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This work evaluates, for the first time, the possibility of producing multifunctional alkali-activated composites combining ultra-low density, low thermal conductivity, high acoustic absorption, and good moisture buffering capacity. The composites were prepared using cork as a lightweight aggregate. This novel material might promote energy savings and tackle the CO2 emissions of the building sector, while simultaneously improve the comfort for inhabitants (e.g. humidity levels regulation and sound pollution reduction). The composites apparent density (as low as 168 kg/m3) and thermal conductivity (as low as 68 mW/m K) are amongst the lowest ever reported for alkali-activated materials (AAM) composites and foams, while their sound absorption ability is comparable to the best performing AAM foams reported to date, but in addition these eco-friendly composites also show good ability to passively adjust the humidity levels inside buildings. The multifunctional properties shown by the cork – AAM composites set them apart from other conventional building materials and might contribute to the global sustainability of the construction sector. Peer Reviewed

This work evaluates, for the first time, the possibility of producing multifunctional alkali-activated composites combining ultra-low density, low thermal conductivity, high acoustic absorption, and good moisture buffering capacity. The composites were prepared using cork as a lightweight aggregate. This novel material might promote energy savings and tackle the CO2 emissions of the building sector, while simultaneously improve the comfort for inhabitants (e.g. humidity levels regulation and sound pollution reduction). The composites apparent density (as low as 168 kg/m3) and thermal conductivity (as low as 68 mW/m K) are amongst the lowest ever reported for alkali-activated materials (AAM) composites and foams, while their sound absorption ability is comparable to the best performing AAM foams reported to date, but in addition these eco-friendly composites also show good ability to passively adjust the humidity levels inside buildings. The multifunctional properties shown by the cork – AAM composites set them apart from other conventional building materials and might contribute to the global sustainability of the construction sector. Peer Reviewed

AbstractThe widespread use of petroleum products in modern times has led to a search for alternative resources. Biofuel is a promising alternative to petroleum fuel, but biodiesel has a lower calorific value and is slightly more denser than diesel. To address this, a novel combination of GNA emulsified MME20 fuel is being investigated. This study aims to analyze the impact of a novel Nano additive blended biodiesel on engine performance and optimize the best compression ratio for the selected blend. The novelty of the study lies in the production of novel GNA emulsified MME fuel and its influence on a conventional CI engine. To achieve the objectives of the study, MME was produced using a two-phase transesterification method, and GNA was added to the MME20 at concentrations of 30, 60, and 90 ppm using the ultrasonication method. Engine experiments were then conducted using the prepared samples at CRs of 16, 17.5, and 19, and the results were compared with the standard diesel and MME20 blend. The results showed that the CP of the MME20 + GNA30 fuel at a CR 19 revealed a 14% increase compared to diesel. The ID of the fuel decreased by 20% compared to diesel at CR19, and there was a 23.5% increase in the CD for the MME20 + GNA30 blend compared to diesel at CR19. The BTHE for the MME20 + GNA30 fuel showed increases of 2.64% and BSFC and EGT decreases of 3.6% and 3.9%, respectively, at CR19 compared to the other blends. In summary, the study found that MME20 with GNA30, along with VCR, significantly enhanced the engine attributes compared to the pure diesel-operated standard CI engine conditions.

AbstractThe widespread use of petroleum products in modern times has led to a search for alternative resources. Biofuel is a promising alternative to petroleum fuel, but biodiesel has a lower calorific value and is slightly more denser than diesel. To address this, a novel combination of GNA emulsified MME20 fuel is being investigated. This study aims to analyze the impact of a novel Nano additive blended biodiesel on engine performance and optimize the best compression ratio for the selected blend. The novelty of the study lies in the production of novel GNA emulsified MME fuel and its influence on a conventional CI engine. To achieve the objectives of the study, MME was produced using a two-phase transesterification method, and GNA was added to the MME20 at concentrations of 30, 60, and 90 ppm using the ultrasonication method. Engine experiments were then conducted using the prepared samples at CRs of 16, 17.5, and 19, and the results were compared with the standard diesel and MME20 blend. The results showed that the CP of the MME20 + GNA30 fuel at a CR 19 revealed a 14% increase compared to diesel. The ID of the fuel decreased by 20% compared to diesel at CR19, and there was a 23.5% increase in the CD for the MME20 + GNA30 blend compared to diesel at CR19. The BTHE for the MME20 + GNA30 fuel showed increases of 2.64% and BSFC and EGT decreases of 3.6% and 3.9%, respectively, at CR19 compared to the other blends. In summary, the study found that MME20 with GNA30, along with VCR, significantly enhanced the engine attributes compared to the pure diesel-operated standard CI engine conditions.

In the current situation with the unprecedented deployment of clean technologies for electricity generation, it is natural to expect that storage will play an important role in electricity networks. This paper provides a qualitative methodology to select the appropriate technology or mix of technologies for different applications. The multiple comparisons according to different characteristics distinguish this paper from others about energy storage systems. Firstly, the different technologies available for energy storage, as discussed in the literature, are described and compared. The characteristics of the technologies are explained, including their current availability. In order to gain a better perspective, availability is cross-compared with maturity level. Moreover, information such as ratings, energy density, durability and costs is provided in table and graphic format for a straightforward comparison. Additionally, the different electric grid applications of energy storage technologies are described and categorised. For each of the categories, we describe the available technologies, both mature and potential. Finally, methods for connecting storage technologies are discussed.

In the current situation with the unprecedented deployment of clean technologies for electricity generation, it is natural to expect that storage will play an important role in electricity networks. This paper provides a qualitative methodology to select the appropriate technology or mix of technologies for different applications. The multiple comparisons according to different characteristics distinguish this paper from others about energy storage systems. Firstly, the different technologies available for energy storage, as discussed in the literature, are described and compared. The characteristics of the technologies are explained, including their current availability. In order to gain a better perspective, availability is cross-compared with maturity level. Moreover, information such as ratings, energy density, durability and costs is provided in table and graphic format for a straightforward comparison. Additionally, the different electric grid applications of energy storage technologies are described and categorised. For each of the categories, we describe the available technologies, both mature and potential. Finally, methods for connecting storage technologies are discussed.