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Original scientific paper
Renewable Energy Resources Optimization for Green Hydrogen Production at Lüderitz, Namibia

Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems, Volume 14, Issue 2, 06, 2026
Ernesto T.O Samuel, Tom Wanjekeche, Andreas Ndapuka, Kai Holtappel, Josua Junias

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Green hydrogen is poised to be a critical vector in the global energy transition and plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and creating a global clean energy market. However, the economic viability of large-scale green hydrogen production hinges on the optimal design and location. Namibia has an excellent wind and solar energy potential, enabling a feasible, cost-effective green hydrogen production from intermittent renewable energy. This study developed a techno-economic optimization model for cost-effective green hydrogen facilities in Namibia using a single-objective genetic algorithm to determine the optimal wind, solar, and battery storage capacities needed to meet an annual production target of 355,000 tons at Luderitz, Namibia. The model runs on an hourly time-series simulation and uses a discounted cash flow method to minimize the levelized cost of hydrogen for a full year. The results of the optimized system gave a levelized cost of hydrogen of 2.50 USD/kg compared to 7.5 USD/kg obtained from a study on local hydrogen production analysis. This demonstrated the superior performance of the proposed algorithm. A sensitivity analysis was performed on the green hydrogen system, using different numbers of electrolyzers. A range of 150 to 200 units each rated 17.5 MW. Using the proposed algorithm, it was discovered optimal number of Electrolyzers that results in optimal cost of hydrogen is between 196 and 200 units. The findings demonstrated that the levelized cost of hydrogen is not just an average value, as had been demonstrated by various documented publications.
Original scientific paper
Modelling Cold-Ironing Potential in High-Density Ferry Quays: A Virtual Assessment for the port of Ancona

Journal of Sustainable Development of Sustainability Indicators, Volume 2, Issue 1, 03, 2026
Nikolaos Sifakis, Dimitrios Cholidis, Alexandros Chachalis, Emina Melic, Samra Muratspahic, George Arampatzis

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This study evaluates the shore-to-ship power (Cold Ironing, CI) potential of the Port of Ancona, a strategic Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) hub characterized by high-frequency Ro-Pax and ferry operations. Unlike container terminals with steady berth loads, ferry-dominated ports exhibit concentrated peak demand and significant grid stress, creating distinct infrastructural challenges for electrification. Five high-traffic quays were modeled to quantify aggregated berth-level electricity demand and assess the technical feasibility of phased CI deployment. Results indicate that full electrification would introduce an additional annual demand of approximately 52 GWh, primarily concentrated at three high-consumption terminals, thereby necessitating targeted medium-voltage grid reinforcement and centralized Static Frequency Converter (SFC) infrastructure. Transitioning from onboard auxiliary engines to shore power yields a 39% reduction in at-berth carbon emissions, corresponding to approximately 14,100 tonnes of CO₂ annually and 4,400 tonnes of marine fuel savings. Constrained rooftop photovoltaic (PV) integration contributes 1.27 GWh/year, enabling Net Zero land-side operations while the reinforced grid supports maritime loads. The study advances existing literature by moving beyond theoretical feasibility toward a demand-driven, phased implementation blueprint tailored to medium-sized, ferry-dominated TEN-T ports operating under spatial and infrastructural constraints. By integrating berth-level traffic prioritization, grid topology design, renewable optimization, and environmental scenario modeling, the proposed framework provides a replicable pathway for decarbonizing historic urban ports. Beyond emissions mitigation, the findings position shore power as a foundational infrastructure component for smart, regulation-compliant maritime mobility systems aligned with Sustainable Development Goals.
Original scientific paper
A Multi-Variable Simulation for the Design of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Journal of Sustainable Development of Smart Energy Networks, Volume 1, Issue 4, 12, 2026
Luca Cimmino, Giuseppe Coppola

