The Swedish transportation sector needs to undergo major changes in order to achieve the established goals for climate and environment. The largest change is the replacement of fossil-fuelled vehicles to vehicles propelled by renewable energy sources, such as biofuels and electricity. To account for an increase in local electric power consumption, the electric power infrastructure of Sweden needs to adapt through expansion and reconstruction of the electric power grid. However, changes in infrastructure are usually expensive. It is therefore suitable to also examine alternative solutions, which could potentially be more cost efficient. One of these solutions are vehicle-to-grid (V2G), where electric vehicles acts as local electric power control and provides auxiliary services to the electric power grid. This thesis is a case study of a part of a low-voltage electric power grid on Gotland, with the goal of analysing the potential of V2G in the investigated area. The study focused on utilizing V2G for balancing electric power consumption and generation, and for adjusting voltage levels. Simulations of the area were executed in PSS®E for three different cases; one high-load case, low-load case and average-load case. It was found that by utilizing V2G a ramp up of electric power during mornings was delayed by approximately one hour, making the electric power grid potentially more compatible with photovoltaics (PV). However, the overall effects from V2G was fairly low. This outcome can partly be explained by the assumptions made in the report, and also due to some odd behaviour of the system model. 

An ecosystem approach to innovation and business has become increasingly relevant in contemporary research but research knowledge is scattered across divergent disciplines. The aim of this study is thus, on the basis of an extensive, multidisciplinary literature review to integrate the extant knowledge on innovation and business ecosystems and analyze how they are conceptualized, analyzed, captured and depicted. By conducting a systematic multi-phase content analysis of over 230 articles selected from the Web of Science, we will build a comprehensive picture on the research streams of innovation/business ecosystem research, the used methods, foci, illustrations/visualizations of business/innovation ecosystems and build a research agenda for future research. This article contributes by providing a structured analysis on this multi-disciplinary research area, aggregating the current knowledge and generating a research agenda on innovation/business ecosystems - a theme that is emergent, multifaceted, and crucial to innovative companies as well as researchers in the fields of innovation, management, technology and marketing.

Uncontrolled open dumping and burning of municipal solid waste (MSW) has resulted in soil, water, and air pollution in many urban cities in India. Landfills are the most common cost-effective solution for MSW management in many developing countries like India. However, the identification of suitable landfill sites always remains a challenging task as it involves the selection of several environmental criteria set by the local authorities. The objective of this study is to identify the most potential landfill sites proposed by the Government in Bengaluru Metropolitan Region, Karnataka state, India using Geographic Information System enabled Analytical Hierarchy Process based multi-criteria evaluation technique. Several criteria and constraints as recommended by the local authorities along with the proximity to the solid waste processing plants are used to identify the potential landfill sites in the study region. The study identified three highly suitable sites (Neraluru, Gudhatti, Madivala) for landfills which are not only environmentally sustainable but also economically attractive as they are closer to the solid waste processing plants minimizing the transportation cost involved in the disposal of solid waste from the source to the final disposal sites in the study region.

Sweden is a long-term world reference country in terms of sustainable development. On the other hand, Barcelona has recently made great efforts in order to improve and to make society aware of the importance of environmental issues. Hence, it would be interesting to investigate if these efforts had succeeded in the waste’s management in Barcelona compared to other leading European cities, and particularly to the case of Gävle.

In this work, the operation of the management of the urban solid wastes of the two cities is explained.

First, the objectives marked by Agenda 21 of each locality are exposed. Next, a theoretical perspective about management, generation of wastes and types of waste treatment is provided. In the following chapter, the results of the generation of wastes, selective collection and the treatments of the wastes are shown for both the cases of Barcelona and Gävle until the 2006.

Finally, the two cities are compared and the results obtained in the management of the wastes are discussed.

The conclusion in this study is that Barcelona has improved noticeable in terms of environmentally safe management of the wastes. This has happened thanks to the efforts of the city council and of the citizens.

But It is still necessary to make a major effort by the inhabitants of Barcelona.

This study aims to build a medium-term (2019-2040) model for the Chilean electricity generation system in the OSeMOSYS software, a linear cost optimisation model, in light of the most recent developments in government policy and targets. In 2019, the Chilean government committed to decommissioning all coal plants by 2040 at the latest, and set out a non-binding target to be carbon neutral by 2050. The carbon neutrality target could be enshrined in the climate change law, which has yet to be ratified. In this thesis, a focus was put on the upfront capital cost of the system, and the emissions attributable to Chile’s GHG Inventory (called the SNI GHG in Chile) from operating the system. Three scenarios are developed within the thesis, in line with three paths the power system may follow: a BAU scenario including current power purchase agreements, a scenario in which power purchase agreements for fossil fuels are bought out and the free market then takes over, and a non-conventional renewable energy (NCRE) scenario in which certain renewable technologies account for 68% of production in 2040. The model is validated against the results from 2019 and a broadly similar model developed in the private sector. Sensitivity analysis scenarios were conducted for the input parameters: price of natural gas, price of coal, capital cost of solar PV, capital cost of wind, capital cost of wind & solar, and the capacity factor of hydropower. The sensitivity analyses show the most sensitive input parameters are the price of natural gas and capital cost of wind with respect to the outputs of capital cost, NCRE production ratio such as the share of all solar, wind, and certain hydro technologies as a percentage of total electricity production and GHG emissions.

