Estimating particulate matter health impact related to the combustion of different fossil fuels

International audienceExposure to particulate matter (PM) in ambient air leads to adverse health effects. To design cost effective mitigation strategies, a thorough understanding of the sources of particulate matter is crucial. We have successfully generated a web map service that allows to access information on fuel dependent health effects due to particulate matter. For this purpose, the LOTOS-EUROS air pollution model was equipped with a source apportionment module that tracks the origin of the modelled particulate matter distributions throughout a simulation. Combined with a dedicated emission inventory PM2.5 maps specified by fuel type were generated for 2007-2009. These maps were combined with a health impact calculation to estimate Lost of Life Expectancy for each fuel categories. An user friendly web client was generated to access the results and use the web mapping service in an easy manner

BANULA : a novel DLT-based approach for EV charging with high level of user comfort and role-specific data transparency for all parties involved

The core goal of the BANULA research project is to combine customer-oriented and grid-compatible charging of electric vehicles. It addresses the current challenges of the e-mobility ecosystem from the perspective of grid operators and charging infrastructure users and creates added value for every mass market role involved. In the project, the idea of a virtual balancing group based on blockchain technology is implemented. Thereby, it enables extended data acquisition, a real-time data exchange between grid and market participants, proper balancing and grid node-specific load flow determination and, thus, load management.German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate (BMWK

The EnerGEO Platform of Integrated Assessment (PIA): environmental assessment of scenarios as a web service

International audienceWith the International Energy Agency estimating that global energy demand will increase between 40 and 50 percent by 2030 (compared to 2003), scientists and policymakers are concerned about the sustainability of the current energy system and what environmental pressures might result from the development of future energy systems. EnerGEO is an ongoing FP7 Project (2009-2013) which assesses the current and future impact of energy use on the environment by linking environmental observation systems with the processes involved in exploiting energy resources. The idea of this European project is to determine how low carbon scenarios, and in particular scenarios with a high share of renewable electricity, affect emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHG) and contribute to mitigation of negative energy system impacts on human health and ecosystems. A Platform of Integrated Assessment (PIA) has been elaborated to provide impact results for a selection of scenarios via a set of models (large-scale energy models, Life Cycle Assessment models, ...). This PIA is currently available through a web service. The concept of the PIA is detailed and to illustrate its interest, a set of results is given with the use of the simulation mode of the European version of GAINS for a selection of scenarios

The road to integrate climate change projections with regional land‐use–biodiversity models

Current approaches to project spatial biodiversity responses to climate change mainly focus on the direct effects of climate on species while regarding land use and land cover as constant or prescribed by global land-use scenarios. However, local land-use decisions are often affected by climate change and biodiversity on top of socioeconomic and policy drivers. To realistically understand and predict climate impacts on biodiversity, it is, therefore, necessary to integrate both direct and indirect effects (via climate-driven land-use change) of climate change on biodiversity.In this perspective paper, we outline how biodiversity models could be better integrated with regional, climate-driven land-use models. We initially provide a short, non-exhaustive review of empirical and modelling approaches to land-use and land-cover change (LU) and biodiversity (BD) change at regional scales, which forms the base for our perspective about improved integration of LU and BD models. We consider a diversity of approaches, with a special emphasis on mechanistic models. We also look at current levels of integration and at model properties, such as scales, inputs and outputs, to further identify integration challenges and opportunities.We find that LU integration in BD models is more frequent than the other way around and has been achieved at different levels: from overlapping predictions to simultaneously coupled simulations (i.e. bidirectional effects). Of the integrated LU-BD socio-ecological models, some studies included climate change effects on LU, but the relative contribution of direct vs. indirect effects of climate change on BD remains a key research challenge.Important research avenues include concerted efforts in harmonizing spatial and temporal resolution, disentangling direct and indirect effects of climate change on biodiversity, explicitly accounting for bidirectional feedbacks, and ultimately feeding socio-ecological systems back into climate predictions. These avenues can be navigated by matching models, plugins for format and resolution conversion, and increasing the land-use forecast horizon with adequate uncertainty. Recent developments of coupled models show that such integration is achievable and can lead to novel insights into climate–land use–biodiversity relations.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Automated production of specific T cells for treatment of refractory viral infections after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Therapy-resistant viral reactivations contribute significantly to mortality after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Adoptive cellular therapy with virus-specific T cells (VST) has shown efficacy in various single-center trials. However, the scalability of this therapy is hampered by laborious production methods. In this study we describe the in-house production of VST in a closed system (CliniMACS Prodigy® system, Miltenyi Biotec). In addition, we report the efficacy in 26 patients with viral disease following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a retrospective analysis (adenovirus, n=7; cytomegalovirus, n=8; Epstein-Barr virus, n=4; multi-viral, n=7). The production of VST was successful in 100% of cases. The safety profile of VST therapy was favorable (n=2 grade 3 and n=1 grade 4 adverse events; all three were reversible). A response was seen in 20 of 26 patients (77%). Responding patients had a significantly better overall survival than patients who did not respond (P<0.001). Virus-specific symptoms were reduced or resolved in 47% of patients. The overall survival of the whole cohort was 28% after 6 months. This study shows the feasibility of automated VST production and safety of application. The scalability of the CliniMACS Prodigy® device increases the accessibility of VST treatment

