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Toshihiko Nakata has been a full time professor at the Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University since April 2006. He originally began work at Tohoku University in September 1993 as an associate professor. He was a Fulbright Scholar at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, USA, between 1997 and1998 and was also a senior researcher at the Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Japan, between 1985 and1993. He has received the “Best Paper Award” from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 2000; the “Academic Award” from the Combustion Society of Japan in 1993; and the “President’s Award” from the Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Japan, in 1991. He also serves on the board of the Reconstruction Promotion Committee of Japan by appointment of the Prime Minister.
As for research on sector-coupled energy systems, few studies comprehensively deal with energy carriers and energy demand sectors. Moreover, few studies have analyzed energy conversion functions such as Power-to-Gas, Power-to-Heat, and Vehicle-to-Grid on the energy system performance. This study clarifies the required renewable resources and costs in the sector-coupled energy system and cost-optimal installed capacity and operation. We formulated an optimization model considering sector coupling and conducted a case study applying the model in the Tohoku region. As a result, due to sector coupling, the total primary energy supply (TPES) is expected to decrease, and system costs are expected to increase from 1.8 to 2.4 times the current level. System costs were minimized when maximizing the use of V2G by electric vehicles and district heating systems (DHS). From the hourly analysis, it becomes clear that the peak cut effect by Power-to-Heat and the peak shift effect by Vehicle-to-Grid result in leveling the output of electrolyzer and fuel synthesizer, which improves the capacity factor reducing capacity addition. Since a large amount of renewable energy is required to realize the designed energy system, it is necessary to reduce the energy demand mainly in the industrial sector. Besides, in order to reduce costs, it is required to utilize electric vehicles by V2G and provide policy support for district heating systems in Japan.
Naoya Nagano; Rémi Delage; Toshihiko Nakata. Optimal Design and Analysis of Sector-Coupled Energy System in Northeast Japan. Energies 2021, 14, 2823 .
AMA StyleNaoya Nagano, Rémi Delage, Toshihiko Nakata. Optimal Design and Analysis of Sector-Coupled Energy System in Northeast Japan. Energies. 2021; 14 (10):2823.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNaoya Nagano; Rémi Delage; Toshihiko Nakata. 2021. "Optimal Design and Analysis of Sector-Coupled Energy System in Northeast Japan." Energies 14, no. 10: 2823.
In the carbon-neutral scenarios fixed by most developed countries, wind and solar resources play a significant role due to their substantial potential. Their instability can be mitigated through smarter designs of energy systems, including sector coupling and cross-border interconnections, which require detailed information on the spatial and temporal evolution of these intermittent resources. The present study aims at estimating the spatial–temporal energy potential of wind in Japan based on meteorological weather data. These data allow to analyze the potential of resources sharing to reduce power generation’s lack and excess, even in such an isolated country due to its variety of climate conditions and local energy demand. The correlation skewness is introduced as a measure of the sites’ uniqueness to identify important sites for the spatial distribution of capacity toward the efficient stabilization of supply at a national scale in a model-free fashion.
Rémi Delage; Taichi Matsuoka; Toshihiko Nakata. Spatial–Temporal Estimation and Analysis of Japan Onshore and Offshore Wind Energy Potential. Energies 2021, 14, 2168 .
AMA StyleRémi Delage, Taichi Matsuoka, Toshihiko Nakata. Spatial–Temporal Estimation and Analysis of Japan Onshore and Offshore Wind Energy Potential. Energies. 2021; 14 (8):2168.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRémi Delage; Taichi Matsuoka; Toshihiko Nakata. 2021. "Spatial–Temporal Estimation and Analysis of Japan Onshore and Offshore Wind Energy Potential." Energies 14, no. 8: 2168.
This study presents an approach for estimating the offshore wind potential of Japan. Bathymetry data (1 km mesh) and near shore wind speed data of the year 2018 were used to assess the potential. A turbine with a peak power of 10.6 MW was employed for the analysis. The potential was calculated for multiple regions. These regions are based on the service areas of the major electricity supply companies in Japan. Overall, the results show that Japan has the potential to produce up to 32,028 PJ electricity per year. The electricity demand of 2018 amounts to 3231 PJ. The potential is therefore large enough to cover Japan's electricity needs ten-times over. The capacity that could theoretically be installed amounts to 2720 GW, which is a multiple of the current worldwide installed capacity of 29.1 GW (2019). In addition to the huge potential, the regional assessment shows that the regions vary greatly in their potential; of all the considered regions, Hokkaido and Kyushu have the highest overall potential.