As our precursory stage we have focus straight forward on clean catalytic approach for the production of C3 substituted pyridoxal-5 '-phosphate analogues of vitamin B6, and other environmental protocols like photocatalytic activity, green fossil fuels and c-c coupling using efficient biocompatible eggshell related unrivalled materials which show versatility of the catalytic effect on different inorganic support. The eggshell immobilized nanoparticles have encouraging relevance in creation of new molecules and can advantageously be studied by various spectroscopic, thermal and elemental analyses like powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, UV-vis, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. The elucidate nature of nanoparticles offer: more active site acts as lewis acid, vacancies on the catalyst surface and good to better yield of C3 substituted deoxy and 2-nor deoxy coenzyme pyridoxine (PN), coupling products propargylamines (PA), photo degrading enhancement of MB and nucleophilic substituted fatty acid (BD). This enzyme cofactor explore molecular synthons to synthetic equivalent: 3-deoxy and 2-nor-3-deoxy pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxal oxime (P0), pyridoxamine (PM) and mono phosphate derivative of 3-deoxyPM, 3-deoxyPL respectively and chemistry of selective oxidation and schiff base mechanism was studied and complemented through combined experimental and theoretical molecular orbital calculation consequently. The heterogeneous catalyst has strong selective ability towards selective reducing pyridine diester, bioactive intermediates substances and holds vast potential towards separation for the photogenerated electron-hole pairs and renewable, nontoxic, biodegradable green fossil fuels. The catalyst including environmental concern is reapplicable and strong impressive that can unfold the space of worthy metal component widely and facilitate the scope to take a vital role in different fileds like catalysis, biochemistry, nanoscience, energy and materials science.

Circularity becomes increasingly significant as resource extraction and its environmental and social consequences become more severe. In the automotive industry, this is achieved by encouraging the reuse and remanufacturing of products. However, it remains uncertain whether these practices will effectively reduce resource consumption, minimize waste, and consequently mitigate environmental impacts. Scania is a company working with a circular business model, selling remanufactured parts through its service-exchange program. What are the environmental impacts of a spare part and to what extent the remanufacturing business is conserving natural resources and reducing other environmental impacts at Scania remains uncertain and was explored in this study. The study used Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to assess the environmental impacts of remanufactured Scania clutch (used as a case study) compared to a newly manufactured Scania clutch. The results indicate significantly lower environmental impacts in five selected impact categories for remanufactured clutch compared to the new one. The major contributor to the environmental impacts of the new clutch is materials production, while for the remanufactured clutch, the main contributors are the transportation of the clutch cores (worn out clutches), disassembly, and the new added subcomponents. 

The current study investigates the characteristics of particles generated from the wear of braking materials, and provides an applicable index for measuring and comparing wear particle emissions. A pin-on-disc tribometer equipped with particle measurement instruments was used. The number concentration, size, morphology, and mass concentration of generated particles were investigated and reported for particles 10 nm-32 mu m in diameter. The particles were also collected on filters and investigated using EDS and SEM. The effects of wear mechanisms on particle morphology and changes in particle concentration are discussed. A new index, the airborne wear particle emission rate (AWPER), is suggested that could be used in legislation to control non-exhaust emissions from transport modes, particularly rail transport.

Particle emissions are a drawback of rail transport. This work is a comprehensive presentation of recent research into particle emissions from rail vehicles. Both exhaust and non-exhaust particle emissions are considered when examining particle characteristics such as  PM₁₀, and PM_2.5 concentration levels, size, morphology, composition, as well as adverse health effects, current legislation, and available and proposed solutions for reducing such emissions. High concentration levels in enclosed rail traffic environments are reported and some toxic effects of the particles. We find that only a few limited studies have examined the adverse health effects of non-exhaust particle emissions and that no relevant legislation exists. Thus further research in this area is warranted.

Inhalable airborne particles have inverse health affect. In railways, mechanical brakes, the wheel–rail contact, current collectors, ballast, sleepers, and masonry structures yield particulate matter. Field tests examined a Swedish track using a train instrumented with particle measurement devices, brake pad temperature sensors, and speed and brake sensors. The main objective of this field test was to study the characteristics of particles generated from disc brakes on a running train with an on-board measuring set-up.

Two airborne particle sampling points were designated, one near a pad–rotor disc brake contact and a second under the frame, not near a mechanical brake or the wheel–rail contact; the numbers and size distributions of the particles detected were registered and evaluated under various conditions (e.g. activating/deactivating electrical brakes or negotiating curves). During braking, three speed/temperature-dependent particle peaks were identified in the fine region, representing particles 280 nm, 350 nm, and 600 nm in diameter. In the coarse region, a peak was discerned for particles 3–6 μm in diameter. Effects of brake pad temperature on particle size distribution were also investigated. Results indicate that the 280 nm peak increased with increasing temperature, and that electrical braking significantly reduced airborne particle numbers. FESEM images captured particles sizing down to 50 nm. The ICP-MS results indicated that Fe, Cu, Zn, Al, Ca, and Mg were the main elements constituting the particles.

Wheel-rail contact and its wear process are crucial issues in maintenance and operating of rolling stocks. During wheel-rail contact, materials in mating faces are worn off and some of them transferred to airborne particles. Eventhough the wear process in wheel-rail contact are well-known, few studies have been conducted on the airborne particles from wheel-rail contact.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of using different friction modifier on the amount of airbotne particles from wheel-rail contact in a laboratory simulation. In this regard, a series laboratory tests were used by using round head pin (R=25mm) and dead weight 40 N in a pin-on-disc machine. This set-up simulates a contact pressure around 750 MPa on the pin head.

The amount of airborne particles and their characteristics were investigated in dry-contact, and non-dry contacts whereas a lubricant, Binol rail 510 and a friction modifier, tramsilence were used. According to the results, the effects of using Binol rail to reduce the amount of airborne particles were considerable.

