Xin Wang, Lean Zhou, Lu Lu et al.

Environmental Science & Technology • 2016

Alternating current (AC) is known to inactivate microbial growth in suspension, but how AC influences anaerobic biofilm activities has not been systematically investigated. Using a Geobacter dominated anaerobic biofilm growing on the electrodes of microbial electrochemical reactors, we found that high frequency AC ranging from 1 MHz to 1 kHz (amplitude of 5 V, 30 min) showed only temporary inhibition to the biofilm activity. However, lower frequency (100 Hz, 1.2 or 5 V) treatment led to 47 ± 19% permanent decrease in limiting current on the same biofilm, which is attributed to the action of electrohydrodynamic force that caused biofilm damage and loss of intercellular electron transfer network. Confocal microscopy images show such inactivation mainly occurred at the interface between the biofilm and the electrode. Reducing the frequency further to 1 Hz led to water electrolysis, which generated gas bubbles that flushed all attached cells out of the electrode. These findings provide new references on understanding and regulating biofilm growth, which has broader implications in biofouling control, anaerobic waste treatment, energy and product recovery, and general understanding of microbial ecology and physiology.

L. Park, Shoujie Ren, S. Yiacoumi et al.

Energy & Fuels • 2016

Applications of bio-oil are limited by its challenging properties including high moisture content, low pH, high viscosity, high oxygen content, and low heating value. Separation of switchgrass bio-oil components by adding water, organic solvents (hexadecane and octane), and sodium hydroxide may help to overcome these issues. Acetic acid and phenolic compounds were extracted in aqueous and organic phases, respectively. Polar chemicals, such as acetic acid, did not partition in the organic solvent phase. Acetic acid in the aqueous phase after extraction is beneficial for a microbial-electrolysis-cell application to produce hydrogen as an energy source for further hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oil. Organic solvents extracted more chemicals from bio-oil in combined than in sequential extraction; however, organic solvents partitioned into the aqueous phase in combined extraction. When sodium hydroxide was added to adjust the pH of aqueous bio-oil, organic-phase precipitation occurred. As the pH was increased, a bi...

Wonbeom Shin, Jun-Gyu Park, Beom Lee et al.

Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers • 2017

MET (Microbial Electrochemical Technology), such as MFC (Microbial Fuel Cell) and MEC (Microbial Electrolysis Cell), is a promising technology for producing sustainable biogas from an anaerobic digester (AD). At current stage, however, the most likely limiting factors, large internal resistances, should be overcome for successful scale up of this technology. Various researchers reported that application of electrode materials containing high current density, increase of ion strength and conductivity, configuration of electrode are good methods for minimizing internal resistances. Recently, stainless steel is receiving great attention because of not only high performance and durability but also low cost. Therefore, in this study, we evaluate electrochemical characteristics and biogas production rate using various electrode materials and configuration (graphite carbon coated with catalysts (GC-CM) or not (GC), stainless steel mesh (SUS-M) and plate (SUS-P)). As the results, current densities of GC-CM, GC, SUS-P, SUS-M were 2.03, 1.36, 1.04, 1.13 A/m, respectively. Methane yields of GC-CM, GC, SUS-P, SUS-M were 0.27, 0.14, 0.19, 0.21 L-CH4/g-CODrem., respectively. Stainless steel shows high current density and methane yield, which are similar as graphite carbon coated with catalysts.

A. Borole, C. Tsouris, S. Pavlostathis et al.

Frontiers in Energy Research • 2018

Valorization of waste streams is becoming increasingly important to improve resource recovery and economics of bioprocesses for the production of fuels. The pyrolysis process produces a significant portion of the biomass as an aqueous waste stream, called bio-oil aqueous phase (BOAP), which cannot be effectively converted into fuel. In this report, we detail the separation and utilization of this stream for the production of electrons, hydrogen, and chemicals, which can supplement fuel production improving economics of the biorefinery. Separation methods including physical separation via centrifugal separator, chemical separation via pH manipulation, and electrochemical separation via capacitive deionization are discussed. Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) including microbial fuel cells (MFCs), microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) and electro-fermentation processes are reviewed for their potential to generate current, hydrogen, and chemicals from BOAP. Recent developments in MECs using complex waste streams and electro-active biocatalyst enrichment have resulted in advancement of the technology towards performance metrics closer to commercial requirements. Current densities above 10 A/m2 have been reported using BOAP, which suggest further work to demonstrate the technology at pilot scale should be undertaken. The research on electro-fermentation is revealing potential to generate alcohols, diols, medium chain fatty acids, esters, etc. using electrode-based electrons. The ability to derive electrons and chemical building blocks from waste streams illustrate the advancement of the BES technology and potential to push the frontiers of bioenergy generation one step further towards development of a circular bioeconomy.

Jong-Hyeok Park, Yeri Park, Jin Soo Park

ECS Meeting Abstracts • 2024

<jats:p> Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis (WE) and fuel cells (FCs) stand out as promising technologies for hydrogen generation and utilization, leveraging renewable and sustainable energy sources. A pivotal element in both PEMFC and PEMWE is the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA), comprising catalyst layers (CLs) and a membrane. These CLs facilitate electrochemical reactions at the anode and cathode, crucial for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in PEMWE and PEMFC. The catalyst ink for CLs consists of electrocatalyst, ionomer dispersion, and additional solvents. Among these components, the choice of solvent significantly influences PEMFC and PEMWE performance, shaping the catalyst ink's properties. In this investigation, we formulated ionomer dispersions for CLs to enhance performance in PEMWE and PEMFC. We scrutinized the effects of solvents in terms of solvation energy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), particle size distribution (PSD), and electrochemical assessment.</jats:p> <jats:p> </jats:p> <jats:p> <jats:bold>Acknowledgments</jats:bold> </jats:p> <jats:p>This research was supported in part by the New and Renewable Energy of the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) granted financial resource from the Ministry of Trade, Industry &amp; Energy, Republic of Korea (No. 20213030040520) and by 2021 Green Convergence Professional Manpower Training Program of the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute funded by the Ministry of Environment. </jats:p>

Yeri Park, Minyoung Lee, Dahye Jeong et al.

