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W pracy przedstawiono badania nad możliwością wykorzystania odpadowego syntetycznego oleju silnikowego do bezpośredniego wytwarzania energii elektrycznej. Pomiary przeprowadzono w zakresie temperatur 293–333 K. Obejmowały one elektroutlenianie emulsji odpadowego (zużytego) syntetycznego oleju silnikowego na elektrodzie platynowej w wodnym roztworze H2SO4. Do wytworzenia emulsji wykorzystano niejonowy środek powierzchniowo czynny Syntanol DS-10. Maksymalna uzyskana gęstość prądu wyniosła 22 mA/cm2 (dla temp. 333 K). Wykazano więc, że istnieje możliwość bezpośredniego wytwarzania prądu elektrycznego z odpadowego syntetycznego oleju silnikowego, a więc zasilania nim ogniw paliwowych. The paper presents possibility of using used synthetic engine oil to direct electricity production. The measure- ments conducted in the temperature range 293–333 K. Were measured electrooxidation of used synthetic engine oil emulsion on a smooth platinum electrode in an aqueous solution of H2SO4. The emulsion prepared on the basis of a nonionic surfactant Syntanol DS-10. The maximum current density reached the level of 22 mA/cm2 (temp.333 K). Measurements shows possibility of direct electricity production from used synthetic engine oil emulsion, so powering fuel cell of this oil.

Wood obtained from freshly cut trees has a high moisture content and therefore its mass per volume unit is higher than the mass of dry wood. The natural drying is a simple and effective method of weight (moisture content) reduction, making a better use of the vehicle's payload, and thus reducing costs, including environmental costs. The conclusion is based on simulations and analyzes attempting to evaluate different solutions. As evidenced, the drying process of logs depends on numerous factors, which entails attempts at development of an optimal logging method, especially concerning energy wood, allowing for maximum value growth in as little time as possible. The suggestions cover various forms of logging (of whole trees, long timber), arranging (in piles, bundles), storing (in stands, by the roadside near cutting areas), and protection. Combined methods such as storing under canvas for winter only or storing in cutting areas and later in piles at the exit road also work in practice, but require more funds because their cost is determined by the number of stages composing the whole process. In case of wood, development of an optimal and simultaneously universal method used to prepare the lumber for transport and its delivery with consideration of as little environmental impact as possible is complicated. The numerous variables, some of which cannot be controlled or affected, create a considerable scientific problem as well. The authors covered in the presented literature review often stress the role of specific weather conditions accompanying an experiment or its location, the storage method, or lumber dimensions in the drying process. Storage time is perceived as equally important, but it is a derivative more or less determined by the previous variables. Previous studies of drying at the cutting area have been focused mainly on energy wood and less on industrial wood. They analysed the results of long−term storage and did not stress the potential advantages of short−term drying. Furthermore, we do not have sufficient information on species, including forest trees, which have a lower share in the volume of the logged wood. Advanced research can help establish the minimum mass (moisture content) with considerable impact on supply chain effectiveness improvement or evaluated various storing and drying methods. We reviewed reports explaining the impact of various factors on natural drying of wood, models and storage effects, and analyzing potential economic and environmental benefits. Sylwan 161 (11): 898-908

Technologie ogniw paliwowych i mikrobiologicznych ogniw paliwowych mogą stać się w przyszłości jednymi z dominujących technologii wytwarzania energii elektrycznej. Konieczne są więc badania związane z tymi technologiami. Technologią, która może usprawnić prowadzenie badań w tym zakresie jest technologia druku 3D. Pozwala ona na wykonywanie dowolnych kształtów w jednym egzemplarzu. Ponadto koszt projektu i wydruku jest stosunkowo niski. Dzięki tej technologii można znacznie przyspieszyć prowadzenie badań z zakresu ogniw paliwowych i mikrobiologicznych ogniw paliwowych. Praca przedstawia wykorzystanie druku 3D w badaniach nad ogniwami paliwowymi i mikrobiologicznymi ogniwami paliwowymi prowadzonymi przez autorów. In the future the technologies of fuel cells and microbial fuel cells may become the dominant technologies of electricity production. It is therefore necessary to conduct research related to these technologies. The technology that can improve scientific research in this area is 3D printing technology. This technology allows making any shape in one copy. In addition, the cost of design and printing is relatively low. Thanks to this technology, conducting scientific research in the field of fuel cells and microbial fuel cells can be significantly accelerated. The paper presents the use of 3D printing by the authors in research on fuel cells and microbial fuel cells.