During braking both of the discs and pads of disc brakes are worn. Since disc brakes are not sealed, some of the generated wear particles can become airborne.  Wheel-rail is also subjected to wear process during braking as well as normal running. They also contribute to generate airborne particles. Several studies have found an association between adverse health effects and the concentration of particles in the atmosphere, so it is of interest to improve our knowledge of the airborne wear particles generated by disc brakes.

The present work includes results from full scale testing of rail vehicles. Particle size distribution, morphology and elemental contents are presented and discussed for different combinations of disc and pad materials. Due to high back ground concentration levels in field tests, dedicated laboratory test set ups on a reduced scale were designed and utilized for airborne particle studies with zero background level.

Promising correlation between field test and the lab set up is identified. Different ways of using this test set up for evaluating how the composition of the airborne particles is classified with respect to their health effects are discussed. Furthermore, different ways of using the proposed method to rank and to quantify airborne particle emission factors are presented.

The health effects of inhalable airborne particles are well documented. In the European Union the European Council mandates that the level of airborne particles with a diameter smaller than 10 µm (PM10) must not exceed an annual average of 40 µg/m³. Examples of possible sources from rail transport are mechanical brakes, wheel rail contact, current collectors, ballast, sleepers and masonry structures. In this regard, a series of field tests have been conducted on a regular Swedish track using a regional train instrumented with: particle measurement devices, temperature sensors in brake pads and sensors to measure the magnitude of train speed and a GPS.

Two sampling points for airborne particles were designated in the train under frame. One of the sampling points was near a pad to rotor disc brake contact and a second global sampling point was chosen under the frame, but not near a mechanical brake or the wheel-rail contact. The first one was highly influenced by brake pad wear debris and the other one was influenced by all of the brake pads, wheel and rail wear debris as well as re-suspension. In each sampling points, three tubes were linked to three particle measurement devices. Two sets of Ptrak, Dustrak and Grimm devices were used. The Ptrak 8525 was an optical particle measurement device which could measure particle diameter in the size interval of 20 nm up to 1 micrometer. The Dustrak was used to measure particle mass concentration. The Grimm 1.109 was an aerosol spectrometer which counted number of particles from 0.25 micrometer to 32 micrometer in 31 intervals. These two Grimm devices were equipped with Millipore filters in the devices outlets to capture particles for further studies on morphology and matter of particles.

The total number and size distribution of the particles for these two sampling points were registered and evaluated in different situations such as activating and deactivating electrical brake or train curve negotiating.

During braking, three peaks of 250 nm, 350 nm and 600 nm in diameter, with the 350 nm peak dominating were identified in the fine particle region. In the coarse particle region, a peak of around 3-6 µm in diameter was discovered. The brake pad temperature effects on particle size distribution were also investigated and the results showed that the peak around 250 nm increased. Furthermore, the activation of electrical braking significantly reduced the number of airborne particles.

A SEM was used to capture the images from collected particles on filters. Furthermore, an ICP-Ms method was used to investigate the elemental contents of the particulates on the filter.  In this case the main contribution belonged to Fe, Si, Al, Ca, Cu, Zn. The higher amount of some elements weights such as calcium, silicon, sodium and aluminum in the global sampling point filters revealed that ballast and concrete sleepers were the main sources for these particles although some of them originated from rail, wheel, brake disc and brake pad as well.

Knowledge of wheel–rail interaction is crucial to wheel and rail maintenance. In this interaction, some of theworn-off material is transformed into airborne particles. Although such wear is well understood, few studiestreat the particles generated. We investigated friction modifiers' effects on airborne particles characteristicsgenerated in wheel-rail contacts in laboratory conditions. Pin-on-disc machine testing with a round-head pinloaded by a dead weight load 40 N simulated maximum contact pressure over 550 MPa. Airborne particlecharacteristics were investigated in dry contacts and in ones lubricated with biodegradable rail grease andwater- and oil-based friction modifiers. The number of particles declined with the grease; the number ofultrafine particles increased with the water-based friction modifier, mainly due to water vaporization.

Emission of airborne particles is a side effect from rail transport. This work reviews recent research on particle emissions from rail vehicles. Both exhaust and non-exhaust particle emissions are characterized by size, morphology, composition, and size distribution. Current legislation, knowledge of adverse health effects, and available and proposed solutions for emission reductions are also treated. There has been much focus on exhaust emissions, but only a few limited studies have investigated non-exhaust particle emissions, which contain a significant amount of metallic materials. A new method for measuring the airborne wear particle emission rate (AWPER) is proposed as a first step to guide new legislations and to focus further research on non-exhaust airborne emission, i.e., research on the generation mechanisms for particle emissions and their adverse health effects.

Airborne particles and their adverse effects on air quality have been recognized by humans since ancient times. Current exhaust emission legislations increase the relative contribution of wear particles on the PM levels. Consequently, wearbased particle emissions from rail and road transport have raised concerns as ground transportation is developing quickly. Although scientific research on airborne wear-based particles started in 1909, there is almost no legislation that control the generation of wear-based particles. In addition, there is no accepted and approved standard measurement technique for monitoring and recording particle characteristics. The main objective of this study is to review recent experimental work in this field and to discuss their set-ups, the sampling methods, the results, and their limitations, and to propose measures for reducing these limitations.