ECS Meeting Abstracts • 2024

<jats:p> Water electrolysis, a pivotal technology for producing hydrogen from water decomposition, stands as a crucial approach for generating green hydrogen devoid of carbon dioxide or other pollutants. Among various water electrolysis techniques, Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (AEMWE) relies on an anion exchange membrane (AEM). However, AEMs face challenges such as low ionic conductivity and physical stability. To overcome these limitations, an AEM was developed by saturating a porous PE substrate with an electrolyte solution containing an anion-conducting monomer, a cross-linker, and a photo-initiator, followed by UV irradiation for polymerization. The quantity of electrolyte significantly influences the membrane's ionic conductivity, while the number of vinyl groups in the crosslinking agent directly impacts its binding capacity with the electrolyte. Thus, this study employed the same electrolyte while varying the number of vinyl groups in the crosslinker as a variable. The ionic conductivity, ion exchange capacity, contact angle, water uptake, swelling ratio, and transport number of each membrane with two different compositions were measured. Subsequently, the performance and durability in AEMWE were assessed to determine the most suitable composition for this technology.</jats:p> <jats:p> <jats:bold>Acknowledgment</jats:bold> </jats:p> <jats:p>This research was supported in part by the New and Renewable Energy of the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) granted financial resource from the Ministry of Trade, Industry &amp; Energy, Republic of Korea (No. 20213030040520) and by 2021 Green Convergence Professional Manpower Training Program of the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute funded by the Ministry of Environment. </jats:p>

Juhyun Kang, Joonguen Park, Joongmyeon Bae

ASME 2014 12th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology • 2014

<jats:p>Hydrogen is a resource that provides energy and forms water only after reacting with oxygen. Because there are no emissions such as greenhouse gases when hydrogen is converted to produce energy, it is considered one of the most important energy resources for addressing the problems of global warming and air pollution. Additionally, hydrogen can be useful for constructing “smart grid” infrastructure because electrical energy from other renewable energy sources can be stored in the form of chemical energy by electrolyzing water, creating hydrogen.</jats:p> <jats:p>Among the many hydrogen generation systems, solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) have attracted considerable attention as advanced water electrolysis systems because of their high energy conversion efficiency and low use of electrical energy. To find the relationship between operating conditions and the performance of SOECs, research has been conducted both experimentally, using actual SOEC cells, and numerically, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In this investigation, we developed a 3-D simulation model to analyze the relationship between the operating conditions and the overall behavior of SOECs due to different contributions to the over-potential.</jats:p> <jats:p>All SOECs involve the transfer of mass, momentum, species, and energy, and these properties are correlated. Furthermore, all of these properties have a direct influence on the concentration of the gases in the electrodes, the pressure, the temperature and the current density. Therefore, the conservation equations for mass, momentum, species, and energy should be included in the simulation model to calculate all terms in the transfer of mass, heat and fluid. In this simulation model, the transient term was neglected because the steady state was assumed.</jats:p> <jats:p>All governing equations were calculated using Star-CD (CD Adapco, U.S). The source terms in the governing equations were calculated with in-house code, i.e., user defined functions (UDF), written in FORTRAN 77, and these were linked to the Star-CD solver to calculate the transfer processes. Simulations were performed with various cathode inlet gas compositions, anode inlet gas compositions, cathode thickness, and electrode porosity to identify the main parameters related to performance.</jats:p>

Hyun Park, Ju Lee, JunYoung Han et al.

Energies • 0

<jats:p>Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), a major cause of global warming, have been rising due to industrial development. Carbon capture and storage (CCS), which is regarded as the most effective way to reduce such atmospheric CO2 concentrations, has several environmental and technical disadvantages. Carbon capture and utilization (CCU), which has been introduced to cover such disadvantages, makes it possible to capture CO2, recycling byproducts as resources. However, CCU also requires large amounts of energy in order to induce reactions. Among existing CCU technologies, the process for converting CO2 into CaCO3 requires high temperature and high pressure as reaction conditions. This study proposes a method to fixate CaCO3 stably by using relatively less energy than existing methods. After forming NaOH absorbent solution through electrolysis of NaCl in seawater, CaCO3 was precipitated at room temperature and pressure. Following the experiment, the resulting product CaCO3 was analyzed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR); field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) image and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were also analyzed. The results showed that the CaCO3 crystal product was high-purity calcite. The study shows a successful method for fixating CO2 by reducing carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere while forming high-purity CaCO3.</jats:p>

Seok Hoon Hong, Xiaoxue Wang, Hazel F. O'Connor et al.

Microbial Biotechnology • 2012

<jats:title>Summary</jats:title><jats:p>Since persister cells cause chronic infections and since <jats:italic>Escherichia coli</jats:italic> toxin MqsR increases persisters, we used protein engineering to increase the toxicity of MqsR to gain insights into persister cell formation. Through two amino acid replacements that increased the stability of MqsR, toxicity and persistence were increased. A whole‐transcriptome study revealed that the MqsR variant increased persistence by repressing genes for acid resistance, multidrug resistance and osmotic resistance. Corroborating these microarray results, deletion of <jats:italic>rpoS</jats:italic>, as well as the genes that the master stress response regulator RpoS controls, increased persister formation dramatically to the extent that nearly the whole population became persistent. Furthermore, wild‐type cells stressed by prior treatment to acid or hydrogen peroxide increased persistence 12 000‐fold. Whole‐transcriptome analyses of persister cells generated by two different methods (wild‐type cells pretreated with hydrogen peroxide and the <jats:italic>rpoS</jats:italic> deletion) corroborated the importance of suppressing RpoS in persister cell formation. Therefore, the more toxic MqsR <jats:italic>increases</jats:italic> persistence by <jats:italic>decreasing</jats:italic> the ability of the cell to respond to antibiotic stress through its RpoS‐based regulation of acid resistance, multidrug resistance and osmotic resistance systems.</jats:p>

Fatima Mašić, A. Merzic, A. Bosovic et al.

IETE Journal of Research • 2020

A microgrid concept for the thermal and electrical energy supply of a Sport-Recreation Center Ajdinovići (S.R.C.A.) has been proposed in this paper. A self-contained and intelligent power distribution grid has been developed for this case, taking into account the location, locally available renewable energy sources and the very purpose of this center. Comparative analyses between independent power supply through the proposed hybrid power system and the supply over the transmission and distribution network were performed. Technical and economical optimization of an energy system with distributed power generation was done by applying HOMER and DIgSILENT PowerFactory professional software tools. As a result, hybrid power system is more cost-effective than the conventional supply by the power distribution network, microgrid meets the technical criteria based on the analysis of power flows and the stability of the network has been achieved. Establishment of energy independence for the existing S.R.C.A. besides economic factor will show several benefits regarding better use of locally available resources, reduction of CO2 emissions and energy efficiency increment as well as an employment opportunity to the local people, thus contributing to the sustainability of the region.

