A Model for Selecting the Most Cost-Effective Pressure Control Device for More Sustainable Water Supply Networks

Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV) have been widely used as a device to control pressure at nodes in water distribution networks and thus reduce leakages. However, an energy dissipation takes place during PRV operation. Thus, micro-hydropower turbines and, more precisely, Pump As Turbines (PAT) could be used as both leakage control and energy generating devices, thus contributing to a more sustainable water supply network. Studies providing clear guidelines for the determination of the most cost-effective device (PRV or PAT) analysing a wide database and considering all the costs involved, the water saving and the eventual power generation, have not been carried out to date. A model to determine the most cost-effective device has been developed, taking into account the Net Present Value (NPV). The model has been applied to two case studies: A database with 156 PRVs sites located in the UK; and a rural water supply network in Ireland with three PRVs. The application of the model showed that although the investment cost associated to the PRV installation is lower in the majority of cases, the NPV over the lifespan of the PAT is higher than the NPV associated with the PRV operation. Furthermore, the ratio between the NPV and the water saved over the lifespan of the PAT/PRV also offered higher values (from 6% to 29%) for the PAT installation, making PATs a more cost-effective and more sustainable means of pressure control in water distribution networks. Finally, the development of less expensive turbines and/or PATs adapted to work under different flow-head conditions will tip the balance toward the installation of these devices even further

Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) - Clinical trials advice

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Traditional and Virtual Congress Meetings During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Post-COVID-19 Era: Is it Time to Change the Paradigm?

The speed and reach of the COVID-19 pandemic have forced rapid changes in how we conduct medical practice and research. The rapid evolution in how scientific meetings are conducted may have long-term benefits. A new reality in which technology and sociality are merged may offer a more engaging and adaptable scientific congress experience with more flexible and dynamic use of content modulated to the needs of each attendee

Responding to the UN sustainability goals in transdisciplinary partnership through network action learning

The global water crisis, an enormous concern according to the World Economic Forum, poses a significant challenge to long-term sustainability, exacerbated by the high energy demand associated with water supply and treatment. As the renewable energy sector grows, the need for green technologies to support the water-energy nexus becomes evident. However, mere technological advancements are insufficient to address complex water-related challenges. This paper presents a transdisciplinary collaborative effort involving engineers, geographers, management researchers, and environmentalists working with practitioners in a cross-border network. The study explores through action learning research how, in a transdisciplinary partnership, network action learning influences the exploration and implementation of novel green technology and the development of innovation capabilities. The research is structured around three themes: green technology platforms, policy support and guidance, and dissemination and collaboration. It identifies the factors impacting technology exploration and application and how concurrently green innovation capabilities are developed. The study emphasizes the significance of transdisciplinary collaboration and offers valuable insights into addressing UN Sustainability Goals related to clean water, sustainable industry, and partnerships. It contributes to innovation capability theory and provides practical guidance to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches to address the water-energy crisis and achieve sustainable development

Analysis of emerging technologies in the hydropower sector

The paper reviews recent research and development activities in the field of hydropower technology. It covers emerging and advanced technologies to mitigate flow instabilities (active and passive approach) as well as emerging magneto-rheological control techniques. Recent research findings on flow instabilities are also presented, especially concerning fluid-structure interaction and transient operating conditions. As a great number of the existing large-scale hydroelectric facilities were constructed decades ago using technologies that are now considered obsolete, technologies to achieve the digitalisation of hydropower are also analysed. Advances in the electro-mechanical components and generator design are presented; their potential role to adapt hydropower to the current operating conditions is also highlighted. The text explores current efforts to advance hydropower operation, mainly in terms of European projects. It provides a detailed overview of the recent efforts to increase the operational range of hydraulic turbines in order to reach exceptional levels of flexibility, a topic of several recent research projects. Variable speed hydropower generation and its application in pumped storage power plants are presented in detail. Moreover, revolutionary concepts for hydroelectric energy storage are also presented with the analysis focusing on underwater hydro storage and hydropower's hybridisation with fast energy storage systems. Efforts to minimise hydropower's environmental footprint are also presented via the utilisation of small-scale and fish-friendly installations