Abstract: Community energy systems are considered a key means of achieving carbon neutrality at the local level. This paper evaluates the current and future energy systems of the Nottingham Trent Basin community, as a case study, and proposes strategies to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency. Analyses of building energy demand, carbon emissions, and model accuracy were conducted based on simulation data from the IES model and measured electricity data from selected households. Results indicate that the community's average domestic electricity consumption exceeds the UK national average, while natural gas consumption is significantly lower, suggesting progress in heating decarbonization. Further simulations demonstrate that a 200 kWp photovoltaic system could cover approximately 82% of annual electricity demand. Integrating this with a 2 MWh energy storage system could reduce annual carbon emissions by nearly 80%. Future analysis indicates that introducing air-source heat pumps could reduce heating- related emissions by approximately 71%, while expanding PV and storage capacity would further decrease grid dependency. Concurrently, the research evaluated electric vehicle integration and load management strategies, exploring time- series based electricity demand forecasting models. Findings indicate that smart community energy systems, by integrating renewable energy, electrified heating, and electric vehicle management, can significantly advance carbon reduction at the community level. This paper highlights the importance of combining technical measures with demand side management in achieving carbon neutrality. Read More

Abstract: Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a well-established biological process that converts organic matter into biogas, primarily methane, under anaerobic conditions. With the growing emphasis on renewable energy and waste management, AD has gained significant attention as a sustainable technology. This review summarizes the current status of anaerobic digestion research, focusing on its microbial ecology, key process parameters, and technological advancements. The influencing factors discussed include pH and alkalinity, organic loading rate (OLR), hydraulic retention time (HRT), temperature, mixing intensity, nutrient balance, and the presence of inhibitory substances. The review also highlights the development of anaerobic reactor systems and the application of modern molecular techniques in understanding microbial dynamics. Finally, the potential of AD in addressing energy and environmental challenges is emphasized. Read More

Abstract: This comprehensive report systematically addresses the fundamental building service design requirements for the E. ON House, a flagship sustainable architecture project at the University of Nottingham's Department of Architecture and Built Environment. Through quantitative analysis of winter design heat losses (both fabric and ventilation) across all thermal zones, we establish the baseline parameters for developing a gas-fired low-temperature hot water (LTHW) central heating system incorporating condensing boiler technology with integrated thermal storage capacity. The design methodology extends to indirect domestic water supply systems with hydraulic decoupling, dual drainage networks compliant with BS EN 12056 standards, and illuminance-optimized LED lighting schemes achieving CIBSE LG7 compliance. A centralized building management system with zoned climate control completes the integrated solution. This multidisciplinary approach demonstrates 23-28% energy efficiency improvements over conventional systems through heat recovery mechanisms, adaptive lighting controls, and optimized hydraulic balancing, positioning the project as a replicable model for low-carbon institutional buildings. Read More

Abstract: Electric vehicles are a key technology in the shift towards sustainable transportation. However, significant improvements can be made in terms of their energy efficiency, and driving style plays a major role. Speed trajectories can be more easily implemented with city buses; therefore, this investigation aims to find energy-optimal speed trajectories between bus stops of a given distance. While many studies have been conducted on small passenger vehicles, research on the trip characteristics of buses is more lacking. Three-segment speed trajectories were evaluated in this investigation, using closed-form equations derived from integrating battery power. Results show that higher average velocities correlate with higher energy consumption, and speed trajectories with larger values of acceleration and deceleration have lower energy consumption and are more energy efficient. Read More

Abstract: As the global food system is under multiple pressures from climate change, resource scarcity and population growth, countries are seeking new solutions. Plant factories, as an important form of controlled environment agriculture, are seen as a key technology to alleviate food supply problems. This article begins by introducing the basic concept of a plant factory. The content includes the definition, classification and core modules of plant factories, while emphasizing the importance of environmental control. Next, the article analyzes how environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration affect plant growth. This paper further explores the methods of regulating these factors and systematically reviews the key technologies for energy conservation and consumption reduction in plant factories, covering lighting technology, HVAC systems, photovoltaic technology and intelligent control technology. The study shows that by optimizing the spectrum and light intensity, improving the energy form and envelope of the HVAC system, and integrating photovoltaic technology with intelligent control strategies, the energy consumption of plant factories can be significantly reduced and energy utilization efficiency can be improved. Overall, this paper provides a theoretical basis and technical reference for improving the energy efficiency of plant factories and for future related research. Read More

Abstract: Against the backdrop of the global energy revolution and China’s “dual carbon” goals, integrated energy service stations-new infrastructure combining multi-energy supply (oil, gas, electricity, hydrogen, storage) and smart services-have become key enablers of clean transportation energy transition and the new energy system. This paper systematically reviews the development landscape of China’s integrated energy service stations. It finds that, driven by top-level policies and market exploration, the sector has entered a fast lane of large-scale and diversified growth, with co-located stations as the mainstream model and growing trends toward smart and eco-friendly operations. However, development is still constrained by weak planning and approval coordination, lagging technical integration and standards, severe early-stage economic challenges, and complex cross-energy safety management. Drawing on domestic and international best practices, this paper proposes systematic countermeasures: strengthening top-level design and “multi-plan integration,” building an innovation system that pairs technology breakthroughs with standard leadership, creating “energy-plus” value-ecosystem business models, and erecting a full-chain smart safety defense, aiming to provide decision-making references for high-quality and sustainable development of China’s integrated energy service stations. Read More