Natthawadee Temeeyakul, Pawin Sirisali

Journal of Architectural/Planning Research and Studies (JARS) • 2023

The objectives of this study are to explore the site suitability for the Rangsit City Health and Recreation Center, to analyze the potentials and the limitations of the locations in identifying an appropriate site, and then finalizing a conceptual design for the Rangsit City Health and Recreation Center’s Public Space in Pathum Thani province. The study methodology included a review of the literature to establish criteria for analyzing the location and developing the proposal of the concept design and a cadastral survey of two potential sites,in accordance with the policy of Rangsit City Municipality. The first site area was located in Soi Rangsit Nakhon Nayok 45, and the second was located in Soi Rangsit Nakhon Nayok 39. In analyzing the suitability of the two sites, the study considered location and accessibility, as well as environmental factors conducive to convenience and safety, wellbeing, recreation, and awareness. In comparing the two areas, the analysis showed a strong potential for Soi Rangsit Nakhon Nayok 39. to be a health and recreation center, as it met criteria regarding context of location, access, and linkage. The site can be accessed from several ways as well as easily connected to other public areas in the neighborhood. The surrounding area is open, well drained, and the rectangular area makes it easy to design and maintain safety. In terms of concept design, three main concepts were emphasized: Connect, Cool, and Clear. Connect focused on creating spaces with easy connection for either indoor or outdoor activities. Cool required the design to fit with local climate as a means of creating a comfortable state of mind. Lastly, Clear highlighted open spaces and uses shapes and lines which are easy to understand based on a concept of universal design, to facilitate access for people of all groups and ages.

Reno Catelya Dira Oktavia, Santi Maudiarti, Savitri Hendradewi

European Modern Studies Journal • 0

<jats:p>This research aims to investigate the concrete impact of the Kosambi Green Lane Park on the ecology and comfort of the surrounding environment. Green lane parks are the main focus for balancing urban growth and environmental preservation in sustainable urban development. Descriptive methods are used to provide an in-depth overview of the park's facilities and level of accessibility and analyze visitors' preferences and needs for existing facilities. The research results show that Kosambi Green Route Park offers a variety of facilities, such as a jogging track, huts, and children's play areas, which are visitors' favorites. This park's access is good via private vehicles and public transportation, with supporting infrastructure that supports visitor comfort. Visitor preferences highlight the need for better care and maintenance of existing facilities and requests for further development, such as the addition of sports facilities and further green areas for picnics. The positive impacts felt by local communities include improved physical and social well-being and contributions to the surrounding environment through improved air quality and environmental awareness. Kosambi Green Lane Park is a successful example of the green lane concept in sustainable urban development. Still, there needs to be continuous attention to maintenance and development so that the benefits can continue to be felt in the long term.</jats:p>

J. van der Sluijs, E. Saiet, C. Bakelaar et al.

Drone Systems and Applications • 2023

Aerial drones typically operate over small geographic areas (<5 km2), yet environmental and infrastructure monitoring applications often require collection of data over larger areas. Challenges to drone deployments, in areas with people and frequent air traffic, include aviation regulations that require missions to adhere to within-visual-line-of-sight (VLOS) conditions, thereby limiting mission extents. The performance and fuel consumption of longer drone missions could justify investment to advance future beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) data acquisitions. This work summarizes airspace deconfliction techniques, which allowed testing of BVLOS capabilities in relatively busy airspace in northwestern Canada. Drone missions were conducted with a Griffon SeaHunter capturing high resolution imagery covering more than 550 km2 along 6200 km of flight lines, increasing conventional drone data coverage by two orders of magnitude. BVLOS hourly endurance was nearly double relative to light aviation mapping aircraft, providing a suitable range for extended monitoring operations (1,000-1,200 km). Fuel consumption (L/100km) also differed substantially, with SeaHunter using 9 % to 16 % of conventional mapping aircraft (84% to 91% savings). Finally we summarize lessons learned to further stimulate BVLOS adoption internationally. Opportunities will arise as BVLOS drones will increasingly be operated within a global context of transitions towards low-carbon emission economies.

Hyun-Ki Jung, Gi-Sang Choi

Applied Sciences • 2022

With the recent development of drone technology, object detection technology is emerging, and these technologies can also be applied to illegal immigrants, industrial and natural disasters, and missing people and objects. In this paper, we would like to explore ways to increase object detection performance in these situations. Photography was conducted in an environment where it was confusing to detect an object. The experimental data were based on photographs that created various environmental conditions, such as changes in the altitude of the drone, when there was no light, and taking pictures in various conditions. All the data used in the experiment were taken with F11 4K PRO drone and VisDrone dataset. In this study, we propose an improved performance of the original YOLOv5 model. We applied the obtained data to each model: the original YOLOv5 model and the improved YOLOv5_Ours model, to calculate the key indicators. The main indicators are precision, recall, F-1 score, and mAP (0.5), and the YOLOv5_Ours values of mAP (0.5) and function loss were improved by comparing it with the original YOLOv5 model. Finally, the conclusion was drawn based on the data comparing the original YOLOv5 model and the improved YOLOv5_Ours model. As a result of the analysis, we were able to arrive at a conclusion on the best model of object detection under various conditions.

Xueping Li, Jose Tupayachi, Aliza Sharmin et al.

Drones • 2023

The use of drones for package delivery, commonly known as drone delivery or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) delivery, has gained significant attention from academia and industries. Compared to traditional delivery methods, it provides greater flexibility, improved accessibility, increased speed and efficiency, enhanced safety, and even some environmental benefits. With the increasing interest in this technology, it is crucial for researchers and practitioners to understand the current state of the art in drone delivery. This paper aims to review the current literature on drone delivery and identify research trends, challenges, and future research directions. Specifically, the relevant literature is identified and selected using a systematic literature review approach. We then categorize the literature according to the characteristics and objectives of the problems and thoroughly analyze them based on mathematical formulations and solution techniques. We summarize key challenges and limitations associated with drone delivery from technological, safety, societal, and environmental aspects. Finally, potential research directions are identified.

Emanuele Aucone, Steffen Kirchgeorg, A. Valentini et al.