Brake pads on wheel-mounted disc brakes are often used in rail transport due to their good thermal properties and robustness. During braking, both the disc and the pads are worn. This wear process generates particles that may become airborne and thus affect human health. The long term purpose of ‘Airborne particles in Rail transport’ project is to gain knowledge on the wear mechanisms in order to find means of controlling the number and size distribution of airborne particles. In this regard, a series of full-scale field tests and laboratory tests with a pin-on-disc machine have been conducted. The morphology and the matter of particles, along with their size distribution and concentration, have been studied. The validity of results from the pin-on-disc simulation has been verified by the field test results. Results show an ultra-fine peak for particles with a diameter size around 100 nm in diameter, a dominant fine peak for particles with a size of around 350 nm in diameter, and a coarse peak with a size of 3-7 μm in diameter. Materials such as iron, copper, aluminium, chromium, cobalt, antimony, and zinc have been detected in the nano-sized particles.

Abrasive Waterjet cutting (AWJ) presents many advantages over competing machining techniques, but several issues are related to the high volume of materials (and in particular of abrasive) used in the process.

In this study, the environmental impact of the material flows in the abrasive waterjet industry has been analyzed adopting a life cycle perspective in order to individuate which phases place the largest burden on the environment. Moreover, three alternative abrasives (crushed rock, recycled glass and synthetic abrasive) and three disposal practices (in-site recycling, off-site recycling and recycling as construction material) have been also evaluated to estimate the benefits that can be achieved if these could be used in place of garnet abrasives and landfilling.

The transportation of the abrasive resulted to be the phase that has the largest influence in every case and thus should be reduced as much as possible. For what concerns the alternative options, the usage of recycled glass and the in-site recycling of the abrasive were the two alternatives with the best environmental performances. However, crushed rock could be the best option for what concerns the global warming potential if carbon sequestration due to carbonation of silicate rocks is taken into account. Off-site recycling and recycling as construction material are good options only if the transportation to the recycling site can be reduced. Synthetic abrasive are instead found to have a much larger impact compared to every other alternative examined.

There is growing evidence of a strong linkage or 'nexus' between conflict - both domestic and international - and food, energy, and water (FEW) resources and services. This article demonstrates a positive, significant correlation between two measures, FEW security and political stability, and reviews the evidence for how each of these three types of resource insecurities affects political and social stability. We describe what is known about the FEW-conflict nexus itself, note that remaining knowledge gaps include evidence on developing governance structures and preparing for climate change, and examine the types of policies that countries and international donors might take to help mitigate the role that FEW can play in affecting stability.

Introduction: Today, humanity is trying to develop in all areas of life, so that we can reach a cleaner, more modern, and more sustainable world. This study highlights the importance of architecture to improve areas of life. This report talks about a type of architectural design. It is called biophilic design which means to combine nature with buildings. This study is about biophilic design in school buildings.

Method: To perform the survey, three different methods were chosen. The first method was a questionnaire sent to college students and high school students, the second method was interviews conducted with knowledgeable architects who have extensive experience in the subject of biophilic design and the last method was literature studies.

Results: All data collected from the questionnaire, the interviews and literature studies are summarized as follows:Most college students and high school students think that when you are closer to nature it makes you feel better and that it would help improve the teaching process. Architects who were interviewed thought that biophilic design in school buildings has both advantages and disadvantages, but in general they support the idea of using and spreading the idea more in Sweden.

Analysis: The analyzed data have shown that it is possible to implement biophilic design on the inside and outside of a school building in unusual ways. But many problems will arise, and one must have the will to continue to maintain these materials. It turned out that having these natural elements in school will contribute to a positive effect on the learning environment and the students themselves. For example, as a more creative, calm, and de-stressing environment. Having a green roof seems like an innovative idea but it requires a lot of maintenance.

Discussion: This study focuses on how to implement biophilic design in a school building and what impact it has on the learning environment. The study addressed what is required to integrate the qualities of nature in the right way to maximize its effects. Studying biophilic design, nature and how it affects people and architecture and its impact on people has helped to lead to a clear result.

Photovoltaic Thermal/Hybrid collectors are an emerging technology that combines PV

and solar thermal collectors by producing heat and electricity simultaneously. In this paper,

the electrical performance evaluation of a low concentrating PVT collector was done

through two testing parts: power comparison and performance ratio testing. For the

performance ratio testing, it is required to identify and measure the factors affecting the

performance ratio on a low concentrating PVT collector. Factors such as PV cell

configuration, collector acceptance angle, flow rate, tracking the sun, temperature

dependence and diffuse to irradiance ratio.

Solarus low concentrating PVT collector V12 was tested at Dalarna University in Sweden

using the electrical equipment at the solar laboratory. The PV testing has showed

differences between the two receivers. Back2 was producing 1.8 energy output more than

Back1 throughout the day. Front1 and Front2 were almost the same output performance.

Performance tests showed that the cell configuration for Receiver2 with cells grouping (6-

32-32-6) has proved to have a better performance ratio when to it comes to minimizing

the shading effect leading to more output power throughout the day because of lowering

the mismatch losses. Different factors were measured and presented in this thesis in

chapter 5.

With the current design, it has been obtained a peak power at STC of 107W per receiver.

The solar cells have an electrical efficiency of approximately 19% while the maximum

measured electrical efficiency for the collector was approximately 18 % per active cell area,

in addition to a temperature coefficient of -0.53%/ ˚C. Finally a recommendation was

done to help Solarus AB to know how much the electrical performance is affected during

variable ambient condition and be able to use the results for analyzing and introducing

new modification if needed.