Yannek Bardenhagen; Toshihiko Nakata. Regional Spatial Analysis of the Offshore Wind Potential in Japan. Energies 2020, 13, 6303 .
AMA StyleYannek Bardenhagen, Toshihiko Nakata. Regional Spatial Analysis of the Offshore Wind Potential in Japan. Energies. 2020; 13 (23):6303.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYannek Bardenhagen; Toshihiko Nakata. 2020. "Regional Spatial Analysis of the Offshore Wind Potential in Japan." Energies 13, no. 23: 6303.
This study evaluates the reductions in energy consumption of vehicle lightweighting, considering the effects of the end of life vehicles (ELV) recycling. For this propose, changes in the material composition of the body in white are assessed by an inventory analysis, including the entire life of the vehicle. The production phase is evaluated considering embodied energy values; the use phase through the mass induced energy consumption; and end of life vehicle recycling considers the part reusing, material recycling, and energy recovery as possible destinations. Moreover, the use of aluminum, advanced high strength steel (AHSS), and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) as alternative materials are compared. The Japanese vehicle market has been taken as a case study. Furthermore, the user's cost comparison is addressed as an additional assessment variable. Our results show that the effects of vehicle lightweighting on the production and end of life phase are as essential to consider as the benefits generated in its use phase. Moreover, material lightweight must be analyzed jointly with its possible recycling destination, because when the first variable is considered individually, maximum life cycle energy reduction of 23.3 MJ per kg of part to be lightweight can be expected; however, an adequate combination of both variables could almost double those benefits to 51.0 MJ, but also incorrect combinations could be counterproductive guiding to an energy consumption increment of 92.7 MJ.
Fernando Enzo Kenta Sato; Toshihiko Nakata. Analysis of the impact of vehicle lightweighting on recycling benefits considering life cycle energy reductions. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 2020, 164, 105118 .
AMA StyleFernando Enzo Kenta Sato, Toshihiko Nakata. Analysis of the impact of vehicle lightweighting on recycling benefits considering life cycle energy reductions. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 2020; 164 ():105118.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFernando Enzo Kenta Sato; Toshihiko Nakata. 2020. "Analysis of the impact of vehicle lightweighting on recycling benefits considering life cycle energy reductions." Resources, Conservation and Recycling 164, no. : 105118.
The aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the energy consumption in the automotive industry, clarifying the effect of its productive processes. For this propose, the material flow of the vehicles has been elaborated, from mining to vehicle assembly. Initially, processes where each type of material was used, and the relationship between them, were clarified. Subsequently, material flow was elaborated, while considering materials input in each process. Consequently, the consumption of energy resources (i.e., oil, natural gas, coal, and electricity) was calculated. Open data were utilized, and the effects on the Japanese vehicle market were analyzed as a case study. Our results indicate that the energy that is required for vehicle production is 41.8 MJ/kg per vehicle, where mining and material production processes represent 68% of the total consumption. Moreover, 5.23 kg of raw materials and energy resources are required to produce 1 kg of vehicle. Finally, this study proposed values of energy consumption per mass of part produced, which can be used to facilitate future material and energy analysis for the automotive industry. Those values can be adopted and modified as necessary, allowing for possible changes in future premises to be incorporated.
Fernando Enzo Kenta Sato; Toshihiko Nakata. Energy Consumption Analysis for Vehicle Production through a Material Flow Approach. Energies 2020, 13, 2396 .
AMA StyleFernando Enzo Kenta Sato, Toshihiko Nakata. Energy Consumption Analysis for Vehicle Production through a Material Flow Approach. Energies. 2020; 13 (9):2396.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFernando Enzo Kenta Sato; Toshihiko Nakata. 2020. "Energy Consumption Analysis for Vehicle Production through a Material Flow Approach." Energies 13, no. 9: 2396.