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This study addresses electric mobility, a key pillar of European decarbonisation targets. To foster the adoption of electric vehicles, a widespread and efficient charging infrastructure is essential. However, sizing charging stations remains challenging because it depends on the interaction of many heterogeneous variables that are often analysed in isolation. To overcome this limitation, this study proposes an integrated simulation model that captures these interactions within a single framework, enabling a more realistic assessment of charging-infrastructure design and operation. Following an extensive literature review, a simulation model was developed in Python environment, capable of jointly integrating the key variables identified in the literature. The model was validated against a certified software (EVerest), achieving a mean absolute percentage error of 2.7%, and against real charging session data, with a mean absolute percentage error of 4.3%. The model was then applied to a highway case study, simulating 111 served vehicles. The results show that the considered variables strongly affect quality-of-service metrics. Moreover, a simple management strategy based on a charging-time limit reduced the average waiting time by up to 97% in the tested scenarios. Overall, these findings confirm the strong interdependence among the main parameters and highlight the need for integrated modeling approaches to support effective and realistic sizing of EV charging infrastructures.
Original scientific paper
From Prototypes to Living Labs: Advancing Sustainability Education in Rwanda and Côte d’Ivoire

Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems, Volume 14, Issue 2, 06, 2026
Lisa Schmitt, Charlotte Newiadomsky, Arne Graßmann

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This paper evaluates the outcomes of two projects, “Industry-Integrated Dual Engineering Studies in a North-South Collaboration" in Côte d’Ivoire and "Growing Rwanda Energy Awareness Through Higher Education" in Rwanda. The first project has implemented a dual-study Master’s program at the partner university in Côte d’Ivoire, integrating industry requirements into academic training. This curriculum incorporates a practice-oriented approach through the development of a prototype for a renewable energy and water treatment system, fostering sustainable solutions to local challenges. The second project in Rwanda focuses on implementing Living Labs, real-world environments that integrate renewable energy systems, community engagement, and educational innovation. Their integration into universities’ study programs has enhanced hands-on learning and raised awareness about renewable energy solutions. Both projects establish Living Labs within the education system. The implemented systems include photovoltaic installations of up to 6.6 kWp and provide energy and water services to communities of up to 500 inhabitants while simultaneously supporting hands-on engineering education.
Original scientific paper
Coupled Thermal and Optical Impact of Dust Thermophysical Properties on Solar Photovoltaic Performance

Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems, Volume 14, Issue 2, 06, 2026
Kudzanayi Chiteka, Chistopher C. Enweremadu

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Abstract

Dust deposition on photovoltaic modules induces coupled optical and thermal effects that significantly reduce energy yield. This study developed an integrated computational framework combining a temperature-dependent Beer-Lambert optical model with computational fluid dynamics based thermal analysis of soiled photovoltaic modules to quantify performance losses as a function of dust thermophysical properties. Results show that transmittance decreased from 1.0 to 0.852, corresponding to a 14.8% optical loss, while surface temperature increased by 13.3 K under stagnant conditions, producing a thermal penalty of 5.3%. The combined effect yielded a total daily energy loss of 20.1% at standard irradiance. Sensitivity analysis revealed that low-conductivity dust (κ = 0.1 W/mK) and a larger dust layer caused the highest thermal rises, whereas wind speed reduced but did not eliminate insulating effects. Partitioning analysis revealed optical losses being dominant at light dust loading with 70% of total loss at 0.05 kg/m², while thermal losses rose to 45% under heavy loading of 0.20 kg/m². Losses levelled near 22% due to thermal and optical saturation. The study showed that excluding thermal effects in modelling underestimates performance degradation and the coupled model in this study provided an improved model for predicting photovoltaic yield losses that address both optical attenuation and thermal insulation.
Original scientific paper
Bottom-up Energy Transition – Exploring Community Centred Development in Austria and Spain

Journal of Sustainable Development of Smart Energy Networks, Volume 1, Issue 3, 09, 2026
Bahanur Nasya, Yilmaz Vurucu, Ulrika Stevens

