Energy, Exergy, and Sustainability Analyses of the Agricultural Sector in Bangladesh

Abstract

Globally, the agriculture sector consumes a considerable portion of energy. Optimizing energy consumption and energy loss from different fuel-based types of machinery will increase the energy sustainability of this sector. Exergy analysis is a useful optimizing method that applies the thermodynamic approach to minimize energy loss. The main goal of this study is to highlight the impact of exergy loss on the energy sustainability of the agriculture sector. Hence, this study focuses on the implementation of exergy-based sustainability parameters to determine the sustainability of the agricultural sector in Bangladesh. A comprehensive analysis combining energy, exergy, and sustainability indicators was conducted based on the data obtained from 1990 to 2017. Overall energy and exergy efficiencies varied between 29.86% and 36.68% and 28.2% and 35.4%, respectively, whereas the sustainability index varied between 1.39 and 1.54. The values of relative irreversibility and lack of productivity indices from diesel fuel are higher than that of other fuel types. Maximum relative irreversibility is 0.95, whereas maximum lack of productivity is 2.50. The environmental effect factor of diesel fuel is the highest (2.47) among all the analyzed fuel types. Replacing old farming devices and selecting appropriate farming methods, appliances, and control systems will reduce exergy loss in this sector.

Recycling of cotton dust for organic farming is a pivotal replacement of chemical fertilizers by composting and its quality analysis

“…XXXX Exposure to cotton dust can also be the cause of nonspecific respiratory symptoms, decreasing lung function, and increasing airway responsiveness [9]. The agricultural sector of Bangladesh is destroyed day by day due to the damage friability of our land, the high price of fertilizer, and the polluted environment [10]. Our farmers use more chemical fertilizer for the faster growth of crops and vegetables [11].…”

Investigation of the thermodynamic performance of an existing steam power plant via energy and exergy analyses to restrain the environmental repercussions: A simulation study

“…For a country`s growth, sustainable development has become vital and plays a decisive role. Sustainable development is well-defined as the social development which is required in order to meet the present generations need without putting a risk at the needs of future generations [11][12][13]. Sustainable development demands that an industry, which is mainly based on non-renewable resources needs to be transformed into one based on renewable resources [14].…”

Co-Combustion of Blends of Coal and Underutilised Biomass Residues for Environmental Friendly Electrical Energy Production

“…Among various available renewable resources, such as solar, hydro, and geothermal; biomass presents a viable substitute owing to its availability and capability of meeting diverse energy needs, including electricity generation, vehicle fueling, and domestic heating [17,18]. Biomass is considered to be the fourth largest fuel after coal, oil, and natural gas, and compared to fossil fuels, biomass is termed as carbon-neutral [19,20]. It also contains fewer sulfur and nitrogen components.…”