The limited amount of freshwater is the most important challenge facing Egypt due to increasing population and climate change. The objective of this study was to investigate how climatic change affects the winter potato water footprint at the Nile Delta covering 10 governorates from 1990 to 2016. Winter potato evapotranspiration (ETC) was calculated based on daily climate variables of minimum temperature, maximum temperature, wind speed and relative humidity during the growing season (October–February). The Mann–Kendall test was applied to determine the trend of climatic variables, crop evapotranspiration and water footprint. The results showed that the highest precipitation values were registered in the northwest governorates (Alexandria followed by Kafr El-Sheikh). The potato water footprint decreased from 170 m3 ton−1 in 1990 to 120 m3 ton−1 in 2016. The blue-water footprint contributed more than 75% of the total; the remainder came from the green-water footprint. The findings from this research can help government and policy makers better understand the impact of climate change on potato crop yield and to enhance sustainable water management in Egypt’s major crop-producing regions to alleviate water scarcity.

Zn-Al layered double hydroxides (LDH), before and after calcination, were tested for the removal of indigo carmine (IC) dye from solution. These LDH photocatalysts were characterized by powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry/differential thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), nitrogen physisorption at -196 degrees C, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry (DRS). The different photocatalysts were supported on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibres, so that filtration was unnecessary. The PXRD and FTIR analyses showed that the IC adsorption on c-Zn-Al-3-500 (LDH calcined at 500 degrees C) was enhanced by construction of the hydrotalcite matrix intercalated with the dye. The intercalation was clearly evidenced by the appearance of a peak at low degrees 2 theta values. All of the materials prepared exhibited photocatalytic activity, which for the c-Zn-Al-3-500 was comparable to that of commercial PAN-supported ZnO nanoparticles (100% degradation after 180 min). Kinetic studies showed that the degradation of the IC followed a pseudo-first order rate. The high activity and the ease of both synthesis and separation processes rendered this photocatalyst a promising candidate for environmental remediation.

Hydrogen is a potential option to replace fossil fuels considering the increasing demand of energy applications. It is naturally abundant and is regarded as a suitable energy carrier. There has been extensive research to improve the efficiency of storing hydrogen with different methods, including gas compression, liquefaction and sorption in metal hydrides or carbon nanotubes. A comparison of the storage methods shows that liquefaction of hydrogen is more beneficial than compression of hydrogen in terms of higher volumetric capacity, and it is more technologically mature than sorption technologies. This makes it more plausible for long distance distribution. On the other hand, the obstacles in full exploitation of the method are low energy efficiency of the liquefaction process and associated high cost. The recent research has been focusing on increasing the energy efficiency of the storage process. This paper provides, with regard to the conventional methods, a state of the art review of the novel and modified liquefaction process and the latest developments in increasing the efficiency of the energy intensive process. Furthermore, the developments in combining the hydrogen liquefaction plants with renewable energy sources are covered and reviewed. Finally, the ongoing development of hydrogen liquefaction is highlighted.

In this deliverable from the SeCoHeat project, profits that can be made with 1 MWh of electricity production capacity on existing ancillary service markets are evaluated in 2020 and 2021. Profits are evaluated for four different marginal production costs corresponding to the following fuels for a CHP power plant: waste (assumed fuel price: 0 kr/MWh), recycled wood (10 kr/MWh), wood chips (20 kr/MWh) and wood pellets (30 kr/MWh). The results show that except for wood chips and wood pellets in 2020, the most profitable ancillary service markets are FFR (fast-frequency response) and aFRR down (automatic frequency restoration reserves for down-regulation). The reasons are that (1) producers don’t have to withhold capacity from the day-ahead market when their participate in these two markets and (2) producers get compensated for the capacity reserved for the ancillary service markets. For wood chips, the FFR market was the most profitable in 2020, followed by the mFRR down market (manual frequency restoration reserves for down-regulation). The reason for the mFRR down market to be more profitable than the aFRR down market for this fuel is that the profits from mFRR down depend on the avoided fuel costs, which are higher for wood chips than for waste and recycled wood. In 2021, all prices started increasing significantly, which decreased the relative profitability of the mFRR down compared to other markets. For wood pellets, the mFRR down market was also the second most profitable market in 2020, for the same reasons. The most profitable one in 2020 was the mFRR up market (manual frequency restoration reserves for up-regulation). The reason is that the higher fuel price of these two fuels entails low participation in the day-ahead market. Therefore, withholding capacity from the day-ahead market to be able to participate on the mFRR up market brings additional profits. In 2021, however, day-ahead prices started increasing significantly (a trend that continued into 2022) and the mFRR up market became the least profitable market for these two fuels. The profit evaluation performed in this deliverable is purely economic. It does not include the sector coupling to the heat sector (which entails limitation of the available electricity production capacity but also a possibility to store heat if storage is available) nor does it include other technical limitations such as ramp rates. These aspects will be considered in follow-up work in this project. This report has been compiled within the scope of the project SeCoHeat - Sector coupling of district heating with the electricity system: profitability and operation. The project is financed by the Research and Development Foundation of Göteborg Energi.

It has been established that using recycled materials to replace some of the fine aggregates is a viable solution. Most researchers focused on the durability aspect of wood sawdust concrete, while less information is available on its structural performance. Therefore, this article aimed to investigate the performance of reinforced concrete beams fabricated from concrete with a partially replaced fine aggregate (FA) by wood sawdust (WS) in the range of 5–45 % (by weight). Six beams underwent 4-point bending tests till collapse. The beams' slump, density, compressive strength, cracking and failure mode, energy absorption, and economic and environmental aspects were studied. The findings showed that the failure region of sawdust concrete was more significant than the reference samples. Despite the compressive strength of the concrete containing different ratios of sawdust being reduced by about 7–30 %, the target compressive strength still has a limit of low to normal concrete grade. The results show that the increase in sawdust percentages decreased the acquired absorbed energy of the subjected load to reach failure. A cost reduction of 9 % and a cost index of 61 % is achieved using wooden sawdust-based concrete. By substituting sawdust for fine aggregate, the sustainability of sawdust concrete in terms of cost and environmental advantages may be improved. In addition, it is well-known that harnessing the transformative potential of industrial waste in concrete production not only minimizes landfill usage, but also promotes resource efficiency, reduces carbon emissions, and advances the circular economy, propelling designers, engineering and builders towards a greener and more sustainable future in the construction industry. According to the test findings, wood sawdust may be utilized to produce normal and low-strength structural concrete.

