Stress testing and risk evaluation of new capacity payment algorithm proposed by Market Council

In the Russian Wholesale Market, electricity and capacity are traded separately. Capacity is a special good, the sale of which obliges suppliers to keep their generating equipment ready to produce the quantity of electricity indicated by the System Operator. The purpose of the formation of capacity trading was the maintenance of reliable and uninterrupted delivery of electricity in the wholesale market. The price of capacity reflects constant investments in construction, modernization and maintenance of power plants. So, the capacity sale creates favorable conditions to attract investments in the energy sector because it guarantees the investor that his investments will be returned.

Distribution and role of macrophytes in coastal lagoons : implications of critical shifts

Crossroads, crucibles and refuges are three words that may describe natural coastal lagoon environments. The words refer to the complex mix of marine and terrestrial influences, prolonged dilution due to the semi-enclosed nature and the function of a habitat for highly diverse plant and animal communities, some of which are endangered. To attain a realistic picture of the present situation, high vulnerability to anthropogenic impact should be added to the description. As the sea floor in coastal lagoons is usually entirely photic, macrophyte primary production is accentuated compared with open sea environments. There is, however, a lack of proper knowledge on the importance of vegetation for the general functioning of coastal lagoon ecosystems. The aim of this thesis is to assess the role of macrophyte diversity, cover and species identity over temporal and spatial scales for lagoon functions, and to determine which steering factors primarily restrict the qualitative and quantitative composition of vegetation in coastal lagoons. The results are linked to patterns of related trophic levels and the indicative potential of vegetation for assessment of general conditions in coastal lagoons is evaluated. This thesis includes five field studies conducted in flads and glo-flads in the brackish water northern Baltic Sea. Flads and glo-flads are defined as a Baltic variety of coastal lagoons, which due to an inlet threshold and post-glacial landuplift slowly will be isolated from the open sea. This process shrinks inlet size, increases exposure and water retention, and is called habitat isolation. The studied coastal lagoons are situated in the archipelago areas of the eastern coast of Sweden, the Åland Islands and the south-west mainland of Finland, where land-uplift amounts to ca. 5 mm/ per year. Out of 400 evaluated sites, a total of 70 lagoons varying in inlet size, archipelago position and anthropogenic influence to cover for essential environmental variation were chosen for further inventory. Vegetation composition, cover and richness were measured together with several hydrographic and morphometric variables in the lagoons both seasonally and inter-annually to cover for general regional, local and temporal patterns influencing lagoon and vegetation development. On smaller species-level scale, the effects of macrophyte species identity and richness for the fish habitat function were studied by examining the influence of plant interaction on juvenile fish diversity. Thus, the active election of plant monoand polycultures by fish and the diversity of fish in the respective culture were examined and related to plant height and water depth. The lagoons and vegetation composition were found to experience a regime shift initiated by increased habitat isolation along with land-uplift. Vegetation composition altered, richness decreased and cover increased forming a less isolated and more isolated regime, named the vascular plant regime and charophyte regime, respectively according to the dominant vegetation. As total phosphorus in the water, turbidity and the impact of regional influences decreased in parallel, the dominance of charophytes and increasing cover seemed to buffer and stabilize conditions in the charophyte regime and indicated an increased functional role of vegetation for the lagoon ecosystem. The regime pattern was unaffected by geographical differences, while strong anthropogenic impact seemed to distort the pattern due to loss of especially Chara tomentosa L. in the charophyte regime. The regimes were further found unperturbed by short-time temporal fluctuations. In fact the seasonal and inter-annual dynamics reinforced the functional difference between the regimes by the increasing role of vegetation along habitat isolation and the resemblance to lake environments for the charophyte regime. For instance, greater total phosphorus and chlorophyll a concentrations in the water in the beginning of the season in the charophyte regime compared with the vascular plant regime presented a steeper reduction to even lower values than in the vascular plant regime along the season. Despite a regional importance and positive relationship of macrophyte diversity in relation to trophic diversity, species identity was underlined in the results of this thesis, especially with decreasing spatial scale. This result was supported partly by the increased role of charophytes in the functioning of the charophyte regime, but even more explicitly by the species-specific preference of juvenile fish for tall macrophyte monocultures. On a smaller species-level scale, tall plant species in monoculture seemed to be able to increase their length, indicating that negative selection forms preferred habitat structures, which increase fish diversity. This negative relationship between plant and fish diversity suggest a shift in diversity patterns among trohic levels on smaller scale. Thus, as diversity patterns seem complex and diverge among spatial scales, it might be ambiguous to extend the understanding of diversity relationships from one trophic level to the other. All together, the regime shift described here presents similarities to the regime development in marine lagoon environments and shallow lakes subjected to nutrient enrichment. However, due to nutrient buffering by vegetation with increased isolation and water retention as a consequence of the inlet threshold, the development seems opposite to the course along an eutrophication gradient described in marine lagoons lacking an inlet threshold, where the role of vegetation decreases. Thus, the results imply devastating consequences of inlet dredging (decreasing isolation) in terms of vegetation loss and nutrient release, and call for increased conservational supervision. Especially the red listed charophytes would suffer negatively from such interference and the consequences are likely to also deteriorate juvenile fish production. The fact that a new species to Finland, Chara connivens Salzm. Ex. Braun 1835 was discovered during this study further indicates a potential of the lagoons serving as refuges for rare species.

