Heavy ion irradiation effects in zirconium nitride

Polycrystalline zirconium nitride (ZrN) samples were irradiated with He +, Kr ++, and Xe ++ ions to high (>1·10 16 ions/cm 2) fluences at ∼100 K. Following ion irradiation, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) were used to analyze the microstructure and crystal structure of the post-irradiated material. For ion doses equivalent to approximately 200 displacements per atom (dpa), ZrN was found to resist any amorphization transformation, based on TEM observations. At very high displacement damage doses, GIXRD measurements revealed tetragonal splitting of some of the diffraction maxima (maxima which are associated with cubic ZrN prior to irradiation). In addition to TEM and GIXRD, mechanical property changes were characterized using nanoindentation. Nanoindentation revealed no change in elastic modulus of ZrN with increasing ion dose, while the hardness of the irradiated ZrN was found to increase significantly with ion dose. Finally, He + ion implanted ZrN samples were annealed to examine He gas retention properties of ZrN as a function of annealing temperature. He gas release was measured using a residual gas analysis (RGA) spectrometer. RGA measurements were performed on He-implanted ZrN samples and on ZrN samples that had also been irradiated with Xe ++ ions, in order to introduce high levels of displacive radiation damage into the matrix. He evolution studies revealed that ZrN samples with high levels of displacement damage due to Xe implantation, show a lower temperature threshold for He release than do pristine ZrN samples.

PDVSA-Bitor revamps Orimulsion formula to boost environmental cost benefits

Orimulsion400 is a new generation of the Orimulsion formula. This new generation is a more environmentally friendly, cost-effective energy source. This article describes the product's evolution as well as test results from diverse power plants.

A new slacks-based measure of Malmquist-Luenberger index in the presence of undesirable outputs

In the majority of production processes, noticeable amounts of bad byproducts or bad outputs are produced. The negative effects of the bad outputs on efficiency cannot be handled by the standard Malmquist index to measure productivity change over time. Toward this end, the Malmquist-Luenberger index (MLI) has been introduced, when undesirable outputs are present. In this paper, we introduce a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model as well as an algorithm, which can successfully eliminate a common infeasibility problem encountered in MLI mixed period problems. This model incorporates the best endogenous direction amongst all other possible directions to increase desirable output and decrease the undesirable outputs at the same time. A simple example used to illustrate the new algorithm and a real application of steam power plants is used to show the applicability of the proposed model.

Business case development

Today, focus is shifting to creation of bio-energy, biofuel and bioproducts from cellulosic biomass derived from various sources, including existing and new crops and their residues, trees and forest residues, and municipal or industrial wastes. At present, biomass co-firing in modern coal power plants with efficiencies up to 45% is the most cost-effective biomass use for power generation. Due to feedstock availability issues, dedicated biomass plants for combined heat and power (CHP), are typically of smaller size and lower electrical efficiency compared to coal plants. The financial model discussed in the chapter is suitable for all countries both in the West and in the developing world. From the economic analysis given in the chapter it can be concluded that intermediate pyrolysis technology proves to be very effective in terms of product qualities of the oil produced and also the return on investment is around 4 to 5 years.

A model of the hydrothermal system at Casa Diablo in Long Valley, California, based on resistivity profiles and soil mercury analyses

A description and model of the near-surface hydrothermal system at Casa Diablo, with its implications for the larger-scale hydrothermal system of Long Valley, California, is presented. The data include resistivity profiles with penetrations to three different depth ranges, and analyses of inorganic mercury concentrations in 144 soil samples taken over a 1.3 by 1.7 km area. Analyses of the data together with the mapping of active surface hydrothermal features (fumaroles, mudpots, etc.), has revealed that the relationship between the hydrothermal system, surface hydrothermal activity, and mercury anomalies is strongly controlled by faults and topography. There are, however, more subtle factors responsible for the location of many active and anomalous zones such as fractures, zones of high permeability, and interactions between hydrothermal and cooler groundwater. In addition, the near-surface location of the upwelling from the deep hydrothermal reservoir, which supplies the geothermal power plants at Casa Diablo and the numerous hot pools in the caldera with hydrothermal water, has been detected. The data indicate that after upwelling the hydrothermal water flows eastward at shallow depth for at least 2 km and probably continues another 10 km to the east, all the way to Lake Crowley.