Differentiation theory and the ontologies of regionalism in Latin America

Abstract In this article, we argue that conventional understandings of regional integration based on neo-functionalism, hitherto often used to describe the diverse projects of Latin American regionalism, are of limited utility in that context. Rather than representing processes of economic or political unification, the various regionalisms could be understood more productively as a reaction to the crisis in legitimacy that social orders in the region have experienced under the conditions of globalized modernity. We then deploy an understanding of regionalism derived from sociological differentiation theory in order to advance this argument

Weiterentwicklung des Energiesystemmodells REMix : globale Potenziale erneuerbarer Energien, optimierte Kraftwerksplatzierung und Validierung von Energieszenarios

As electricity generation based on volatile renewable resources is subject to fluctuations, data with high temporal and spatial resolution on their availability is indispensable for integrating large shares of renewable capacities into energy infrastructures. The scope of the present doctoral thesis is to enhance the existing energy modelling environment REMix in terms of (i.) extending the geographic coverage of the potential assessment tool REMix-EnDaT from a European to a global scale, (ii.) adding a new plant siting optimization module REMix-PlaSMo, capable of assessing siting effects of renewable power plants on the portfolio output and (iii.) adding a new alternating current power transmission model between 30 European countries and CSP electricity imports from power plants located in North Africa and the Middle East via high voltage direct current links into the module REMix-OptiMo. With respect to the global potential assessment tool, a thorough investigation is carried out creating an hourly global inventory of the theoretical potentials of the major renewable resources solar irradiance, wind speed and river discharge at a spatial resolution of 0.45°x0.45°. A detailed global land use analysis determines eligible sites for the installation of renewable power plants. Detailed power plant models for PV, CSP, wind and hydro power allow for the assessment of power output, cost per kWh and respective full load hours taking into account the theoretical potentials, technological as well as economic data. The so-obtined tool REMix-EnDaT can be used as follows: First, as an assessment tool for arbitrary geographic locations, countries or world regions, deriving either site-specific or aggregated installable capacities, cost as well as full load hour potentials. Second, as a tool providing input data such as installable capacities and hourly renewable electricity generation for further assessments using the modules REMix-PlasMo and OptiMo. The plant siting tool REMix-PlaSMo yields results as to where the volatile power technologies photovoltaics and wind are to be located within a country in order to gain distinct effects on their aggregated power output. Three different modes are implemented: (a.) Optimized plant siting in order to obtain the cheapest generation cost, (b.) a minimization of the photovoltaic and wind portfolio output variance and (c.) a minimization of the residual load variance. The third fundamental addition to the REMix model is the amendment of the module REMix-OptiMo with a new power transmission model based on the DC load flow approximation. Moreover, electricity imports originating from concentrating solar power plants located in North Africa and the Middle East are now feasible. All of the new capabilities and extensions of REMix are employed in three case studies: In case study 1, using the module REMix-EnDaT, a global potential assessment