Seed dressing with controlled release formulations - Evaluation using o radioisotope technique and yield estimations for the control of aphids and stem nematodes in field beans (Vicia faba L.)

peer reviewedPrevious studies have shown that the incorporation of systemic insecticides in seed coatings, designed as controlled release formulations, in a combined operation (sowing and treatment) which uses much less pesticide for the same period of activit

Life cycle assessment and life cycle costing of an innovative component for refrigeration units

Life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) are innovative tools based on an innovative approach allowing to investigate the environmental and economic burdens of a product or service throughout its lifecycle. Although usually carried out individually, their integration in a comprehensive analysis could provide a substantial asset in every kind of decision-making procedures. In this study, the sustainability of a newly developed component for refrigeration units is investigated by applying these two tools in a cradle to grave approach in different scenarios. Results from the LCA show the huge impact associated with the manufacturing process of the kit compared to the transport. However, the use phase environmental analysis showed an environmental payback period always lower than 10 years. Results from the LCC show that the initial investment cost represents the highest share for the final user. Furthermore, favourable discounted payback periods are generally found, leading to net savings above 270,000 € in the case best-case scenario. © 2021 Elsevier Lt

IEA SHC Task 42 / ECES Annex 29 - A Simple Tool for the Economic Evaluation of Thermal Energy Storages

ACTInternational audienceWithin the framework of IEA SHC Task 42 / ECES Annex 29, a simple tool for the economic evaluation of thermal energy storages has been developed and tested on various existing storages. On that account, the storage capacity costs (costs per installed storage capacity) of thermal energy storages have been evaluated via a Top-down and a Bottom-up approach. The Top-down approach follows the assumption that the costs of energy supplied by the storage should not exceed the costs of energy from the market. The maximum acceptable storage capacity costs depend on the interest rate assigned to the capital costs, the intended payback period of the user class (e.g. industry or building), the reference energy costs, and the annual number of storage cycles. The Bottom-up approach focuses on the realised storage capacity costs of existing storages. The economic evaluation via Top-down and Bottom-up approach is a valuable tool to make a rough estimate of the economic viability of an energy storage for a specific application. An important finding is that the annual number of storage cycles has the largest influence on the cost effectiveness. At present and with respect to the investigated storages, seasonal heat storage is only economical via large sensible hot water storages. Contrary, if the annual number of storage cycles is sufficiently high, all thermal energy storage technologies can become competitive. \textcopyright 2016 The Authors