Energia eólica em alto mar: distribuição dos recursos e complementaridade hídrica

The stabilization of energy supply in Brazil has been a challenge for the operation of the National Interconnected System in face of hydrological and climatic variations. Thermoelectric plants have been used as an emergency source for periods of water scarcity. The utilization of fossil fuels, however, has elevated the cost of electricity. On the other hand, offshore wind energy has gained importance in the international context and is competitive enough to become a possibility for future generation in Brazil. In this scenario, the main goal of this thesis was to investigate the magnitude and distribution of offshore wind resources, and also verify the possibilities of complementing hydropower. A data series of precipitation from the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) Blended Sea Winds from the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC/NOAA) were used. According to statistical criteria, three types of complementarity were found in the Brazilian territory: hydro × hydro, wind × wind and hydro × wind. It was noted a significant complementarity between wind and hydro resources (r = -0.65), mainly for the hydrographical basins of the southeast and central regions with Northeastern Brazil winds. To refine the extrapolation of winds over the ocean, a method based on the Monin-Obukhov theory was used to model the stability of the atmospheric boundary layer. Objectively Analyzed Air-Sea Flux (OAFLUX) datasets for heat flux, temperature and humidity, and also sea level pressure data from NCEP/NCAR were used. The ETOPO1 from the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC/NOAA) provided bathymetric data. It was found that shallow waters, between 0-20 meters, have a resource estimated at 559 GW. The contribution of wind resources to hydroelectric reservoir operation was investigated with a simplified hybrid wind-hydraulic model, and reservoir level, inflow, outflow and turbine production data. It was found that the hybrid system avoids drought periods, continuously saving water from reservoirs through wind production. Therefore, from the results obtained, it is possible to state that the good winds from the Brazilian coast can, besides diversifying the electric matrix, stabilize the hydrological fluctuations avoiding rationing and blackouts, reducing the use of thermal power plants, increasing the production cost and emission of greenhouse gases. Public policies targeted to offshore wind energy will be necessary for its full development.

Uma metodologia para geração otimizada de ambientes virtuais baseados em usinas hidrelétricas

Based on the possibility of real-time interaction with three-dimensional environments through an advanced interface, Virtual Reality consist in the main technology of this work, used in the design of virtual environments based on real Hydroelectric Plants. Previous to the process of deploying a Virtual Reality System for operation, three-dimensional modeling and interactive scenes settings are very importante steps. However, due to its magnitude and complexity, power plants virtual environments generation, currently, presents high computing cost. This work aims to present a methodology to optimize the production process of virtual environments associated with real hydroelectric power plants. In partnership with electric utility CEMIG, several HPPs were used in the scope of this work. During the modeling of each one of them, the techiniques within the methodologie were addressed. After the evaluation of the computional techniques presented here, it was possible to confirm a reduction in the time required to deliver each hydroelectrical complex. Thus, this work presents the current scenario about development of virtual hydroelectric power plants and discusses the proposed methodology that seeks to optimize this process in the electricity generation sector.

Parents of the late Karen Silkwood

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment Modeling Approaches for Transboundary Energy Feedstocks

The rise of the twenty-first century has seen the further increase in the industrialization of Earth’s resources, as society aims to meet the needs of a growing population while still protecting our environmental and natural resources. The advent of the industrial bioeconomy – which encompasses the production of renewable biological resources and their conversion into food, feed, and bio-based products – is seen as an important step in transition towards sustainable development and away from fossil fuels. One sector of the industrial bioeconomy which is rapidly being expanded is the use of biobased feedstocks in electricity production as an alternative to coal, especially in the European Union.

As bioeconomy policies and objectives increasingly appear on political agendas, there is a growing need to quantify the impacts of transitioning from fossil fuel-based feedstocks to renewable biological feedstocks. Specifically, there is a growing need to conduct a systems analysis and potential risks of increasing the industrial bioeconomy, given that the flows within it are inextricably linked. Furthermore, greater analysis is needed into the consequences of shifting from fossil fuels to renewable feedstocks, in part through the use of life cycle assessment modeling to analyze impacts along the entire value chain.

To assess the emerging nature of the industrial bioeconomy, three objectives are addressed: (1) quantify the global industrial bioeconomy, linking the use of primary resources with the ultimate end product; (2) quantify the impacts of the expaning wood pellet energy export market of the Southeastern United States; (3) conduct a comparative life cycle assessment, incorporating the use of dynamic life cycle assessment, of replacing coal-fired electricity generation in the United Kingdom with wood pellets that are produced in the Southeastern United States.