CO2 emissions are a global problem. This means that the fight of only a part of the countries in this area does not change much. The purpose of this article is to try to show the real CO2 emissions of the Federal Republic of Germany as well as the impact of its trade on CO2 emissions in other countries in the world and in the EU in the year 2015. This study was conducted on the group of countries that are the major emitters of CO2 in the world including most of the EU member states. Actual CO2 emissions were achieved by applying the actual emission factor. Its size takes into account the transfer of CO2 in export products and services as well as those imported by individual countries. As a result of its application, it has turned out that the real CO2 emissions in the Federal Republic of Germany are significantly different from the gross values that represent the CO2 emissions in the country. Emisja CO2 jest problemem globalnym. Oznacza to, że walka jedynie części krajów w tym obszarze niewiele zmienia. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest próba ukazania rzeczywistego poziomu emisji CO2 na terenie Republiki Federalnej Niemiec, jak również wpływ jej wymiany handlowej na emisję CO2 w pozostałych państwach świata i UE w 2015 roku. Badanie zostało przeprowadzone na grupie państw będących głównymi emitentami CO2 na świecie, w tym większości państw członkowskich UE. Poziom emisji CO2 uzyskano przez zastosowanie wskaźnika emisji rzeczywistej. Jego wielkość uwzględnia transfer CO2 w produktach i usługach eksportowych, a także importowanych przez poszczególne kraje. W wyniku jego zastosowania okazało się, że rzeczywisty poziom emisji CO2 w Republice Federalnej Niemiec jest znacznie odmienny od wartości brutto, które reprezentują wielkości emisji CO2 na terenie danego kraju.

In recent decades the demand of energy has increased significantly. Providing more and more energy is an essential task of today's energetic industry. In the last few years, addition to traditional methods of energy production, alternative energy sources have been fast developing. One of these sources is fuel cell, mainly due to their high efficiency. Fuel cells perform direct conversion of chemical fuel into electrical energy, without combustion. Generally fuel cells are powered by hydrogen. However, problems with the storage of hydrogen are the reason for the search of new fuels for fuel cells. Moreover, fuel cells can provide an additional/spare source of energy in energy systems using combustion engines. So, is important to using main fuel to powering fuel cell. The paper presents measurements of electrooxidation of diesel fuel emulsion prepared on the basis of a nonionic surfactant on a smooth platinum electrode in an aqueous solution of H2SO4. The resulting current density reached the level of 20 mA/cm2. So, the possibility of using diesel fuel as fuel for fuel cells has been proved. Ze względu na stale wzrastające zapotrzebowanie na energię elektryczną poszukiwane są coraz to nowsze rozwiązania, pozwalające na sprostanie temu wyzwaniu. W ostatnich latach oprócz tradycyjnych metod wytwarzania energii coraz dynamiczniej rozwija się energetyka niekonwencjonalna. Przykładem takiego rozwiązania jest stosowanie ogniw paliwowych, głównie ze względu na ich wysoką sprawność. Ogniwa te przetwarzają energię chemiczną bezpośrednio na energię elektryczną, z pominięciem procesu spalania paliwa. Najczęściej zasilane są wodorem, jednak problemy z jego przechowywaniem wymuszają poszukiwanie innych paliw. Ponadto ogniwa paliwowe mogą stanowić dodatkowe/zapasowe źródło energii elektrycznej w systemach wykorzystujących np. silniki spalinowe. Istotnym zagadnieniem staje się, więc wykorzystanie paliwa dla głównego źródła zasilania. Praca przedstawia badania nad elektroutlenianiem oleju napędowego na elektrodzie platynowej w wodnym roztworze H2SO4. Uzyskana gęstość prądu wyniosła 20 mA/cm2. Wykazano więc, że istnieje możliwość bezpośredniego zasilania ogniw paliwowych olejem napędowym.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the financing of environmental investments in Poland credited by the Bank of Environmental Protection (BOŚ) in the years 1991-2013. Authors conducted a research relating to the total amount, structure and distribution of resources granted by BOŚ. They indicated directions of financial measures allocation i.e. tasks, projects and achieved ecological effects in the field of environmental protection. A method of deduction was used. Information taken from the theoretical literature as well as legal and normative acts. Empirical data for comparative statistical analysis derived from documents and reports of the BOŚ Department of Ecology and Strategy. In the structure of loans granted by BOŚ in the years 1991-2013, 87% of the investments concerned the protection of the atmosphere, 10% – water conservation and water management, 2.5% – protection of the earth. Most often were used loans with subsidies (in cooperation with National Fund for Environmental Protection & Water Management – 26%), credit lines (23%) or the National Fund payments (21%). In terms of value (16 bln PLN – 40% of measures) dominated commercial investment loans. BOŚ activity in the field of renewable energy sources (RES) relates mainly to loans for the purchase and installation of solar collectors (81% of the contracts, of which 80% were signed in 2011-2013). The largest investments were wind turbines (1.4 bln PLN). Since 1991, 46% of energy from RES obtained in the years 2012-2013. Ecological effects of completed projects include reduction in pollutants’ emission: CO2 – 2.4 mill tons, SO2 – 0.5 mill ton, dust – 139 thous. tons, NOx – 44.5 thous. tons. Financial measures from BOŚ enabled to build wastewater treatment plants (with a capacity of 2.6 mill m3 /day) and sewage network (8.9 thous. km). Neutralized 6.9 mill tones of waste. In the structure of credit debt 31% is represented by RES, 9% refers to energy efficiency and 5% – modernization of technological processes

The primary objective of this study is to signal some potential effects of the UE energy and climate policy for the Polish countryside. The changing of the climate-energy policy framework poses new challenges for rural areas. The question is - to what extent the climate and energy package will determine the transformation of rural areas. It is a very topical subject of reflection and requires in-depth analyzes of agricultural economists.