This study aims to propose a model to forecast the volume of critical materials that can be recovered from lithium-ion batteries (LiB) through the recycling of end of life electric vehicles (EV). To achieve an environmentally sustainable society, the wide-scale adoption of EV seems to be necessary. Here, the dependency of the vehicle on its batteries has an essential role. The efficient recycling of LiB to minimize its raw material supply risk but also the economic impact of its production process is going to be essential. Initially, this study forecasted the vehicle fleet, sales, and end of life vehicles based on system dynamics modeling considering data of scrapping rates of vehicles by year of life. Then, the volumes of the critical materials supplied for LiB production and recovered from recycling were identified, considering variations in the size/type of batteries. Finally, current limitations to achieve closed-loop production in Japan were identified. The results indicate that the amount of scrapped electric vehicle batteries (EVB) will increase by 55 times from 2018 to 2050, and that 34% of lithium (Li), 50% of cobalt (Co), 28% of nickel (Ni), and 52% of manganese (Mn) required for the production of new LiB could be supplied by recovered EVB in 2035.
Fernando Enzo Kenta Sato; Toshihiko Nakata. Recoverability Analysis of Critical Materials from Electric Vehicle Lithium-Ion Batteries through a Dynamic Fleet-Based Approach for Japan. Sustainability 2019, 12, 147 .
AMA StyleFernando Enzo Kenta Sato, Toshihiko Nakata. Recoverability Analysis of Critical Materials from Electric Vehicle Lithium-Ion Batteries through a Dynamic Fleet-Based Approach for Japan. Sustainability. 2019; 12 (1):147.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFernando Enzo Kenta Sato; Toshihiko Nakata. 2019. "Recoverability Analysis of Critical Materials from Electric Vehicle Lithium-Ion Batteries through a Dynamic Fleet-Based Approach for Japan." Sustainability 12, no. 1: 147.
Bioenergy has been promoted in Japan with ambitious targets. However, the incentive schemes excluded renewable heat and overlooked synergies with local forest management, leading to the development of large-scale biomass plants that heavily rely on overseas biomass supplies. This case report discussed an alternative scenario of decentralised bioenergy systems supported with local biomass through five important questions. The currently available knowledge indicates that such a scenario is feasible with integrative forest management that considers both ecosystem services and multiple uses of wood. In addition to various environmental benefits, replacing imported fossil fuels with local biomass can also enhance energy security. Realising this scenario requires careful consideration of local context, empowerment of local governments and encouragement of both public and private initiatives.
Chun Sheng Goh; Takanobu Aikawa; Amanda Ahl; Kanae Ito; Chihiro Kayo; Yasunori Kikuchi; Yasuo Takahashi; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata; Yuichiro Kanematsu; Osamu Saito; Yoshiki Yamagata. Rethinking sustainable bioenergy development in Japan: decentralised system supported by local forestry biomass. Sustainability Science 2019, 15, 1461 -1471.
AMA StyleChun Sheng Goh, Takanobu Aikawa, Amanda Ahl, Kanae Ito, Chihiro Kayo, Yasunori Kikuchi, Yasuo Takahashi, Takaaki Furubayashi, Toshihiko Nakata, Yuichiro Kanematsu, Osamu Saito, Yoshiki Yamagata. Rethinking sustainable bioenergy development in Japan: decentralised system supported by local forestry biomass. Sustainability Science. 2019; 15 (5):1461-1471.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChun Sheng Goh; Takanobu Aikawa; Amanda Ahl; Kanae Ito; Chihiro Kayo; Yasunori Kikuchi; Yasuo Takahashi; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata; Yuichiro Kanematsu; Osamu Saito; Yoshiki Yamagata. 2019. "Rethinking sustainable bioenergy development in Japan: decentralised system supported by local forestry biomass." Sustainability Science 15, no. 5: 1461-1471.