To quantify the emergent industrial bioeconomy, an empirical analysis was undertaken. Existing databases from multiple domestic and international agencies was aggregated and analyzed in Microsoft Excel to produce a harmonized dataset of the bioeconomy. First-person interviews, existing academic literature, and industry reports were then utilized to delineate the various intermediate and end use flows within the bioeconomy. The results indicate that within a decade, the industrial use of agriculture has risen ten percent, given increases in the production of bioenergy and bioproducts. The underlying resources supporting the emergent bioeconomy (i.e., land, water, and fertilizer use) were also quantified and included in the database.

Following the quantification of the existing bioeconomy, an in-depth analysis of the bioenergy sector was conducted. Specifically, the focus was on quantifying the impacts of the emergent wood pellet export sector that has rapidly developed in recent years in the Southeastern United States. A cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment was conducted in order to quantify supply chain impacts from two wood pellet production scenarios: roundwood and sawmill residues. For reach of the nine impact categories assessed, wood pellet production from sawmill residues resulted in higher values, ranging from 10-31% higher.

The analysis of the wood pellet sector was then expanded to include the full life cycle (i.e., cradle-to-grave). In doing to, the combustion of biogenic carbon and the subsequent timing of emissions were assessed by incorporating dynamic life cycle assessment modeling. Assuming immediate carbon neutrality of the biomass, the results indicated an 86% reduction in global warming potential when utilizing wood pellets as compared to coal for electricity production in the United Kingdom. When incorporating the timing of emissions, wood pellets equated to a 75% or 96% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, depending upon whether the forestry feedstock was considered to be harvested or planted in year one, respectively.

Finally, a policy analysis of renewable energy in the United States was conducted. Existing coal-fired power plants in the Southeastern United States were assessed in terms of incorporating the co-firing of wood pellets. Co-firing wood pellets with coal in existing Southeastern United States power stations would result in a nine percent reduction in global warming potential.

Sustainable solutions for the construction sector: integration of secondary raw materials in the production cycle of concrete

The construction industry is one of the largest consumers of raw materials and energy and one of the highest contributor to green-houses gases emissions. In order to become more sustainable it needs to reduce the use of both raw materials and energy, thus lim-iting its environmental impact. Developing novel technologies to integrate secondary raw materials (i.e. lightweight recycled aggre-gates and alkali activated “cementless” binders - geopolymers) in the production cycle of concrete is an all-inclusive solution to im-prove both sustainability and cost-efficiency of construction industry. SUS-CON “SUStainable, Innovative and Energy-Efficiency CONcrete, based on the integration of all-waste materials” is an European project (duration 2012-2015), which aim was the inte-gration of secondary raw materials in the production cycle of concrete, thus resulting in innovative, sustainable and cost-effective building solutions. This paper presents the main outcomes related to the successful scaling-up of SUS-CON concrete solutions in traditional production plants. Two European industrial concrete producers have been involved, to design and produce both pre-cast components (blocks and panels) and ready-mixed concrete. Recycled polyurethane foams and mixed plastics were used as aggre-gates, PFA (Pulverized Fuel Ash, a by-product of coal fuelled power plants) and GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag, a by-product of iron and steel industries) as binders. Eventually, the installation of SUS-CON concrete solutions on real buildings has been demonstrated, with the construction of three mock-ups located in Europe (Spain, Turkey and Romania)

Development of a Rational Characterization Method for Iowa Fly Ash, HR-286, Annual Progress Report 2, 1987

The following report summarizes research activities on the project for the period December 1, 1986 to November 30, 1987. Research efforts for the second year deviated slightly from those described in the project proposal. By the end of the second year of testing, it was possible to begin evaluating how power plant operating conditions influenced the chemical and physical properties of fly ash obtained from one of the monitored power plants (Ottumwa Generating Station, OGS). Hence, several of the tasks initially assigned to the third year of the project (specifically tasks D, E, and F) were initiated during the second year of the project. Manpower constraints were balanced by delaying full scale implementation of the quantitative X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis tasks until the beginning of the third year of the project. Such changes should have little bearing on the outcome of the overall project.