Formulation of new forest policy and its implementation requires the use of past experiences and the enactment of many changes. Modification to the provisions of the 1997 National Forest Policy is necessary, introducing additions and corrections resulting from climate, economic and environmental changes, social expectations and international conditions. Agriculture and energy are the sectors of the economy that currently have the greatest impact on the implementation of forest policy and are particularly important for forestry activities, including the adaptation of forests to climate change. Forests and forest management are currently the victim, not the driving force, of the ongoing climate warming process, and the adaptation of forests to climate change requires coordination of policy solutions. The member states of the European Union do not pursue a common forest policy, whereas the implementation of forestry policy solutions aimed at counteracting negative climate change should be approved and adopted on a global scale. Without such a consensus, local or regional activities – much needed and bringing large, specific environmental benefits – are insufficient. The impact of climate change on the production and income of producers in the forestry and wood products sectors should also be taken into account in policy solutions. It is important to integrate forestry and forestry policy with other sectoral policies, building comprehensive planning processes that apply to entities in various sectors, including solutions for environmental services payments. The main instrument in the policy−making process is the participation of the relevant stakeholders, not a hierarchical management model. Development of solutions in the current situation should take place as soon as possible, while the schedule for achieving goals should be set beyond 2030. The objective of this work is to present the justifications for the introduction of the proposed changes and additions to the current provisions in the policy of the State Forests related to the implementation of the assumptions, objectives and conditions for the development of forestry and forests in our country. Sylwan 164 (7): 539-548

Stały rozwój gospodarczy państw generuje znaczne ilości odpadów, przy jednoczesnym wysokim zapotrzebowaniu na energie elektryczną. Technologią, która potencjalnie mogłaby połączyć wykorzystanie odpadów wraz z produkcją energii jest technologia ogniw paliwowych. Ogniwa takie przetwarzają energię paliwa bezpośrednio w energię elektryczną z pominięciem procesu spalania paliwa. Niektóre substancje odpadowe mogłyby stanowić dla nich potencjalne paliwo. Oleje roślinne (również odpadowe) stanowią obecnie alternatywę dla oleju napędowego. Powinny więc również stanowić alternatywę dla paliw do zasilania ogniw paliwowych. Autorzy starają się w pracy przedstawić nowy kierunek zagospodarowania odpadowego oleju rzepakowego w sposób bezpośredni z pominięciem procesu spalania. Praca przedstawia elektroutlenianie oleju rzepakowego na gładkiej elektrodzie platynowej w wodnym roztworze H2SO4. Jako pośrednik, pozwalający na uzyskanie emulsji dodawanej do elektrolitu, wykorzystano Syntanol DS-10. Pomiarów dokonano w reaktorze szklanym sprzężonym z potencjostatem. Uzyskana gęstość prądu wyniosła 10 mA/cm2 . Wykazano, więc możliwość zasilania ogniwa paliwowego zużytym olejem rzepakowym. W prototypowym ogniwie zasilanym takim olejem uzyskano 53 mW mocy. The constant economic development of countries generates significant amounts of waste, while at the same time high demand for electricity. The technology that could potentially combine waste utilization with energy production is fuel cell technology. Fuel cells convert fuel energy directly into electricity without intermediate stadium like fuel combustion process. Some waste substances could be a potential fuel for fuel cells. Vegetable oils (also waste) are now an alternative to diesel oil. These oils potentially can also be fuels for fuel cells. In paper the authors' try to present a new direction of using waste canola oil in a direct way, without combustion process. The paper presents measurements of electrooxidation of used canola oil emulsion prepared on the basis of a non-ionic surfactant on a smooth platinum electrode in an aqueous solution of H2SO4. The resulting current density reached the level of 10 mA/cm2 . So, the possibility of using used canola oil as fuel for fuel cells has been proved. Power was obtained in prototype fuel cell was obtained is equal 53 mW.

One of the important directions of the use of renewable energy sources is the production of biogas. This paper presents an assessment of the profitability of sorghum cultivation for biogas depending on the nitrogen fertilization level. Data used in this paper are the results a field experiment from the years 2010-2014 and market quotations. The analysis showed that sorghum is characterized by a high level of yields, but they are variable between years. However, the cultivation of this species for biogas with yields ranging from 58 to 145 t/ha .g.m. is economically effective. In addition, an increase the dose of mineral nitrogen fertilization improves economic efficiency of sorghum cultivation from area unit, used as a raw material for silage