The development of a resource-efficient photovoltaic system

This paper presents the measures taken in the demonstration of the photovoltaic case study developed within the European project ‘Towards zero waste in industrial networks’ (Zerowin), integrating the D4R (Design for recycling, repair, refurbishment and reuse) criteria at both system and industrial network level. The demonstration is divided into three phases. The first phase concerns the development of a D4R photovoltaic concept, the second phase focused on the development of a specific component of photovoltaic systems and the third phase was the demonstration of the D4R design in two complete photovoltaic systems (grid-connected and stand-alone). This paper includes a description of the installed photovoltaic systems, including a brief summary at component level of the lithium ion battery system and the D4R power conditioning system developed for the pilot installations. Additionally, industrial symbioses within the network associated with the photovoltaic systems and the production model for the network are described

Spectral filtering with diffractive reflection gratings for fast superconducting detectors in the THz frequency range

In this work we describe the design process of a grating spectrometer with fast superconducting THz detectors based on Niobiumnitride. The main application is the use as a diagnostic tool for accelerator-based sources of THz radiation like synchrotrons, where interactions of the electron bunches in storage ring lead to fluctuations in spectrum and intensity of the emitted radiation. Guidelines for the design of the two main parts, grating and detector design, are given. Here, a blazed reflection grating for a frequency range of 1 THz to 5 THz has been developed and successfully fabricated in a high-precision milling process out of brass. Also three different planar antenna designs (double-slot, annular slot and log-per spiral) in combination with quasioptical bandpass filters for the THz range have been simulated and evaluated for best spectral resolution and power coupling. Finally, we have verified grating performance for pulsed THz radiation of 1 THz in an experiment conducted at the synchrotron light source of the KIT. Excellent agreement of the grating performance to the simulations has been found

Recycling glass fibre-reinforced plastics in the automotive sector

The automotive sector is facing the challenge to become more resource-efficient in the manufacture of cars and theircomponents. One approach is to increase the share of recycled materials. This paper presents the results of a case study for the automotive sector of the EU-funded Zerowin project. A safety-relevant component of the brakingsystem was selected for manufacture using a mechanically recycled composite plastic material (polyethyleneterephthalate reinforced with short glass fibres). The case study demonstrated the interdependencies between material and component specification, component design, material properties and the production process: using recycled glass-fibre-reinforced plastics for a safety-relevant component is not just an issue of input substitution, it is an interplay of technological (product development, production process modification, recycling process), organisational (security of supply, network infrastructure) and economic (material cost savings versus adjustment costs, planning horizons) factors resulting from the input substitution of primary material and changes of material properties. An industrial network was established and the case study’s findings were transferred to serial mass production. Industrial networks are seen as an appropriate tool for securing the supply and quality of recyclates from traceable sources

Environmental assessment of the valorisation and recycling of selected food production side flows

Residues from the food manufacturing industry require management options with the best overall environmental outcome. The identification of sustainable solutions depends however, on many influencing factors such as energy input, transport distance, and substituted product. This study shows the influence of the choice of substituted products on the overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for three specific food side-flows and their treatment in the European Union: animal blood, apple pomace and brewers\u2019 spent grain (BSG). In a direct comparison of possible treatment options, it is notable that the conversion to food ingredients (valorisation) does not always result in reduced environmental net impacts (GHG savings), which means that other options at lower levels of the waste hierarchy might be more beneficial to the environment. The further use of apple pomace or BSG for the production of food ingredients is only advantageous if the processing emissions are smaller than the emissions from the substituted products. The use of food side-flows as animal feed shows environmental advantages in all scenarios, as the use of conventional feed, such as soybean meal or hay, is reduced and so are the GHG emissions. The anaerobic digestion of food side-flows is associated with significant GHG emissions, but alternative energy also display a high GHG factor when based on fossil resources. The measuring of circularity in the food sector is a challenge in itself due to the complexity of renewable materials. This study shall help to understand the interwoven influences of certain parameters to the results

Report on methodological framework for the evaluation of food waste

The methodology for the evaluation of LOWINFOOD’s innovations has been elaborated in a multi-actor approach. This deliverable explains the process of setting the methodology, the framework of the innovations (value chain maps, type of food waste) as well as the roadmap for data collection (type and source of data, collection method, identification of data facilitators and collectors). A set of indicators has been identified focusing on the three dimensions for the evaluation: efficacy, socio-economic impacts, and environmental impacts. This deliverable has been elaborated in close cooperation with the task leader teams of WP1: BOKU, UNIBO and JHI. The content of this deliverable has been shared and revised with the External Advisory Board as well as other research partners of LOWINFOOD

Report on methodological framework for the evaluation

The methodology for the evaluation of LOWINFOOD’s innovations has been elaborated in a multi-actor approach. This deliverable explains the process of setting the methodology, the framework of the innovations (value chain maps, type of food waste) as well as the roadmap for data collection (type and source of data, collection method, identification of data facilitators and collectors). A set of indicators has been identified focusing on the three dimensions for the evaluation: efficacy, socio-economic impacts, and environmental impacts. This deliverable has been elaborated in close cooperation with the task leader teams of WP1: BOKU, UNIBO and JHI. The content of this deliverable has been shared and revised with the External Advisory Board as well as other research partners of LOWINFOO

Report on methodological framework for the evaluation of food waste

The methodology for the evaluation of LOWINFOOD’s innovations has been elaborated in a multi-actor approach. This deliverable explains the process of setting the methodology, the framework of the innovations (value chain maps, type of food waste) as well as the roadmap for data collection (type and source of data, collection method, identification of data facilitators and collectors). A set of indicators has been identified focusing on the three dimensions for the evaluation: efficacy, socio-economic impacts, and environmental impacts. This deliverable has been elaborated in close cooperation with the task leader teams of WP1: BOKU, UNIBO and JHI. The content of this deliverable has been shared and revised with the External Advisory Board as well as other research partners of LOWINFOOD

Potential of market based instruments and economic incentives in food waste prevention and reduction

Preventing and reducing food waste along supply chains is a high priority in many countries. Market based instruments and economic incentives are important tools for stimulating food supply-chain operators and households to food waste prevention and reduction. This study analyses the potential of market based instruments and economic incentives as specific policy measures to prevent and reduce food waste along the whole supply chain. The results show that a successful implementation of a tool or incentives requires accurate advance planning and should include a detailed analysis of the potential impacts and barriers. A mix of complementary policy measures increases the possibility of successful implementation