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Abstract This work, framed in the IEA SHC Task 51 “Solar Energy in Urban Planning”, presents an illustrative perspective of solar energy in urban planning through the analysis of 34 international case studies conducted in 10 countries. The aim here is to examine challenges, barriers and opportunities for active solar systems and passive solar strategies by taking into consideration interrelated technical and non-technical aspects in ongoing and completed projects. It focuses on exposing potential pitfalls and illustrating lessons learned in case studies divided into three categories: (i) existing urban areas, (ii) new urban areas, and (iii) solar landscapes. The analysis has yielded insights into the solar energy strategy adoption, the evaluation of solar energy production, solar irradiation and daylighting, and the architectural quality, sensitivity and visibility of the solar systems for urban planning. The outcomes have implications to stimulate successful practices in implementing solar strategies in urban planning and facilitating their replicability worldwide by avoiding common mistakes.

Abstract This work, framed in the IEA SHC Task 51 “Solar Energy in Urban Planning”, presents an illustrative perspective of solar energy in urban planning through the analysis of 34 international case studies conducted in 10 countries. The aim here is to examine challenges, barriers and opportunities for active solar systems and passive solar strategies by taking into consideration interrelated technical and non-technical aspects in ongoing and completed projects. It focuses on exposing potential pitfalls and illustrating lessons learned in case studies divided into three categories: (i) existing urban areas, (ii) new urban areas, and (iii) solar landscapes. The analysis has yielded insights into the solar energy strategy adoption, the evaluation of solar energy production, solar irradiation and daylighting, and the architectural quality, sensitivity and visibility of the solar systems for urban planning. The outcomes have implications to stimulate successful practices in implementing solar strategies in urban planning and facilitating their replicability worldwide by avoiding common mistakes.

AbstractA reactor for catalytically oxidizing liquid methanol has been developed for supplying heat to an automotive reformer. In the tests presented in this paper we show that it is possible to catalytically combust liquid methanol by dispersing the methanol and air by a nebulizer over the catalysts. In the experiments we tested several base and noble metals and found that either platinum or palladium was required at the ignition zone. The tests also showed that it was possible to achieve complete combustion when only 25 % of the catalyst bed contained a noble metal.

AbstractA reactor for catalytically oxidizing liquid methanol has been developed for supplying heat to an automotive reformer. In the tests presented in this paper we show that it is possible to catalytically combust liquid methanol by dispersing the methanol and air by a nebulizer over the catalysts. In the experiments we tested several base and noble metals and found that either platinum or palladium was required at the ignition zone. The tests also showed that it was possible to achieve complete combustion when only 25 % of the catalyst bed contained a noble metal.

Using 1281 pedestrian tunnels scattered over Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, we investigate the nature and distribution of graffiti in three types of underpasses (pathways, cycleways, and stairways). Combining crowdsourced data and police records, we compare graffiti levels and geography using fieldwork inspections, regression models, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The findings indicate that graffiti recorded to the police is present in only a quarter of the pedestrian tunnels, suggesting that recorded practices are concentrated in specific underpasses. Graffiti is more commonly found in larger tunnels, particularly cycling underpasses. Proximity to metro stations, schools, and the presence of young males in the area are factors linked to graffiti occurrence, although not consistently. These results highlight the complexities of relying on graffiti records for public space management, particularly the challenges professionals face in aligning the maintenance of pedestrian tunnels with urban sustainability goals. QC 20250317

Using 1281 pedestrian tunnels scattered over Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, we investigate the nature and distribution of graffiti in three types of underpasses (pathways, cycleways, and stairways). Combining crowdsourced data and police records, we compare graffiti levels and geography using fieldwork inspections, regression models, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The findings indicate that graffiti recorded to the police is present in only a quarter of the pedestrian tunnels, suggesting that recorded practices are concentrated in specific underpasses. Graffiti is more commonly found in larger tunnels, particularly cycling underpasses. Proximity to metro stations, schools, and the presence of young males in the area are factors linked to graffiti occurrence, although not consistently. These results highlight the complexities of relying on graffiti records for public space management, particularly the challenges professionals face in aligning the maintenance of pedestrian tunnels with urban sustainability goals. QC 20250317

In the past decade, inverter-integrated energy sources have experienced rapid growth, which leads to operating challenges associated with reduced system inertia and intermittent power generation, which can cause instability and performance issues of the power system. Improved control schemes for inverters are necessary to ensure the stability and resilience of the power system. Grid-forming inverters dampen frequency fluctuations in the power system, while grid-following inverters can aggravate frequency problems with increased penetration. This paper aims at reviewing the role of grid-forming inverters in the power system, including their topology, control strategies, challenges, sizing, and location. In order to facilitate continued research in this field, a comprehensive literature review and classification of the studies are conducted, followed by research gaps and suggestions for future studies.

In the past decade, inverter-integrated energy sources have experienced rapid growth, which leads to operating challenges associated with reduced system inertia and intermittent power generation, which can cause instability and performance issues of the power system. Improved control schemes for inverters are necessary to ensure the stability and resilience of the power system. Grid-forming inverters dampen frequency fluctuations in the power system, while grid-following inverters can aggravate frequency problems with increased penetration. This paper aims at reviewing the role of grid-forming inverters in the power system, including their topology, control strategies, challenges, sizing, and location. In order to facilitate continued research in this field, a comprehensive literature review and classification of the studies are conducted, followed by research gaps and suggestions for future studies.