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The disposal area of a deep geological repository (DGR) for the disposal of spent nuclear fuels (SNFs) is estimated considering the spacing between deposition holes and between disposal tunnels, as determined by a thermal analysis using the decay heat of a reference SNF. Given the relatively large amount of decay heat of the reference SNF, the disposal area of the DGR is found to be overestimated. Therefore, we develop a computer program using MATLAB, termed ACom (Assembly Combination), to combine SNFs when stored in canisters such that the decay heat per canister is evenly distributed. The stability of ACom was checked and the overall distribution of the decay heat per canister was analyzed. Finally, ACom was applied to disposal scenarios suggested in the conceptual design of a DGR for SNFs, and it was confirmed that the decay heat per canister could be evenly distributed and that the maximum decay heat of the canister could be much lower than that of a canister estimated using a reference SNF. ACom can be used to improve the disposal efficiency by reducing the disposal area of a DGR for SNFs by ensuringg a relatively even distribution of decay heat per canister.

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.

Research on digital twins (DTs) in the power system field has mainly focused on implementing DTs for specific resources, while few studies on electric vehicle (EV)-based DT implementation have considered integration and interoperability between systems. This study introduces a DT-based EV system operation framework to address the aforementioned research gap. The framework implements individual EVs, charging stations, and charging station operators (CPOs) as DTs, enabling integrated operation with the power grid. The DT-based EV agent supports independent decision-making on power service participation by considering location information, distance, charging amount, spare time, and incentives. In addition, the CPO can establish an optimal incentive strategy to induce EV users to participate in grid power services. The proposed DT systems map information between EVs, charging stations, and the grid, enabling analysis and verification of the impact of participants on charging station operation, grid stability, and economic efficiency in an independent environment. The effectiveness and usability of the proposed framework were verified through a case study on an incentive-based demand response program.

Abstract Electricity markets in Europe become increasingly interconnected due to new grid connections and market coupling regulations. This paper examines the interdependencies between the Swiss electricity market and those of neighbouring countries. The Swiss market serves as a good example for a smaller electricity market which is increasingly affected by developments in the large neighbouring countries. To study these cross-border effects, especially those on Swiss electricity prices, we apply two different methodologies, an econometric and a Nash-Cournot equilibrium model. The analyses show that the Swiss electricity price correlates strongly with the German electricity price in the summer, but tends to follow the French electricity price in the winter. Another finding is that gas prices and the electricity load of neighbouring countries have a significant influence on prices. In particular, the load of France and Italy is driving up Swiss prices in the winter, while the German electricity demand and renewable energy generation have a larger influence on Swiss prices in the summer.

Accelerators for heavy-ion inertial fusion energy (HIF) have an economic incentive to fit beam tubes tightly to beams, putting them at risk from electron clouds produced by emission of electrons and gas from walls. Theory and PIC simulations suggest that the electrons will be radially trapped in the /spl ges/1 kV ion-beam potential. We are beginning studies on the High-Current Experiment (HCX) with unique capabilities to characterize electron production and trapping, the effects on ion beams, and mitigation techniques. We are measuring the flux of electrons and gas evolved from a target, whose angle to the beam can be varied between 78/spl deg/ and 88/spl deg/ from normal incidence. Quadrupole magnets are operating with a variety of internal charged particle diagnostics to measure the beam halo loss, net charge, electron ionization rate, and gas density.

Installations of an Energy Storage System (ESS) with various functions such as power stabilization of renewable energy, demand management, and frequency adjustment are increasing. In particular, ESS for demand management is being established for high-voltage customers (300 KVA–1000 KVA) who have placed an Auto Section Switch (ASS) at the connection point within the distribution system. However, a power outage may occur in the Power Receiving System (PRS) when a short-circuit fault due to insulation breakdown occurs at the ESS DC side. The reason for this breakdown is that the fault current is reduced by transformer impedance, and the ASS is opened before the DC power fuse. Therefore, using the Graphic Solution Method (GSM), this paper presents an operation algorithm for protection coordination that isolates the fault section by first operating the DC power fuse with a small fault current. Furthermore, fault analysis modeling for a PRS composed of a switchgear section, a main distribution panel, a Power Conditioning System (PCS), a power fuse, and a battery is performed through PSCAD/EMTDC. From the simulation results, it is confirmed that the fault section is quickly isolated, and power outages for high-voltage customers are prevented because the DC power fuse selected by the proposed operation algorithm of protection coordination is opened before the ASS.

We study the role of technology subsidies in climate policies, using a simple dynamic equilibrium model with learning-by-doing. The optimal subsidy rate of a carbon-free technology is high when the technology is first adopted, but falls significantly over the next decades. However, the efficiency costs of uniform instead of optimal subsidies, may be low if there are introduction or expansion constraints for a new technology. Finally, supporting existing energy technologies only, may lead to technology lock-in, and the impacts of lock-in increase with the learning potential of new technologies as well as the possibilities for early entry and thight carbon constraints.

Interconnectivity and interoperability are very important features in the development of integrated energy management systems for industrial facilities. A simple and common strategy for exchanging energy-related information among the entities in a facility is currently lacking. To this end, the purpose of this study is to present an IoT-based communication framework with a common information model to facilitate the development of a demand response (DR) energy management system for industrial customers. Additionally, we developed and implemented an IoT-based energy-management platform based on a common information model and open communication protocols, which takes advantage of integrated energy supply networks to deploy DR energy management in an industrial facility. The experimental results of this study demonstrate that the proposed platform can not only improve the interconnectivity of the entities in industrial energy management systems but also reduce the energy costs of industrial facilities.