Science Robotics • 2023

The protection and restoration of the biosphere is crucial for human resilience and well-being, but the scarcity of data on the status and distribution of biodiversity puts these efforts at risk. DNA released into the environment by organisms, i.e., environmental DNA (eDNA), can be used to monitor biodiversity in a scalable manner if equipped with the appropriate tool. However, the collection of eDNA in terrestrial environments remains a challenge because of the many potential surfaces and sources that need to be surveyed and their limited accessibility. Here, we propose to survey biodiversity by sampling eDNA on the outer branches of tree canopies with an aerial robot. The drone combines a force-sensing cage with a haptic-based control strategy to establish and maintain contact with the upper surface of the branches. Surface eDNA is then collected using an adhesive surface integrated in the cage of the drone. We show that the drone can autonomously land on a variety of branches with stiffnesses between 1 and 103 newton/meter without prior knowledge of their structural stiffness and with robustness to linear and angular misalignments. Validation in the natural environment demonstrates that our method is successful in detecting animal species, including arthropods and vertebrates. Combining robotics with eDNA sampling from a variety of unreachable aboveground substrates can offer a solution for broad-scale monitoring of biodiversity. Description A drone incorporating a force-sensing cage with adhesive surfaces enables environmental DNA to be collected from tree branches.

S. Alsamhi, A. Shvetsov, S. Shvetsova et al.

IEEE Transactions on Green Communications and Networking • 2023

The Internet of Drones (IoD) allows drones to collaborate safely while operating in a restricted airspace for numerous applications in Industry 4.0 world. Energy efficiency and sharing sensing data are the main challenges in swarm-drone collaboration for performing complex tasks effectively and efficiently in real-time. Information security of consensus achievement is required for multi-drone collaboration in the presence of Byzantine drones. Byzantine drones may be enough to cause present swarm coordination techniques to collapse, resulting in unpredictable or calamitous results. One or more Byzantine drones may lead to failure in consensus while exploring the environment. Moreover, Blockchain technology is in the early stage for swarm drone collaboration. Therefore, we introduce a novel blockchain-based approach to managing multi-drone collaboration during a swarm operation. Within drone swarms, blockchain technology is utilized as a communication tool to broadcast instructions to the swarm. This paper aims to improve the security of the consensus achievement process of multi-drone collaboration, energy efficiency, and connectivity during the environment’s exploration while maintaining consensus achievement effectiveness. Improving the security of consensus achievement among drones will increase the possibility and stability of multi-drone applications by improving connectivity and energy efficiency in the smart world and solving real environmental issues.

Hossein Eskandaripour, E. Boldsaikhan

Drones • 2023

Sustainable green products and services garner more attention from companies and enterprises that aim to succeed and grow in highly competitive markets by imposing less harms on the environment and ecosystems. Last-mile delivery from local distribution centers to customers plays an essential role in the retail business. Retail companies are leaning towards implementing green, efficient transportation methods, such as drones, in their last-mile delivery operations for reasons of ecological conservation. Accordingly, researchers have documented numerous research findings on last-mile drone delivery in recent years. This literature review selected a collection of articles mostly from 2011 to 2022 and reviewed them in terms of key technical challenges, such as routing, cargo distribution optimization, battery management, data communication, and environmental protection. These challenges are interrelated in a sense of achieving eco-friendly, efficient, lean, last-mile drone delivery. The selection of these technical challenges is based on the top challenges discussed in the literature.

M. Campaña, Esteban Inga

World Electric Vehicle Journal • 2023

The massive introduction of electric vehicles as a mobility alternative requires deploying an infrastructure of charging stations for electric cars (ICSEC). This new mobility concept will mitigate the environmental harm caused by the emission of CO2 generated by conventional internal combustion mobility methods. The sustainability of the ICSEC depends not only on the capacity to meet the demand for charging batteries for electric vehicles (EV) but also on an adequate number of public/private charging stations (CS) distributed in a geolocalized area. It is noted that the distribution of CS must respond to a set of real mobility constraints, such as vehicular flow capacity, road capacity, and trajectories. The planning, intelligent location of public charging stations (PCS), and contingency analysis will enable us to study the increase in demand for electrical distribution substations (EDS). Therefore, the present model explains the need to plan the massive introduction of EVs by observing the user’s conditions at the trajectory level through finite resource allocation processes, segmentation, and minimum spanning trees, by observing heterogeneous vehicular flow criteria through microscopic analysis, to understand the space–time relationship of vehicular flow in georeferenced scenarios. Consequently, the computational complexity of the model is of the combinatorial type, and it is defined as NP-Hard given the multiple variables and constraints within the transportation problem.

Teeraphon Phophongviwat, S. Polmai, Chaitouch Maneeinn et al.

World Electric Vehicle Journal • 2023

A rapid growth in electric vehicles has led to a massive number of retired batteries in the transportation sector after 8–10 years of use. However, retired batteries retain over 60% of their original capacity and can be employed in less demanding electric vehicles or stationary energy storage systems. As a result, the management of end-of-life electric vehicles has received increased attention globally over the last decade due to their environmental and economic benefits. This work presents knowledge and technology for retired electric vehicle batteries that are applicable to the Thai context, with a particular focus on a case study of a retired lithium-ion battery from the Nissan X-Trail Hybrid car. The disassembled battery modules are designed for remanufacturing in small electric vehicles and repurposing in energy storage systems. The retired batteries were tested in a laboratory under high C-rate conditions (10C, 20C, and 30C) to examine the limitations of the batteries’ ability to deliver high current to electric vehicles during the driving operation. In addition, the electric motorcycle conversion has also been studied by converting the gasoline engine to an electric battery system. Finally, the prototypes were tested both in the laboratory and in real-world use. The findings of this study will serve as a guideline for the sorting and assessment of retired lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles, as well as demonstrate the technical feasibility of reusing retired batteries in Thailand.

