• Energy Research

This article explores how the construction sector can significantly contribute to minimizing its environmental impact through reuse and recycling practices, in rehabilitation or new construction projects. This research focuses on implementing BIM methodology alongside biomaterials, 3D modeling, and digitization in compliance with the Green Building Code. Two case studies located in Jalisco and Querétaro (Mexico) are examined through a comparative analysis. The simulations are carried out in different geographical areas with two construction systems that allow us to see the output similarities. The results show the clear advantages of biomaterials over traditional materials such as concrete. The construction materials are shown to determine their operational energy consumption. From an economic point of view, this study supports data regarding lower energy costs, and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions is observed. In conclusion, both the models and simulations, along with the Toolkit, highlight the benefits of biomaterials over conventional industrial materials.

GJS 400-15 ductile cast iron has excellent physical-chemical, mechanical-structural and manufacturability properties. However, it has notable limitations when it is subjected to the welding operations to which it is subjected. The objective of this work is the characterization of the welds made in GJS 400-15 ductile cast iron parts, specifically 6mm thick sheets, to determine their applicability based on the mechanical and microstructural properties obtained. For this, several welding procedures have been proposed, in which an Fe-Ni alloy is used as a filler material and SMAW and TIG welding techniques are combined with different heat treatments. The mechanical characterization tests have been based on tensile analysis and hardness determination. As for the micrographic analysis, it has been carried out through the micrographs of the thermally affected areas (base metal, interface and welding. TIG welding, in general terms, has been effectively effective in the welding processes of nodular cast iron sheets despite its disadvantage in the results obtained compared to the SMAW technique. On the contrary, the advantages that the TIG welding technique presents in terms of execution time and more favorable cost open a way to the development, technical evolution and industrialization of the welding processes carried out using this last technique. It is hoped that the study will present a positive contribution to the technological development of welding processes and their industrial application to the manufacture, maintenance or repair of parts and products in which ductile iron is present and especially those formed by steel plates. small thickness. Keywords: ductile cast irons welding, SMAW, TIG, heat treatments, preheating, annealing, traction, hardness, micrograph

[EN] Energy supply is essential for the development of any society and search for energy sustainability is a must with poverty reduction and environmental sustainability as the two challenges to consider for any energy scenario. Meanwhile environmental damage receives predominant attention in the energy sustainability analysis, a lack of attention exists to others, such as external dependence for energy supply or availability of enough energy for people. However, these factors also compromise the sustainability of the assumed policies. An analysis considering these three factors has been developed and applied to countries in the Mediterranean area by considering two well-defined zones: the North side with an adequate level of energy consumption, but with excessive CO2 emissions and high external dependence on energy supply; and, by the contrary, the Middle East and North African countries, with a deficit in energy supply, but without problems in CO2 emissions and external energy supply. Results show a requirement of a 100% renewable scenario for the countries in the North area, while those in the MENA need to increase drastically their energy demand with a significant contribution from renewable sources. Assuming a global scenario for the entire area, energy sustainability could be reached with less demanding requirements. This work was partly supported in part by the Spanish Public Administration "Ministerio de Universidades" under the grant Margarita Salas-Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, funded by the European Union-Next Generation EU.

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) management in European Union (EU) Member States. The study utilizes official data and reports to assess the current C&D waste management status, revealing substantial disparities in recycling rates across countries, ranging from 100% to 24%. These variations emphasize the importance of knowledge sharing and collaborative efforts to improve C&D waste practices. The paper explores the complex factors influencing C&D waste management performance, offering a nuanced discussion of these dynamics. It provides a comprehensive set of practical strategies to address existing challenges, with a focus on reducing C&D waste sent to landfills or incineration. These recommendations align with the EU’s commitment to sustainable resource management and the transition to a circular economy. The research’s informed measures, driven by environmental responsibility and economic prudence, can significantly diminish C&D waste’s environmental impact. Policymakers, environmentalists, and industry stakeholders can utilize these findings to develop and implement improved C&D waste management practices, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency across the EU. This research contributes valuable insights to the field of C&D waste management, offering a road map for improvement and highlighting the need for collaboration among EU Member States to create a more sustainable and resilient future.

Un proceso productivo está configurado por un conjunto de actividades y operaciones cuyo objetivo es elaborar un producto de calidad y con el mínimo coste. Una de esas actividades que configuran el proceso productivo es el cambio de útiles. El cambio de útiles se puede definir como el conjunto de operaciones que se realizan sobre los equipos de producción, para prepararlos y puedan producir el nuevo producto que va a entrar en la nueva fase productiva. Esta actividad debe de realizarse y controlarse bajo los parámetros de eficiencia, eficacia y con el mínimo coste. El presente estudio propone una metodología de valoración de los costes del proceso de cambio de útiles y presenta un programa informático que se ha empleado para analizar dichos costes

Electricity has become one of the main driving forces for development, especially in remote areas where the lack of energy is linked to poverty. Traditionally, in these areas power is supplied by grid extension projects, which are expensive, or stand-alone systems based on fossil fuels. An actual alternative to these solutions is community micro-grid projects based on distributed renewable energy sources. However, these solutions need to introduce a holistic approach in order to be successfully implemented in real cases. The main purpose of this research work is the definition and development of a comprehensive methodology to encourage the use of decentralized renewable power systems to provide power supply to non-electrified areas. The methodology follows a top-down approach. Its main novelty is that it interlinks a macro and micro analysis dimension, considering not only the energy context of the country where the area under study is located and its development towards a sustainable scenario; but also the potential of renewable power generation, the demand side management opportunities and the socio-economic aspects involved in the final decision on what renewable energy solution would be the most appropriate for the considered location. The implementation of this methodology provides isolated areas a tool for sustainable energy development based on an environmentally friendly and socially participatory approach. Results of implementing the methodology in a case study showed the importance of introducing a holistic approach in supplying power energy to isolated areas, stating the need for involving all the different stakeholders in the decision-making process. Despite final raking on sustainable power supply solutions may vary from one area to another, the implementation of the methodology follows the same procedure, which makes it an inestimable tool for governments, private investors and local communities.

[EN] When it comes to build a new industrial plant, will affect in a chronic way the decisions taken at the first time (reliability of facilities and equipment, reducing times stops, energy efficiency, environmental actions). This article presents a case study of an industrial plant where the design is based on the improvement of reliability, maintenance and efficient operation, as well as energy efficiency and environmental respect, where processes and key decisions, proposed by the own Directorate of engineering and maintenance, and supported by the Presidency and general direction of the company have made factories for the production of meat products of Martinez Loriente S.A. in Buñol (Valencia-Spain), a benchmark for the entire industry in general, and is currently one of the first companies in the national and European level in their sectoR. [ES] Cuando se trata de construir una nueva planta industrial, afectará de manera crónica las decisiones tomadas en el primer momento (fiabilidad de las instalaciones y equipamiento, reducción tiempos paradas, eficiencia energética, acciones medioambientales). En este artículo se presenta un estudio de caso de una planta industrial donde el diseño está basado en la mejora de la fiabilidad, mantenimiento y explotación eficiente, así como la eficiencia energética y el respeto medio-ambiental, donde los procesos y decisiones claves, que propuestas por la propia dirección de ingeniería y mantenimiento, y apoyadas por la presidencia y dirección general de la empresa, han hecho de las factorías para la producción de productos cárnicos de la empresa Martínez Loriente S.A. en Buñol (Valencia-España), un referente para toda la industria en general, siendo en la actualidad una de las primeras empresas en el ámbito nacional y europeo en su sector.