Innovation and institutional change : the transition to a sustainable electricity system

The aim of this book is to specify this perspective by analysing patterns of change in the electricity system. Scientifically, the relevance of the book is in its analysis and explanation of fundamental processes of change, a topic relevant for a range of scientific disciplines, from economics, sociology, technology studies, to policy science. Its societal relevance lies mainly in its use for gaining insight in the way systems change can be directed towards the normative goal of sustainable development

Constrained tGAP for generalisation between scales: the case of Dutch topographic data

This article presents the results of integrating large- and medium-scale data into a unified data structure. This structure can be used as a single non-redundant representation for the input data, which can be queried at any arbitrary scale between the source scales. The solution is based on the constrained topological Generalized Area Partition (tGAP), which stores the results of a generalization process applied to the large-scale dataset, and is controlled by the objects of the medium-scale dataset, which act as constraints on the large-scale objects. The result contains the accurate geometry of the large-scale objects enriched with the generalization knowledge of the medium-scale data, stored as references in the constraint tGAP structure. The advantage of this constrained approach over the original tGAP is the higher quality of the aggregated maps. The idea was implemented with real topographic datasets from The Netherlands for the large- (1:1000) and medium-scale (1:10,000) data. The approach is expected to be equally valid for any categorical map and for other scales as well

Optimization of motor and gearbox for an ultra light electric vehicle

The integrated design of the drivetrain of a single person ultra light electric vehicle powered by batteries is optimized towards high efficiency and low mass. The drivetrain of each front wheel consists of an outer rotor permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), a gearbox and the power electronics with converter and control print. The complete drivetrain is optimized for the New European Driving Cycle and the Federal Test Procedure. For the optimization of the complete drivetrain analytical models are used to calculate the losses and the efficiency. The analytical models are fast, and useful for designing a good PMSM in combination with a gearbox. The optimization of the drivetrain over the driving cycles makes it possible to choose the optimal combination of motor and gearbox for different gear ratios in order to have high efficiency and low weight. Comparing a single-stage gearbox with a twostage gearbox, a single-stage gearbox has a higher efficiency, but also a higher weight than a two-stage gearbox with the same properties. The optimization of the dynamic behavior of the drivetrain over the driving cycles yields a compromise between the total efficiency and the total mass of the drivetrain. The optimum choice will depend on the intended use of the vehicle (drive cycle)

Governance and Sociotechnical Change in the Electricity System

This paper analyses developments of the past three decades in the Dutch electricity system in the perspective of co-evolution of technological and societal development. The electricity system based on fossil-based, large-scale, technology and a relatively closed social network is changing towards a much more diverse system in terms of actors, sources and technologies. The paper explains how developments in the institutional set-up, technological base, and societal preferences and problems, underlie this process of change and provide opportunities for modulation of electricity generation and use in a climate friendly direction. The paper focuses on developments in governance which have had considerable implications for the electricity regime. The mode of governance based on autonomy and a natural monopoly has long been a good match the dominant design of the electricity regime: the central station electricity system. The change of mode of governance towards liberalisation creates pressure on guiding principles of the central station electricity system and gives opportunities for an increase of the diversity of actors and modes of provision within the electricity system. Examples are the emergence of decentral combined heat and power production and the emergence of green electricity that can be explained through shifting actor strategies. A coalition of diverse actors has proven to be very effective in spreading these concepts throughout the electricity system. The role of policy has been significant in this process but secondary to governance changes,which will be highlighted in the paper.On the one hand the paper interprets the theoretical relevance of this case by linking it to transition theory that aims to explain why and how regimes change and/or transform. On the other hand the paper aims to have practical relevance by providing insight how the current flux in the electricity regime provides seeds for paths towards a more sustainable electricity system

Improving consumer appeal of Honey Gold mango by reducing under skin browning and red lenticel discolouration

