Carbon Transport System Research Articles

MULTIPLE, REDUNDANT CARBOXYLIC ACID TRANSPORTERS SUPPORT MITOCHONDRIAL METABOLISM IN PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM.

The mitochondrion of malaria parasites generates key molecules, such as acetyl-CoA, that are required for numerous cellular processes. To support mitochondrial biosynthetic pathways, the parasites must transport carbon sources into this organelle. By studying how the mitochondrion obtains pyruvate, a molecule derived from glucose, we have uncovered redundant carbon transport systems that ensure parasite survival in red blood cells. This metabolic redundancy poses a challenge for drug development, as it enables the parasite to adapt and survive by relying on alternative pathways when one is disrupted.

Main current legal and regulatory frameworks for carbon dioxide capture, transport, and storage in the European Economic Area

There is broad consensus on the key role that carbon dioxide (CO2) capture, transport, and storage (CCTS) systems will play in mitigating climate change, either by removing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it permanently or by avoiding CO2 emissions generated by point sources, especially from hard-to-abate sectors (e.g., waste-to-energy, cement, shipping or aviation). Although CCTS is ready to be implemented from a technical standpoint, the legal and regulatory framework required for its implementation and regulation could be further improved. In this article, we summarize and critically discuss the provisions of the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (the ‘OSPAR Convention’), and of the London protocol, as well as of the European CCS and ETS Directives. With a focus on the European Economic Area, we highlight existing gaps and hurdles that should be tackled in view of the large-scale deployment of CCTS. Furthermore, as the legal landscape for CO2 transport and geological storage is evolving rapidly, we provide an overview of recent clarifications on aspects of the existing legislation and a summary of new proposals presented by the European Commission in this space.

Hydrogen for Mobility: A Pathway to a Zero Carbon Transportation System

Eliminating hydrocarbon transportation must be a fundamental goal for society if we are to negate Climate Change and its consequences. No source of CO2 emissions comes close to that of hydrocarbon fueled internal combustion engines and if we are to transition to a zero-carbon energy system, a viable alternative to hydrocarbon fuels must be found. Lithium-Ion powered vehicles or EV’s present society with a paradox, they emit zero emissions however the life cycle of Lithium-Ion batteries is a source of environmental concern through mining, deforestation of carbon sinks, the immense electrification requirements for battery production, recycling, and recharging. This communication proposes Hydrogen for Mobility as the future fuel for a pathway to a Zero Carbon Transportation System through utilizing both the existing internal combustion engine (ICE) and most existing transportation infrastructure, at the same time being cost effective, efficient and zero emitting. An overview of technologies will be discussed along with their Technology Readiness, benefits, and issues. This discussion expands on the concepts discussed in ‘Mobile Modular Hydrogen Power Generation – a Zero Carbon Energy System’. https://doi.org/10.5296/ijgs.v7i1.xxxx

Travel inequities experienced by Pacific peoples in Aotearoa/New Zealand

Moving to a low carbon transport system represents an opportunity to create more equitable, as well as sustainable transport system. However, little is known about inequalities in transport by ethnicity. We examine current inequities in household travel between Pacific and non-Pacific populations in Aotearoa/NZ using the New Zealand Household Travel Survey (2003 to 2014). Participants were grouped into Pacific peoples if they identified with one or more Pacific ethnicities. Data were analysed for all of Aotearoa/NZ and for Auckland where two thirds of Pacific peoples live. Pacific peoples have less access to bicycles and cars and different patterns of travel compared to the non-Pacific population. Overall, Pacific peoples emit 30% less GHGe daily from household-level travel. These differences are likely due to differences in sociodemographic characteristics, physical, sociocultural and policy-regulatory environment by ethnicity. Transport policy needs to better recognise the distinct needs of Pacific peoples (and other underserved groups) and provide a low-carbon transport environment that supports their needs without increasing transport inequity.

