economic feasibility of methanol synthesis as a method for co2 reduction and energy storage

Abstract In this paper, a thermo-economic analysis concerning a methanol production plant is performed. In particular, this study was developed with the aim of evaluating the opportunity and viability of obtaining methanol from the chemical reaction between recycled CO2, emitted from a fossil-fuel power station, and hydrogen produced by water electrolysis. This solution can represent an interesting carbon dioxide reduction method and methanol as a product can be considered an energy storage means. As a first step, a thermodynamic analysis is performed in order to determine the mass and energy flows of the plant; then, a feasibility analysis concerning a large size methanol production plant is performed taking into account three different economic scenarios (Germany, Italy, and China). In order to evaluate the economic viability, the total investment cost and payback period are calculated in all the scenarios. Different methanol and electrical energy prices are considered, to take into proper account the influence of these parameters on mid-term future scenarios. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis, considering different oxygen selling prices and PEM electrolyzer capital costs, were performed

Techno-economic analysis for the integration of a power to fuel system with a CCS coal power plant

In this paper, an analysis of the integration of a carbon capture unit and a power to fuel system for methanol synthesis with a coal power plant is presented from the energetic, environmental and economic standpoints. The study is carried out in three different sections. In the first part, the impact of the integration of a carbon capture system (CCS ) and of a power to fuel plant (PtF) for methanol production is investigated in terms of plant average efficiency, fuel consumption,CO2 emissions. In the second part, the annual fixed and variable costs of the power plant, and the annual cost of electricity (COE) are assessed for different plant configurations. Additionally, future scenarios are analyzed considering the impact of European policies on the CO2 emission\u2019s cost, defined by the European Emission Trading System (ETS). Finally, an economic feasibility analysis of the power to fuel plant is performed and the methanol production is evaluated. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis is carried out to evaluate the impact of the most affecting parameters (electrical energy cost, the methanol selling price and the capital cost of the electrolyzer) in terms of Internal Rate of Return (IRR)

Rapid review on covid-19, work-related aspects, and age differences

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the labor market and multiple aspects of work and workers’ life. The present rapid review analyzes this impact considering the effects that COVID-19 pandemic had on employment and work-related aspects across different age groups. A comprehensive literature search was performed on scientific contributions published between 2019 and March 2021, resulting in 36 papers pertinent to the scope of this review. Findings were grouped according to different topics, all linked to age: occupational risk, implications on the labor market (i.e., job loss and reemployment, job insecurity, turnover intentions and retirement, and healthcare workers’ return-to-work phase), remote work, and key individual and organizational resources and strategies. Overall, the review revealed variability across age groups in the impact this pandemic had on employment and several work-related aspects (i.e., occupational risk, remote work). Findings supported an age-differential effect of normative history-graded events such as the current pandemic, highlighting different responses and consequences depending on workers’ age

A multi-criteria approach for comparing alternative fuels and energy systems for marine applications

This paper presents an algorithm to compare traditional and innovative energy systems for maritime applications, adopting a multi-criteria method. The algorithm includes a large and updated database of market solutions. Two case studies are investigated: (i) a sailing yacht (ii) and a large-size cruise ship. For case (i), Fuel Cells represent a competitive solution, in particular considering navigation in emission control areas; the installation of electrical batteries is also evaluated. For case study (ii) Internal Combustion Engines are the best solution: the evaluation of alternative fuels (LNG, ammonia, methanol) is performed, also in dual-fuel configuration

Injectable thermoresponsive hydrogels as drug delivery system for the treatment of central nervous system disorders: A review.

The central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and retina, superintends to the acquisition, integration and processing of peripheral information to properly coordinate the activities of the whole body. Neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, trauma, stroke, and brain tumors can dramatically affect CNS functions resulting in serious and life-long disabilities. Globally, the societal and economic burden associated with CNS disorders continues to grow with the ageing of the population thus demanding for more effective and definitive treatments. Despite the variety of clinically available therapeutic molecules, medical interventions on CNS disorders are mostly limited to treat symptoms rather than halting or reversing disease progression. This is attributed to the complexity of the underlying disease mechanisms as well as to the unique biological microenvironment. Given its central importance, multiple barriers, including the blood brain barrier and the blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier, protect the CNS from external agents. This limits the access of drug molecules to the CNS thus contributing to the modest therapeutic successes. Loco-regional therapies based on the deposition of thermoresponsive hydrogels loaded with therapeutic agents and cells are receiving much attention as an alternative and potentially more effective approach to manage CNS disorders. In this work, the current understanding and challenges in the design of thermoresponsive hydrogels for CNS therapy are reviewed. First, the biological barriers that hinder mass and drug transport to the CNS are described, highlighting the distinct features of each barrier. Then, the realization, characterization and biomedical application of natural and synthetic thermoresponsive hydrogels are critically presented. Advantages and limitations of each design and application are discussed with the objective of identifying general rules that could enhance the effective translation of thermoresponsive hydrogel-based therapies for the treatment of CNS disorders

Age Diversity Climate Affecting Individual‐Level Work‐Related Outcomes

The present study answers the call for more studies to investigate the age diversity climate’s effect on individual‐level outcomes. Building on the social identity approach and social exchange theory, we surveyed 110 Italian employees aged between 18 and 61 years old (M = 46.10, SD = 10.02) and investigated the role of age diversity climate in predicting intentions to quit (H1), job‐related wellbeing (H2), and work engagement (H3). Our findings confirmed the hypotheses (H1 and H2), showing the added effect of age diversity climate over and above age, job tenure, role clarity, job demands, job control, perceived support, and perceived job and organizational fit. In fact, age diversity climate accounted for a significant increase in the variance explained for two of the three hypothesized models (i.e., intentions to quit and job‐related wellbeing, but not work engagement). To conclude, this study contributes to the existing literature by showing the age diversity climate’s predictive value for turnover intentions and job‐related wellbeing, and corroborating the importance of supporting age diversity through a variety of Human Resources Management strategies

Country-level factors dynamics and ABO/Rh blood groups contribution to COVID-19 mortality

The identification of factors associated to COVID-19 mortality is important to design effective containment measures and safeguard at-risk categories. In the last year, several investigations have tried to ascertain key features to predict the COVID-19 mortality tolls in relation to country-specific dynamics and population structure. Most studies focused on the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic observed in the first half of 2020. Numerous studies have reported significant associations between COVID-19 mortality and relevant variables, for instance obesity, healthcare system indicators such as hospital beds density, and bacillus Calmette-Guerin immunization. In this work, we investigated the role of ABO/Rh blood groups at three different stages of the pandemic while accounting for demographic, economic, and health system related confounding factors. Using a machine learning approach, we found that the “B+” blood group frequency is an important factor at all stages of the pandemic, confirming previous findings that blood groups are linked to COVID-19 severity and fatal outcome