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AbstractThis paper presents the experimental plans and designs as well as examples of predictive modeling of a pilot-scale CO2 injection experiment at the Heletz site (Israel). The overall objective of the experiment is to find optimal ways to characterize CO2 -relevant in-situ medium properties, including field-scale residual and dissolution trapping, to explore ways of characterizing heterogeneity through joint analysis of different types of data, and to detect leakage. The experiment will involve two wells, an injection well and a monitoring well. Prior to the actual CO2 injection, hydraulic, thermal and tracer tests will be carried out for standard site characterization. The actual CO2 injection experiments will include (i) a single well injection-withdrawal experiment, with the main objective to estimate in-situ residual trapping and (ii) a two-well injection-withdrawal test with injection of CO2 in a dipole mode (injection of CO2 in one well with simultaneous withdrawal of water in the monitoring well), with the objective to understand the CO2 transport in heterogeneous geology as well as the associated dissolution and residual trapping. Tracers will be introduced in both experiments to further aid in detecting the development of the phase composition during CO2 transport. Geophysical monitoring will also be implemented. By means of modeling, different experimental sequences and injection/withdrawal patterns have been analyzed, as have parameter uncertainties. The objectives have been to (i) evaluate key aspects of the experimental design, (ii) to identify key parameters affecting the fate of the CO2 and (iii) to evaluate the relationships between measurable quantities and parameters of interest.

Abstract This study investigated in-situ and ex-situ biological methanation strategies for biogas upgrading potential. The addition and circulation of hydrogen with a ceramic gas diffuser unit revealed positive effects on the methanogenic process. A short-term maximum methane productivity of 2.5 L CH4 per L reactor volume per day (LVR−1 d−1) was obtained in-situ. Adverse effects of elevated dissolved hydrogen concentrations on acetogenesis became evident. Ex-situ methanation in a reactor subjected to gas recirculation for recurrent 24 h periods achieved methane formation rates of 3.7 L CH4 LVR−1 d−1. A biomethane with methane concentrations in excess of 96% successfully demonstrated the potential for gas grid injection. A theoretic model supplying gases continuously into a sequential ex-situ reactor system and steadily displacing the upgraded biogas confirmed similar methane formation performance and was advanced to a full-scale concept. Gas conversion efficiency of 95% producing biomethane at 85% methane content was attained. A hybrid model, where an in-situ grass digester is followed by an ex-situ reactor, is proposed as a novel upgrading strategy.

Industry 4.0 concepts and technologies ensure the ongoing development of micro- and macro-economic entities by focusing on the principles of interconnectivity, digitalization, and automation. In this context, artificial intelligence is seen as one of the major enablers for Smart Logistics and Smart Production initiatives. This paper systematically analyzes the scientific literature on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning in the context of Smart Logistics management in industrial enterprises. Furthermore, based on the results of the systematic literature review, the authors present a conceptual framework, which provides fruitful implications based on recent research findings and insights to be used for directing and starting future research initiatives in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) in Smart Logistics.

Abstract In this paper we report an approach to improve water management of commercial GDLs by introducing hydrophobicity patterns. Specifically, line and grid patterns have been created in the MPL side by laser radiation. For an in-depth investigation of these modified GDLs the current density distribution was monitored during fuel cell operation. Additionally, the physical properties of these materials were investigated by a number of ex situ methods such as Fourier transform infrared microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and water vapor sorption. Furthermore, a comparison of the physical properties of the patterned GDLs with chemically modified GDLs (treated in H2SO4 and H2O2) is provided. Our results show a clearly improved homogeneity of current density distribution of the patterned GDLs compared to untreated GDLs. This observation is likely due to a reduced local hydrophobicity which facilitates water diffusion along the flow field of the fuel cell. However, performance of the fuel cell was not affected by the MPL irradiation. Graphical Abstract

With almost 40% of the global population suffering from water scarcity, the need to manage water resources is evidently urgent. While water and energy systems are intrinsically linked, the availability of comprehensive, integrated data sets across the domains of water and energy is generally lacking. As a result, estimated indicators representing volumes of water usage per unit of electricity or fuel produced are often required to analyse the water-energy nexus. In this paper, an "ensemble" of indicators is assembled representing water usage spanning different electricity-generation technologies based on previously published works in an attempt to depict the level or lack of detail in current large-scale energy-sector water-usage data. Based on these, the degree in which using such estimates is suitable for reproducing electricity-production water-usage at coarser spatio-temporal scales is assessed. The performance of the ensemble median/min/max as a predictor of water use is evaluated for the period from 1980 to 2015 using additional information about the constituents of the European energy system. Comparing with the reported values for 1980-2015, the median provides a skillful reproduction of historical yearly water use for the EU (EU28) as a whole. A further analysis for 2015 indicates that reasonable agreement is also seen at the country level. Thus, the results suggest that an "ensemble-based approach" has the potential to provide sturdy estimates of yearly water use by energy systems for analyses at both the country and regional levels.

According to the European Commission, green infrastructure (GI) is conceived as a strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas. This definition highlights three important issues: environment protection, ecosystems multifunctionality and ecological connectivity. Building upon a methodology that identifies a Sardinian regional GI in relation to four values (conservation value, natural value, recreational value and landscape value), this study aims at assessing the suitability of areas situated within and outside protected areas’ boundaries to be included in the above-mentioned Sardinian regional GI. In relation to conservation value, outcomes reveal a higher suitability of patches situated within protected areas to be included in the regional GI, whereas in relation to the other three values, the behavioral patterns are less evident. These results suggest specific policy recommendations such as mitigation of land-taking processes, increase of Natura 2000 Network’s size, accurate identification of landscape goods, and improved accessibility to sites characterized by outstanding natural beauty.

Abstract Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of wet solid wastes has been pointed out as an eco-friendly, flexible and highly efficient technology for the sustainable valorization of multiple sourced wastes. In this review paper, most recent studies on hydrochars (solid residue of the HTC process) production, characterization and application for wastewaters treatment was summarized and deeply discussed. The role of initial feedstock source nature and characteristics as well as the HTC experimental conditions including the temperature, the residence time and the pH media was assessed. Physical and chemical activation methods including the use of oxygen, steam, microwave, acids, alkaline, organics and salty solutions for the improvement of the physicochemical properties of the produced hydrochars are compared. The efficiency of these raw/modified hydrochars along with the involved mechanisms during organic (dyes) and mineral pollutants (heavy metals and nutrients) removal from aqueous solutions is also reviewed. Finally, this paper addresses the main challenges and also demonstrates insights on new directions for hydrochars research and development in the future.