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A study of the production of prompt J/ψ mesons contained in jets in proton-proton collisions at s=8TeV is presented. The analysis is based on data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.1 fb−1 collected with the CMS detector at the LHC. For events with at least one observed jet, the angular separation between the J/ψ meson and the jet is used to test whether the J/ψ meson is part of the jet. The analysis shows that most prompt J/ψ mesons having energy above 15 GeV and rapidity |y|<1 are contained in jets with pseudorapidity |ηjet|<1. The differential distributions of the probability to have a J/ψ meson contained in a jet as a function of jet energy for a fixed J/ψ energy fraction are compared to a theoretical model using the fragmenting jet function approach. The data agree best with fragmenting jet function calculations that use a long-distance matrix element parameter set in which prompt J/ψ mesons are predicted to be unpolarized. This technique demonstrates a new way to test predictions for prompt J/ψ production using nonrelativistic quantum chromodynamics. Physics Letters B, 804 ISSN:0370-2693 ISSN:0031-9163 ISSN:1873-2445

The aim of this paper is to report on the state of the art of the literature on the most recent challenges in the energy domain that can be addressed through the use of quantum computing technology. More in detail, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the scope of the literature review considered in this paper is specifically limited to forecasting, grid management (namely, scheduling, dispatching, stability, and reliability), battery production, solar cell production, green hydrogen and ammonia production, and carbon capture. These challenges have been identified as the most relevant business needs currently expressed by energy companies on their path towards a net-zero economy. A critical discussion of the most relevant methodological approaches and experimental setups is provided, together with an overview of future research directions. Overall, the key finding of the paper, based on the proposed literature review, is twofold: namely, (1) quantum computing has the potential to trigger significant transformation in the energy domain by drastically reducing CO2 emissions, especially those relative to battery production, solar cell production, green hydrogen and ammonia production, as well as point-source and direct-air carbon capture technology; and (2) quantum computing offers enhanced optimization capability relative to relevant challenges that concern forecasting solar and wind resources, as well as managing power demand, facility allocation, and ensuring reliability and stability in power grids.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming one of the main answers to the decarbonization of the transport sector and Renewable Energy Sources (RES) to the decarbonization of the electricity production sector. Nevertheless, their impact on the electric grids cannot be neglected. New paradigms for the management of the grids where they are connected, which are typically distribution grids in Medium Voltage (MV) and Low Voltage (LV), are necessary. A reform of dispatching rules, including the management of distribution grids and the resources there connected, is in progress in Europe. In this paper, a new paradigm linked to the design of reform is proposed and then tested, in reference to a real distribution grid, operated by the main Italian Distribution System Operator (DSO), e-distribuzione. First, in reference to suitable future scenarios of spread of RES-based power plants and EVs charging stations (EVCS), using Power Flow (PF) models, a check of the operation of the distribution grid, in reference to the usual rules of management, is made. Second, a new dispatching model, involving DSO and the resources connected to its grids, is tested, using an Optimal Power Flow (OPF) algorithm. Results show that the new paradigm of dispatching can effectively be useful for preventing some operation problems of the distribution grids.

Abstract In the last years, electric vehicles (EVs) are getting significant consideration as an environmental-sustainable and cost-effective alternative over conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICEs), for the mitigation of the dependence from fossil fuels and for reduction of Green-House Gasses (GHGs) emission. However, many challenges are still ongoing to their large scale implementation. Among them, the negative impact on the electrical grid operation in case of an uncoordinated contemporary charging of a huge number of EVs. In the recent literature different solutions are proposed for handling the peak demand of EVs and the related problems. One answer is offered by the implementation of EV charging strategies, through aggregation agents, for containing the impact on the grid, guaranteeing the quality of the service. The implementation of a real charging strategy is strictly related to a deployment of smart-grid technologies, such as smart meters, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and energy storage systems (ESSs). In particular ESSs are playing a fundamental role in the general smart grid paradigm, and can become fundamental for the integration in the new power systems of EV fast charging stations of the last generation: in this case the storage can have peak shaving and power quality functions and also to make the charge time shorter. In the present paper, an overview on the different types of EVs charging stations, in reference to the present international European standards, and on the storage technologies for the integration of EV charging stations in smart grid is reported. Then a real implementation of EVs fast charging station equipped with an ESS is deeply described. The system is a prototype, designed, implemented and now available at ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development) labs. A wide experimental activity has been performed on the prototype system in order to test its functionalities in the integration in a smart grid available at the same ENEA lab, including a smart metering system. The integration has been possible thanks to the use of a customized communication protocol, developed by the researchers and here described. The results of the experimental tests show that the system has a good performance in the implementation of peak shaving functions, in respect of the main distribution grid, making the prototype like a network nearly zero-impact system.