Torky Althaqafi

World Electric Vehicle Journal • 2023

Sustainability emphasises the crucial need to incorporate environmentally conscious practises across the entire supply chain management process in the modern age. A great emphasis is placed on minimising environmental consequences, eliminating waste, conserving energy, and sourcing materials responsibly in the production, distribution, and disposal of electric vehicles. Electric vehicle manufacturers must prioritise sustainability to ensure that their products contribute significantly to a brighter future while also meeting the ethical and environmental demands of consumers as well as regulatory bodies. Green supply chain management (GSCM) incorporates environmentally friendly practises to reduce environmental effects. This study incorporates fuzzy TOPSIS for analysing and rating GSCM practises, assisting decision-makers in prioritising sustainability in the supply chains of electric vehicle manufacturers. We develop a multi-criteria decision-making framework to evaluate GSCM criteria while accounting for inherent uncertainty. Fuzzy TOPSIS handles linguistic problems as well as ambiguity while providing a precise GSCM representation. Real-world case studies from various sectors demonstrate the applicability and benefits of our approach to finding improvement areas and expediting GSCM assessments. This research presents a systematic, quantitative way for evaluating GSCM practises, allowing supply chain alignment with sustainability goals. This promotes environmentally sustainable practises and increases the sustainability of supply chains for electric car manufacturing.

Maite Etxandi-Santolaya, L. Canals Casals, Beatriz Amante García et al.

World Electric Vehicle Journal • 2023

Electric vehicle battery second-life applications are gaining attention as a way to minimize the environmental impact and increase economic profits. However, the demand for stationary energy storage is expected to be saturated in the near future with these second-life batteries. This fact, in addition to the several technical and economic challenges of second-life batteries, promotes exploring other alternatives. This work analyses and compares these possible approaches in terms of battery degradation and economic profit. The results show that for large batteries, intensive Vehicle to Grid does not cause an early retirement of the battery and allows reducing the underuse of the battery. In addition, for the same battery size, Vehicle to Grid provides more economic profit than second-life applications. Nevertheless, only in a few cases does this appear to be more profitable than simply utilizing the battery for driving. Importantly, this study has shown how the assessment of the second-life tends to be too optimistic as a consequence of assuming a fixed End of Life threshold for the batteries.

A. Çolak, E. Irmak

Electric Power Components and Systems • 2023

Abstract Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising solution to address environmental concerns and transform the transportation sector. This paper examines the state-of-the-art EVs, encompassing their history, definition, and different types. The advantages and limitations of each type are compared and contrasted, providing insights into their unique characteristics and potential applications. Critical components of EVs are thoroughly analyzed. The paper explores various types of batteries, emphasizing their features and potential for improving energy density, range, and charging capabilities. Charging infrastructure is discussed, highlighting the importance of establishing a robust network of charging stations. The impact of EVs on power grids is examined, emphasizing grid integration, load management, capacity upgrades, and power quality. Challenges and barriers hindering the wide adoption of EVs are identified, including technological limitations, infrastructure constraints, economic considerations, consumer perception, and policies. The paper delves into the environmental and economic impacts of EVs, including lifecycle analysis, air pollution reduction, and cost-effectiveness. Thus, the paper provides valuable insights into the current state of EVs and their potential to shape the future. The findings highlight the need for collaborative efforts from industry stakeholders, governments, researchers, and consumers to overcome challenges and accelerate the transition to a sustainable transportation system.

Gayathry Vishnu, Deepa Kaliyaperumal, P. Pati et al.

World Electric Vehicle Journal • 2023

Electric vehicles (EVs) are inducing revolutionary developments to the transportation and power sectors. Their innumerable benefits are forcing nations to adopt this sustainable mode of transport. Governments are framing and implementing various green energy policies. Nonetheless, there exist several critical challenges and concerns to be resolved in order to reap the complete benefits of E-mobility. The impacts of unplanned EV charging are a major concern. Accurate EV load forecasting followed by an efficient charge scheduling system could, to a large extent, solve this problem. This work focuses on short-term EV demand forecasting using three learning frameworks, which were applied to real-time adaptive charging network (ACN) data, and performance was analyzed. Auto-regressive (AR) forecasting, support vector regression (SVR), and long short-term memory (LSTM) frameworks demonstrated good performance in EV charging demand forecasting. Among these, LSTM showed the best performance with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 4 kW and a root-mean-squared error (RMSE) of 5.9 kW.

Pannee Suanpang, Pitchaya Jamjuntr

World Electric Vehicle Journal • 2024

As global awareness for preserving natural energy sustainability rises, electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly becoming a preferred choice for transportation because of their ability to emit zero emissions, conserve energy, and reduce pollution, especially in smart cities with sustainable development. Nonetheless, the lack of adequate EV charging infrastructure remains a significant problem that has resulted in varying charging demands at different locations and times, particularly in developing countries. As a consequence, this inadequacy has posed a challenge for EV drivers, particularly those in smart cities, as they face difficulty in locating suitable charging stations. Nevertheless, the recent development of deep reinforcement learning is a promising technology that has the potential to improve the charging experience in several ways over the long term. This paper proposes a novel approach for recommending EV charging stations using multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) algorithms by comparing several popular algorithms, including the deep deterministic policy gradient, deep Q-network, multi-agent DDPG (MADDPG), Real, and Random, in optimizing the placement and allocation of the EV charging stations. The results demonstrated that MADDPG outperformed other algorithms in terms of the Mean Charge Waiting Time, CFT, and Total Saving Fee, thus indicating its superiority in addressing the EV charging station problem in a multi-agent setting. The collaborative and communicative nature of the MADDPG algorithm played a key role in achieving these results. Hence, this approach could provide a better user experience, increase the adoption of EVs, and be extended to other transportation-related problems. Overall, this study highlighted the potential of MARL as a powerful approach for solving complex optimization problems in transportation and beyond. This would also contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable transportation systems in smart cities for sustainable development.

Radwan A. Almasri, Talal Alharbi, M. S. Alshitawi et al.

World Electric Vehicle Journal • 2024

The shift towards sustainable transportation is an urgent worldwide issue, leading to the investigation of creative methods to decrease the environmental effects of traditional vehicles. Electric vehicles (EVs) are a promising alternative, but the issue lies in establishing efficient and environmentally friendly charging infrastructure. This review explores the existing research on the subject of photovoltaic-powered electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs). Our analysis highlights the potential for economic growth and the creation of robust and decentralized energy systems by increasing the number of EVCSs. This review summarizes the current knowledge in this field and highlights the key factors driving efforts to expand the use of PV-powered EVCSs. The findings indicate that MATLAB was predominantly used for theoretical studies, with projects focusing on shading parking lots. The energy usage varied from 0.139 to 0.295 kWh/km, while the cost of energy ranged from USD 0.0032 to 0.5645 per kWh for an on-grid system. The payback period (PBP) values are suitable for this application. The average PBP was demonstrated to range from 1 to 15 years. The findings from this assessment can guide policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders in shaping future advancements toward a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system.