Urbaania energiaa. Suvilahden, Hanasaaren A- ja Vuosaaren voimalaitokset osana helsinkiläistä kaupunkiympäristöä

Tutkimus koostuu kolmen Helsingissä sijaitsevan, kolmena eri aikakautena, 1910-, 1950- ja 1990-luvuilla, rakennetun voimalaitoksen arkkitehtuurista ja rakennustyypistä sekä niiden eroista ja erityisyyksistä samoin kuin näiden voimalaitosten roolista ja vaikutuksesta Helsingin kaupunkisuunnitteluun ja -rakentamiseen, kaupunkikuvaan sekä ympäristöestetiikkaan. Tutkimus on rajattu koskemaan erityyppisten voimalaitosten osalta yksinomaan kolmea helsinkiläistä kaupungissa sijaitsevaa voimalaitosta, Suvilahtea, Hanasaari-A:ta ja Vuosaaren A- ja B-laitoksia. Tutkimuksen tarkoituksena on ensinnäkin selvittää sekä periaatteessa että edellä mainittujen kolmen esimerkkikohteen kautta seikkoja, jotka ovat vaikuttaneet kunkin voimalaitoksen arkkitehtuuriin ja rakennustyyppiin kunakin aikakautena. Kaupunkivoimalan olennaiset elementit ovat korkea savupiippu, mittava polttoainevarasto sekä massiiviset rakennusmassat, jotka vaativat runsasta maankäyttöä. Toiseksi tutkimuksessa paneudutaan kaupunkisuunnitteluun laitoksen sijoittumisen osalta sekä ajallisesti että paikallisesti. Kolmanneksi selvitetään kaupunkikuvallisia ja ympäristöesteettisiä seikkoja, sekä niiden vaikutusten kehitystä voimalaitoksen toteutuksen ja nykyhetken kesken. Tutkimuksessa haetaan vastausta kysymykseen, miten Helsingissä sijaitseva voimalaitos arkkitehtuuriltaan, rakennustyypiltään ja sijoitukseltaan on soveltunut ja jatkossa soveltuu kaupunkisuunnittelun kannalta kaupunkikuvallisesti sekä ympäristöesteettisesti kyseiseen kaupunkiympäristöön. Tutkimus selvittää myös sitä ilmeistä ristiriitaa, joka syntyy kaupungin kehittyessä ja laajentuessa, jolloin voimalaitos infrastruktuurinsa ja useimmiten suunnattoman kokonsa vuoksi edustaa pysyvyyttä rakentuvan alueen sisällä. Tässä yhteydessä tutkimuksessa pohditaan esimerkkikohteiden avulla voimalaitoksen säilyttämistä puoltavia rakennustaiteellisia arvoja, mahdollista korvattavuutta, ja siinä yhteydessä haetaan vastauksia jäljelle jäävälle laitosrakennukselle kaupunkisuunnittelun kannalta asetettavista uusiokäytön vaatimuksista ja mahdollisuuksista. Tutkimuksen metodologia on sekä kvantitatiivisesti että kvalitatiivisesti historiallinen, esimerkkikohteita käsiteltäessä tarvittavassa määrin myös mikrohistoriallinen.

Energy systems analysis of transboundary river basins in a nexus approach: the Sava river basin study case

Resource management policies are frequently designed and planned to target specific needs of particular sectors, without taking into account the interests of other sectors who share the same resources. In a climate of resource depletion, population growth, increase in energy demand and climate change awareness, it is of great importance to promote the assessment of intersectoral linkages and, by doing so, understand their effects and implications. This need is further augmented when common use of resources might not be solely relevant at national level, but also when the distribution of resources ranges over different nations. This dissertation focuses on the study of the energy systems of five south eastern European countries, which share the Sava River Basin, using a water-food(agriculture)-energy nexus approach. In the case of the electricity generation sector, the use of water is essential for the integrity of the energy systems, as the electricity production in the riparian countries relies on two major technologies dependent on water resources: hydro and thermal power plants. For example, in 2012, an average of 37% of the electricity production in the SRB countries was generated by hydropower and 61% in thermal power plants. Focusing on the SRB, in terms of existing installed capacities, the basin accommodates close to a tenth of all hydropower capacity while providing water for cooling to 42% of the net capacity of thermal power currently in operation in the basin. This energy-oriented nexus study explores the dependency on the basin’s water resources of the energy systems in the region for the period between 2015 and 2030. To do so, a multi-country electricity model was developed to provide a quantification ground to the analysis, using the open-source software modelling tool OSeMOSYS. Three main areas are subject to analysis: first, the impact of energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies in the electricity generation mix; secondly, the potential impacts of climate change under a moderate climate change projection scenario; and finally, deriving from the latter point, the cumulative impact of an increase in water demand in the agriculture sector, for irrigation. Additionally, electricity trade dynamics are compared across the different scenarios under scrutiny, as an effort to investigate the implications of the aforementioned factors in the electricity markets in the region.