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Abstract In the next 25 years an unprecedented number of new marine artificial structures, over 75,000 offshore wind turbines alone, are planned to meet global net zero targets. Structures are required to last for multiple decades in the hostile marine environment; where the largest cost across their whole lifecycle is on operations and maintenance dependent on accessibility in calm seas. However, the role of climate change on accessibility, and thus operational cost, has not been resolved. Here we provide the first study of future accessibility; evaluated from global climate model driven wave modelling, using the high emission scenario (RCP8.5). We found that climate change drives significant regional variation in accessibility, with the northern hemisphere benefiting from a 6% increase in operating windows whilst accessibility in parts of the southern hemisphere is reduced by 6-9%. These findings will help offshore developers and stakeholders incorporate adaptions to climate change as part of strategic planning practices.

Abstract In the next 25 years an unprecedented number of new marine artificial structures, over 75,000 offshore wind turbines alone, are planned to meet global net zero targets. Structures are required to last for multiple decades in the hostile marine environment; where the largest cost across their whole lifecycle is on operations and maintenance dependent on accessibility in calm seas. However, the role of climate change on accessibility, and thus operational cost, has not been resolved. Here we provide the first study of future accessibility; evaluated from global climate model driven wave modelling, using the high emission scenario (RCP8.5). We found that climate change drives significant regional variation in accessibility, with the northern hemisphere benefiting from a 6% increase in operating windows whilst accessibility in parts of the southern hemisphere is reduced by 6-9%. These findings will help offshore developers and stakeholders incorporate adaptions to climate change as part of strategic planning practices.

In the quest for more efficient solar thermal systems, accurately determining the thermal emittance of low-emissive materials is crucial in determining the power losses. This paper describes the calorimetric method designed to precisely measure the thermal emittance of Selective Solar Absorbers (SSAs) to be used in High Vacuum Flat Plate Collectors (HVFPCs). The method’s capability is demonstrated through the successful correction of thermal emittance values for copper samples of varying sizes, including dimensions down to 49 cm2. Results highlight the method’s potential to significantly reduce measurement errors associated with small-size and/or low-emittance samples, providing a path forward to improve the design and efficiency of SSAs. This research marks a significant step in advancing solar thermal technology by enabling emittance measurements with a precision better than 0.003, which is essential for the development of high-performance solar thermal absorbers. The method has also been applied to correct the thermal emittance value of SSA measured in previous measurement campaigns, and it allows a better estimation of the SSA efficiency conversion curve.

In the quest for more efficient solar thermal systems, accurately determining the thermal emittance of low-emissive materials is crucial in determining the power losses. This paper describes the calorimetric method designed to precisely measure the thermal emittance of Selective Solar Absorbers (SSAs) to be used in High Vacuum Flat Plate Collectors (HVFPCs). The method’s capability is demonstrated through the successful correction of thermal emittance values for copper samples of varying sizes, including dimensions down to 49 cm2. Results highlight the method’s potential to significantly reduce measurement errors associated with small-size and/or low-emittance samples, providing a path forward to improve the design and efficiency of SSAs. This research marks a significant step in advancing solar thermal technology by enabling emittance measurements with a precision better than 0.003, which is essential for the development of high-performance solar thermal absorbers. The method has also been applied to correct the thermal emittance value of SSA measured in previous measurement campaigns, and it allows a better estimation of the SSA efficiency conversion curve.

Degradation issues correlated to microstructural changes are the main obstacles to solid oxide fuel cell and electrolyser applications, making their identification and understanding fundamental steps. Coupling experimental activities with modelling, this work analyses the state-of-the-art Ni-YSZ (Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia)/YSZ/CGO (Cerium Gadolinium Oxide)/LSCF (Lanthanum Strontium Cobalt Ferrite)-CGO-based cell after 1000 h of galvanostatic electrolysis operation at fixed temperature and high steam composition in the inlet gas. Following a multiscale approach, the system behaviour is characterized through electrochemical impedance spectra and polarization curves as well as studying microstructure evolution, with a focus on Ni-cermet functional layer in view of Ni instability detected as the main degradation cause. A comparison with a cell consisting of the same initial geometrical structure and materials but aged in fuel cell mode allows to highlight the influence of operating mode and parameters on Ni-YSZ microstructure. Ni particle size and phase fraction variations experimentally observed on the electrode surface are correlated to water content and applied polarization simulated local values. Ni uneven distribution at the electrolyte interface and particle coarsening, above all, lead to an increase in polarization loss under electrolysis and fuel cell mode, respectively, since both penalise the charge transfer reaction and migration.

Degradation issues correlated to microstructural changes are the main obstacles to solid oxide fuel cell and electrolyser applications, making their identification and understanding fundamental steps. Coupling experimental activities with modelling, this work analyses the state-of-the-art Ni-YSZ (Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia)/YSZ/CGO (Cerium Gadolinium Oxide)/LSCF (Lanthanum Strontium Cobalt Ferrite)-CGO-based cell after 1000 h of galvanostatic electrolysis operation at fixed temperature and high steam composition in the inlet gas. Following a multiscale approach, the system behaviour is characterized through electrochemical impedance spectra and polarization curves as well as studying microstructure evolution, with a focus on Ni-cermet functional layer in view of Ni instability detected as the main degradation cause. A comparison with a cell consisting of the same initial geometrical structure and materials but aged in fuel cell mode allows to highlight the influence of operating mode and parameters on Ni-YSZ microstructure. Ni particle size and phase fraction variations experimentally observed on the electrode surface are correlated to water content and applied polarization simulated local values. Ni uneven distribution at the electrolyte interface and particle coarsening, above all, lead to an increase in polarization loss under electrolysis and fuel cell mode, respectively, since both penalise the charge transfer reaction and migration.

Dataset supporting publication of manuscript_GCB-B-RA-24-138

Dataset supporting publication of manuscript_GCB-B-RA-24-138