Yuanyuan Xu, Xinyang Shan, Mingcheng Guo et al.

World Electric Vehicle Journal • 2024

The electric vehicle (EV) market is expanding rapidly, highlighting the need for enhanced customer perceived value to foster loyalty and competitive differentiation. This study investigates how experience management tools can improve customer experience management in the EV sector with an emphasis on sustainable business practices and environmental sustainability. The research explores existing customer experience management methods, the necessary functions of these tools, and their effectiveness in enhancing management capabilities from the perspective of customer perceived value. A thorough literature review and empirical analysis were conducted to design and evaluate tailored experience management tools. The findings suggest that these tools can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty by addressing key elements of perceived value, such as price perception, quality perception, and brand image. Additionally, improved customer experience management may encourage sustainable consumer behaviors by making eco-friendly EVs more appealing, supporting environmental sustainability. This research aims to bridge the gap between customer perceived value theory and its practical application in the EV industry. It offers insights for manufacturers and marketers seeking to create more engaging and sustainable customer experiences. The implications extend beyond the EV market, providing a potential framework for various industries to enhance customer perceived value through effective and sustainable experience management.

Ming Yao, Danning Da, Xinchun Lu et al.

World Electric Vehicle Journal • 2024

Electric vehicles (EVs) play a major role in the energy system because they are clean and environmentally friendly and can use excess electricity from renewable sources. In order to meet the growing charging demand for EVs and overcome its negative impact on the power grid, new EV charging stations integrating photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems (ESSs) have emerged. However, the output of solar PV systems and the charging demand of EVs are both characterized by uncertainty and dynamics. These may lead to large power fluctuations in the grid and frequent alternation of peak and valley loads, which are not conducive to the stability of the distribution network. The study of reasonable capacity configuration and control strategy issues is conducive to the efficient use of solar energy, fast charging of EVs, stability of the distribution network, and maximization of the economic benefits of the system. In this paper, the concept, advantages, capacity allocation methods and algorithms, and control strategies of the integrated EV charging station with PV and ESSs are reviewed. On the basis of the above research, the current problems and challenges are analyzed, and corresponding solutions and ideas are proposed.

K. Karthick, S. Ravivarman, R. Priyanka

World Electric Vehicle Journal • 2024

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, due to their beneficial environmental effects and low operating costs. However, one of the main challenges with EVs is their short battery life. This study presents a comprehensive approach for predicting the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of Nickel Manganese Cobalt-Lithium Cobalt Oxide (NMC-LCO) batteries. This research utilizes a dataset derived from the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, encompassing 14 individual batteries subjected to over 1000 cycles under controlled conditions. A multi-step methodology is adopted, starting with data collection and preprocessing, followed by feature selection and outlier elimination. Machine learning models, including XGBoost, BaggingRegressor, LightGBM, CatBoost, and ExtraTreesRegressor, are employed to develop the RUL prediction model. Feature importance analysis aids in identifying critical parameters influencing battery health and lifespan. Statistical evaluations reveal no missing or duplicate data, and outlier removal enhances model accuracy. Notably, XGBoost emerged as the most effective algorithm, providing near-perfect predictions. This research underscores the significance of RUL prediction for enhancing battery lifecycle management, particularly in applications like electric vehicles, ensuring optimal resource utilization, cost efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

Pg Emeroylariffion Abas, Benedict Tan

World Electric Vehicle Journal • 2024

Electric Vehicles (EVs) emerge as a crucial solution for alleviating the environmental footprint of the transportation sector. However, fostering their widespread adoption demands effective, targeted policies. This study introduces a versatile model, amalgamating stakeholders and policies and leveraging local data with broader market applicability. It delineates two key EV adopter groups—innovators and imitators—shedding light on their evolving impact on adoption trends. A pivotal feature of the model is the factoring of EV attractiveness, comprising Life-Cycle Cost (LCC), Driving Range, Charging Time, and infrastructure availability, all of which are expected to improve with the fast technological advancement of EVs. Financial policies, notably subsidies, prove potent in boosting EV adoption but fall short of targeted sales due to imitator lag. In response, a pragmatic solution is proposed: a government-led EV acquisition of 840 EVs, coupled with a 20% subsidy on new EV purchases and a 20% tax on new ICEV purchases, potentially realizing a 30% EV sales target by 2035. Future research avenues may delve into behavioral dynamics prompting imitators’ adoption, optimizing EV infrastructure strategies, and assessing the socio-economic impacts of EVs. Interdisciplinary approaches hold promise for enriched insights for effective EV integration policies.

Siow Jat Shern, Md. Tanjil Sarker, Gobbi Ramasamy et al.

World Electric Vehicle Journal • 2024

The worldwide transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum, propelled by the imperative to reduce carbon emissions and foster sustainable transportation. In Malaysia, the government is facilitating this transformation through targeted initiatives aimed at promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and developing the required infrastructure. This paper investigates the crucial role of artificial intelligence (AI) in developing intelligent electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, specifically focusing on the context of Malaysia. The paper examines the current electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Malaysia, highlights advancements led by artificial intelligence (AI), and references both local and international case studies. Fluctuations in the Total Industry Volume (TIV) and Total Industry Production (TIP) reflect changes in market demand and production capabilities, with notable peaks in March 2023 and March 2024. The research reveals that AI technologies, such as machine learning and predictive analytics, can enhance charging efficiency, improve user experience, and support grid stability. A mathematical model for an AI-based smart charging system was developed, and the implemented system achieved 30% energy savings and a 20.38% reduction in costs compared to traditional methods. These findings underscore the system’s energy and cost efficiency. In addition, we outline the potential advantages and challenges associated with incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Furthermore, we offer recommendations for researchers, industry stakeholders, and regulators. Malaysia can enhance the uptake of electric vehicles and make a positive impact on the environment by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance its electric vehicle charging system (EVCS).

Rami Zaino, Vian Ahmed, A. Alhammadi et al.