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Energy communities continue to gain popularity across Europe as a promising approach to advancing energy transitions. Since 2021, Austrian legal reforms have promoted renewable energy communities to foster local energy production, equitable resource distribution, and community engagement. This paper examines two contrasting cases: the rural Schönbühel-Aggsbach energy community in Austria and the industrial Urtinsa energy community in Alcorcón, Spain. Each community has distinct ways of operating, demonstrating the diversity of energy community structures. Using frameworks of institutional logics, energy justice, and critiques of capitalist structures, the paper identifies four key paradoxes within energy commons and proposes pathways toward more inclusive, integrated, and sustainable energy systems. The findings emphasize the need for additional empirical research and context-specific solutions to address the complexities of energy transitions.
Original scientific paper
How Do Climate Policies of Agriculture and Forestry Contribute to Sustainable Development? A Case Study of North Macedonia

Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems, Volume 14, Issue 2, 06, 2026
Pavlina Zdraveva, Ema Gusheva, Vladimir Gjorgievski, Emilija Mihajloska Ivanoski, Natasha Markovska

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Despite growing recognition of the role of agriculture and forestry in achieving climate and sustainability goals, empirical evidence remains limited, particularly in developing countries like North Macedonia. Using a participatory case study approach, this study examines the linkages (synergies and trade-offs) between climate mitigation Policies and Measures in the agriculture and forestry sector and the Sustainable Development Goals and quantifies them. Additionally, it uses Geographic Information System tools to visualise the most significant linkages across three case studies, making them concrete and serving as a communication tool to enhance policymaker engagement. Key findings reveal that agricultural policies within the Nationally Determined Contributions exclusively generate positive impacts with the Sustainable Development Goals, while forestry measures provide significant co-benefits with minimal trade-offs. Major synergies align with Goals 15 (Life on Land) and 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), while the most notable trade-off occurs with Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). Further, the spatial analysis makes these linkages concrete, showing which regions would benefit most. Overall, the findings underscore the need for enhanced policy planning in the next revision of the Nationally Determined Contributions, alongside stronger judicial systems and streamlined administrative processes, to balance climate mitigation with sustainable development. The findings of this study empirically advance the literature on the effects of climate measures on sustainable development and show the added benefit of using spatial analysis to inform this literature's impact on policymaking. The assessment is qualitative and does not estimate the magnitude of greenhouse gas or carbon dioxide equivalent impacts.
Original scientific paper
Decentralized Hydrogen Refuelling Station Concept: Achieving Security of Supply through Geothermally-Powered Onsite Biomethane Pyrolysis

Journal of Sustainable Development of Smart Energy Networks, Volume 1, Issue 2, 06, 2026
Kristóf Kummer, Réka Kustán, Attila R. Imre

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Hydrogen technologies in transport are expanding, yet their growth remains significantly slower than that of battery‑electric vehicles due to supply‑ and demand‑side inertia. At low market penetration, the limited number of fuel‑cell vehicles restricts the development of a viable refueling network. A promising pathway is decentralized, on‑site hydrogen production, which avoids the high upfront investment of centralized systems. Feasibility can be enhanced by methane splitting (MS) using biomethane from existing biogas plants to supply stations along the Hungarian TEN‑T corridor and other major motorways. This study examines a representative node near Szarvas, adjacent to the M44 highway, where geothermal energy—via an ORC system—could provide over 1000 kW_el of electricity, with residual heat supporting district heating. The analysis applies a comprehensive material and energy balance to perform an LCOH calculation incorporating demand‑side hydrogen use, evaluating three scenarios supported by a simplified carbon‑intensity assessment.
Review paper
Optimization Methods and Open-Source Frameworks for Renewable Energy Planning: A Systematic Review Focused on Open Energy Modelling Framework (OEMOF)

Journal of Sustainable Development of Natural Resources Management, Volume 2, Issue 1, 03, 2026
Eva Hertnacahyani Herraprastanti, Berkah Fajar Tamtomo Kiono, Ismoyo Haryanto, Muchammad Muchammad, Hartono Guntur Ristiyanto