District heating systems (DHSs) which utilize excess heat play an important role in energy infrastructure in many European countries. In contrast to Europe, the DHS is not common and excess heat is not reused effectively in Japan. Almost all the DHSs in Japan were designed as first-generation district heating (1GDH) systems or 2GDH systems. No 4GDH systems have been introduced in Japan. The present study designs a 4GDH system utilizing excess heat from a wide area of Northern Japan and evaluates its feasibility. First, available heat amounts from two excess heat resources were calculated: waste incineration plants and thermal power plants. Second, heat demand from both residential and commercial sectors was estimated using a 1 km mesh, and a heat load curve was created for each mesh based on load curve data. Third, the DHS was designed with excess heat plants as a supply-side heat resource, and spatial information of the demand side made use of the geographical information system (GIS). Further analysis was conducted on selected DHSs in three cities in order to evaluate those systems’ feasibility based on energy efficiency, CO2 emissions, and economic aspects. The result shows that 70.5 PJ of heat can be supplied by DHS in Northern Japan, replacing imported fossil fuels such as petroleum and LPG with regional excess heat. The designed DHS could supply heat with equivalent costs compared to European countries.
Shin Fujii; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. Design and Analysis of District Heating Systems Utilizing Excess Heat in Japan. Energies 2019, 12, 1202 .
AMA StyleShin Fujii, Takaaki Furubayashi, Toshihiko Nakata. Design and Analysis of District Heating Systems Utilizing Excess Heat in Japan. Energies. 2019; 12 (7):1202.
Chicago/Turabian StyleShin Fujii; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. 2019. "Design and Analysis of District Heating Systems Utilizing Excess Heat in Japan." Energies 12, no. 7: 1202.
Fernando Enzo Kenta Sato; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. Application of energy and CO2 reduction assessments for end-of-life vehicles recycling in Japan. Applied Energy 2019, 237, 779 -794.
AMA StyleFernando Enzo Kenta Sato, Takaaki Furubayashi, Toshihiko Nakata. Application of energy and CO2 reduction assessments for end-of-life vehicles recycling in Japan. Applied Energy. 2019; 237 ():779-794.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFernando Enzo Kenta Sato; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. 2019. "Application of energy and CO2 reduction assessments for end-of-life vehicles recycling in Japan." Applied Energy 237, no. : 779-794.
Fuel cell vehicles are expected to be a key actor for coming hydrogen society in Japan. However, because of different source of fuel hydrogen, there remains uncertainty of the real value of FCVs. A question arises of what is benefit of introducing FCVs compared with other passenger vehicles such as HEVs and EVs. This study investigates the characteristics of FCVs in Well-to-wheels using inventory analysis and forecast penetration of FCVs into the passenger transportation sector applying an energy-economic model. Analytical results indicate that (1) FCVs have an important benefit of reducing carbon emissions provided carbon free hydrogen fuel by green electricity derived electrolysis. (2) Under the carbon reduction target of -80% in the year 2050, the share of FCVs in the passenger vehicle transportation sector reaches 14%, which is higher than 1% without carbon constraint. (3) In the total cost of ownership, price of FCVs is the dominant expenditure, which suggest the secure of FCV's cost reduction. The result of the study shows that the penetration of FCVs into the passenger transportation market requires competitive price of the vehicle as well as higher carbon reduction target.
Teruhisa Uchida; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. Well-to-wheel analysis and a feasibility study of fuel cell vehicles in the passenger transportation sector. Transactions of the JSME (in Japanese) 2019, 85, 18 -00122.
AMA StyleTeruhisa Uchida, Takaaki Furubayashi, Toshihiko Nakata. Well-to-wheel analysis and a feasibility study of fuel cell vehicles in the passenger transportation sector. Transactions of the JSME (in Japanese). 2019; 85 (872):18-00122.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTeruhisa Uchida; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. 2019. "Well-to-wheel analysis and a feasibility study of fuel cell vehicles in the passenger transportation sector." Transactions of the JSME (in Japanese) 85, no. 872: 18-00122.
Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. Cost and CO2 reduction of biomass co-firing using waste wood biomass in Tohoku region, Japan. Journal of Cleaner Production 2018, 174, 1044 -1053.
AMA StyleTakaaki Furubayashi, Toshihiko Nakata. Cost and CO2 reduction of biomass co-firing using waste wood biomass in Tohoku region, Japan. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2018; 174 ():1044-1053.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTakaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. 2018. "Cost and CO2 reduction of biomass co-firing using waste wood biomass in Tohoku region, Japan." Journal of Cleaner Production 174, no. : 1044-1053.
