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Attempts to model any present or future power grid face a huge challenge because a power grid is a complex system, with feedback and multi-agent behaviors, integrated by generation, distribution, storage and consumption systems, using various control and automation computing systems to manage electricity flows. Our approach to modeling is to build upon an established model of the low voltage electricity network which is tested and proven, by extending it to a generalized energy model. But, in order to address the crucial issues of energy efficiency, additional processes like energy conversion and storage, and further energy carriers, such as gas, heat, etc., besides the traditional electrical one, must be considered. Therefore a more powerful model, provided with enhanced nodes or conversion points, able to deal with multidimensional flows, is being required. This article addresses the issue of modeling a local multi-carrier energy network. This problem can be considered as an extension of modeling a low voltage distribution network located at some urban or rural geographic area. But instead of using an external power flow analysis package to do the power flow calculations, as used in electric networks, in this work we integrate a multiagent algorithm to perform the task, in a concurrent way to the other simulation tasks, and not only for the electric fluid but also for a number of additional energy carriers. As the model is mainly focused in system operation, generation and load models are not developed. The financial support from EPSRC for Liz Varga on project entitled "Transforming Utilities’ Conversion Points" (no. EP/J005649/1) is gratefully acknowledged.

Attempts to model any present or future power grid face a huge challenge because a power grid is a complex system, with feedback and multi-agent behaviors, integrated by generation, distribution, storage and consumption systems, using various control and automation computing systems to manage electricity flows. Our approach to modeling is to build upon an established model of the low voltage electricity network which is tested and proven, by extending it to a generalized energy model. But, in order to address the crucial issues of energy efficiency, additional processes like energy conversion and storage, and further energy carriers, such as gas, heat, etc., besides the traditional electrical one, must be considered. Therefore a more powerful model, provided with enhanced nodes or conversion points, able to deal with multidimensional flows, is being required. This article addresses the issue of modeling a local multi-carrier energy network. This problem can be considered as an extension of modeling a low voltage distribution network located at some urban or rural geographic area. But instead of using an external power flow analysis package to do the power flow calculations, as used in electric networks, in this work we integrate a multiagent algorithm to perform the task, in a concurrent way to the other simulation tasks, and not only for the electric fluid but also for a number of additional energy carriers. As the model is mainly focused in system operation, generation and load models are not developed. The financial support from EPSRC for Liz Varga on project entitled "Transforming Utilities’ Conversion Points" (no. EP/J005649/1) is gratefully acknowledged.

Ammonia exhibits interesting features as fuel to feed Solid Oxide Fuel Cell. Herein, Ni and La co-doped strontium titanate was synthetized using wet chemistry route. Ni nanoparticles emerged via exsolution in reducing environment to decorate the surface. X-Ray Diffraction measurements exhibits perovskite structure was also preserved after the exsolution, as expected. H2 – Temperature Programmed Reduction highlights the great resistance of titanates in anode operation condition. Ammonia conversion in nitrogen and hydrogen were investigated by catalytic tests. It begins to decompose at 560°C and the full yield was achieved at 720°C. Electrochemical measurements were recorded at 800°C using 10% of ammonia in Ar. They were analysed though the model of equivalent circuit and two processes were attributed. Results certify Ni exsolution strongly enhances the hydrogen oxidation and the total polarisation resistance in ammonia approaches to the one in hydrogen.

Ammonia exhibits interesting features as fuel to feed Solid Oxide Fuel Cell. Herein, Ni and La co-doped strontium titanate was synthetized using wet chemistry route. Ni nanoparticles emerged via exsolution in reducing environment to decorate the surface. X-Ray Diffraction measurements exhibits perovskite structure was also preserved after the exsolution, as expected. H2 – Temperature Programmed Reduction highlights the great resistance of titanates in anode operation condition. Ammonia conversion in nitrogen and hydrogen were investigated by catalytic tests. It begins to decompose at 560°C and the full yield was achieved at 720°C. Electrochemical measurements were recorded at 800°C using 10% of ammonia in Ar. They were analysed though the model of equivalent circuit and two processes were attributed. Results certify Ni exsolution strongly enhances the hydrogen oxidation and the total polarisation resistance in ammonia approaches to the one in hydrogen.

Cooperative learning seems to be the right methodology to tackle the development of the teamwork competence inside the process of teaching?learning at the University. That strategy has been used by lecturers of different faculties and schools of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU who have sorted an Educational Team on cooperative learning. The experience was developed in six different groups which add up as 185 students. The outcome of that experience was analysed by means of a questionnaire which gathers the main competences of teamwork. The analysis of the dimensions of the questionnaire shows a structure with two dimensions: (1) 'interpersonal competences' and (2) 'instrumental competences'. Students seem to prioritise the most technical or procedural competences (instrumental) over personal and relationship competences (interpersonal) in their formative process and assessment of their learning.

Cooperative learning seems to be the right methodology to tackle the development of the teamwork competence inside the process of teaching?learning at the University. That strategy has been used by lecturers of different faculties and schools of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU who have sorted an Educational Team on cooperative learning. The experience was developed in six different groups which add up as 185 students. The outcome of that experience was analysed by means of a questionnaire which gathers the main competences of teamwork. The analysis of the dimensions of the questionnaire shows a structure with two dimensions: (1) 'interpersonal competences' and (2) 'instrumental competences'. Students seem to prioritise the most technical or procedural competences (instrumental) over personal and relationship competences (interpersonal) in their formative process and assessment of their learning.

The effect of external EGR on knock was evaluated using a CFR engine. Combustion pressure was sampled on a time basis. A band pass filter in the time domain was applied to the pressure cycles. Five knock indices were calculated for each combustion cycle. The problem to quantify knock intensity was focused. At this extent, measurements were carried out on standard iso-octane-n-heptane blends in the test conditions used for the determ of the Motor Method Octane Number (MON). Knock intensity was varied acting on compression ratio. For each index, the conditions of absence of knock were determined using motored cycles. The indices were compared and one of them, showing the lowest C.O.V., was selected for further measurements. The effect of EGR on test fuels having different composition was evaluated varying the compression ratio, at fixed ignition timing. In this way, the same level of detonation, obtained in the absence of EGR, was realized with different amounts of external EGR. Percent variation of compression ratio was used to compare the ability of fuels, having different octane number, to tolerate compression ratio increase in presence of EGR. In particular, the tests were carried out on a matrix of twelve fuels with three levels of EGR. The results show that with all tested fuels the percent increase of compression ratio is strongly dependent on EGR.

The effect of external EGR on knock was evaluated using a CFR engine. Combustion pressure was sampled on a time basis. A band pass filter in the time domain was applied to the pressure cycles. Five knock indices were calculated for each combustion cycle. The problem to quantify knock intensity was focused. At this extent, measurements were carried out on standard iso-octane-n-heptane blends in the test conditions used for the determ of the Motor Method Octane Number (MON). Knock intensity was varied acting on compression ratio. For each index, the conditions of absence of knock were determined using motored cycles. The indices were compared and one of them, showing the lowest C.O.V., was selected for further measurements. The effect of EGR on test fuels having different composition was evaluated varying the compression ratio, at fixed ignition timing. In this way, the same level of detonation, obtained in the absence of EGR, was realized with different amounts of external EGR. Percent variation of compression ratio was used to compare the ability of fuels, having different octane number, to tolerate compression ratio increase in presence of EGR. In particular, the tests were carried out on a matrix of twelve fuels with three levels of EGR. The results show that with all tested fuels the percent increase of compression ratio is strongly dependent on EGR.