Authors: Barry Hohnston, Dlzar Al Kez, Sean McLoone, Aoife Foley
Abstract:
Northern Ireland aims to achieve 1 GW of offshore wind power by 2030 to reduce energy carbon intensity. However, the region faces challenges hindering offshore wind development, including political and geographical constraints. This study investigates these challenges and opportunities, focusing on the technical and innovative aspects of offshore wind deployment in Northern Ireland. Methodologically, the study employs advanced spatial analysis techniques to assess water depths, vessel density, seabed substrate, and wind resource estimation. It also conducts a multi-criteria analysis to integrate various parameters and identify optimal locations for different turbine foundation types. By analyzing the regions 6500 km2 sea area, this research identifies significant depth and spatial constraints due to marine conservation legislation, shipping, and fishing activities. Despite these obstacles, the study unveils promising prospects for offshore wind generation, with potential capacities exceeding 1 GW for fixed-bottom installations and far larger capacities for floating offshore wind projects across multiple areas. Furthermore, the analysis underscores the complexity of offshore wind project development in Northern Ireland, highlighting the necessity for innovative solutions and strategic site selection to navigate environmental, economic, and social challenges effectively. Northern Ireland exhibits notable potential for offshore wind energy development, particularly through the adoption of floating foundations, which are better suited to the region’s deep-water conditions.
Full paper available here
Authors: Manfeng Li, Hailong Li, Xiaoqiang Zhai, Suping Li, Weilin Li, Yiji Lu
Abstract:
Utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. This study introduces a renewable energy system combining solar, wind, hydrogen, and natural gas resources with a combined cooling, heating and power system, absorption chillers and, air source heat pumps. The system is designed to dynamically meet the cooling, heating, and power demands. The system’s performance was analyzed using TRNSYS simulation, highlighting significant improvements in energy efficiency (ηen), primary energy saving rate (PESR), sustainability index (SI), and life cycle cost (LCC). Using response surface methodology, a multi-objective optimization was carried out to determine optimal configurations of photovoltaic panel area, solar collector panel area, and number of air–fuel cells. The results indicate that the optimal system configuration includes 4 wind turbines, 50 air–fuel cells, 500 m2 of PV panels and 5500 m2 of solar collector. This configuration achieves an ηen of 85.4 %, PESR of 87.3 %, SI of 3.785, and LCC of 4.119 × 106 $. The integrated system demonstrates enhanced energy efficiency, economic performance, and supply reliability, providing a viable pathway for renewable energy integration in building applications.
Full paper available here
Authors:Bauyrzhan Biakhmetov, Yue Li, Qunshan Zhao, Abay Dostiyarov, David Flynn, Siming You
Abstract:
Less than one-tenth of municipal plastic waste generated is mechanically recycled, resulting in the remainder ending up in incineration plants or landfills worldwide. There is limited consideration on the effects of system scales and transportation processes on the economic feasibility of municipal plastic waste treatment. In this study, a techno-economic assessment framework was developed for pyrolysis-based resource recovery from nonrecycled municipal plastic waste. The framework incorporates detailed transportation and process modelling with cost-benefit analysis, which enables greater assessment flexibility and accuracy and the accounting of the effects of system scale. The techno-economic feasibility of centralized large-scale and decentralized small-scale systems that recover value-added fuels (diesel and hydrogen), with and without carbon capture and storage units, were compared. The large-scale diesel system without carbon capture and storage reflected a real-world demonstrator, while other systems considered in this study were proposed alternatives to non-recycled municipal plastic waste management. Specifically, the municipal plastic waste transportation, and pyrolysis-based diesel and hydrogen production from non-recycled municipal plastic waste were modelled and simulated using ArcGIS Pro and Aspen Plus software, respectively. The data of transportation and process modelling were feed into a cost-benefit analysis to calculate the net present values of relevant developments. It was shown that only centralized large-scale diesel production, with and without carbon capture and storage, exhibited total positive net present values (£22,240,135 and £24,449,631, respectively), indicating their economic feasibility. The decentralized small-scale hydrogen production system with carbon capture and storage yielded the lowest net present value result (− £2,391) per tonne of treated non-recycled municipal plastic waste. Particularly, the production of diesel and hydrogen from non-recycled municipal plastic systems, with carbon dioxide emissions to the environment, demonstrated better economic performance than the same systems capturing and storing carbon dioxide, attributable to its higher capital and operational expenditures. Finally, sensitivity analysis revealed that the fuel sales price and OPEX had the most significant impact on the net present values.