is carried out for 10 OECD world regions, deriving installable capacities, cost and full load hours for PV, CSP, wind and hydro power. According to the latter, photovoltaics will represent the cheapest technology in 2050, an average of 1634 full load hours could lead to an electricity generation potential of some 5500 PWh. Although CSP also taps solar irradiance, restrictions in terms of suitable sites for erecting power plants are more severe. For that reason, the maximum potential amounts to some 1500 PWh. However, thermal energy storage can be used, which, according to this assessment, could lead to 5400 hours of full load operation. Onshore wind power could tap a potential of 717 PWh by 2050 with an average of 2200 full load hours while offshore, wind power plants could achieve a total power generation of 224 PWh with an average of 3000 full load hours. The electricity generation potential of hydro power exceeds 3 PWh, 4600 full load hours of operation are reached on average. In case study 2, using the module REMix-PlaSMo, an assessment for Morocco is carried out as to determine limits of volatile power generation in portfolios approaching full supply based on renewable power. The volatile generation technologies are strategically sited at specific locations to take advantage of available resources conditions. It could be shown that the cost optimal share of volatile power generation without considering storage or transmission grid extensions is one third. Moreover, the average power generation cost using a portfolio consisting of PV, CSP, wind and hydro power can be stabilized at about 10 €ct/kWh by the year 2050. In case study 3, using the module REMix-OptiMo, a validation of a TRANS-CSP scenario based upon high shares of renewable power generation is carried out. The optimization is conducted on an hourly basis using a least cost approach, thereby investigating if and how demand is met during each hour of the investigated year. It could be shown, that the assumed load can safely be met in all countries for each hour using the scenario's power plant portfolio. Furthermore, it was proven that dispatchable renewable power generation, in particular CSP imports to Europe, have a system stabilizing effect. Using the suggested concept, the utilization of the transfer capacities between countries would decrease until 2050.Aufgrund ihres fluktuierenden Charakters muss zur weiteren Integration volatiler Erneuerbarer Energien in bestehende Infrastrukturen eine solide Datengrundlage über ihre zeitliche und räumliche Verfügbarkeit geschaffen werden. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist daher das existierende Energiesystemmodell REMix um folgende Punkte weiterzuentwickeln: (i.) Erweiterung der räumlichen Abdeckung des Potenzialanalysewerkszeugs REMix-EnDaT von europäischer auf globale Ebene (ii.) Neuentwicklung des Moduls REMix-PlaSMo, um Platzierungs- und Portfolioeffekte volatiler Erzeugung näher untersuchen zu können (iii.) Erweiterung des Optimierungswerkzeugs REMix-OptiMo, einerseits um ein neues Übertragungsnetz basierend auf der DCLF-Näherung, andererseits mit der Möglichkeit, Importe solarthermischer Stromerzeugung in Nordafrika und dem Nahen Osten zu simulieren. Zur globalen Potenzialanalyse mit dem Werkzeug REMix-EnDaT wird ein globales Inventar der wichtigsten erneuerbaren Ressourcen Solarstrahlung, Wind und Wasserabflüsse mit einer räumlichen Auflösung von 0,45°x0,45° und stündlichen Werten erstellt. Mittels einer detaillierten Landnutzungsanalyse werden potenzielle Kraftwerksstandorte identifiziert. Umfassende Kraftwerksmodelle für PV, CSP, Wind- und Wasserkraft ermöglichen die Berechnung der stündlichen Erzeugungsleistung, der durchschnittlichen Erzeugungskosten pro kWh und der Jahresvollaststunden. Das