Iraq has been suffering from decreasing Euphrates discharge due to the construction of dams within upstream countries and the use of surface irrigation systems. The country is facing a problem with meeting the increasing demand for water as a result of population growth and development in the industrial and agricultural sectors. Therefore, a simulation modelling was applied for western Iraq (Ramadi city as a case study) using the Water Evaluation and Planning System (WEAP) for the period 2018–2035. This research follows a four-step approach that involves: (i) evaluating the available water of the Euphrates River under declined water imports caused by the construction of dams in Turkey and Syria, (ii) assessing present and future water demands of the domestic, industrial, and agricultural sectors, (iii) improving water productivity (WP) by means of saving more water, (iv) estimating the economic returns under improved water use. The results showed that Iraq would face a serious problem in the coming years, represented by the limited storage of Haditha Dam, which is considered the strategic water storage site for the central and southern regions of Iraq. The study indicated the necessity of finding alternative sources of water supply by adopting new water management strategies to reduce the water deficit. 

Activated carbon (AC) has been proven to be highly effective for the in-situ remediation of sediments contaminated with a wide range of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs). However, adverse biological effects, especially to benthic organisms, can accompany this promising remediation potential. In this study, we compare both the remediation potential and the biological effects of several AC materials for two application methods: mixing with sediment (MIX) at doses of 0.1 and 1.0% based on sediment dw and thin layer capping (TLC) with 0.6 and 1.2 kg AC/m(2). Significant dose dependent reductions in PCB bioaccumulation in Lumbriculus variegatus of 35-93% in MIX treatments were observed. Contaminant uptake in TLC treatments was reduced by up to 78% and differences between the two applied doses were small. Correspondingly, significant adverse effects were observed for L. variegatus whenever AC was present in the sediment. The lowest application dose of 0.1% AC in the MIX system reduced L variegatus growth, and 1.0% AC led to a net loss of organism biomass. All TLC treatments let to a loss of biomass in the test organism. Furthermore, mortality was observed with 1.2 kg ACim(2) doses of pure AC for the TLC treatment. The addition of clay (Kaolinite) to the TLC treatments prevented mortality, but did not decrease the loss in biomass. While TLC treatments pose a less laborious alternative for AC amendments in the field, the results of this study show that it has lower remediation potential and could be more harmful to the benthic fauna.

We are at a time when energy efficiency and the reduction in the use of non-renewable energy is an important objective in all aspects and will continue to be so, therefore it is necessary to try to reduce energy and heat losses in the systems used in homes and, in particular, in the domestic hot water (DHW) system. This study aims to find out the advantages and disadvantages of an innovative pipe-in-pipe (PIP) system for DHW circulation with respect to the conventional system of two separate pipes. Previous studies have shown that DHW circulation is indeed an important point of energy losses in the home and that it is possible to reduce these losses by using the innovative system under study. The properties and coefficients defining the heat transfer system have been obtained for both the traditional and innovative systems by using empirical equations and iterative processes, indicating a 32% reduction in heat losses in favour of the pipe-in-pipe system. However, this result has been obtained in a kind of case study, using some simplifying assumptions, needed to accomplish to work within limited time. So the result could vary if a somewhat different system is studied, which is why it is necessary to carry out further studies and research on this subject in order optimize DHW systems in buildings.

This study aimed at evaluating and demonstrating the feasibility of using Concentrated Solar Thermal technology combined with biomass energy technology as a hybrid renewable energy system to supply the process heat requirements in small scale industries in Sri Lanka. Particularly, the focus was to apply the concept to the expanding hotel industry, for covering the thermal energy demand of a medium scale hotel.

Solar modules utilize the rooftop area of the building to a valuable application. Linear Fresnel type of solar concentrator is selected considering the requirement of the application and the simplicity of fabrication and installation compared to other technologies. Subsequently, a wood-fired boiler is deployed as the steam generator as well as the balancing power source to recover the effects due to the seasonal variations in solar energy. Bioenergy, so far being the largest primary energy supply in the country, has a good potential for further growth in industrial applications like small hotels. 

When a hotel with about 200-guests capacity and annual average occupancy of 65% is considered, the total annual CO₂ saving is accounted as 207 tons compared with an entirely fossil fuel (diesel) fired boiler system. The annual operational cost saving is around $ 40,000 and the simple payback period is within 3-4 years. The proposed hybrid system can generate additional 26 employment opportunities in the proximity of the site location area.  

This solar-biomass hybrid concept mitigates the weaknesses associated with these renewable technologies when employed separately. The system has been designed in such a way that the total heat demand of hot water and process steam supply is managed by renewable energy alone. It is thus a self-sustainable, non-conventional, renewable energy system. This concept can be stretched to other critical medium temperature applications like for example absorption refrigeration. The system is applicable to many other industries in the country where space requirement is available, solar irradiance is rich and a solid biomass supply is assured.    