Full paper available here
Authors: Dlzar Al Kez, Aoife, Foley, Wong Hasan, Wong Fadhil, Andrea Dolfi, Geetha Srinivasan
Abstract:
The increasing computational demands of artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), and hyperscale cloud platforms are placing significant thermal and energy pressures on data centre infrastructure. Traditional air-based cooling systems are increasingly inadequate for managing these loads, prompting a transition toward more efficient, scalable, and sustainable alternatives. This study presents a comprehensive, system-wide review of next-generation cooling technologies, including direct liquid cooling, immersion cooling, two-phase systems, spray and jet impingement cooling, and heat pipe-based solutions. Unlike previous reviews focused on component-level or single-technology evaluations, this study integrates technical performance, commercial readiness, and environmental impact across diverse deployment conditions. A detailed comparative framework synthesises thermal efficiency, scalability, and water usage across air, liquid, and hybrid systems. Special attention is given to commercially mature solutions such as RDHx and cold plate DLC, while the feasibility of emerging methods like AI-driven cooling, phase-change materials, and thermoelectric technologies is evaluated. The review further explores heat reuse potential and ESG-aligned design strategies critical to decarbonising digital infrastructure. By mapping trade-offs across performance, cost, and sustainability, this study offers actionable insights for data centre operators, designers, and policy stakeholders navigating the path to high-efficiency, AI-ready cooling.
Full paper available here
Authors: Faraedoon Ahmet, Aoife M. Foley, Sean McLoone, Robert J. Best, Dlzar Al Kez
Abstract:
The Integrated Single Electricity Market (ISEM) is the wholesale electricity market across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and has an ambitious target of 80% renewable energy by 2030. Wind power is expected to play a central role in this transition, but its inherent variability and uncertainty present significant challenges. This study develops a novel electricity market model using PLEXOS, incorporating existing alternating current transmission infrastructure and planned interconnectors with Great Britain and France. The model was validated against 2022 data and extended to evaluate scenarios for 2030, achieving over 80% renewable penetration. Focusing on Northern Ireland, the study examines the role of key technologies, demand response, battery storage, and interconnectors to meet this target. These technologies are evaluated for their complementary contributions to grid flexibility and security under high levels of system non-synchronous penetration. This analysis explores wind power curtailment, CO2 emissions, electricity generation costs, wholesale prices, net revenues, and optimal interconnection capacities. Findings demonstrate the potential of these technologies to mitigate wind power variability, reduce emissions, and lower costs while maintaining system stability. Insights from this research are critical for transmission system operators to develop strategies and policies supporting the transition to a renewable-dominated grid. This study provides valuable guidance for regions pursuing ambitious renewable energy targets while ensuring grid security and economic efficiency.
Full paper available here
Authors: Francisco Ferrada, Frederic Babonneau, Tito Homem-de-Mello, Francisca Jalil-Vega
Abstract:
In this paper we implement a long-term multi-sectoral energy planning model to evaluate the role of electric mobility and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and its potential synergy with renewable development for the decarbonization of the Chilean energy system, a country with a high renewable potential. The contributions of this paper are both methodological and policy-oriented. On the one hand we extend the energy ETEM-Chile planning model to incorporate the V2G dimension and distribution upgrading costs, usually not considered in such models. On the other hand, our results deliver interesting policy insights. They show that distribution costs are important to consider as otherwise it can lead to an over-electrified system with under-estimated system costs of about 6%. The incorporation of V2G technology results in significant system cost benefits from the use of V2G both for demand management and as system reserve. Under stringent climate objectives, we observe (i) a synergy between V2G and solar photovoltaics, with storage of intermittent production in vehicle batteries relying mainly on public charging stations, and (ii) a disappearance of green-hydrogen-based power plants in the electricity mix.
