• Energy Research
• Open Access close
• Closed Access close
• Open Source close
• AU close
• IT close

Editorial Complex Optimization and Simulation in Power Systems

The complex interaction between city and climate crisis is converting design-based disciplines from deterministic to flexible approaches. In this regard, Decision-Making Under Deep Uncertainty (DMDU) methods and operational strategies can be valuable support mechanisms to cope with the emerging climate fragilities of urban systems. In light of recent advances in the field of adaptive approaches, this paper discusses key concepts, current limitations and the potential to introduce the DMDU in the method and practices of regenerative design. Our critical discussion aims to restore the designer’s role within the DMDU and to reduce current and future climate fragilities in European cities.

Image dataset used for a colour analysis of coral branches throughout a long-term marine heatwave emulation experiment using machine learning. Article: "Within population variability in coral heat tolerance indicates climate adaptation potential" by Humanes and Lachs et al. Code to analyse the dataset is found at 10.5281/zenodo.6256164. LL received funding from Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) ONE Planet Doctoral Training Partnership (NE/S007512/1).

Abstract To achieve the EU climate and energy objectives, a transition towards a future sustainable energy system is needed. The integration of the huge potential for industrial waste heat recovery into smart energy system represents a main opportunity to accomplish these goals. To successfully implement this strategy, all the several stakeholders' conflicting objectives should be considered. In this paper an evolutionary multi-objective optimization model is developed to perform a sustainability evaluation of an energy system involving an industrial facility as the waste heat source and the neighbourhood as district heating network end users. An Italian case study of heat recovery from a steel casting facility shows how the model allows to properly select the district heating network set of users to fully exploit the available waste energy. Design directions such as the thermal energy storage capacity can be also provided. Moreover, the model enables the analysis of the trade-off between the stakeholders’ different perspectives, allowing to identify possible win-win solutions for both the industrial sector and the citizenship.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have wide-ranging environmental impacts, including on aquatic species of social and commercial importance. In New Zealand (NZ), strategic growth of the aquaculture industry could be adversely affected by the occurrence of HABs. This review examines HAB species which are known to bloom both globally and in NZ and their effects on commercially important shellfish and fish species. Blooms of Karenia spp. have frequently been associated with mortalities of both fish and shellfish in NZ and the sub-lethal effects of other genera, notably Alexandrium spp., on shellfish (which includes paralysis, a lack of byssus production, and reduced growth) are also of concern. Climate change and anthropogenic impacts may alter HAB population structure and dynamics, as well as the physiological responses of fish and shellfish, potentially further compromising aquatic species. Those HAB species which have been detected in NZ and have the potential to bloom and harm marine life in the future are also discussed. The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) and relevant bioassays are practical tools which enable early detection of novel, problem HAB species and rapid toxin/HAB screening, and new data from HAB monitoring of aquaculture production sites using eDNA are presented. As aquaculture grows to supply a sizable proportion of the world’s protein, the effects of HABs in reducing productivity is of increasing significance. Research into the multiple stressor effects of climate change and HABs on cultured species and using local, recent, HAB strains is needed to accurately assess effects and inform stock management strategies.

A new environmental ban has forced the restructure of open dumps in China since 1 July 2011. A technical process was established in this study that is feasible for the upgrade of open dumps through restructuring. The feasibility of restructuring and the benefit of greenhouse gas emission reductions were assessed according to field surveys of five landfills and four dumps in Nanjing. The results showed that the daily processing capacities of the existing landfills have been unable to meet the growth of municipal solid waste (MSW), making restructuring of the landfills imperative. According to an assessment of the technical process, only four sites in Nanjing were suitable for upgrading. Restructuring the Jiaozishan landfill effectively reduced the leachate generation rate by 5.84% under its scale when expanded by 60.7% in 2015. CO2 emissions were reduced by approximately 55,000–86,000 tons per year, in which biogas power generation replaced fossil fuels Fossil fuels accounted for the largest proportion, up to 45,000–60,000 tons. Photovoltaic power generation on the overlying land has not only reduced CO2 emissions to 26,000–30,000 tons per year but has also brought in continuing income from the sale of electricity. The funds are essential for developing countries such as China, which lack long-term financial support for landfill management after closure.

This document contains the Strategic Research Agenda to Innovation on Blue Energy developed in the framework of the PELAGOS project (D.4.2.1). Relying on both the current Research & Innvation guidelines and priorities established at European level for exploitating in the most effective way the potential of Ocean Energy and the knowledge acquired the activities of PELAGOS project at Mediterranean level, this document considers the strategic focus areas related to the most promising Marine Renewables Energy technologies in the Mediterranean area.

Changes in the main weather features are becoming perceivable in Italy. In the last years, the average temperature and the intensity of rainstorms are increasing. Such phenomena could lead to changes in the earth-atmosphere interaction. Accounting for the high vulnerability of the Italian territory, an obvious consequence would concern the effects on the hydro-geological hazards, including landslides and floods. As a matter of fact, the higher frequency of high magnitude flood and landslide events represent an alarm bell. It is necessary to explore with all available instruments the consequences of the potential climate changes. Since quantitative predictions are not possible, the only way to run is depicting rational scenarios for the most vulnerable contexts adopting a multidisciplinary approach. Based on projections of potential climate changes in the 21st century, the report examines their potential impact in the context of the Italian peninsula. After a general overview about typical slope responses to weather changes, some quantitative scenarios have been depicted for representative geomorphological contexts. The last part of the paper examines changes in the expected risk, based on the characteristics of the Italian territory and its vulnerability, looking at the initiatives to undertake for its mitigation.

The electrical resistance of Ni 50 Ti 30 Hf 20 and Ni 50 Ti 40.5 Hf 9.5 alloys during Stress Assisted Two Way Memory Effect was investigated with the aim to deduce the relationship between electrical resistance and deformation across the transformation range. Results show an almost linear relationship although a crossing point between increasing and decreasing deformation may compromise the use of these alloys actuators.

Laboratory corrosion and scaling testing of metallic materials exposed in high temperature and pressure environments generally involves complex, multi-instrument measurement setups. Here, we present a setup including an autoclave that is instrumented for in-situ electrochemical testing and that contains a ZrO2-based solid-state pH electrode and devices for temperature control and solution stirring. We show results highlighting the importance of adequate pre-calibration of the pH measurement, due to the hysteresis depending on temperature sweep. Additionally, we illustrate how interfacing the autoclave and the electrochemical cell to measuring and controlling instruments, using different data communication interfaces, can create ground loops. These ground loop interferences can introduce significant errors in the measurement, such as a potential shift of >100 mV. In complex, multi-instrument setups, a complete understanding of ground loops may often be difficult. Thus, we recommend systematic checks to identify the ground loops and we propose measures to avoid them. Measurement, 155 ISSN:0263-2241 ISSN:1873-412X