The Plastic Capacity of Boiler Supporting Headers

The goal of this thesis was to make a dimensioning tool to determine the plastic capacity of the boiler supporting header. The capacity of the header is traditionally determined by using FE-method during the project phase. By using the dimensioning tool the goal is to ensure the capacity already in the proposal phase. The study began by analyzing the headers of the ongoing projects by using FE-method. For the analytical solution a plain header was analyzed without the effects of branches or lug. The calibration of parameters in the analytical solution was made using these results. In the analytical solution the plastic capacity of the plastic hinges in the header was defined. The stresses caused by the internal pressure as well as the normal and shear forces caused by the external loading reduced the plastic moment. The final capacity was determined by using the principle of virtual work. The weakening effect of the branches was taken into account by using pressure areas. Also the capacity of the punching shear was defined. The results from the FE-analyses and the analytical solution correlate with each other. The results from the analytical solution are conservative but give correct enough results when considering the accuracy of the used method.

Absorptive capacity of Multinational Corporation’s parent company

The objective of this paper is to contribute to the literature concerning absorptive capacity by revealing the factors affecting the absorptive capacity of MNC parent company toward subsidiary and most particularly the effects of intra-organizational antecedents. The theoretical framework is build around previous findings on knowledge sharing and absorptive capacity. The empirical part of the study is a qualitative research which includes in-depth interviews and analysis of secondary data based on a single case company. The results showed that organizational structure, internal communication, informal networks, formal networks, internationalization, human resources management, shared language, meetings, trust, participation in decision-making, level of awareness, IT system, level of adaptation to market specifications and job rotation influence parent company’s absorptive capacity. Moreover, related problems to these antecedents have been identified. Additionally, recommendations to solve these problems are formulated. In the end, directions for future research on this topic are given.

Combustion properties of biomass residues rich in phosphorus

Tillgången på traditionella biobränslen är begränsad och därför behöver man ta fram nya, tidigare outnyttjade biobränslen för att möta de uppställda CO2 emissionsmålen av EU och det ständigt ökande energibehovet. Under de senare åren har intresset riktats mot termisk energiutvinning ur olika restfraktioner och avfall. Vid produktion av fordonsbränsle ur biomassa är den fasta restprodukten ofta den största procesströmmen i produktionsanläggningen. En riktig hantering av restprodukterna skulle göra produktionen mera lönsam och mer ekologiskt hållbar. Ett alternativ är att genom förbränning producera elektricitet och/eller värme eftersom dessa restprodukter anses som CO2-neutrala. Målsättningen med den här avhandlingen var att studera förbränningsegenskaperna hos några fasta restprodukter som uppstår vid framställning av förnybara fordonsbränslen. De fyra undersökta materialen är rapskaka, palmkärnskaka, torkad drank och stabiliserat rötslam. I studien används ett stort urval av undersökningsmetoder, från laboratorieskala till fullskalig förbränning, för att identifiera de huvudsakliga utmaningarna förknippade med förbränning av restprodukterna i pannor med fluidiserad bäddteknik. Med hjälp av detaljerad bränslekarakterisering kunde restprodukterna konstateras vara en värdefull källa för värme- och elproduktion. Den kemiska sammansättningen av restprodukterna varierar stort jämfört med mera traditionellt använda biobränslen. En gemensam faktor för alla de studerade restprodukterna är en hög fosforhalt. På grund av de låga fosforkoncentrationerna i de traditionella biobränslena har grundämnet hittills inte ansetts spela någon större roll i askkemin. Experimenten visade nu att fosfor inte mera kan försummas då man studerar kemin i förbränningsprocesser, då allt flera fosforrika bränslen tränger in på energimarknaden.