Potenzialanalysewerkzeug REMix-EnDaT kann zweierlei Ziele erfüllen: Es kann erstens als eigenständiges Tool zur Bestimmung der Potenziale Erneuerbarer Energien für beliebige Standorte weltweit genutzt werden. Darüber hinaus liefert es entscheidende Inputdaten für die Optimierungswerkzeuge REMix-PlasMo und OptiMo. Das Werkzeug REMix-PlasMo zur Untersuchung von Portfolioeffekten kann genutzt werden, um optimale Kraftwerksstandorte für volatile Erzeugung mittels PV und Wind zu bestimmen. Dabei sind für die Optimierung drei Möglichkeiten für die Standortauswahl für PV und Wind vorgesehen: (a.) Least-Cost (b.) Minimierung der Varianz der Portfolioerzeugung (c.) Minimierung der Varianz der Residuallast Abschließend können durch die Weiterentwicklungen am Optimierungswerkszeug REMix-OptiMo nun Simulationen mit einem verbesserten Übertragungsnetzmodell durchgeführt werden. Darüber hinaus besteht die Möglichkeit, CSP Importe zu berücksichtigen. Die durch die soeben skizzierten Arbeiten erhaltene neue Version des Energiesystemmodells REMix wird in drei Fallstudien genutzt: Die erste Fallstudie bestimmt mit dem Werkzeug REMix-EnDaT Potenziale der Technologien PV, CSP, Wind- und Wasserkraft auf globaler Ebene aggregiert in 10 OECD Weltregionen. Die Ergebnisse beinhalten installierbare Leistungen, Kosten- und Volllaststundenpotenziale. Danach wird die PV im Jahr 2050 die günstigste Option darstellen mit durchschnittlich 1634 Vollaststunden und einem Gesamterzeugungspotenzial von 5500 PWh. Obwohl CSP auch die Solarstrahlung als Ressource nutzt, allerdings nur den direkten Anteil, liegt das maximale Potenzial wesentlich geringer, nicht zuletzt da die Standortkriterien wesentlich restriktiver sind. Somit liegt das Gesamterzeugungspotenzial bei etwa 1500 PWh. Andererseits können durch thermische Speicher bei CSP Kraftwerken bis zu 5400 Vollaststunden erreicht werden. Windkraft onshore erzielt ein Gesamterzeugungspotenzial von 717 PWh im Jahr 2050 bei durchschnittlichen 2200 Volllaststunden, für offshore Windkraftanlagen werden 224 PWh an Gesamterzeugungspotenzial bei rund 3000 Volllaststunden erzielt. Das Gesamterzeugungspotenzial der Wasserkraft beläuft sich nach den Ergebnissen dieser Arbeit auf 3 PWh bei etwa 4600 Volllaststunden. In Fallstudie 2 werden mit dem neuentwickelten Werkzeug REMix-PlasMo die Grenzen volatiler Erzeugung in Portfolios mit nahezu 100% erneuerbarer Erzeugung am Beispiel Marokkos untersucht. Dabei werden die volatilen PV und Windanlagen an ausgewählten Standorten platziert, um gezielt deren Ressourcenverfügbarkeit unter bestimmten Optimierungsrandbedingungen zu nutzen. Es wird gezeigt, dass der kostenoptimale volatile Anteil an der Gesamterzeugung bei einem Drittel liegt, unter der Bedingung, dass keine Speicher zu- bzw. die Grenzkuppelkapazitäten in Nachbarländer nicht ausgebaut werden. Des Weiteren ergeben sich durchschnittliche Erzeugungskosten des untersuchten, ausschließlich auf PV, Wind, CSP und Wasserkraft basierenden Portfolios von rund 10 €ct/kWh im Jahr 2050. In Fallstudie 3 wird mit dem weiterentwickelten Werkzeug REMix-OptiMo eine modellgestützte Validierung eines neuen TRANS-CSP Energieszenarios durchgeführt. Dieses Szenario basiert auf hohen inländischen erneuerbaren Anteilen wie auch CSP Importen nach Europa. Die stündlichen Simulationen basieren auf einem least-cost Ansatz, Ziel ist die Bestimmung des Kraftwerkseinsatzes wie auch der Auslastung des Übertragungsnetzes. Das dem Szenario zugrunde liegende Portfolio deckt die Last sicher, darüber hinaus wird die stabilisierende Funktion regelbarer erneuerbarer Erzeugung, in diesem Fall mittels CSP, gezeigt. Auf der Basis des untersuchten Szenarios geht die Auslastung der AC Leitungen zurück, da sie durch den Zubau von HGÜ Leitungen komplementiert werden