Risk management over the life cycle of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles

Lithium-ion Batteries (LIB) are an essential facilitator of the decarbonisation of the transport and energy system, and their high energy densities represent a major technological achievement and resource for humankind. In this research, it has been argued that LIBs have penetrated everyday life faster than our understanding of the risks and challenges associated with them. The current safety standards in the car industry have benefited from over 130 years of evolution and refinement, and Electric Vehicle (EV) and LIB are comparably in their infancy. This paper considers some of the issues of safety over the life cycle of batteries, including: the End of Life disposal of batteries, their potential reuse in a second-life application (e.g. in Battery Energy Storage Systems), recycling and unscheduled End of Life (i.e. accidents). The failure mechanism and reports from a range of global case studies, scenarios and incidents are described to infer potential safety issues and highlight lessons that can be learned. Therefore, the safety risks of LIBs were categorised, and the regularity requirements to create and inform a wider debate on the general safety of LIBs were discussed. From the analysis, a range of gaps in current approaches have been identified and the risk management systems was discussed. Ultimately, it is concluded that robust educational and legal processes are needed to understand and manage the risks for first responders and the public at large to ensure a safe and beneficial transition to low carbon transportation and energy system.

Electric bicycles, next generation low carbon transport systems: A survey

Electrical assisted bicycles (e-Bikes) represent an emerging sustainable mode of transport for future smart cities. Several designs issues impact policy in several countries such as the UK, Europe and the USA. As e-bike usage continues to grow, so too will the need for further research, in order to provide the necessary data to inform industrialists what cycling features matters for a wider, diverse and sustainable adoption of this mode of transport. This investigation discusses results from a survey on end-user preferences for future e-Bikes that will be developed in the coming years. User preferences related to safety and convenience were defined using market reviews and responses gathered from 638 potential users mainly from Europe and North America. Data were analysed to rank the importance of desired functionality to improve the uptake of cycling within urban environments. In general, the results indicate that safety and convenience features were equally valued across the whole sample size. ‘Gradient Climb Assist’ and ‘Break Lights & Indicators’ were respectively the most preferred convenience and safety feature. This survey showed how respondents expressed a desire for a more intelligent, secure and adaptive e-Bikes.

Impact of spatial structure of urban agglomeration on carbon emissions: An analysis of the Shandong Peninsula, China

Given that carbon emissions continue to contribute to global warming, strategies to achieve reductions in emissions have become a focus for research. The study of the impact of spatial structure of urban agglomeration on carbon emissions has important significance with respect to exploring ways to reduce carbon emissions. The urban agglomeration in the Shandong Peninsula, China was selected as a case study. The spatial structure of urban agglomeration was measured from the perspectives of single-center and multi-center, concentration and diffusion, spatial compactness, and transportation accessibility. Carbon emissions were measured using the standard energy conversion coefficient for coal as well as via coefficients for alternative energy sources. The impact of the spatial structure of urban agglomeration on carbon emissions was assessed via regression analysis. The results revealed that: (1) The impact of multi-center characteristics on carbon emissions was not significant and should be verified using more samples; (2) Concentration and transportation accessibility exerted a positive impact on carbon emissions, therefore, the mode of urban-rural integration and low carbon transportation systems must be taken into account; (3) Spatial compactness exerted a negative impact on carbon emissions, therefore, the patterns of compactness need to be adjusted and optimized.

Multi-Period Economic Dispatch Considering Combined Carbon and Electricity Networks

Carbon capture and storage technology is becoming a promising alternative to mitigate the CO2 emissions from the power generation sector. After retrofitting the conventional power plants with carbon capture devices and carbon transmission infrastructures, the operating characteristic of power plants will change. To adapt to the new dispatch background, this paper established a multi-period dispatch model with generation cost and carbon emission cost as objectives, and the operating characteristics of carbon capture power plants (CCPPs) as well as carbon transportation systems are taken into account. Finally, an integrated IEEE 118-bus test system combined with the 14-node carbon transmission system is applied to validate the effectiveness of the proposed model. Moreover, the effects of carbon transmission networks on the dispatch results are investigated and the sensitivity analysis of the carbon price and carbon transmission capacity is conducted on the test system.