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Renewable energy systems are increasingly essential for sustainable development, yet their design and planning require robust optimization methods. This study is motivated by the need to understand how different optimization approaches and modelling tools support transparent and efficient energy strategies. The central aim is to evaluate whether specific optimization frameworks can be regarded as universally superior or whether their suitability depends on contextual factors. A systematic literature review was conducted by examining 54 peer-reviewed articles published between 2017 and 2025, covering linear programming, mixed-integer linear programming, metaheuristic algorithms, and models based on artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on open-source energy modelling frameworks. The results show that no single method consistently outperforms others, as effectiveness is strongly influenced by system complexity, data quality, and planning objectives. This leads to the conclusion that integrated deterministic and adaptive strategies are necessary for reproducible, transparent, and sustainable renewable energy modelling.
Original scientific paper
Unlocking Energy Flexibility in Multi-Carrier Energy Hubs with Integrated Electrical-Thermal Demand Response

Journal of Sustainable Development of Smart Energy Networks, Volume 1, Issue 3, 09, 2026
Amin Barati, Nicola Bianco, Marialaura Di Somma

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Abstract

The global transition toward multi-energy systems positions energy hubs as the central architecture for coordinating electricity, heating, cooling, and hydrogen resources within a unified framework. This paper aims to optimize day-ahead scheduling for a smart energy hub, with emphasis on minimizing operational costs while accounting for environmental impacts. We develop a comprehensive multi-objective model that integrates multiple technologies, including combined heat and power, power-to-hydrogen-to-power system, and an integrated demand response program. The demand response program reduces operational costs by 3% relative to the strict baseline. Furthermore, without demand response, the system is more reliant on the grid, importing 391 kWh of electricity, whereas with demand response, the total import decreases to 364 kWh. The proposed demand response program functions as a capacity manager, enabling the system to conduct energy arbitrage in a planned manner by moving loads to the lowest-price windows and keeping other equipment operating efficiently.
Original scientific paper
Techno-Economic Evaluation of Ultra-Fast EV Charging at Chilean Multifamily Households with Hydrogen and Solar Integration

Journal of Sustainable Development of Smart Energy Networks, Volume 1, Issue 2, 06, 2026
Nicolás Zúñiga Ostermann, Esteban Kuzmanic-Reyes, Mónica Zamora Zapata

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Decarbonisation has led to a strong electrification in the transport sector; and multifamily households constitute a challenging setting to accelerate electromobility. This work studies the feasibility of installing ultra-fast chargers with the support of hydrogen (H₂) and rooftop solar power in residential contexts for Santiago, Chile: an apartment building with 120 units, and a condominium with 10 houses. A communal use of the chargers is evaluated in three cases: (1) charging directly from the grid, (2) adding supplied H₂ and a fuel cell, and (3) adding rooftop solar, for H₂ production, storage and conversion. Results indicate that H₂ integration into EV charging is technically possible but economically constrained. Case 1 is viable under selling price adjustments, Case 2 can achieve the highest Net Present Value (NPV), and Case 3 has the highest costs, low conversion efficiency (~35%), and potential system underutilisation, deeming it unfeasible with a mean levelised cost of energy of 0.68 USD/kWh and of H₂ of 9.55 USD/kg. Sensitivity analysis highlights the grid electricity price as the most influential factor on NPV, which must be assessed carefully under periods of uncertainty.
Original scientific paper
Thorough Utilization of Chestnut Shells as a Source for Phenolic Compounds Extraction and Biochar Production

Journal of Sustainable Development of Natural Resources Management, Volume 2, Issue 1, 03, 2026
Angeles Cancela, Antia Iglesias, Martina Martinez, Angel Sánchez

