79 research outputs found
The use of openfoam as a virtual laboratory to simulate oscillating water column wave energy converters
The Oscillating Water Column is one of the oldest concepts for wave energy
harvesting. T e device optimization is still a crucial point for the commercial-scale diffusion of
this technology. Therefore, research at fundamental level is still required.
The implementation and the application a CFD code for the conduction of a parameter
study aiming at the optimization of the device is presented. The numerical set up and the
validation of a virtual wave flume in the open-source environment OpenFOAM® are initially
presented, using comparatively different wave generation approaches. The application of the model
to simulate the device and a validation with physical results are shown. The model
solves incompressible 3D Navier-Stokes equations for a single Eulerian fluid mixture of water and
air, using a Finite Volume Method for equations discretization and the Volume Of
Fluid method for free surface tracking. Different turbulence models are tested,
comparing their suitability for this particular application both in terms of
computational cost and model
capability to reproduce the experimental data
Definition of LCA guidelines in the geothermal sector to enhance result comparability
Geothermal energy could play a crucial role in the European energy market and future scenarios focused on sustainable development. Thanks to its constant supply of concentrated energy, it can support the transition towards a low-carbon economy. In the energy sector, the decision-making process should always be supported by a holistic science-based approach to allow a comprehensive environmental assessment of the technological system, such as the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. In the geothermal sector, the decision-making is particularly difficult due to the large variability of reported results on environmental performance across studies. This calls for harmonized guidelines on how to conduct LCAs of geothermal systems to enhance transparency and results comparability, by ensuring consistent methodological choices and providing indications for harmonized results reporting. This work identifies the main critical aspects of performing an LCA of geothermal systems and provides solutions and technical guidance to harmonize its application. The proposed methodological approach is based on experts’ knowledge from both the geothermal and LCA sectors. The recommendations cover all the life cycle phases of geothermal energy production (i.e., construction, operation, maintenance and end of life) as well as a selection of LCA key elements thus providing a thorough base for concerted LCA guidelines for the geothermal sector. The application of such harmonized LCA framework can ensure comparability among LCA results from different geothermal systems and other renewable energy technologies
Definition of LCA guidelines in the geothermal sector to enhance result comparability
Geothermal energy could play a crucial role in the European energy market and future scenarios focused on sustainable development. Thanks to its constant supply of concentrated energy, it can support the transition towards a low-carbon economy. In the energy sector, the decision-making process should always be supported by a holistic science-based approach to allow a comprehensive environmental assessment of the technological system, such as the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. In the geothermal sector, the decision-making is particularly difficult due to the large variability of reported results on environmental performance across studies. This calls for harmonized guidelines on how to conduct LCAs of geothermal systems to enhance transparency and results comparability, by ensuring consistent methodological choices and providing indications for harmonized results reporting. This work identifies the main critical aspects of performing an LCA of geothermal systems and provides solutions and technical guidance to harmonize its application. The proposed methodological approach is based on experts' knowledge from both the geothermal and LCA sectors. The recommendations cover all the life cycle phases of geothermal energy production (i.e., construction, operation, maintenance and end of life) as well as a selection of LCA key elements thus providing a thorough base for concerted LCA guidelines for the geothermal sector. The application of such harmonized LCA framework can ensure comparability among LCA results from different geothermal systems and other renewable energy technologies
Diagnosis and treatment of bone metastases in breast cancer: Radiotherapy, local approach and systemic therapy in a guide for clinicians
The standard care for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is systemic therapies with imbrication of focal treatment for symptoms. Recently, thanks to implementation of radiological and metabolic exams and development of new target therapies, oligometastatic and oligoprogressive settings are even more common\u2014paving the way to a paradigm change of focal treatments role. In fact, according to immunophenotype, radiotherapy can be considered with radical intent in these settings of patients. The aim of this literature review is to analyze available clinical data on prognosis of bone metastases from breast cancer and benefits of available treatments for developing a practical guide for clinicians
- …