1. Integration of an absorption chiller to a process applying the pinch analysis approachAndreja Nemet, Zdravko Kravanja, Miloš Bogataj, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: In addition to the consumption of hot utilities, there is also a significant cost associated
with the consumption of cold utilities when there is a high demand for cooling. A promising
solution for cooling is an absorption chiller (AC), which uses heat instead of electricity for cooling.
A thermodynamic approach for evaluating AC integrated with a process is presented in this work.
A model for assessing the properties and duties of an AC cycle was developed. The integration of
a combined process-AC system was evaluated using the Grand Composite Curve. Three different
options of integration were analyzed: (i) above the Pinch, (ii) below the Pinch, and (iii) across the
Pinch. AC represents the combined effect of a heat engine and a heat pump, as the generator together
with the absorber and condenser has the function of a heat engine, while the evaporator combined
with the absorber and condenser mimics the function of a heat pump. The comparison between the
non-integrated and integrated process-AC systems has revealed that the proper placement of AC is
across or below the Pinch and the improper is above the Pinch. If AC was entirely integrated below
the Pinch, the integration would result in a complete (100%) reduction in the consumption of hot
utility for the operation of AC. The most suitable placement of AC with double reduction of hot
utility consumption and complete reduction of both hot and cold utility to operate AC is across the
Pinch due to the pumping of heat through AC from below to above the Pinch. Ključne besede: absorption chiller, Pinch analysis, heat integration, low-temperature heat Objavljeno v DKUM: 15.05.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 1
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2. Maximizing the power output and net present value of organic rankine cycle: application to aluminium industryMonika Dokl, Rok Gomilšek, Lidija Čuček, Ben Abikoye, Zdravko Kravanja, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This study presents an integrated design and optimization of an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for the recovery of waste heat from aluminium production. Non-Linear Programming (NLP) models were developed, with the objectives of maximizing electricity production and the Net Present Value (NPV) of the system. The models account for optimizing the operating conditions and changes in thermodynamic features of the system. The developed models are applied to a case study of Slovenian aluminium company where the performance of three different working fluids (R245fa, R1234yf and R1234ze) are compared. The optimization is performed considering different temperatures and prices of produced hot water and electricity, minimum approach temperature (DTmin), concentration of CO2 in flue gas and temperature and flowrate of flue gas. Results show that the selected working fluids for the proposed waste heat-based ORC system have the potential to substitute up to about 830 kW of electricity in a sustainable and economic manner. Out of the three working fluids considered, R245fa showed up to 7.9% efficiency of the ORC cycle and was identified as the best performing working fluid considering both economic viability and the amount of electricity produced by the system, however the refrigerant inherently has higher GHG footprint. Ključne besede: waste heat, waste heat utilization, aluminium industry, organic rankine cycle, power generation, optimization Objavljeno v DKUM: 10.04.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 1
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3. Ocena potenciala medsektorske integracije v Sloveniji s poudarkom vključevanja prometnega sektorja : zaključno poročiloAndreja Nemet, Miloš Bogataj, David Hvalec, Franco Krog, Klemen Rola, Sven Gruber, Jurij Avsec, Danijela Urbancl, Darko Goričanec, Zdravko Kravanja, 2025, končno poročilo o rezultatih raziskav Ključne besede: medsektorska integracija, prometni sektor Objavljeno v DKUM: 03.04.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 5
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4. The MINLP approach to topology, shape and discrete sizing optimization of trussesSimon Šilih, Zdravko Kravanja, Stojan Kravanja, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The paper presents the Mixed-Integer Non-linear Programming (MINLP) approach to the
synthesis of trusses. The solution of continuous/discrete non-convex and non-linear optimization
problems is discussed with respect to the simultaneous topology, shape and discrete sizing optimization of trusses. A truss MINLP superstructure of different topology and design alternatives
has been generated, and a special MINLP model formulation for trusses has been developed. In the
optimization model, a mass objective function of the structure has been defined and subjected to
design, load and dimensioning constraints. The MINLP problems are solved using the Modified
Outer-Approximation/Equality-Relaxation (OA/ER) algorithm. Multi-level MINLP strategies are introduced to accelerate the convergence of the algorithm. The Modified Two-Phase and the Sequential
Two-Phase MINLP strategies are proposed in order to solve highly combinatorial topology, shape
and discrete sizing optimization problems. The importance of local buckling constraints on topology
optimization is also discussed. Some simple numerical examples are shown at the end of the paper to
demonstrate the suitability and efficiency of the proposed method. Ključne besede: structural synthesis, topology optimization, discrete sizing optimization, mixed-integer non-linear programming, MINLP, modified OA/ER algorithm, multi-level MINLP strategies, steel structures, trusses Objavljeno v DKUM: 11.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 3
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5. 7th International Conference on Technologies & Business Models for Circular Economy : Conference Proceedings2025, zbornik Opis: The 7th International Conference on Technologies & Business Models for Circular Economy (TBMCE) was organized by the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of the University of Maribor in collaboration with the Strategic Research and Innovation Partnership – Networks for the transition into circular economy (SRIP – Circular economy), managed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Štajerska. The event took place from September 4 to 6, 2024 in Portorož, Slovenia, at the Grand Hotel Bernardin. The conference focused on the current challenges and opportunities related to technological development and society's responsibility in the transition to a more sustainable and circular management of resources. The conference program included a round table on "Circular Economy Transition in the South-East Europe", 5 panel discussions, plenary and 2 keynote speeches as well as oral and poster presentations. The conference was held under the patronage of the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport and the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development. EIT RawMaterials RIS Hub Adria, SPIRIT Slovenia Business Development Agency, and Pomurje Technology Park (as part of the GREENE 4.0 and CI-Hub projects) joined us as co-organizers. Ključne besede: circular economy, sustainable development, processes and technologies, circular business models, research and development Objavljeno v DKUM: 03.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 6