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Research on chestnut residues has shown that phenolic and antioxidant compounds can be extracted. In addition, the waste from the process can serve as a source for biochar production. In this study, three extraction methods were employed. To optimize the extraction process and determine the best experimental conditions, response surface methodologies were applied, including three-level factorial designs (3^2) and the Box-Behnken design for each extraction method. Results indicated that the Soxhlet method, distilled water for 4 h, and the 50:50 distilled water / ethanol mixture for 6 h yielded the most promising results. The highest phenolic content (679.69 mg GAE/g) was achieved by the Soxhlet method. The residues resulting from the extractions, were mixed and used were used to obtain biochar through the application of fast pyrolysis. Biochar yields were 47 %, and the percentage of ashes and volatiles generated during the process was high.
Original scientific paper
Analysis of the Effect of Mains Water Temperature on Energy and Economic Performance of a Flat-plate Solar Collector System

Journal of Sustainable Development of Smart Energy Networks, Volume 1, Issue 1, 03, 2026
Rafał Figaj

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This study evaluates how the assumed temperature of water supplied from the mains affects the energy and economic performance of a residential solar thermal system for domestic hot water preparation. The system consists of flat plate solar collectors connected to a storage tank through a lower internal heat exchanger and a natural gas boiler supplying heat through an upper internal heat exchanger. A numerical model was developed and intrinsically validated using manufacturer data and then simulated in transient conditions in TRNSYS environment. Two approaches were compared: a time-varying mains water temperature profile and a constant value equal to the mean ambient temperature. Simulations were performed for thirty four European capitals using typical meteorological data and national household gas prices. Results show that constant assumptions can overestimate annual savings and distort solar contribution indicators across climates. The study reveals that the mean difference in operation cost between the time-varying and constant mains water temperature cases among the considered locations was +36.6% for the proposed system.
Original scientific paper
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of PCM-Based Cold Thermal Energy Storage for Power-to-Thermal Integration in 4GDHC Networks

Journal of Sustainable Development of Smart Energy Networks, Volume 1, Issue 1, 03, 2026
Francesco Liberato Cappiello, Luca Cimmino, Maria Vicidomini, Guido Liguori

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Abstract

This work focuses on Cold Thermal Energy Storage (CTES), a technology that has attracted growing interest in recent years and represents a key element for achieving the European decarbonisation targets. Among the available technologies, Phase Change Materials (PCMs) represent a promising solution due to their high energy density; however, their widespread adoption remains limited by slow solidification kinetics and the formation of an insulating solid layer around the heat exchanger, which significantly increases the charging time. This work addresses these limitations through a combined experimental and numerical investigation on SP9 GEL, a low-temperature PCM supplied by Rubitherm. A five-month laboratory campaign was carried out at the Process and Energy Laboratory of Delft University of Technology to identify an effective and rapid solidification strategy. Based on the experimental outcomes, the PCM was integrated into the existing 4th-generation district heating and cooling (4GDHC) network of the “Grande Sud” shopping mall in Naples, Italy. A dynamic simulation in TRNSYS 18 was performed to evaluate the performance of CTES under realistic operating conditions during a representative summer day. Despite the partial stratification caused by the large tank height, the PCM tank allowed the complete shutdown of the heat pumps for approximately four hours in the afternoon. On the same day, 72.39% of the photovoltaic surplus was stored as thermal energy instead of being exported to the grid, confirming the effectiveness of the Power-to-Thermal (P2T) strategy under high solar availability. These findings show that cold thermal storage can serve as an effective reservoir for surplus electricity generated by non-dispatchable renewable energy sources. However, realising this potential requires careful consideration of the operating conditions, the selection of a PCM suited to the target application, and a tank design capable of exploiting the entire available storage volume.
Original scientific paper
Environmentally Driven Optimization of Residential BEV Charging Using Time-Varying Power Grid CO₂ Emission Factors

Journal of Sustainable Development of Smart Energy Networks, Volume 1, Issue 1, 03, 2026
Ilenia Perugini, Elisa Marrasso, Chiara Martone, Giovanna Pallotta, Carlo Roselli, Maurizio Sasso

