Impact of Saharan Dust Intrusions on Atmospheric Boundary Layer Height over Madrid

Abstract: Atmospheric pollution caused by aerosols deteriorates air quality, increasing public health risks. Anthropogenic aerosols are usually located within the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL), which presents a daytime evolution that determines the air pollutants’ vertical mixing of those produced near the surface and, therefore, their ground-level concentration from local sources. Precise and complete characterization of the mixing layer is of crucial importance for numerical weather forecasting and climate models, but traditional methods such as radiosounding present some spatial and temporal limitations. Better resolutions have been obtained using lidar, which provides the aerosol vertical distribution. A particular type of lidar, the ceilometer, has demonstrated continuous measurement capabilities, providing vertical profiles with sub-minute time resolution and severalmeter spatial resolution. Advanced methods, such as the recently developed STRATfinder algorithm, are required to estimate the ABL height in the presence of residual layers. More complex situations occur due to the advection of aerosols (e.g., due to long-range transport of desert dust, volcanic eruptions, or pyrocloud convection), producing a lofted layer in the free troposphere that may remain decoupled from the local ABL but can also be mixed. Aerosol-based methods for determination of the ABL height are challenging in those situations. The main objective of this research is the assessment of the impact of Saharan dust intrusions on the ABL using ceilometer signals, over a period of four years, 2020–2023. The ABL height database, obtained from ceilometer measurements every hour, is analyzed based on the most frequent synoptic patterns. A reduction in the ABL height was obtained from high dust load days (1576 ± 876 m) with respect to low dust load days (1857 ± 914 m), although it was still higher than clean days (1423 ± 772 m). This behavior is further studied discriminating by season and synoptic patterns. These results are relevant for health advice during Saharan dust intrusion days.This work was supported by the Madrid Regional Government (TIGAS-CM, Y2018/EMT- 5177), H2020 programme from the European Union (grant 654109, ACTRIS-2 project) and the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity (AtPollenFluo Grant PID2020-117873RB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033)

A lumped parameter modelling of particle generation from Na-pool fires in SFR containments

Progress in Nuclear Energy 109 (2018) 223–232Modelling of sodium-evaporation and formation of sodium-oxide aerosols from a sodium-pool fire is of fundamental importance for the assessing of the radiological consequences in Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors severe accidents. This paper summarizes the derivation of a simple model to estimate the amount and size of particles being generated from Na-pool fires and its performance assessment, once implemented in an integral severe accident tool (ASTEC-Na), against available large-scale separate effect tests. The model has been transposed in analytical correlations which implementation in lumped-parameter severe accident codes is straightforward. According to the comparisons to data set, the correlations do not adversely impact the code estimates with respect to other more empirical alternative approaches and, in addition, the correlations remove any need of user-defined ad-hoc parameters in the input deck concerning Na-based particles behaviour, as other alternates do. Regarding code behaviour, the model predictions yield the same order of magnitude both in terms of suspended aerosol concentration and diameter as data and capture the reliable measured data trends

Social inequalities in the making sense of climate change narratives.

n this viewpoint we intend to argue two things. First, that any attempt at effective communication must consider not only the causes and effects of climate change, but also the political measures proposed to address those causes and effects, since both influence public perceptions and behaviours. Second, that it is necessary to better understand the processes by which citizens make sense of climate change, as well as the role that their position in the social structure plays in shaping such perceptions. According to our recent research, the most sceptical or denialist people ignore the problem due to their (perceived) difficulties to change ways of life, and this implies that any attempt to modify this perception should go beyond climate change policies in the strict sense, considering other political measures to compensate these (perceived) deficits and help people to be able to consider a change of ways of life.This study was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, State Program for Scientific and Technical Research of Excellenc

Calibration of high-heat-flux sensors in a solar furnace

The most common sensors used for the measurement of high solar irradiance are the Gardon gauges, which are usually calibrated using a black body at a certain temperature as the radiant source. This calibration procedure is assumed to produce a systematic error when solar irradiance measurements are taken using these sensors. This paper demonstrates a calorimetric method for calibrating these high-heat-flux gauges in a solar furnace. This procedure has enabled these sensors to be calibrated under concentrated solar radiation at higher irradiances under non-laboratory conditions in the CIEMAT solar furnace at the Plataforma Solar de Almer´ıa. Working at higher irradiances has allowed the uncertainty in the calibration constant of these sensors to be reduced. This work experimentally confirms the predicted systematic errors committed when measuring high solar irradiances using Gardon sensors calibrated with a black body.Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology under the MEPSOCON project (Ref DPI2003-03788)