‘Honey Gold’ is a relatively new Australian mango variety that is gaining in popularity among consumers. The fruit are, however, susceptible to developing under-skin browning (USB) and red lenticel spots. These superficial quality defects result in downgrading of fruit consignments and financial loss. USB can develop in response to a combination of physical (e.g. abrasion) stress and low (e.g. <14°C) temperature exposure during postharvest handling. Fruit produced in hot tropical environments, such as the Northern Territory, are particularly susceptible for reasons that are unresolved. Development of red halos around lenticels is often associated with heavy rainfall prior to harvest. Entry of rain water into lenticels is proposed to trigger a wound response leading to localised red pigment production. The current project aimed to improve the consumer appeal and profitability of ‘Honey Gold’ mango by: • Reducing the occurrence of USB by exploring the influence of pre-harvest and harvest practices. • Identifying strategies to minimise red lenticels using inhibitors and promoters of red skin colour. Harvesting ‘Honey Gold’ mangoes from the Northern Territory at night was the most effective practice for reducing the sensitivity of fruit to developing USB. Fruit harvested between 10 PM and 10 AM displayed 50-75% reductions in USB incidence compared to those picked at 2 PM. The higher level of USB in the afternoon harvest was related to relative sap phytotoxicity. These findings prompted ‘Honey Gold’ growers in the Northern Territory to harvest fruit at night. Piñata Farms, who market ‘Honey Gold’, reported that since adopting night harvesting in 2014/15, USB has decreased from 20% of the Northern Territory crop to <1% in 2016/17. Also, harvesting at night facilitated a 20% increase in picking speed. Pre-harvest bagging of fruit was the most reliable technique for reducing red lenticels. Applying brown paper or Tyvek® plastic bags at 4 weeks before harvest reduced this skin defect by 67-85% relative to non-bagged fruit. The bags blocked up to 90% of sunlight and, in turn, reduced red pigment production, including skin blush. In contrast, postharvest exposure of fruit to blue LED light for 3-4 weeks at 22°C enhanced skin blush. By increasing blush, this treatment suggests the potential to mask red lenticels. The current project also aimed to verify and optimise ‘Honey Gold’ crop forecasting and downgrade analysis procedures developed in a previous project, MG10009. Accumulation of ≥1500 heat sums above a 12°C base from full flowering was confirmed to predict the earliest harvest date to provide fruit with good eating quality. In-market fruit quality downgrade analysis with improved recording and report back systems was well received by growers. The feedback stimulated practice change that translated into increased fruit yield and quality. Formal downgrade analysis at pack sheds is also recommended. For fruit that were downgraded, alternative products and markets were identified to improve returns. A non-premium fruit line was developed and marketed successfully. Juice grade fruit were trialled as a new ingredient in an existing mango ice block product. Two major retailers relaxed grading standards and rationalised fruit size by state markets to accept premium fruit with minor defects, and of all sizes. Implementation of these key project outcomes has contributed to significantly improving the commercial viability of ‘Honey Gold’ mango production, particularly in the Northern Territory

Transition to a Sustainable Electricity System

Based on theoretical insight from evolutionary economics and technology studies this paper presents a conceptual framework to analyse processes of systems change and aims to refine the framework through an empirical analysis of developments in a specific system of production and consumption. The focus is on the electricity system where the dominance of incremental improvement along an established design and fossil-based technological paths has made it difficult for alternatives to gain significant ground. Nevertheless, there also cases where new practices emerge, become embedded within the system, and even have the potential to significantly alter the existing system. Empirically, the paper focuses on explaining the emergence of deviations of established paths and their relative success, as understanding these processes is a key to understanding as to how transitions may occur. The examples highlighted in this paper are the fast rise of combined heat and power generation and the emergence and diffusion of green electricity in the Dutch electricity system. Decentralised combined heat and power generation increased from 13% in 1988 to 36% in 1999, while 26% of all households bought green electricity in 2003 after the concept was initiated in 1995. Core aspects that are highlighted are the role of ‘prime movers’, network formation, and processes of institutional change. Prime movers play an important role such as to raise awareness, to undertake investments and to provide legitimacy for new technologies or products. As prime movers may trigger wider transformation processes, they are likely to be well positioned to take advantage of the momentum that is generated. Secondly, the research points out that the building or restructuring of networks is required to deviate from familiar paths and to establish new practices. Thirdly, the introduction of a new product or technology often needs to be accompanied by further institutional change in order to gain momentum and to change a technological system. Processes of standardisation, building legitimacy and adapting regulatory frameworks are examples of this