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The widespread adoption of battery electric vehicles is widely recognized as a key strategy for reducing emissions in the transport sector. However, the environmental benefits of electric mobility strongly depend on the temporal variability of the electricity generation mix and its associated emission intensity. This study investigates the potential of optimizing vehicle charging schedules based on time-varying carbon dioxide emissions factor, rather than grid-oriented criteria, to further reduce the indirect emissions linked to the operation of electric vehicle charging. To this end, an environmentally driven charging optimisation algorithm is developed, explicitly accounting for both the hourly variability of grid emission factors, derived from processing historical real Italian electricity production data, and the air temperature-dependent energy consumption of the BEV. The proposed framework is applied to a representative residential charging scenario, assuming overnight charging. Within this predefined charging window, the optmisation algorithm allocates the required charging energy over time so as to minimise the total carbon dioxide emissions. Results show that emission-aware charging strategies can reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 5–6% compared to conventional uncontrolled charging, while ensuring that the vehicle is always fully charged and ready for use at the predefined departure time. In addition, by its design, the proposed environmentally driven charging optimization features as a scalable structure that can be integrated with existing smart charging strategies, contributing to the decarbonization of the transport sector.
Original scientific paper
Progress on Light Electric Vehicles Implementation: Current State of LIFE2M – Long Life to Micromobility Project

Journal of Sustainable Development of Smart Energy Networks, Volume 1, Issue 2, 06, 2026
Roberta Caponi, Domenico Vizza, Dario Vangi, Michelangelo Santo Gulino, Maurizio Laschi, Enrico Bocci

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Electric bicycles, scooters, and cargo bikes are reshaping urban mobility for commuters and urban logistics, but to be a truly sustainable alternative to conventional motorized transport, they must be more durable, accessible, and better integrated into cities. LIFE2M (Long LIFE to Micromobility), an EU project coordinated by the University of Florence, tackles this by upgrading light electric vehicles with recycled or bio-based materials and replacing lithium-ion batteries with hybrid supercapacitors. These storage systems significantly cut charging time, extend service life, enhance thermal stability, and reduce maintenance needs. In parallel, LIFE2M will deploy lightweight, photovoltaic-powered charging stations in rapid-install units for cycle paths and structured hubs enabling complete charges. Pilots will be implemented in four cities with different urban and spatial contexts: Florence, Palermo, L’Aquila, and Brussels. This paper outlines the project’s rationale, scope, and methodology, discussing its potential to decarbonize urban transport through resilient, scalable micromobility infrastructure in practice.
Original scientific paper
Fuzzy Decision Model for Prioritizing Environmentally Harmful Boiler Decommissioning

Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems, Volume 14, Issue 2, 06, 2026
Dejan Ivezic, Miloš Tanasijević, Marija Živković, Aleksandar Madžarević Madžarević, Boban Pavlović, Dejan Stojanović

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Environmentally harmful boiler rooms that use coal and liquid fuels (heavy fuel oil and heating oil) remain in operation across Serbian cities, either as parts of centralised systems or as stand-alone units. Although they significantly degrade air quality, their decommissioning is often delayed because feasibility studies indicate unfavourable financial outcomes. While greenhouse gas emissions can be monetised through emission trading schemes, no widely accepted method exists for valuing local air pollution in investment assessments. This paper proposes a fuzzy decision-making model that integrates financial, climate, and environmental criteria to support fuel-switching and decommissioning decisions. The model evaluates pollutant reductions, investment needs, and payback periods, converts them to fuzzy linguistic variables, and applies max–min composition for overall prioritisation. A case study of 25 boiler rooms in six Serbian cities demonstrates the approach. Results show that including environmental indicators highlights projects with substantial ecological benefits that would otherwise be overlooked under purely financial assessments.
Original scientific paper
Optimal Operation Scheduling of a Battery Swapping Station (BSS) Integrated with Photovoltaic

Journal of Sustainable Development of Sustainability Indicators, Volume 2, Issue 1, 03, 2026
Tomas Valldeperas Moliné, Marko Keber, Massimiliano Renzi, Jacopo Carlo Alberizzi

