PSI - Issue 77

Arian Semedo and João Garcia/ Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2026) 000–000

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Arian Semedo et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 77 (2026) 498–511

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Fig. 10. Comparative analysis of CO₂ emissions for each solution

Fig. 10. Comparative analysis of CO₂ emissions for each solution

7. Conclusions The present study provides a comprehensive evaluation of four refrigeration solutions, considering thermodynamic performance, economic feasibility, and environmental impact. Among the assessed solutions, Solution D emerges as the most advantageous, demonstrating the highest coefficient of performance (COP), the lowest carbon emissions, and an effective integration of a subcritical CO₂ refrigeration system with renewable electricity generation. Despite its relatively high initial investment, this solution ac hieves substantial reductions in energy consumption and CO₂ emissions while providing satisfactory economic returns, highlighting its suitability for sustainable cold chain applications. Solution C also represents a technically and economically viable alternative, characterized by a shorter payback period and the integration of multiple renewable energy sources, including tidal energy. However, its higher upfront cost may limit implementation in financially constrained contexts. In contrast, Solutions A and B, while simpler and requiring lower capital investment, exhibit higher operational costs and carbon emissions due to their exclusive reliance on grid electricity, emphasizing the critical trade-offs between cost, performance, and sustainability. The findings underscore the pivotal role of renewable energy integration in enhancing the resilience and environmental performance of refrigeration systems. Achieving optimal outcomes necessitates a holistic approach that simultaneously considers technical efficiency, economic viability, and environmental sustainability. Moreover, limitations identified in this study—including the need for real-scale experimental validation, consideration of climatic variability, and handling of heterogeneous data for accurate simulation—highlight areas for further research. Future investigations should focus on the optimization of hybrid systems, combining the strengths of Solutions C and D, and on assessing their scalability and adaptability in diverse operational contexts, particularly in developing regions such as Cape Verde. In addition, the development of adaptive control strategies, the integration of complementary technologies, and supportive policy measures or incentives for renewable energy adoption are essential to advance sustainable refrigeration practices. Overall, the study demonstrates that balanced, multi-criteria decision-making, encompassing performance, environmental impact, and cost, is fundamental for the design and deployment of energy-efficient, low-emission refrigeration solutions. Continued refinement of numerical models and experimental validation will further strengthen the reliability and applicability of these sustainable systems. 7. Conclusions The present study provides a comprehensive evaluation of four refrigeration solutions, considering thermodynamic performance, economic feasibility, and environmental impact. Among the assessed solutions, Solution D emerges as the most advantageous, demonstrating the highest coefficient of performance (COP), the lowest carbon emissions, and an effective integration of a subcritical CO₂ refrigeration system with renewable electricity generation. Despite its relatively high initial investment, this solution ac hieves substantial reductions in energy consumption and CO₂ emissions while providing satisfactory economic returns, highlighting its suitability for sustainable cold chain applications. Solution C also represents a technically and economically viable alternative, characterized by a shorter payback period and the integration of multiple renewable energy sources, including tidal energy. However, its higher upfront cost may limit implementation in financially constrained contexts. In contrast, Solutions A and B, while simpler and requiring lower capital investment, exhibit higher operational costs and carbon emissions due to their exclusive reliance on grid electricity, emphasizing the critical trade-offs between cost, performance, and sustainability. The findings underscore the pivotal role of renewable energy integration in enhancing the resilience and environmental performance of refrigeration systems. Achieving optimal outcomes necessitates a holistic approach that simultaneously considers technical efficiency, economic viability, and environmental sustainability. Moreover, limitations identified in this study—including the need for real-scale experimental validation, consideration of climatic variability, and handling of heterogeneous data for accurate simulation—highlight areas for further research. Future investigations should focus on the optimization of hybrid systems, combining the strengths of Solutions C and D, and on assessing their scalability and adaptability in diverse operational contexts, particularly in developing regions such as Cape Verde. In addition, the development of adaptive control strategies, the integration of complementary technologies, and supportive policy measures or incentives for renewable energy adoption are essential to advance sustainable refrigeration practices. Overall, the study demonstrates that balanced, multi-criteria decision-making, encompassing performance, environmental impact, and cost, is fundamental for the design and deployment of energy-efficient, low-emission refrigeration solutions. Continued refinement of numerical models and experimental validation will further strengthen the reliability and applicability of these sustainable systems. Alaidroos, A. (2023). Transient behavior analysis of the infiltration heat recovery of exterior building walls. Energies (Basel), 16(20). https://doi.org/10.3390/en16207198 Bak, J., Koo, J., Yoon, S., & Lim, H. (2022). Thermal draft load coefficient for heating load differences caused by stack -driven infiltration by floor in multifamily high-rise buildings. Energies (Basel), 15(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/en15041386 References Alaidroos, A. (2023). Transient behavior analysis of the infiltration heat recovery of exterior building walls. Energies (Basel), 16(20). https://doi.org/10.3390/en16207198 Bak, J., Koo, J., Yoon, S., & Lim, H. (2022). Thermal draft load coefficient for heating load differences caused by stack -driven infiltration by floor in multifamily high-rise buildings. Energies (Basel), 15(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/en15041386 References