Full paper available here
Authors: Hadi Heidary, Michele de Lisi, Moataz M. Attallah, Sophie C. Cox, Ahmad El-kharouf, Robert Steinberger-Wilckens
Abstract:
Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are key in sustainable energy solutions, particularly in transportation, maritime, and aviation. However, the weight and volume of conventional bipolar plates remain significant barriers to high power densities and widespread adoption. Through simulation and experiments, the nickel foam bipolar plates improve oxygen concentration by 35 % across active area and increase the limiting current by 50 %. Despite these benefits, the high density of nickel limits improvements in gravimetric power density. This study presents the first demonstration of lightweight porous titanium bipolar plates for PEFCs, fabricated via Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) using an engineered Kelvin cell lattice. A parametric study evaluates the effects of key structural parameters, including cell size, ligament, and sample thickness on PEFC performance. The optimised titanium lattice, with 1 mm cell size, 125 μm ligament, and 1 mm thickness, demonstrated significant improvements. Experimental results showed a 30 % increase in power density and a 60 % enhancement in limiting current compared to a conventional serpentine flow-field. Furthermore, it achieved 25 % higher power than nickel foam bipolar plates while offering a significantly lighter design. These findings highlight the potential of LPBF-fabricated titanium lattices as high-performance, lightweight alternatives for next-generation PEFCs and electrolysers.
Full paper available here
Authors:
Abstract:
Given the urgency of the climate crisis and the vulnerabilities of communities to energy poverty, it is critical that we radically decarbonise whilst cognisant of the needs of people and place. Regional net-zero planning as to integrate whole system optimisations for communities e.g. coupling of electricity, heat, and transport vectors, is vital to timely and affordable decarbonisation. In this work, we propose a Cyber-Physical Energy System (CPES) architecture and smart local energy system design framework as to integrate real-time monitoring, machine learning and AI based services to optimise a district’s energy consumption and streamline data management for decarbonization initiatives. Specifically, the framework proposed in this work is agnostic of the technology used and allows interoperability and coordination of multi-physics sensing and actuator assets. This framework was implemented on a real and large-scale use case from The Crichton Trust estate in Dumfries, UK. We explore the potential economic savings through low-cost solutions and operational adjustments, alongside highlighting the importance of data collection in preserving the heritage values of these buildings. By implementing the CPES architecture and digital energy services, we assess the benefits of streamlined processes, real-time visualization, accurate forecasting, and efficiency tracking, ultimately leading to substantial cost savings for the estate. Our findings indicate a significant reduction in natural gas usage (15-28%), achieved by optimizing heat demand within a heritage building. Extrapolating these savings across similar assets across the entire estate could yield an annual cost reduction of £65,000-£132,000, based on current energy unit prices.
Full paper available here
Authors: Benoit Couraud, Erwin Franquet, Honorat Quinard, Pierre-Jean Barre, Paulo Moura, Yann Rozier, Franck Dechavanne, Pierre Costini, Azeddine El Youssfi, Ahmad Taha, Sonam Norbu, David Flynn
Abstract:
The advancement of renewable energy and low carbon technologies, such as electric vehicles, necessitates that smart buildings adopt innovative energy use cases to become adaptive and responsive. Additionally, the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices introduces new applications for enhancing comfort, air quality, health, and energy consumption. These evolutions require Building Automation Systems (BAS) to manage new devices and implement novel applications, which are often beyond the capabilities of current BAS technologies. Consequently, this paper proposes a Cyber-Physical Architecture that facilitates the integration of third-party IoT devices and the development of novel use cases. Specifically, the architecture supports the implementation of a Smart Energy Management System alongside standard BAS to optimize energy usage in smart buildings through IoT and artificial intelligence algorithms. The paper also presents a case study of the architecture’s implementation in a smart building in Nice, France, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed cyber-physical architecture for smart energy buildings
Full paper available here
Authors: Mehmet Bozdal, Zoya Pourmirza
Abstract: The transition towards sustainable energy systems depends heavily on the reliable operation of renewable energy infrastructure, which is increasingly interconnected and digitized. Therefore, ensuring cybersecurity resilience is essential for maintaining the reliability and safety of renewable energy systems in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. This paper investigates the economic implications of data integrity and system configuration attacks on a green hydrogen production system within a solar microgrid. Through a comprehensive analysis, the vulnerability of the system to cyber intrusions that manipulate relay settings, electricity prices, and hydrogen level, is examined. Drawing on a multidisciplinary framework encompassing energy economics, cybersecurity, and renewable energy technologies, a methodological approach is developed to quantify the direct economic impacts of attacks. Simulation results indicate that such attacks can decrease profits by up to 14%.
Full paper available here