This paper presents a geographic information-based mixed integer linear programming model for a district heating system design. The model minimizes the annualized investment and operation costs of the system, with the key results showing the optimal distribution network structure and optimal capacity and dispatch of heat plants. A network topology of nodes and edges, providing accurate geographic representation of the district, is generated using a geographic information system and acts as a constraint. A case study is conducted for a district in Hirosaki city, located in the northernmost prefecture of mainland Japan. The results demonstrate the considerable economic benefits of integrating locally available woodchips in heat-only boilers instead of using city gas due to lower fuel costs. Low temperature operation reduces the fuel costs due to less network heat loss compared to medium temperature operation, but it is overcome by the cost of the larger pipe size and the pumping power. Implementation of the district heating system to the case area encourages sustainable development through economic favorability, decreased primary energy consumption, and considerable CO2 emissions reduction, compared to the current heat supply structure.
Ivar Baldvinsson; Toshihiko Nakata. Cost Assessment of a District Heating System in Northern Japan Using a Geographic Information–Based Mixed Integer Linear Programming Model. Journal of Energy Engineering 2017, 143, 1 .
AMA StyleIvar Baldvinsson, Toshihiko Nakata. Cost Assessment of a District Heating System in Northern Japan Using a Geographic Information–Based Mixed Integer Linear Programming Model. Journal of Energy Engineering. 2017; 143 (3):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIvar Baldvinsson; Toshihiko Nakata. 2017. "Cost Assessment of a District Heating System in Northern Japan Using a Geographic Information–Based Mixed Integer Linear Programming Model." Journal of Energy Engineering 143, no. 3: 1.
Takafumi Usui; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. Induced technological change and the timing of public R&D investment in the Japanese electricity sector considering a two-factor learning curve. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy 2017, 19, 1347 -1360.
AMA StyleTakafumi Usui, Takaaki Furubayashi, Toshihiko Nakata. Induced technological change and the timing of public R&D investment in the Japanese electricity sector considering a two-factor learning curve. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy. 2017; 19 (5):1347-1360.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTakafumi Usui; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. 2017. "Induced technological change and the timing of public R&D investment in the Japanese electricity sector considering a two-factor learning curve." Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy 19, no. 5: 1347-1360.
The steam turbine has been a key component in electrical power generation since the 19th century, as one of the distinctive outcomes of the industrial revolution. In this chapter, we will show the method of cost evaluations and how they change with time. As well as depreciation accounting, diversification of society’s needs leads to better innovation and raises the level of technology. The concept of technological learning is explained to find out how much costs decline with the popularization of technologies. Some generating technologies use similar components and these components learn at the same rate as these units are built. Technological progress mainly depends on three learning sources: learning-by-doing, research and development activity, and knowledge spillover.
Toshihiko Nakata. Steam turbine life cycle cost evaluations and comparison with other power systems. Advances in Steam Turbines for Modern Power Plants 2016, 93 -106.
AMA StyleToshihiko Nakata. Steam turbine life cycle cost evaluations and comparison with other power systems. Advances in Steam Turbines for Modern Power Plants. 2016; ():93-106.
Chicago/Turabian StyleToshihiko Nakata. 2016. "Steam turbine life cycle cost evaluations and comparison with other power systems." Advances in Steam Turbines for Modern Power Plants , no. : 93-106.
To find a balance between food and energy security, this research presents the design of an energy self-sufficient farm in electricity, heat and bioethanol, which is produced by energy crops and agricultural residues. The farm proposed is evaluated by two models: Land Optimization and Cost Optimization. Due to the food–fuel debate over land and the detriment of food security, this research proposes utilizing the current abandoned land and increasing the food self-sufficiency ratio (FSSR) of the crops analyzed (rice, wheat and maize). The farm is optimized for several food and fuel demands, with a maximum farm unit size of 100 ha. The result is a myriad of farms of different sizes, each optimized for a certain demand. Subsequently, the amount and variety of such farms are optimized maximizing the food and fuel produced for each city of the case study (Miyagi Prefecture, Japan). The results suggest that the establishment of energy self-sufficient farms in the abandoned land can stimulate the biofuel industry and increase food security simultaneously. The FSSR of maize and wheat can be improved in approximately 10–25 and 7–9 %, respectively. The estimated bioethanol potential is 3.2–3.8 ML. Additionally, a surplus of electricity and heat, approximately 61–65 GWh and 60–165 MJ, respectively, is obtained. As the Land Optimization model proposed is sensitive to crop yields, a simultaneous evaluation is recommended. The results also suggest that the farms must be larger than 8 ha to achieve self-sufficiency; therefore, the policies involved need further evaluation.
