas Oil Spot, S&P GSCI Brent Crude Spot, S&P GSCI WTI, OPEC Oil Basket Price, Crude Oil Oman, Crude Oil Dubai Cash, S&P GSCI Heating Oil Spot, S&P Global Clean Energy, US Gulf Coast Kerosene and Los Angeles Low Sulfur CARB Diesel Spot.
Findings
From the CQ correlation results, there exists an overall negative directional predictability between green bonds and natural gas. The authors find that the directional predictability between green bonds and S&P GSCI Biofuel Spot, S&P GSCI Gas Oil Spot, S&P GSCI Brent Crude Spot, S&P GSCI WTI Spot, OPEC Oil Basket Spot, Crude Oil Oman Spot, Crude Oil Dubai Cash Spot, S&P GSCI Heating Oil Spot, US Gulf Coast Kerosene-Type Jet Fuel Spot Price and Los Angeles Low Sulfur CARB Diesel Spot Price is negative during normal market conditions and positive during extreme market conditions. Results from the non-parametric causality in the quantile approach show strong evidence of asymmetry in causality across quantiles and strong variations across markets.
Practical implications
The quantile time-varying dependence and predictability results documented in this paper can help market participants with different investment targets and horizons adopt better hedging strategies and portfolio diversification to aid optimal policy measures during volatile market conditions.
Social implications
The outcome of this study will promote awareness regarding the environment and also increase investor’s participation in the green bond market. Further, it allows corporate institutions to fulfill their social commitment through the issuance of green bonds.
Originality/value
This paper differs from these previous studies in several aspects. First, the authors have included a wide range of energy commodities, comprising three green bond indices and 14 energy commodity indices. Second, the authors have explored the dependency between the two markets, particularly during COVID-19 pandemic. Third, the authors have applied CQ and causality-in-quantile methods on the given data set. Since the market of green and sustainable finance is growing drastically and the world is transmitting toward environment-friendly practices, it is essential and vital to understand the impact of green bonds on other financial markets. In this regard, the study contributes to the literature by documenting an in-depth connectedness between green bonds and crude oil, natural gas, petrol, kerosene, diesel, crude, heating oil, biofuels and other energy commodities.
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Alexandre Dos Reis and José Manuel Cristovão Veríssimo
The purpose of this study is to analyze the aspects of the organizational culture (OC) of companies operating in the Brazilian oil, gas and biofuels (O&G) sector based on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyze the aspects of the organizational culture (OC) of companies operating in the Brazilian oil, gas and biofuels (O&G) sector based on semistructured interviews with managers of these organizations and its content analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
This research was conducted based on semistructured interviews with 12 managers of Brazilian O&G companies and analyzed with a computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software, namely, MAXQDA™.
Findings
The results make it possible to obtain the perception of managers about OC, generally understood as a set of attributes and variables of social order, supported by the historical–culturalist theoretical approach. Information about the explicit and implicit manifestation of culture, as well as the evaluation of the most appropriate research instruments and metrics, were also obtained after the interviews.
Originality/value
This study presents detailed results about OC and its characteristics in the perception of managers of the O&G companies that operate in the Brazilian market.
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Adewale Allen Sokan-Adeaga, Godson R.E.E. Ana, Abel Olajide Olorunnisola, Micheal Ayodeji Sokan-Adeaga, Hridoy Roy, Md Sumon Reza and Md. Shahinoor Islam
This study aims to assess the effect of water variation on bioethanol production from cassava peels (CP) using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast as the ethanologenic agent.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the effect of water variation on bioethanol production from cassava peels (CP) using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast as the ethanologenic agent.
Design/methodology/approach
The milled CP was divided into three treatment groups in a small-scale flask experiment where each 20 g CP was subjected to two-stage hydrolysis. Different amount of water was added to the fermentation process of CP. The fermented samples were collected every 24 h for various analyses.
Findings
The results of the fermentation revealed that the highest ethanol productivity and fermentation efficiency was obtained at 17.38 ± 0.30% and 0.139 ± 0.003 gL−1 h−1. The study affirmed that ethanol production was increased for the addition of water up to 35% for the CP hydrolysate process.
Practical implications
The finding of this study demonstrates that S. cerevisiae is the key player in industrial ethanol production among a variety of yeasts that produce ethanol through sugar fermentation. In order to design truly sustainable processes, it should be expanded to include a thorough analysis and the gradual scaling-up of this process to an industrial level.
Originality/value
This paper is an original research work dealing with bioethanol production from CP using S. cerevisiae microbe.