In this study, we propose a higher order mining approach that can be used for the analysis of real-world datasets. The approach can be used to monitor and identify the deviating operational behaviour of the studied phenomenon in the absence of prior knowledge about the data. The proposed approach consists of several different data analysis techniques, such as sequential pattern mining, clustering analysis, consensus clustering and the minimum spanning tree (MST). Initially, a clustering analysis is performed on the extracted patterns to model the behavioural modes of the studied phenomenon for a given time interval. The generated clustering models, which correspond to every two consecutive time intervals, can further be assessed to determine changes in the monitored behaviour. In cases in which significant differences are observed, further analysis is performed by integrating the generated models into a consensus clustering and applying an MST to identify deviating behaviours. The validity and potential of the proposed approach is demonstrated on a real-world dataset originating from a network of district heating (DH) substations. The obtained results show that our approach is capable of detecting deviating and sub-optimal behaviours of DH substations.

Electrification in rural areas of West African countries remain to be a challenge for the growth of the region. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has set a target of 2030 to achieve 100% electrification in all member countries. Burkina Faso is one of the least electrified countries in the world, where only 9 % of the rural population has access to electricity. This study presents a conceptualization of techno-economic feasibility of pumped hydro storage (PHS) and electric batteries with solar photovoltaics (PV) in the context of Burkina Faso. The results are explored for an off grid standalone PV plus storage system for a rural setting and a grid connected PV system for an urban setup. The least cost configurations for both the cases are determined using HOMER (Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables). The results indicate the need of extended solar penetration in Burkina Faso in response to the challenges of low electrification rates in the country. Adding more PV to the present electricity mix of Burkina Faso could drive down the cost of energy by 50 % compared to the present grid electricity prices by making cheap electricity available to the local population. Adding PHS to grid connected PV leads to a cost reduction of 8% over a lifetime of 25 years which does not provide enough motivation for the high investments in storage at present. Policy interventions that allow stacking up of revenues and benefits of storage are needed to make it more competitive. PV plus pumped hydro storage remains the optimal system architecture as compared to PV plus electric batteries for off grid standalone systems provided the geographic availability of lower and upper reservoirs. The capital cost of PV remains to be the most dominating factor in the cost of optimal system for both the urban and the rural cases, and driving down the costs of PV would have the most positive effect for increased electricity access in the country.

Electricity access remains a challenge for the majority of the West African countries, wherein 5 out of 16 have an electrification rate of less than 25%, with Burkina Faso having only 9% of the rural population with electricity access in 2017. This study presents a techno-economic feasibility analysis of solar PV system integration with conceptualized Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) and electric batteries for Burkina Faso. The study explores two cases (a) an off-grid PV with a storage system for rural areas and (b) a grid-connected PV system for an urban location. The least-cost configuration of PV with feasible storage is investigated using HOMER. The results show that Solar PV with PHS remains the optimal system configuration for both rural and urban cases even when the construction costs of lower and upper reservoirs are considered. Battery energy storage systems remain an economically expensive solution even when the added costs of pumped hydro storage are included, owing to the low lifetime and high capital costs of battery storage. The capital cost of PV remains to be the most dominating factor for both cases, signifying the importance of policy interventions for cost reduction of PV for increased green electrification in West African countries.

The purpose of the paper is to determine the environmentally safe and economically feasible technology of biofertilizer production from the digestate including dewatering process. Methodological basis is based on the systematic approach to the determination of factors effected on the distribution of nutrients and pollutants between liquidand solid fractions after digestate separation. We studied modern technologies aimed at dewatering the digestateand reduction of its volume, showed their effectiveness. These technologies allow expanding the opportunities forcommercialization of the digestate, increasing the cost of its transportation and application to the soil instead ofcomplex fertilizers, using some valuable products. The results of the study showed that the ecological quality ofthe digestate is the highest as well as co-digested thermally pre-treated feedstock is used for solid-liquid separationin centrifuge with polymer addition as post-treatment approach to the flocculation. In order to increase efficiencyof biofertilizer application the technological scheme of production process of granular fertilizers from digestatewas proposed. Special feature of this scheme is in the use of phosphogypsum binder for the production of organomineral fertilizer that contributes phosphogypsum recycling in the waste management system.

Low-emissivity (low-E) window films are designed to improve the energy performance of windows and prevent indoor overheating by solar radiation. These films can be applied to different types of glazing units without the need for changing the whole window. This characteristic offers the possibility to improve the energy performance of the window of old and historic buildings for which preservation regulations say windows should remain more or less unchanged. This research aims to figure out to what extent a low-E window film can improve thermal comfort and energy performance of an old three-storey historic stone building in the cold climate of Mid-Sweden. In this research, first, with help of the simulation software “IDA ICE”, the entire building was modelled without window films in a one-year simulation. Second step was to add the low-E window films (3M Thinsulate Climate Control 75 (CC75)) to all the windows and repeat the simulation. Comparison between the results of the two cases revealed an improvement in energy use reduction as well as the thermal comfort when applying the films. For the application of the window films, a cost analysis using payback method was carried out which showed a long- time payback period. Although an investment with a long-time payback period is considered as a disadvantage, for historic buildings with very strict retrofit regulations specially when it comes to the building’s facades, application of the low-emissivity window films for better energy performance and thermal comfort is among the recommendable measures, but not necessarily the best.

