Modelling of solar thermo-chemical system for energy storage in buildings

The goal of this paper is the demonstration of the methodological design principles within theoretical modelling of thermal heat storage apparatus and simulation of inter-seasonal heat storage system. The designing procedure starts from the modelling of thermal plant behaviour, based on the simplifications in the basic hypothesis. Afterwards, a more detailed modelling, involving dynamic aspects and additional features of plant components, is presented. The accomplishment of the designing procedure follows by the optimisation of key parameters of the thermal storage plant.SOLAUTAR

Performances and modelling of a circular moving bed thermochemical reactor for seasonal storage

peer reviewedA novel thermochemical reactor was designed, built, and tested at Besol's and CEA-INES' labs. Its circular shape and its vibrating bed allow to move the solid hydrate constantly, therefore increasing turbulence in the moist air heat and mass transfer region. A reactor model was developed and identified in order to calculate its performances over a wide range of operating conditions and to understand what are the key factors leading to increased performances, especially regarding the specific behavior of the composite material made of calcium chloride incorporated in a silica gel matrix. New kinetic equations were developed while combining sorption and porous medium physical phenomena. The model was further refined with a 10 layers solid bed spatial discretization. However vibrations actually mix those layers, which would require a more detailed approach. Nevertheless, outlet parameters were predicted in both modes with a deviation lower than 0.72 K equivalent. Test results in realistic conditions showed an average 356 W heating power with an air temperature elevation of +6.0 K, while desorption cooling power was 278 W with an average 4.5 K temperature decrease. The usable energy density with this 0.163 m3 uninsulated reactor was 200.4 W h per kg of 9% hydrated solid composite, which is adapted to seasonal storage since it is close to the 207.8 W h per kg theoretical target. Electrical consumption for air circulation is only about 10 W, but vibration accounts for almost 70 W, which still needs to be reduced. Detailed results showed that a continuous solid flow and a counter current configuration would lead to further increase average outlet temperature

Group B streptococcal epidemiology and vaccine needs in developed countries

Development of a group B streptococcal vaccine (GBS) vaccine is the most promising approach for the prevention of GBS infections in babies, given the potential adverse effects of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis as well as the need for effective prevention of both adult and late perinatal disease. There are numerous prevention strategies at this time but none are 100% effective in the eradication of neonatal early onset GBS disease and there are no preventative strategies for late onset disease. The need for a GBS vaccine is therefore, of utmost importance. Efforts applying genomics to GBS vaccine development have led to the identification of novel vaccine candidates. The publication of GBS whole genomes coupled with new technologies including multigenome screening and bioinformatics has also allowed researchers to overcome the serotype limitation of earlier vaccine preparations in the search of a universal effective vaccine against GBS. This review brings together the key arguments concerning the potential need of a GBS vaccine in developed countries and describes the current status with GBS epidemiology and microbiology in these countries