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Battery Swapping Stations can significantly reduce electric vehicle refuelling time, but their integration with renewable energy sources requires advanced operational strategies to manage price variability and grid constraints. This study investigates the optimal operation of a Battery Swapping Station integrated with a photovoltaic power plant, aiming to improve economic performance and energy management efficiency. A mixed-integer linear programming optimization model is developed to simulate year-long operations with 15-minute resolution, accounting for battery state-of-charge constraints, swap demand, electricity prices, and photovoltaic generation. A real-world case study of a Charging Point Operator in northern Italy is used for validation. Results show that optimized scheduling shifts battery charging to low-price periods, increases photovoltaic self-consumption, and reduces total energy costs by approximately 56% compared to a non-optimized baseline. The proposed framework provides a novel, practical tool for integrating BSSs with renewable energy, supporting cost-effective and sustainable deployment.
Original scientific paper
Comparison of Energy Management Strategies between Fuzzy Logic and Mixed-Integer Linear Programming for a Hybrid Photovoltaic–Wind Powered Reverse Osmosis Desalination System

Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems, Volume 14, Issue 2, 06, 2026
Amine Ben Rhouma, Abir Zgalmi, Xavier Roboam, Jamel Belhadj, Bruno Sareni

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Enhancing energy efficiency in water distribution systems is crucial for developing sustainable water infrastructures. Applying renewable energy sources for this purpose is a key step toward cleaner energy production. For this reason, the energy/water unit discussed in this paper includes a hybrid system, combining solar photovoltaic and wind generation, with a water treatment process composed of three motor pumps and storage tanks for water pumping and desalination. Such multi-energy multi-pumps system can be operated more efficiently by optimizing the energy management systems according to environmental (solar and wind) conditions and fulfilling operation constraints. Therefore, this paper presents a comparative analysis between the results obtained using a Fuzzy Logic Energy Management System, an optimized Genetic Algorithm for the tuning of a Fuzzy Logic Energy Management System and a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming optimization approach that converges close to the global optimum in terms of energy management trajectories. It is worth noting that the Fuzzy Logic energy management system can be implemented at real time while the Mixed-Integer Linear Programming is based on the knowledge of the full (past and future) power production trajectories. This comparative analysis is a novel opportunity to assess the level of optimality achieved by fuzzy logic.
Original scientific paper
Taguchi Optimization of Biogas Yield from Co-Digestion of Human Excreta and Kitchen Waste with Plant ash Catalyst

Journal of Sustainable Development of Smart Energy Networks, Volume 1, Issue 2, 06, 2026
Chike Martins Atah, Chukwudozie Nwobi-Okoye, Obuora Okoye, Okechukwu Martins Atah

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This study explores the optimization of biogas yield from the co-digestion of human excreta and kitchen waste using plant ash as a low-cost catalyst within a Taguchi L9 design. Anaerobic digestion of these abundant waste streams offers a sustainable energy pathway, but process instability and low methane yield remain challenges. Three parameters, temperature (30 ‒ 50 °C), pH (7.0 ‒ 7.6), and moisture content (70 ‒ 90%), were investigated. Analysis of variance showed temperature as the dominant factor, contributing about 68% of the variability, while pH and moisture had minor effects. Optimal conditions of 40 °C, pH 7.3, and 90% moisture content achieved a maximum yield of 130 mL/gVS. The addition of plant ash improved gas quality, increasing methane concentration from 60% to 68% and calorific value from 19.2 to 24.1 MJ m^-3. Kinetic modeling confirmed that the modified Gompertz equation best described the process (R² = 0.981), indicating rapid microbial acclimatization and stable methane generation. These results demonstrate that combining co-digestion with plant ash catalysis enhances buffering, accelerates degradation, and improves methane yield. The approach provides a practical and low-cost strategy for decentralized renewable energy production and sustainable waste management in resource-constrained regions.

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