Marisabel Cuberos Balda; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. A novel approach for analyzing the food-energy nexus through on-farm energy generation. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy 2016, 19, 1003 -1019.
AMA StyleMarisabel Cuberos Balda, Takaaki Furubayashi, Toshihiko Nakata. A novel approach for analyzing the food-energy nexus through on-farm energy generation. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy. 2016; 19 (4):1003-1019.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarisabel Cuberos Balda; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. 2016. "A novel approach for analyzing the food-energy nexus through on-farm energy generation." Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy 19, no. 4: 1003-1019.
Marisabel Cuberos Balda; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. Integration of WTE technologies into the electrical system for low-carbon growth in Venezuela. Renewable Energy 2016, 86, 1247 -1255.
AMA StyleMarisabel Cuberos Balda, Takaaki Furubayashi, Toshihiko Nakata. Integration of WTE technologies into the electrical system for low-carbon growth in Venezuela. Renewable Energy. 2016; 86 ():1247-1255.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarisabel Cuberos Balda; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. 2016. "Integration of WTE technologies into the electrical system for low-carbon growth in Venezuela." Renewable Energy 86, no. : 1247-1255.
Depending on the technology used to produce liquid biofuels, they can be classified into: first-, second-, and third-generation biofuels. The first generation uses as feedstock edible biomass such as corn and sugar cane, the second generation uses lignocellulosic biomass such as forest residues, and the third generation uses algae. The technologies employed to produce first-generation liquid biofuels are more developed and mature than those employed by the second- and third-generation. However, the fact that they use edible crops as feedstock leads to a debate about the negative impacts that this can cause in an economy, particularly over the prices of the food sector. This work joins this debate by analyzing the economic impacts that introducing ethanol produced from rice can cause in the Japanese economy. A comparative-static, multi-sector, Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model is used to execute the analysis. The model simulates a neoclassical economy where producers maximize profits subject to technological constraints, and households maximize utility subject to budget constraints. It incorporates intermediate demands, has a government and an investment agent, and includes the rest of the world interacting with the economy through exports, imports, and transfers. Different case study scenarios have been set based on two criteria: the bioethanol production process and the gasoline-ethanol mix ratio. Among the bioethanol production processes, an only ethanol production system, and an ethanol and power production system are considered. For the gasoline-ethanol mix ratio the model includes a biofuel penetration rate parameter that represents how much of the gross output of the gasoline sector is replaced by the new biofuel. We run various simulations for different values of this biofuel penetration rate parameter (in a range from 5% to 85%) with the intention to cover all the common ethanol fuel mixtures standards. The relevance of the study is that understanding the consequences of introducing biofuels into an economy is crucial to be able to design a supportive policy that helps to enhance the positive effects and decrease the negative ones. This work offers that understanding by analyzing and measuring the impact of allocating part of the domestic rice production to produce ethanol. Changes in prices and gross outputs for the different sectors in the economy for the different scenarios are some of the results. Additionally, how the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), international trade (exports and imports), and emissions of CO2 behave before the introduction of bioethanol is inquired. Our main results are as follows. (1) The food sector is not affected significantly by the introduction of ethanol; instead, the sectors related to food production that suffer more negative impacts are the other crops farming and vegetable oils sectors. (2) The economic sectors more sensitive in price to the introduction of bioethanol are (in descending...
Héctor Fernando Villatoro Flores; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. Analysis of Trade-offs Between First-generation Biofuels and Food Production for Japan Using CGE Modelling. International Journal of Economic Policy Studies 2016, 11, 1 -24.
AMA StyleHéctor Fernando Villatoro Flores, Takaaki Furubayashi, Toshihiko Nakata. Analysis of Trade-offs Between First-generation Biofuels and Food Production for Japan Using CGE Modelling. International Journal of Economic Policy Studies. 2016; 11 (1):1-24.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHéctor Fernando Villatoro Flores; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. 2016. "Analysis of Trade-offs Between First-generation Biofuels and Food Production for Japan Using CGE Modelling." International Journal of Economic Policy Studies 11, no. 1: 1-24.