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6. Synthesis of Rankine cycle systems with cascade and separate configurations utilising multiple heat sources at different temperature levelsMonika Dokl, Rok Gomilšek, Petar Varbanov, Yee Van Fan, Zdravko Kravanja, Lidija Čuček, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: multiple heat sources, Organic Rankine cycle, separate and cascade designs, Steam Rankine cycle, thermodynamic optimisation Objavljeno v DKUM: 28.02.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 2
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7. Multi-objective scenario optimization of the food supply chain – Slovenian case studyJan Drofenik, Bojan Pahor, Zdravko Kravanja, Zorka Novak-Pintarič, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: self-sufficiency, food supply chain, multi-objective optimization, mixed integer linear programming, sustainable development Objavljeno v DKUM: 14.02.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 4
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8. Synthesis of Heat-Integrated Water Networks Using a Modified Heat Exchanger Network SuperstructureNidret Ibrić, Elvis Ahmetović, Andreja Nemet, Zdravko Kravanja, Ignacio E. Grossmann, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: water network, water integration, heat exchanger network, heat-integrated water network, superstructure optimisation Objavljeno v DKUM: 14.02.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 5
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9. Integrated optimization framework for a biomass supply network and steam Rankine cycleMonika Dokl, Zdravko Kravanja, Lidija Čuček, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The optimization of biomass supply chains is becoming increasingly important, especially for low-density biomass feedstocks that have limited market value and require efficient handling and logistics. This study addresses this issue by proposing an integrated approach to optimize biomass supply chain networks for energy production with the steam Rankine cycle. The approach takes into account the inherent variability of feedstock availability and energy market values, to ensure adaptability to fluctuating conditions. The biomass supply network is formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem, where the optimization objective is to maximize the economic viability of the system. The optimal configuration of the supply network includes the selection of biomass supply zones and storage facilities, the transportation links, and the optimization of the process variables within the conversion plants, taking into account the variable heat demand. The optimization approach is applied to a hypothetical case study of a relatively small region in Slovenia. The results show the economic viability of biomass utilization with a net present value of almost 300 MEUR, generating about 4 MW of electricity and 65 MW of heat. The uncertainties of the biomass supply, the fluctuations in product prices and the spatial scope of the case study are evaluated in addition. This analysis highlights and discusses the impact of these factors on the economic performance of the biomass supply chain network. Ključne besede: copper(II) coordination compounds, methylamines, crystal structure, magnetic properties, thermogravimetric analysis Objavljeno v DKUM: 31.01.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 3
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10. Global projections of plastic use, end-of-life fate and potential changes in consumption, reduction, recycling and replacement with bioplastics to 2050Monika Dokl, Anja Copot, Damjan Krajnc, Yee Van Fan, Annamaria Vujanović, Kathleen B. Aviso, Raymond R. Tan, Zdravko Kravanja, Lidija Čuček, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Excessive production, indiscriminate consumption, and improper disposal of plastics have led to plastic pollution and its hazardous environmental effects. Various approaches to tackle the challenges of reducing the plastic footprint have been developed and applied, such as the production of alternative materials (design for recycling), the production and use of biodegradable plastic and plastics from power-to-X, and the development of recycling approaches. This study proposes an optimisation strategy based on regression to evaluate and predict plastic use and end-of-life fate in the future based on historical trends. The mathematical model is formulated and correlations based on functions of time are developed and optimised by minimising the sum of squared residuals. The plastic quantities up to the year 2050 are projected based on historical trends analysis, and for improved sustainability, projections are additionally based on intervention analyses. The results show that the global use of plastics is expected to increase from 464 Mt in 2020 up to 884 Mt in 2050, with up to 4725 Mt of plastics accumulated in stock in 2050 (from the year 2000). Compared to other available forecasts, a slightly lower level of plastic use and stock are obtained. The intervention analysis estimates a range of global plastics' consumption between 594 Mt and 1018 Mt in 2050 by taking into account its different increment rates (between −1 % and 2.65 %). In the packaging sector, the implementation of reduction targets (15 % reduction in 2040 compared to 2018) could lead to a 27.3 % decrease in plastic use in 2050 as compared to 2018, while achieving recycling targets (55 % in 2030) would recycle >75 % of plastic packaging in 2050. The partial substitution of fossil-based plastics with bioplastics (polyethylene) will require significant land area, between 0.2 × 106 km2 for obtaining switchgrass and up to around 1.0 × 106 km2 for obtaining forest residue (annual yields of 58.15 t/ha and 3.5 t/ha) in 2050. The intervention analysis shows that proactive policies can mitigate sustainability challenges, however achieving broader sustainability goals also requires reduction of footprints related to energy production and virgin plastic production, the production of bio-based plastics, and the full implementation of recycling initiatives. Ključne besede: plastic use, plastic waste, end-of-life fate, forecasting, hostorical trends, regression analysis, least square method, intervention analysis Objavljeno v DKUM: 31.01.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 2
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