Energy security as a dominant factor in international stability is of great importance for major economies. The global energy market with its current level of supply and demand relies on energy sources in the Middle East, Caucasus, Central Asia and Russia. After the Fukushima disaster nuclear powers in Europe view renewable energy sources as a serious alternative. Europe’s energy vulnerability has deteriorated due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, renewable energy sources are not large enough to replace nuclear power completely. This trend will continue with climbing demand especially in the natural gas sector as clean energy. In this research, Caucasus and Iran are considered the main sources and routes for energy transmission to the global market, including Europe. Caucasus plays a key role in bridging Europe and Asia. Also, Iran is an alternative for energy transmission to Europe after lifted sanctions. As part of the European active supply diversification policy Iran has capacity to reduce Europe’s energy dependency on Russia. However, changes in US new administration America First Policy is harmful for the EUs energy security. Caucasus aims to catch a large share of the European energy market since the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline has started operations and Iran is also trying to expand its market to become a sustainable source of energy for major consumers. Therefore, Iran and Caucasus are considered reliable energy suppliers for Europe. In this regard, we analyze the best motivation for changing the direction new suppliers’ energy policies towards Europe and suggest alternative solutions to compete with rival countries in order to enhance energy security.

The oil and gas industry is a complex sector with significant reach in terms of providing the energy needs of the global economy and the security, environmental and development consequences thereof. In particular, the sector is extremely important for the economic growth of emerging markets and developing countries. Furthermore, the life span of oil and gas resources is finite, with high health and safety risks and substantial environmental costs that require careful management and sustainability practices to ensure optimal extraction and utilisation of these resources. This book examines the challenges and opportunities in the oil and gas industry, in the context of emerging markets and developing economies. It provides comprehensive coverage of the management and sustainability practices of the sector, the environmental impact and sustainability of resources as well as the businesses that operate in the sector across the entire value chain. It addresses the current discourse on topics such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Green Economy, the Paris Agreement and Glasgow Climate Pact and concludes with a chapter on the future of the oil and gas industry. The discussions around energy and energy transitions in particular continue to gain momentum and the book provides a wide-reaching and up-to-date overview of the industry. The book introduces readers to the concepts and formal models of analysis in the oil and gas sector and will serve as a useful resource for students, scholars and researchers in operations, marketing, procurement and supply chain management, project management, health and safety management, environmental economics, natural resource economics, development finance, and development studies. Researchers and practitioners working in these areas will also find the book a useful reference material.

Due to the waste crisis in Lebanon and its impact on the social, environmental, and economic sectors, many municipalities like Zahle District and its Unions of Municipalities planned to apply the circular economy to tackle the mismanagement of solid waste. Theoretically, many studies have been conducted at Zahle landfill to integrate was-to-energy technologies and get benefit of the gas generated by anaerobic digestion of biodegradable waste such as food. However, several basic variables related to anaerobic digestion AD had not been taken into consideration such as variation in the organic composition, waste generation related to the population, and power generation efficiency. Therefore, based on the plans set by Law 80 on Integrated Solid Waste Management ISWM to achieve 35% recycling rates 2025-2035, and Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) with conditional target 30% of recycling by 2030, the aim of this thesis is to estimate the biomethane production and power generation achieved at different rates of food waste digestion between 2025 and 2035, to achieve 30 and 35% recycling of FW beside the composting.Thus, scenario A where 10 to 20% of FW is digested, by increasing 1% every year from 2025 t0 2035, and 15% for composting as constant, results show a biomethane yield of 604000 to 1725000m3 annually, with a power generation 2400 to 6800 MWh/years for 2025 and 2035 respectively by usage of 1MW CHP 41.25% electrical efficiency. The achievement of scenario A requires 5 to 9 150m3digesters.Scenario B where digestion rates are 25% by 2025 and 35% by 2035 requires 10 to 19 150m3digesters, where biomethane and power production have ranges of 1466500 to 3019000 m3 annually, and 5800 to 11900MWh/year, respectively.

Non-oxidative acid leaching of pyrrhotite from Kevitsa’s Ni-concentrate and methods to recover by-products, have been investigated. Selective dissolution of pyrrhotite (Fe_1-xS, 0<x<0.25) can enrich the content of the valuable metals, such as Ni and Co, in the final concentrate and will reduce the amount of Fe and S sent to the smelters. The pyrometallurgical smelting of leached concentrate will thus give less formation of smelter by-products in form of slag and SO₂. The leaching was studied through an experimental design plan with parameter settings of  38.8% to 57.8% H₂SO₄ and temperatures from 60 to 100°C. The best results were obtained in experiments carried out at the lower experimental range. Leaching at 60°C with an initial acid concentration of 38.8% H₂SO₄ was found sufficient to selectively dissolve most of the pyrrhotite; leaving an enriched solid residue. A QEMSCAN analysis of the solid residue confirmed that most of the pyrrhotite had been dissolved and showed that pentlandite was still the main Ni-mineral. Chemical assays showed that more than 95% of the Ni, Co, and Cu remained in the final residue.

   The utilized leaching process generates by-products, in the form of large quantities of Fe²⁺ in solution and gaseous H₂S. To recover Fe²⁺, crystallization of iron(ii) sulfate (FeSO₄∙nH₂O) from leach solution through cooling have been studied. The crystallized crystals were further dehydrated into the monohydrate (FeSO₄∙H₂O) through a strong sulfuric acid treatment (80%H₂SO₄). XRD analysis confirmed that FeSO₄∙H₂O was the main phase in the final crystals, and a chemical analysis showed a Fe content of about 30%, 1.5% Mg, 0.4% Ca, and 0.2% Ni.

   The possibility to leach the concentrate by circulating the acidic solution from the crystallization stage has been tested. The recirculation of the solution showed no negative effects, as the recoveries of elements and chemical assays of the final solid residue were found to be similar to the obtained assay when the concentrate was leached in a fresh solution.