This paper presents a high spatial resolution based method for design and operation of a low temperature district heating system and evaluates its feasibility and energy and exergy performance through case comparison. Selected case area is existing district in North Japan. The district heating system design and operation follows a bottom-up approach. The study scope takes into account the demand side, distribution and supply side where biomass CHP (combined heat and power) plant is selected as main supply source. Radiating floor heating system model is used to estimate building temperature requirement. Results indicate that low temperature heating is infeasible for non-residential buildings in North Japan at high loads. Improving building insulation decreases heating quality demand considerably. Low temperature district heating performs better than medium temperature, especially in terms of exergy efficiency, however requires a bit larger pipe diameter indicating cost trade-off between installation and operation cost. Implementing cascade configuration based on quality level of building energy demand results in highest system performance. Lower network temperature provides least net primary energy consumption primarily due to higher electricity generation of CHP plant. This transcends to favourable system exergy efficiency of low temperature operation due to high quality of electricity, increasing the exergy of the product.
Ivar Baldvinsson; Toshihiko Nakata. A feasibility and performance assessment of a low temperature district heating system – A North Japanese case study. Energy 2016, 95, 155 -174.
AMA StyleIvar Baldvinsson, Toshihiko Nakata. A feasibility and performance assessment of a low temperature district heating system – A North Japanese case study. Energy. 2016; 95 ():155-174.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIvar Baldvinsson; Toshihiko Nakata. 2016. "A feasibility and performance assessment of a low temperature district heating system – A North Japanese case study." Energy 95, no. : 155-174.
This article addresses the selection of electricity generation technologies for a decentralised electricity generation system based on local renewable sources for a rural area of a developing country (six municipalities in Western Honduras). In this work, rather than designing a high-reliable electricity generation system with high-quality power, our objective is to provide the basic configuration of an energy mix for a rural area for which energy data are not of high resolution. The selection of technologies is accomplished through a non-linear integer programming model that minimises the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE). The model uses as inputs information related to the energy resources, the conversion technologies, the Honduran economic framework, the electricity demand of the study area, and the energy storage cost. The evaluated energy resources are solar, wind, and local biomass, while the electricity generation technologies considered include solar photovoltaics, wind turbines, biomass direct combustion with a steam turbine, and biomass gasification with a gas engine. Three different case studies were proposed as functions of power capacity: off-grid, mini-grid, and grid-connected. For each case study, the model outputs are the electricity supply share for each technology, the LCOE, and the number of power plants with the respective power capacity required to satisfy the electricity demand of the study area. This work can serve as a reference for preliminary feasibility studies of electrification projects based on renewable energy sources for other rural areas in Honduras or in other developing countries.
Héctor F. Villatoro Flores; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. Decentralised electricity generation system based on local renewable energy sources in the Honduran rural residential sector. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy 2015, 18, 883 -900.
AMA StyleHéctor F. Villatoro Flores, Takaaki Furubayashi, Toshihiko Nakata. Decentralised electricity generation system based on local renewable energy sources in the Honduran rural residential sector. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy. 2015; 18 (3):883-900.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHéctor F. Villatoro Flores; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. 2015. "Decentralised electricity generation system based on local renewable energy sources in the Honduran rural residential sector." Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy 18, no. 3: 883-900.
Marisabel Cuberos Balda; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. ICOPE-15-1045 Analysis of food production and energy nexus through a model proposed for multifunctional farms considering land use efficiency. The Proceedings of the International Conference on Power Engineering (ICOPE) 2015, 2015.12, _ICOPE-15- -15.
AMA StyleMarisabel Cuberos Balda, Takaaki Furubayashi, Toshihiko Nakata. ICOPE-15-1045 Analysis of food production and energy nexus through a model proposed for multifunctional farms considering land use efficiency. The Proceedings of the International Conference on Power Engineering (ICOPE). 2015; 2015.12 ():_ICOPE-15--15.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarisabel Cuberos Balda; Takaaki Furubayashi; Toshihiko Nakata. 2015. "ICOPE-15-1045 Analysis of food production and energy nexus through a model proposed for multifunctional farms considering land use efficiency." The Proceedings of the International Conference on Power Engineering (ICOPE) 2015.12, no. : _ICOPE-15--15.