Highlights
Hydrolysis of cassava peels using 13.1 M H2SO4 at 100 oC for 110 min gave high Glucose productivity
Highest ethanol production was obtained at 72 h of fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Optimal bioethanol concentration and yield were obtained at a hydration level of 35% agitation
Highest ethanol productivity and fermentation efficiency were 17.3%, 0.139 g.L−1.h−1
Hydrolysis of cassava peels using 13.1 M H2SO4 at 100 oC for 110 min gave high Glucose productivity
Highest ethanol production was obtained at 72 h of fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Optimal bioethanol concentration and yield were obtained at a hydration level of 35% agitation
Highest ethanol productivity and fermentation efficiency were 17.3%, 0.139 g.L−1.h−1
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Adetayo Olaniyi Adeniran, Mosunmola Joseph Muraina and Josiah Chukwuma Ngonadi
Energy consumption in transportation accounted for over 29% of total final consumption (TFC) of energy and 65% of global oil usage, and it is highly connected to mobility…
Abstract
Energy consumption in transportation accounted for over 29% of total final consumption (TFC) of energy and 65% of global oil usage, and it is highly connected to mobility. Mobility is essential for access to day-to-day activities such as education, leisure, healthcare, business activities, and commercial and industrial operations. This study examines the energy consumption for the transport industry, and the level of renewable energy development in some selected Sub-Saharan African (SSA) nations. This study relied on previous publications of government, reports and articles related to the subject matter. Vehicle ownership is fast increasing, particularly in cities. Still, it begins at a relatively low level because the area is home to countries with the lowest ownership rates worldwide. In its current state, the energy sector faces significant challenges such as inadequate and poorly maintained infrastructure, dealing with increasing traffic congestion in cities, large-scale imports of used vehicles with poor emission standards that affect air quality in cities, a lack of safe and formally operated public transportation systems, and inadequate consideration for women and disabled mobility needs. Motorcycle and tricycle are dominating the rural areas, accounting for a substantial amount of this growth. Aviation is the largest non-road user of energy, and this trend is predicted to continue through 2040 as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grows and urbanisation expands. This study revealed the energy consumption for the transport industry, and the level of renewable energy development in some selected SSA. Rail and navigation lag behind current global levels. The usage of biofuel and rail transport was recommended.
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Revanth Kumar Reddy Settypalli
This study aims at improving combustion process to reduce emissions. Emissions such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter and unburnt hydrocarbons are a result of incomplete…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims at improving combustion process to reduce emissions. Emissions such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter and unburnt hydrocarbons are a result of incomplete combustion. These emissions have useful energy but cannot be reclaimed. Hence, to enhance combustion, effect of biofuel blending on diesel combustion was investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
Essential oils have been found easier for blending with diesel because of simple molecular structure compared to vegetable oils. Lavender oil is an essential oil which has not yet been studied by blending with diesel. The major constituents of lavender oil are linalyl acetate (cetane number improver) and linalool (nitrogen oxides reduction). A single-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine was run by blending diesel with lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia oil [LAO]) in varying proportions, 5%, 10% and 15% by volume.
Findings
Higher heat release rate (HRR) was observed using lavender oil blends compared to pure diesel. Compared to diesel, an increase in brake-specific fuel consumption using blends was observed. LAO15 has the lowest CO emissions at all loading conditions, 29.3% less at 100% load compared to diesel. LAO5 and LAO15 have 6.9% less HC emissions at 100% load condition compared to diesel. LAO15 has only 1.3% higher NOx emissions compared to diesel at 100% load condition. LAO5 has the lowest smoke content at all loading conditions.
Research limitations/implications
Lavender oil was used directly without any processing. Tested on single-cylinder engine.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, currently, there is no published work on lavender oil–diesel combination. Lavender oil can provide a simple renewable solution for diesel additives with potential up to 15% blending.
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Nausheen Bibi Jaffur, Pratima Jeetah and Gopalakrishnan Kumar
The increasing accumulation of synthetic plastic waste in oceans and landfills, along with the depletion of non-renewable fossil-based resources, has sparked environmental…
Abstract
The increasing accumulation of synthetic plastic waste in oceans and landfills, along with the depletion of non-renewable fossil-based resources, has sparked environmental concerns and prompted the search for environmentally friendly alternatives. Biodegradable plastics derived from lignocellulosic materials are emerging as substitutes for synthetic plastics, offering significant potential to reduce landfill stress and minimise environmental impacts. This study highlights a sustainable and cost-effective solution by utilising agricultural residues and invasive plant materials as carbon substrates for the production of biopolymers, particularly polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), through microbiological processes. Locally sourced residual materials were preferred to reduce transportation costs and ensure accessibility. The selection of suitable residue streams was based on various criteria, including strength properties, cellulose content, low ash and lignin content, affordability, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, shelf-life, mechanical and physical properties, short maturation period, antibacterial properties and compatibility with global food security. Life cycle assessments confirm that PHB dramatically lowers CO2 emissions compared to traditional plastics, while the growing use of lignocellulosic biomass in biopolymeric applications offers renewable and readily available resources. Governments worldwide are increasingly inclined to develop comprehensive bioeconomy policies and specialised bioplastics initiatives, driven by customer acceptability and the rising demand for environmentally friendly solutions. The implications of climate change, price volatility in fossil materials, and the imperative to reduce dependence on fossil resources further contribute to the desirability of biopolymers. The study involves fermentation, turbidity measurements, extraction and purification of PHB, and the manufacturing and testing of composite biopolymers using various physical, mechanical and chemical tests.