Enhancing absorptive capacity in a non-research and development. An action research approach to converting individual observations into organisational awareness

The ability to recognize potential knowledge and convert it into business opportunities is one of the key factors of renewal in uncertain environments. This thesis examines absorptive capacity in the context of non-research and development innovation, with a primary focus on the social interaction that facilitates the absorption of knowledge. It proposes that everyone is and should be entitled to take part in the social interaction that shapes individual observations into innovations. Both innovation and absorptive capacity have been traditionally related to research and development departments and institutions. These innovations need to be adopted and adapted by others. This so-called waterfall model of innovations is only one aspect of new knowledge generation and innovation. In addition to this Science–Technology–Innovation perspective, more attention has been recently paid to the Doing–Using–Interacting mode of generating new knowledge and innovations. The amount of literature on absorptive capacity is vast, yet the concept is reified. The greater part of the literature links absorptive capacity to research and development departments. Some publications have focused on the nature of absorptive capacity in practice and the role of social interaction in enhancing it. Recent literature on absorptive capacity calls for studies that shed light on the relationship between individual absorptive capacity and organisational absorptive capacity. There has also been a call to examine absorptive capacity in non-research and development environments. Drawing on the literature on employee-driven innovation and social capital, this thesis looks at how individual observations and ideas are converted into something that an organisation can use. The critical phases of absorptive capacity, during which the ideas of individuals are incorporated into a group context, are assimilation and transformation. These two phases are seen as complementary: whereas assimilation is the application of easy-to-accept knowledge, transformation challenges the current way of thinking. The two require distinct kinds of social interaction and practices. The results of this study can been crystallised thus: “Enhancing absorptive capacity in practicebased non-research and development context is to organise the optimal circumstances for social interaction. Every individual is a potential source of signals leading to innovations. The individual, thus, recognises opportunities and acquires signals. Through the social interaction processes of assimilation and transformation, these signals are processed into the organisation’s reality and language. The conditions of creative social capital facilitate the interplay between assimilation and transformation. An organisation that strives for employee-driven innovation gains the benefits of a broader surface for opportunity recognition and faster absorption.” If organisations and managers become more aware of the benefits of enhancing absorptive capacity in practice, they have reason to assign resources to those practices that facilitate the creation of absorptive capacity. By recognising the underlying social mechanisms and structural features that lead either to assimilation or transformation, it is easier to balance between renewal and effective operations.

Capacity of an I-beam made of S960 QC based on Eurocode 3

The capacity of beams is a very important factor in the study of durability of structures and structural members. The capacity of a high-strength steel I-beam made of S960 QC was investigated in this study. The investigation included assessment of the service limits and ultimate limits of the steel beam. The thesis was done according to European standards for steel structures, Eurocode 3. An analytical method was used to determine the throat thickness, deformation, elastic and plastic moment capacities as well as the fatigue life of the beam. The results of the analytical method were compared with those obtained by Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Elastic moment capacity obtained by the analytical method was 172 kNm. FEA and the analytical method predicted the maximum lateral-torsional buckling (LTB) capacity in the range of 90-93 kNm and the probability of failure as a result of LTB is estimated to be 50%. The lateral buckling capacity meant that the I-beam can carry a safe load of 300 kN instead of the initial load of 600 kN. The beam is liable to fail shortly after exceeding the elastic moment capacity. Based on results in of the different approaches, it was noted that FEA predicted higher deformation values on the load-deformation curve than the analytical results. However, both FEA and the analytical methods predicted identical results for nominal stress range and moment capacities. Fatigue life was estimated to be in the range of 53000-64000 cycles for bending stress range using crack propagation equation and strength-life approach. As Eurocode 3 is limited to steel grades up to S690, results for S960 must be verified with experimental data and appropriate design rules.

Ultimate capacity of stainless steel rectangular hollow section X- joints at low temperatures

Growing demand for stainless steel construction materials has increased the popularity of substitutive materials for austenitic stainless steels. The lean duplex grades have taken their place in building of structures exposed to corrosive environments. Since the duplex grades are relatively new materials, the current codes and norms do not fully cover the newest duplex grades. The joints tested in this thesis were designed and studied according to Eurocode 3, even though all the materials are not yet accepted to the standards. The main objective in this thesis was to determine the differences of the used materials in behaviour under loading at low temperatures. Tests in which the deformation and strength properties of the joints were determined were done at the temperature of -46°C, which is the requirement of temperature for structures designed according to Norsok standards. Results show that replacing the austenitic grade with the lean duplex grade is acceptable.