PSA Solar furnace: A facility for testing PV cells under concentrated solar radiation

https://plu.mx/plum/a/?doi=10.1016%2Fj.solmat.2006.03.030&themeThe Plataforma Solar de Almerı´a (PSA), the largest centre for research, development and testing of concentration solar thermal technologies in Europe, has started to apply its knowledge, facilities and resources to development of the Concentration PV technology in an EU-funded project HiConPV. A facility for testing PV cells under solar radiation concentrated up to 2000 has recently been completed. The advantages of this facility are that, since it is illuminated by solar radiation, it is possible to obtain the appropriate cell spectral response directly, and the flash tests can be combined with prolonged PV-cell irradiation on large surfaces (up to 150 cm2), so the thermal response of the PV cell can be evaluated simultaneously.European Commission. HiConPV project (Contract no. ENK6-CT-2004-502626). : 6th Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration– Specific Targered Research Project, Contract No: 50262

Feasibility of concentrated solar energy utilization in copper sintering process

En la actualidad, el proceso de sinterizado, así como la práctica totalidad de los procesos que se llevan a cabo en la industria, depende de las energías convencionales. Este trabajo pretende demostrar la viabilidad del uso de una fuente de energía renovable como es la Energía Solar Térmica en el sinterizado de cobre. Con objeto de realizar en el futuro una evaluación de las fuerzas conductoras y de la trayectoria del material transportado en función de las características del sistema y de la radicación incidente, se opta por diseñar distintos dispositivos experimentales de empaquetamiento basados en modelos de partículas ideales, en este caso cilindros, con los que se pretende simplificar la geometría del sistema real basado en partículas compactadas, siendo evaluados experimentalmente en el Homo Solar de la Plataforma Solar de Almería. Las muestras tratadas en atmósferas ligeramente reductoras, desarrollan cuellos bien definidos y muestran una reducción de porosidad, lo que permite demostrar la viabilidad del proceso.Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología, Secretaría de Estado de Política Científica y Tecnológica (Dirección General de Investigación). Plan Nacional de Investigación Científica, Desarrollo e Innovación Tecnológica 2000-2003. Proyecto SOLARPRO. Referencia REN2003-09247-C04-0

BIPV Market Development: International Technological Innovation System Analysis

La integración de fotovoltaica en edificios (BIPV) está llamada a desempeñar un papel importante en la descarbonización de las ciudades, tanto en edificios nuevos como en proyectos de rehabilitación, al hacerlos más sostenibles, resilientes y atractivos. Sin embargo, sigue siendo un nicho de mercado. Para comprender las razones y fomentar su desarrollo, el artículo analiza la BIPV de forma holística y sistemática, teniendo en cuenta su doble naturaleza como tecnología fotovoltaica y producto de construcción. La metodología se basa en el estudio de varios sistemas de innovación tecnológica (TIS) de BIPV en seis países, junto con evaluaciones comparativas para identificar características comunes y diferenciadoras. El análisis aborda aspectos sociales, el estado y las previsiones del mercado, las perspectivas de los sectores fotovoltaico y de la construcción, así como la regulación y la normalización, con el fin de formular recomendaciones para los responsables políticos. Entre los resultados destacan una aceptación baja a moderada de la BIPV por parte de los propietarios de edificios —quienes suelen optar por la fotovoltaica añadida al edificio (BAPV) por motivos de coste— y la necesidad de mayor información, directrices oficiales, personal cualificado, mejor colaboración entre sectores, mayor disponibilidad de productos BIPV, herramientas digitales adecuadas y una regulación específica que refuerce la legitimidad de la BIPV en el sector de la construcción. En conclusión, es fundamental desarrollar políticas que impulsen la adopción de la BIPV, incluyendo normalización, promoción y financiación.Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is expected to play a relevant role in decarbonising our cities, both in new buildings and retrofit projects, making them more sustainable, resilient and pleasant. However, BIPV remains a niche market. To understand the reasons and help boost its development, this paper provides insights into BIPV through a holistic and systematic analysis that considers BIPV’s dual nature as both photovoltaic and building product. The methodology is based on the analyses of several BIPV technological innovation systems (TISs) developed in six countries, as well as extensive comparative assessments and investigations to identify key global features of BIPV. Social aspects, market status and forecast, perspectives from the photovoltaic and building sectors, and related regulations and standardisation are key aspects analysed to develop recommendations for policymakers. Outcome examples are low to moderate acceptance of BIPV among building owners, who give cost reasons for choosing building-added photovoltaics (BAPV) over BIPV, as well as a need for information, official guidance, skilled personnel, improved cross-sector collaboration, availability of BIPV products, proper digital tools and specific regulation to improve BIPV’s legitimacy in the construction sector. Essential is developing policies that encourage the adoption of BIPV, including standardisation, promotion and financing.Agencia Estatal de Investigación (PID2021-124910OB-C31) y Energimyndigheten, assignment number AO149001 and grant number 52693-