World Electric Vehicle Journal • 2024

This comprehensive systematic review explores the multifaceted impacts of electric vehicle (EV) adoption across technological, environmental, organizational, and policy dimensions. Drawing from 88 peer-reviewed articles, the study addresses a critical gap in the existing literature, which often isolates the impact of EV adoption without considering holistic effects. Technological advancements include innovations in the battery technology and energy storage systems, enhancing EV performance and mitigating range anxiety. The environmental analysis reveals substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, with lifecycle assessments showing significant reductions for EVs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, particularly when charged with renewable energy sources. Key comparisons include lifecycle emissions between mid-size battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), and global average lifecycle emissions by powertrain under various policy scenarios. The organizational implications are evident, as businesses adopt new models for fleet management and logistics, leveraging EVs for operational efficiency and sustainability. Policy analysis underscores the crucial role of government incentives, regulatory measures, and infrastructure investments in accelerating EV adoption. The review identifies future research areas such as efficient battery recycling methods, the potential impact of EVs on grid stability, and long-term economic implications. This study offers insights for stakeholders aiming to foster sustainable transportation and achieve global climate goals.

Rachna Betala, Hari Kumar Naidu

2022 10th International Conference on Emerging Trends in Engineering and Technology - Signal and Information Processing (ICETET-SIP-22) • 2022

Electrical vehicle run by Renewable Energy sources is the future of transportation across the Globe. Due to usage trends of electric vehicles, the need for electric charging stations has also emerged. As conventional energy sources are declining day by day, the concentration on utilization of Renewable energy sources, which is solely Ecofriendly is the need of the hour. The most prominent amongst these renewable sources is Electricity Generation from Living Plant Energy. The review undertaken for the Green Electricity Generation revealed the various methods is the energy Generation from the movement of the plant using piezoelectric effect, Triboelectric Nano Generator, Artificial leaves, organic solar cell, Plant Microbial cell, and Glucose Biofuel Cell. This review paper has given an innovative idea to future Researchers to explore the possibility of using Electricity from Plants for charging an electric vehicle.

T.W. Ching

World Electric Vehicle Journal • 0

<jats:p>Electric vehicles (EVs) are clean due to their zero local emissions and low global emissions. They are also green due to their environmental friendliness, since electricity can be generated by renewable sources. Despite these obvious benefits, EVs have not been widely used around the world; the key reasons are due to their high initial cost, short driving range or lack of charging facilities. With the growing concerns on price fluctuation, depletion of petroleum resources and global warming, there is fast growing interest in EVs in Macau. Thus, it is a pressing need for researchers and power utilities to develop various infrastructures for EV. This paper aims to present a time delay method for EV charging station, by shifting the night-time battery charging within the off-peak period, results are to fill in the valley of the system demand curve.</jats:p>

Xin Yi Ang, C. S. Hassan, S.Y. Soh et al.

International Journal of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering • 2024

In the automotive industry, sustainable materials, such as bio-composites, are progressively being adopted due to their lightweight feature, which reduces vehicle weight, fuel consumption and pollutants emissions. Bio-composites are renewable and biodegradable, making them more environmental-friendly. However, limited investigations into the use of bio-composites in crash box applications have indicated that they lack the impact strength to fully absorb collision energy. This study aims to compare the crashworthiness performance of crash boxes made from OPEFB fiber/epoxy and kenaf fiber/epoxy composites, with conventional steel and carbon fiber/epoxy using LS-DYNA quasi-static simulations. Six different crash box designs are proposed: square, hexagonal, decagonal, hexagonal 3-cell, hexagonal 6-cell, and decagonal 10-cell structure, to evaluate the effect of these designs on crash box performance. The results show that bio-composite crash boxes are inferior to traditional materials in terms of energy absorption and specific energy absorption, but they yield better performance in crush force efficiency. In terms of design, decagonal 10-cell structure produces the highest specific energy absorption and energy absorption for bio-composites. Hence, optimization is performed on the OPEFB fibre/epoxy decagonal 10-cell crash box, aiming to increase energy absorption capability by varying the thickness, perimeter, and length of the crash box. The design is optimized by increasing thickness and maintaining length and perimeter. Compared to the original design, the optimized design improves energy absorption by 59% and specific energy absorption by 19%. The optimized design is then subjected to both quasi-static and impact loading tests, revealing that the optimized OPEFB fibre/epoxy crash box design exhibits 44% lower energy absorption than steel under quasi-static load, but it demonstrates a 56% increase in crush force efficiency and a 6 % increase in specific energy absorption. Under impact load, it shows a 91% increase in specific energy absorption compared to the traditional square steel crash box.

