ABSTRACT
This paper aims to analyze the potential of energy production using methane from organic waste as a sustainable alternative to mitigate the environmental impact of energy generation from fossil fuels and the generation of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). To carry out the analysis, two technologies were evaluated from technical, economic, and environmental perspectives. The LandGEM model was used to estimate the methane generation potential. The amount of energy produced, along with the respective financial indicators, was also calculated. The results showed that for an average feed of 671,892 tons per year of waste, 6160 ft3/min of CH4 would be generated at a maximum peak in the tenth year, with an annual average of 4735 ft3/min. Additionally, 0.831 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent would be avoided. In terms of power generation, a combined cycle micro-turbine system with an installed capacity of 11.35 MW would be feasible and would yield an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 35% and a Net Present Value (NPV) of $11,608,006 USD. For an engine-generator system, it was not possible to verify profitability due to a significant increase in capital and O&M costs. These results are intended to provide reference information to assist in the decision-making process related to the implementation of projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals within the framework of the 2030 Agenda.
ABSTRACT
This work describes a mathematical model for handwriting devices without a specific reference surface (SRS). The research was carried out on two hypotheses: the first considers possible circular segments that could be made during execution for the reconstruction of the trace, and the second is the combination of lines and circles. The proposed system has no flat reference surface, since the sensor is inside the pencil that describes the trace, not on the surface as in tablets or cell phones. An inertial sensor was used for the measurements, in this case, a commercial Micro-Electro Mechanical sensor of linear acceleration. The tracking device is an IMU sensor and a processing card that allows inertial measurements of the pen during on-the-fly tracing. It is essential to highlight that the system has a non-inertial reference frame. Comparing the two proposed models shows that it is possible to construct shapes from curved lines and that the patterns obtained are similar to what is recognized; this method provides an alternative to quaternion calculus for poorly specified orientation problems.
ABSTRACT
In recent years, advances in materials engineering based on adaptive electronics have found a new paradigm to optimize drawbacks in signal processing. A two-layer MnO/ZnO:Zn heterostructure envisioned for frequency adaptive electronic signal processing is synthesized by sputtering, where the use of internal states allows reconfigurability to obtain new operating modes at different frequency input signals. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis is performed on each layer, revealing a cubic structure for MnO and a hexagonal structure for ZnO:Zn with preferential growth in [111] and [002] directions, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs show that the surface of both materials is homogeneous and smooth. The thickness for each layer is determined to be approximately 106.3 nm for MnO, 119.3 nm for ZnO:Zn and 224.1 nm for the MnO/ZnO:Zn structure. An electrical characterisation with an oscilloscope and signal generator was carried out to obtain the time-response signals and current-voltage (I-V) curves, where no degradation is detected when changing frequencies within the range of 100 Hz to 1 MHz. An equivalent circuit is proposed to explain the effects in the interface. Measurements of switching speeds from high resistance state (HRS) to low resistance state (LRS) at approximately 17 ns, highlight the device's rapid adaptability, and an estimated switching ratio of approximately 2 × 104 indicates its efficiency as a memristive component. Finally, the MnO/ZnO:Zn heterojunction delivers states that are stable, repeatable, and reproducible, demonstrating how the interaction of the materials can be utilised in adaptive device applications by applying frequencies and internal states to create new and innovative design schematics, thus reducing the number of components/connections in a system for future sustainable electronics.
ABSTRACT
This article aims to conduct a techno-economic feasibility assessment of producing energy by waste incineration and methane capture in the central region of Mexico. Three scenarios at different efficiency rates were considered: 50, 80 and 100%. For the methane project, yields and power capacity were determined using the potential generation rate and the degradable organic carbon content through the LandGEM model. For incineration, the waste calorific potential and the average moisture content were used to estimate the achievable electrical performance. The estimated annual energy was 35,018 GWh for methane, compared to 537.71 GWh for incineration. Both projects reported financial economic feasibilities when evaluated at a discount rate of 12%. Incineration reported an net present value of US$49,942,534 and an internal rate of return of 26% in contrast to US$4,054,109 and 17% for the methane project. Although the payback period for incineration was lower than for methane, its levelized cost of energy was significantly higher. These results are intended to assist the decision-making process when planning and developing waste management strategies under principles of circular economy in Mexico and similar regions worldwide.