SANDA Project D5.6: Report on correlation between integral experiments

The main purpose of SANDA project Task 5.2 is to assess the JEFF evaluated nuclear files using existing experiments, with the aim to contribute to the development of the future JEFF-4.0 nuclear data library. Adjustment and assimilation studies are powerful techniques to make the most of the information provided by experimental measurements and reducing biases in the calculation results and providing recommendations for nuclear data improvement. These techniques usually need to employ a large set of integral experiments to provide consistent information. However, the parameters of the experiments within this set can be correlated. Therefore, for the application of adjustment and assimilation techniques it is essential to have some prior knowledge of these correlations. For this reason, subtask 5.2.1, entitled “Assessing correlations in integral experiments” has been included within SANDA project Task 5.2. This report presents the results of this subtask. It includes a survey of the available correlations between integral experiments in the ICSBEB criticality experiment database, a review of the status of correlations between shielding benchmarks and some applications to particular cases, namely: (1) two cores of the EOLE facility investigated under the CAMELEON program; (2) a set of six cores loaded in the ZPR facility considered to be of interest for validation of nuclear data for Sodium Fast Reactors (SFRs); (3) reaction rates measured at the ASPIS Iron-88 benchmark experiment, and (4) an example of the application of Machine Learning techniques in the interpretation of uncertainties and correlations in a benchmark experiment.EU SANDA project (Grant Agreement No. 847552

Critical loads of nitrogen deposition and critical levels of atmospheric ammonia for semi-natural Mediterranean evergreen woodlands

Recent studies have shown that seabirds are an important source of ammonia (NH3) emissions in remote coastal ecosystems. Nesting behaviour, which varies between seabird species, is likely to be a major factor in determining the proportion of excreted nitrogen (N) volatilised to the atmosphere as NH3. A long-term NH3 monitoring programme was implemented at a Scottish seabird colony with a range of species and associated nesting behaviours. The average monthly NH3 concentration was measured at 12 locations over a 14-month period, to infer spatial (i.e. species-specific) and temporal (seasonal) changes in NH3 emissions from different seabird species. An emissions model of seabird NH3, based on species-specific bioenergetics and behaviour, was applied to produce spatial estimates for input to a dispersion model. Atmospheric NH3 concentrations demonstrated spatial variability as a result of differing local populations of breeding seabirds, with the highest concentrations measured above cliff nesting species such as Common guillemot Uria aalge, Razorbill Alca torda and Black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla. NH3 concentrations above a colony of burrow nesting Atlantic puffin Fratercula arctica were low, considering the high number of birds. Emission of NH3 from excreted N exhibits a time lag of approximately a month. It is likely that all excreted N is lost from the colony by volatilisation as NH3 or surface run-off between breeding seasons. Modelled NH3 emissions and concentrations correlated with measured concentrations, but were much higher, reflecting uncertainties in the local turbulent characteristics. The results allow multi-species seabird population data to be used for the calculation of regional and global NH3 emission inventories, whilst improving understanding of N budgets of remote coastal ecosystems

Spanish research related to SMRs projects

Nuclear Engineering and Design 417 (2024) 112818Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit. SMRs encompass a variety of reactor technologies including light water reactors, high temperature gas reactors, molten salt reactors, liquid metal cooled fast reactors, and heat pipe technology-based reactors. The research and design of these diverse SMR types require a broad set of technological capabilities related to nuclear engineering and safety. Within this context, this article attempts to assess the current state of research and technological progress achieved by the Spanish research groups and companies. The results reveal a significant level of maturity among these groups and companies in various domains such as neutronic analysis, thermal hydraulic analysis, the improvement of models related to severe accident scenarios and an active involvement in the design of novel SMR