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Taraprasad Mohapatra and Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra
The study aims to verify and establish the result of the most suitable optimization approach for higher performance and lower emission of a variable compression ratio (VCR) diesel…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to verify and establish the result of the most suitable optimization approach for higher performance and lower emission of a variable compression ratio (VCR) diesel engine. In this study, three types of test fuels are taken and tested in a variable compression ratio diesel engine (compression ignition). The fuels used are conventional diesel fuel, e-diesel (85% diesel-15% bioethanol) and nano-fuel (85% diesel-15% bioethanol-25 ppm Al2O3). The effect of bioethanol and nano-particles on performance, emission and cost-effectiveness is investigated at different load and compression ratios (CRs). The optimum performance and lower emission of the engine are evaluated and compared with other optimization methods.
Design/methodology/approach
The test engine is run by diesel, e-diesel (85% diesel-15% bioethanol) and nano-fuel (85% diesel-15% bioethanol-25 ppm Al2O3) in three different loadings (4 kg, 8 kg and 12 kg) and CR of 14, 16 and 18, respectively. The optimum value of energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, NOX emission and relative cost variation are determined against the input parameters using Taguchi-Grey method and confirmed by response surface methodology (RSM) technique.
Findings
Using Taguchi-Grey method, the maximum energy and exergy efficiency, minimum % relative cost variation and NOX emission are 24.64%, 59.52%, 0 and 184 ppm, respectively, at 4 kg load, 18 CR and fuel type of nano-fuel. Using RSM technique, maximum energy and exergy efficiency are 24.8% and 62.9%, and minimum NOX emission and % cost variation are 208.4 ppm and –6.5, respectively, at 5.2 kg load, 18 CR and nano-fuel. The RSM is suggested as the most appropriate technique for obtaining maximum energy and exergy efficiency, and minimum % relative cost; however, for lowest possible NOX emission, the Taguchi-Grey method is the most appropriate.
Originality/value
Waste rice straw is used to produce bioethanol. 4-E analysis, i.e. energy, exergy, emission and economic analysis, has been carried out, optimized and compared.
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The main culprit is the expansion of soya cultivation, especially in Santa Cruz department. The government pays lip service to the need to preserve the Amazon biome but adopts a…
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB282778
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
Eva Panetti, Daniele Leone, Andrea Caporuscio and Maria Cristina Pietronudo
This paper aims to explore the evolutionary dynamics of innovation ecosystems in the food industry by adopting both open innovation and convergence approaches to derive practical…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the evolutionary dynamics of innovation ecosystems in the food industry by adopting both open innovation and convergence approaches to derive practical policy implications to develop impactful innovation ecosystems to promote food production sustainably.
Design/methodology/approach
Starting from the cutting-edge case of Foodvalley in the Netherlands, the study adopts a backcasting approach to reach a future vision of food ecosystems from a sustainable food production perspective. The authors set the backcasting analysis in four steps: (1) description of the present and trends analysis, (2) selection of trustworthy criteria and goals, (3) development of future images and (4) analysis of how to reach the images.
Findings
The trends analysis has identified three existing innovation fields – protein shift, circular agrifood and food and health – and two strategic directions – convergence and localness decrease. The study reports how a long-term commitment may lead the valley toward a best future scenario.
Practical implications
The study suggests that policymakers and stakeholders can promote innovation strategies in sustainable food production ecosystems by encouraging collaboration between different sectors, reducing regulatory barriers, attracting innovative actors, and investing in education and training programs. To achieve measurable environmental and social impact outcomes, policies should promote entrepreneurship and create an enabling environment that encourages innovation and risk-taking.
Originality/value
The originality of this paper concerns the backcasting perspective applied to the analysis of the food ecosystem. This approach facilitates the identification of a path direction for successfully managing open innovation and industry convergence toward a desirable future of sustainable food production.
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