Mohammad Shojayian, Erik Kjeang

ECS Meeting Abstracts • 2022

<jats:p> The concerns regarding climate change have made the researchers seek a clean alternative for the fossil fuel vehicles. Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are considered to be promising candidates owing to their efficient energy conversion and zero-carbon emission. However, a number of obstacles such as high cost and limited hydrogen infrastructure have made the FCVs commercialization process challenging. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been proven promising for transportation applications. For heavy duty transportation applications, the PEMFC durability is also not yet proven, and extrapolating from lab data to real-world field operating conditions remains a significant challenge [1].</jats:p> <jats:p>In this work, the cathode catalyst degradation in PEMFC is studied to estimate the effect of stack size on fuel cell durability in the FCV application. Platinum dissolution and redeposition, platinum oxidation and platinum ion formation during the fuel cell operation are modeled using the Butler-Volmer approach presented in [2]. A drive cycle recorded based on a real-life transit bus operation in the city of Victoria is utilized to calculate the input fuel cell voltage profile based on the methodology presented by Ahmadi and Kjeang [3]. According to this methodology, the required cell power density is calculated using Newton’s second law considering the air flow drag force as a counteracting force against the vehicle movement. Then, the required voltage cycle is obtained by employing a polarization curve characterizing the fuel cell performance. Finally, the change of remaining electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) with time is calculated as the output of the model. The fuel cell is assumed to operate at 80 ℃ and the cell active area is considered to be 500 cm<jats:sup>2</jats:sup>. Simple Tafel kinetics is then used to determine the fuel cell voltage loss. A 10% voltage drop at 0.6 A/cm<jats:sup>2</jats:sup> is considered as the failure criterion for the cathode lifetime. Moreover, the effect of the fuel cell stack size is studied. By increasing fuel cell stack size, the required cell power density drops, leading to a decrease in the voltage cycle amplitude while the voltage cycle period remains the same. According to the empirical kinetic rate equation, the catalyst degradation exponentially increases with increasing the voltage. Therefore, a higher degradation rate is observed for a catalyst operating on a voltage cycle with a lower amplitude while the period and the upper potential limit (UPL) are maintained the same, causing a significant platinum ion generation. Fig. 1 shows the change of remaining ECSA over time and resulting fuel cell lifetime for three stack sizes which are represented by the stack nominal powers. The results show that the fuel cell lifetime will be roughly doubled when the stack size is reduced by half. Stack sizing is thus an important consideration for fuel cell durability in the FCV application.</jats:p> <jats:p>In this regard, predicting fuel cell lifetime is a crucial step in commercializing FCVs. The present modeling framework could be utilized by FCV developers to predict lifetime for new products instead of carrying out time-consuming lifetime experiments. The factors influencing fuel cell durability can also be investigated using the present model framework to develop durables cells and stacks for a targeted FCV application.</jats:p> <jats:p> <jats:bold>Acknowledgements</jats:bold> </jats:p> <jats:p>This research was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Canada Research Chairs, and Simon Fraser University Community Trust Endowment Fund.</jats:p> <jats:p> <jats:bold>References</jats:bold> </jats:p> <jats:p>[1] S. D. Knights, K. M. Colbow, J. St-Pierre and D. P. Wilkinson, "Aging mechanisms and lifetime of PEFC and DMFC," <jats:italic>Journal of power sources, </jats:italic>vol. 127, no. 1-2, pp. 127-134, 2004.</jats:p> <jats:p>[2] H. A. Baroody and E. Kjeang, "Predicting Platinum Dissolution and Performance Degradation under Drive Cycle Operation of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells," <jats:italic>Journal of The Electrochemical Society, </jats:italic>vol. 168, no. 4, p. 044524, 2021.</jats:p> <jats:p>[3] P. Ahmadi and E. Kjeang, "Realistic simulation of fuel economy and life cycle metrics for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles," <jats:italic>International Journal of Energy Research, </jats:italic>vol. 41, no. 5, pp. 714-727, 2017.</jats:p> <jats:p> <jats:inline-formula> <jats:inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="2456fig1.JPG" xlink:type="simple"/> </jats:inline-formula> </jats:p> <jats:p>Figure 1</jats:p> <jats:p/>

Davide Gulotta, Lucia Toniolo

Heritage • 0

<jats:p>The conservation project of built heritage is a complex process, dealing with an extremely heterogeneous range of elements and different substrates with a large variety of conservation conditions. In recent years, its sustainability has become a relevant issue, due to the general limitation of resources and unique features of cultural heritage assets. The conservation project, therefore, requires a thorough knowledge of the specific characteristics of the site, a reliable evaluation of the treatment’s efficacy and durability, and efficient control of procedures and timing of the site during the conservation activities. A suitable approach to design the intervention is the implementation of a pilot site for the knowledge of surfaces and structures, and for the testing of different operative procedures. This approach needs the collaborative work of a multidisciplinary team coordinated by the project manager. This paper reports on the design of the conservation project of the Renaissance façade of the Monza cathedral, with the development of a pilot site as a relevant example of a complex surface. The three-phase process—preliminary knowledge, testing and implementation of the treatment methodologies, and scale-up to the general conservation project—is described and discussed with significant reference to real data from the case study.</jats:p>

Cristina Vilanova, Manuel Porcar

Microbial Biotechnology • 2020

<jats:title>Summary</jats:title><jats:p>Multi‐omics can informally be described as the combined use of high‐throughput techniques allowing the characterization of complete microbial communities by the sequencing/identification of total pools of biomolecules including <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">DNA</jats:styled-content>, proteins or metabolites. These techniques have allowed an unprecedented level of knowledge on complex microbial ecosystems, which is having key implications in land and marine ecology, industrial biotechnology or biomedicine. Multi‐omics have recently been applied to artistic or archaeological objects, with the goal of either contributing to shedding light on the original context of the pieces and/or to inform conservation approaches. In this minireview, we discuss the application of ‐omic techniques to the study of prehistoric artworks and ancient man‐made objects in three main technical blocks: metagenomics, proteomics and metabolomics. In particular, we will focus on how proteomics and metabolomics can provide paradigm‐breaking results by unambiguously identifying peptides associated with a given, palaeo‐cultural context; and we will discuss how metagenomics can be central for the identification of the microbial keyplayers on artworks surfaces, whose conservation can then be approached by a range of techniques, including using selected microorganisms as ‘probiotics’ because of their direct or indirect effect in the stabilization and preservation of valuable art objects.</jats:p>

R. Corsi, K. Kinney, H. Levin

Indoor Air • 2012

The air we breathe inside buildings dominates overall inhalation exposure to most air pollutants, whether of indoor or outdoor origin. The same is true for our exposure to microorganisms. Over the past three decades much has been learned about chemicals (in gas and particle phases) in building air, including typical levels, sources, fate, and control. Far less has been learned about the types, sources, and fate of microorganisms in buildings, and about how building design, and operation and maintenance affect microorganisms in buildings. Knowledge creation has been constrained by historical reliance on culture-based methods that can yield only partial or biased assessments of microbial community structure, sometimes dramatically underestimating uncultivable organisms, and failing to detect fragments of organisms that may themselves influence human health. However, in the past several years, advances in culture-independent analytical methods have significantly increased knowledge related to microbial communities and diversity in buildings. We are positioned to make even stronger gains in the coming years.

S. Eyssautier-Chuine, K. Mouhoubi, F. Reffuveille et al.

Building Research &amp; Information • 2020

ABSTRACT Biofilms developed on historical heritage buildings are made of various microbial communities settled and anchored in a substrate. They provide a good medium to the development of macroscopic vegetation which causes irreversible and physical damage to stone structure. Infrared thermography (IRT) measurements have been performed in laboratory scale to investigate the applicability of this non-destructive technique to an early detection of microbial biofilms on stone surface. Detecting biofilms before stone soiling is important in Cultural Heritage conservation to avoid both irreversible damage and building restoration costs. Active IRT was set up on a French limestone used in many French buildings and monuments. Samples were collected after six-months of exposure in an outdoor biofouling test during which they were colonized by microbial biofilms. They have been compared with controls with no biofilm. Experimental set-up has been carried out in dry and damp conditions to simulate different climatic conditions. First results displayed a different thermal response: stone surfaces with biofilm reached higher temperatures and they cooled down faster than row stones. Biofilm entailed a change of the stone thermal behaviour similar to a monolayer. IRT detected biofilm with a better efficiency in dry than in damp condition.