Enhancement of the REMix energy system model : global renewable energy potentials, optimized power plant siting and scenario validation

As electricity generation based on volatile renewable resources is subject to fluctuations, data with high temporal and spatial resolution on their availability is indispensable for integrating large shares of renewable capacities into energy infrastructures. The scope of the present doctoral thesis is to enhance the existing energy modelling environment REMix in terms of (i.) extending the geographic coverage of the potential assessment tool REMix-EnDaT from a European to a global scale, (ii.) adding a new plant siting optimization module REMix-PlaSMo, capable of assessing siting effects of renewable power plants on the portfolio output and (iii.) adding a new alternating current power transmission model between 30 European countries and CSP electricity imports from power plants located in North Africa and the Middle East via high voltage direct current links into the module REMix-OptiMo. With respect to the global potential assessment tool, a thorough investigation is carried out creating an hourly global inventory of the theoretical potentials of the major renewable resources solar irradiance, wind speed and river discharge at a spatial resolution of 0.45°x0.45°. A detailed global land use analysis determines eligible sites for the installation of renewable power plants. Detailed power plant models for PV, CSP, wind and hydro power allow for the assessment of power output, cost per kWh and respective full load hours taking into account the theoretical potentials, technological as well as economic data. The so-obtined tool REMix-EnDaT can be used as follows: First, as an assessment tool for arbitrary geographic locations, countries or world regions, deriving either site-specific or aggregated installable capacities, cost as well as full load hour potentials. Second, as a tool providing input data such as installable capacities and hourly renewable electricity generation for further assessments using the modules REMix-PlasMo and OptiMo. The plant siting tool REMix-PlaSMo yields results as to where the volatile power technologies photovoltaics and wind are to be located within a country in order to gain distinct effects on their aggregated power output. Three different modes are implemented: (a.) Optimized plant siting in order to obtain the cheapest generation cost, (b.) a minimization of the photovoltaic and wind portfolio output variance and (c.) a minimization of the residual load variance. The third fundamental addition to the REMix model is the amendment of the module REMix-OptiMo with a new power transmission model based on the DC load flow approximation. Moreover, electricity imports originating from concentrating solar power plants located in North Africa and the Middle East are now feasible. All of the new capabilities and extensions of REMix are employed in three case studies: In case study 1, using the module REMix-EnDaT, a global potential assessment is carried out for 10 OECD world regions, deriving installable capacities, cost and full load hours for PV, CSP, wind and hydro power. According to the latter, photovoltaics will represent the cheapest technology in 2050, an average of 1634 full load hours could lead to an electricity generation potential of some 5500 PWh. Although CSP also taps solar irradiance, restrictions in terms of suitable sites for erecting power plants are more severe. For that reason, the maximum potential amounts to some 1500 PWh. However, thermal energy storage can be used, which, according to this assessment, could lead to 5400 hours of full load operation. Onshore wind power could tap a potential of 717 PWh by 2050 with an average of 2200 full load hours while offshore, wind power plants could achieve a total power generation of 224 PWh with an average of 3000 full load hours. The electricity generation potential of hydro power exceeds 3 PWh, 4600 full load hours of operation are reached on average. In case study 2, using the module REMix-PlaSMo, an assessment for Morocco is carried out as to determine limits of volatile power generation in portfolios approaching full supply based on renewable power. The volatile generation technologies are strategically sited at specific locations to take advantage of available resources conditions. It could be shown that the cost optimal share of volatile power generation without considering storage or transmission grid extensions is one third. Moreover, the average power generation cost using a portfolio consisting of PV, CSP, wind and hydro power can be stabilized at about 10 €ct/kWh by the year 2050. In case study 3, using the module REMix-OptiMo, a validation of a TRANS-CSP scenario based upon high shares of renewable power generation is carried out. The optimization is conducted on an hourly basis using a least cost approach, thereby investigating if and how demand is met during each hour of the investigated year. It could be shown, that the assumed load can safely be met in all countries for each hour using the scenario's power plant portfolio. Furthermore, it was proven that dispatchable renewable power generation, in particular CSP imports to Europe, have a system stabilizing effect. Using the suggested concept, the utilization of the transfer capacities between countries would decrease until 2050