The Impact of Electrical Capacity Market Mechanisms on Capacity Mobility and End Use Customer Pricing

Potential impacts of electrical capacity market design on capacity mobility and end use customer pricing are analyzed. Market rules and historical evolution are summarized to provide a background for the analysis. The summarized rules are then examined for impacts on capacity mobility. A summary of the aspects of successful capacity markets is provided. Two United States market regions are chosen for analysis based upon their market history and proximity to each other. The MISO region is chosen due to recent developments in capacity market mechanisms. The PJM region neighbors the MISO region and is similar in size and makeup. The PJM region has had a capacity market mechanism for over a decade and allows for a controlled comparison of the MISO region’s developments. Capacity rules are found to have an impact on the mobility of capacity between regions. Regulatory restrictions and financial penalties for the movement of capacity between regions are found which effectively hinder such mobility. Capacity market evolution timelines are formed from the historical evolution previously summarized and compared to historical pricing to inspect for a correlation. No direct and immediate impact on end use customer pricing was found due to capacity market design. The components of end use customer pricing are briefly examined.

Kunnallisen jätevedenkäsittelyn tehostaminen membraanitekniikan avulla – esimerkkinä Savitaipaleen jätevedenpuhdistamo

Työssä tutkittiin mahdollisuutta tehostaa kunnallista jätevedenpuhdistusta membraanitekniikkaa käyttäen. Teoriaosassa perehdyttiin kunnallisen jäteveden omi-naisuuksiin ja perinteiseen puhdistusprosessiin. Tämän lisäksi membraanien yleisiä ominaisuuksia, membraanityyppien kykyä erottaa jäteveden sisältämiä yhdisteitä sekä erilaisia mahdollisuuksia membraanisuodatukselle perinteisen jäteve-denpuhdistusprosessin yhteydessä käytiin läpi. Kokeellisessa osassa keskityttiin Savitaipaleen puhdistamon puhdistetun jäteveden laadun parantamiseen membraanisuodatukseen perustuvalla jälkikäsittely-yksiköllä eli tertiäärisuodatuksella. Erilaisia paineavusteisia membraanitekniikoita (MF, UF, NF ja RO) tutkittiin jäteveden puhdistamiseksi ja erotustehokkuuden vertailemiseksi. Tavoitteena oli löytää tehokas ja käytännössä toimiva tapa poistaa fosforia ja typpeä puhdistetusta jätevedestä. Tasomaisilla membraaneilla tehdyissä suodatuksissa MF-membraanit poistivat tehokkaasti fosforia (97 – 98 %) sekä kiintoainesta (100 %) jätevedestä. RO-membraanit alensivat fosfori- (100 %) ja typpipitoisuutta (90 – 94 %) tehokkaasti, poistaen myös liuenneita orgaanisia yhdisteitä (DOC, 90 – 94 %). Mikrosuodatukseen perustuvilla onttokuitumembraaneilla saavutettiin tehokkaan fosforinpoiston lisäksi tasainen kapasiteetti suodatuksen aikaista puhdistusmene-telmää optimoimalla. Pitoisuusalenemat olivat myös erittäin korkeita fosforille (97 – 99 %), kiintoaineelle (100 %), sameudelle (96 – 99 %) sekä COD:lle (38 – 55 %). Tulosten perusteella membraanitekniikkaan perustuva onttokuitusuodatus olisi tehokas ja toimiva jälkikäsittelyprosessi fosforinpoistoon ja jäteveden laadun pa-rantamiseen. Typen poistamiseen parhaiten toimi RO-membraani.

Apply of energy storages in electricity distribution networks and reserve capacity applications

The Thesis is dedicated to development of an operative tool to support decision making of battery energy storages implementation in distribution networks. The basics of various battery technologies, their perspectives and challenges are represented in the Thesis. Mathematical equations that describe economic effect from battery energy storage installation are offered. The main factors that influence profitability of battery settings have been explored and mathematically defined. Mathematical model and principal trends of battery storage profitability under an impact of the major factors are determined. The meaning of annual net value was introduced to show the difference between savings and required costs. The model gives a clear vision for dependencies between annual net value and main factors. Proposals for optimal network and battery characteristics are suggested.

Cross-border transmission capacity development – Experiences from the Nordic electricity markets

The liberalisation of the wholesale electricity markets has been considered an efficient way to organise the markets. In Europe, the target is to liberalise and integrate the common European electricity markets. However, insufficient transmission capacity between the market areas hampers the integration, and therefore, new investments are required. Again, massive transmission capacity investments are not usually easy to carry through. This doctoral dissertation aims at elaborating on critical determinants required to deliver the necessary transmission capacity investments. The Nordic electricity market is used as an illustrative example. This study suggests that changes in the governance structure have affected the delivery of Nordic cross-border investments. In addition, the impacts of not fully delivered investments are studied in this doctoral dissertation. An insufficient transmission network can degrade the market uniformity and may also cause a need to split the market into smaller submarkets. This may have financial impacts on market actors when the targeted efficient sharing of resources is not met and even encourage gaming. The research methods applied in this doctoral dissertation are mainly empirical ranging from a Delphi study to case studies and numerical calculations.