Modeling principles of the digital infrastructure of it services in sustainable low carbon transport systems

The principles of adaptive management of sustainable low carbon transport systems (SCTS) are developed based on the interaction of intellectual and Internet technologies, which ensure the effectiveness of core elements of the system throughout the life cycle of digital infrastructure and IT services. The technologies of proactive (anticipatory) management are accompanied by targeted procedures for reconfiguring the structures of transport system, and provide a comprehensive forecast of the system's behavior and increase its efficiency on the basis of a large array of digital data. The 4D model of SCTS transformation into the digital environment is developed, which allows integrate the most important modules of the transport system, ensuring highly efficient interaction of various objects in the interest of customers.

构建“职住一体”的低碳公交系统 —— 美国得克萨斯州大学奥斯汀分校校车系统案例研究

构建“职住一体”的低碳公交系统 —— 美国得克萨斯州大学奥斯汀分校校车系统案例研究

Energy consumption and low carbon development strategies of three global cities in Asian developing countries

With the rise of Asia in the global economy, it is important for developing countries in Asia to break away from energy and resource intensive growth models and explore low carbon pathways. In this process, urban energy policies are crucial and pioneering cities should play a leading role. The change in energy consumption patterns in three cities, i.e., Beijing, Shanghai, and Bangkok, was studied, and these cities' low carbon development strategies were reviewed. It was found that total energy consumption in the three cities has shown a tendency towards being stable or even started to decrease. The energy consumption by industry has started to decrease or stopped increasing. Service sectors became the most important energy consumers in all three cities, particularly the transport sector in Bangkok. Household energy consumption gradually increased in Beijing and Shanghai. Electricity use at home and energy for vehicles are becoming more important with urbanization and changes in lifestyles. All three cities have adopted a variety of low carbon development strategies, such as transition towards a lower carbon economy, developing a low carbon transportation system, and adopting cleaner and renewable substitutes for electricity to disengage from the dependency on coal and petroleum products. However, most low carbon strategies have focused on industrial and service sectors. Those cities should also explore and lead more sustainable lifestyles, which are important for system-wide energy savings.

Closing the low-carbon material loop using a dynamic whole system approach

The transition to low carbon energy and transport systems requires an unprecedented roll-out of new infrastructure technologies, containing significant quantities of critical raw materials. Many of these technologies are based on general purpose technologies, such as permanent magnets and electric motors, that are common across different infrastructure systems. Circular economy initiatives that aim to institute better resource management practices could exploit these technological commonalities through the reuse and remanufacturing of technology components across infrastructure systems. In this paper, we analyze the implementation of such processes in the transition to low carbon electricity generation and transport on the Isle of Wight, UK. We model two scenarios relying on different renewable energy technologies, with the reuse of Lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles for grid-attached storage. A whole-system analysis that considers both electricity and transport infrastructure demonstrates that the optimal choice of renewable technology can be dependent on opportunities for component reuse and material recycling between the different infrastructure systems. Hydrogen fuel cell based transport makes use of platinum from obsolete catalytic converters whereas lithium-ion batteries can be reused for grid-attached storage when they are no longer useful in vehicles. Trade-offs exist between the efficiency of technology reuse, which eliminates the need for new technologies for grid attached storage completely by 2033, and the higher flexibility afforded by recycling at the material level; reducing primary material demand for Lithium by 51% in 2033 compared to 30% achieved by battery reuse. This analysis demonstrates the value of a methodology that combines detailed representations of technologies and components with a systemic approach that includes multiple, interconnected infrastructure systems.

The case for internalising externalities in a sustainable rail asset base

Although the concept of sustainability and sustainable development has tended to be mostly associated with the management of natural resources and the consequent environmental impact, the most accepted definition draws together its social, economic and environmental dimensions. The rail industry, as provider of a low carbon transport system, is well placed to have a significant role to play in promoting an environmental, economic and social balance that can be sustained and afforded for the foreseeable future. This paper suggests that a more comprehensive perspective on the scope of a sustainable intervention in rail infrastructure assets is needed, arguing that the necessary whole life evaluation process should include an additional positive externality: the uplift in knowledge, skill and expertise that comes about as a result of participation in projects and programmes. The inclusion of this benefit would provide a more accurate representation of value to support investment decision-making and strengthen the case for a broader funding base. The demonstration of the correlation between participation in projects and programmes and the consequent uplift in skill, knowledge and expertise could be used to shift the emphasis in rail project planning.

Climate change mitigation and deployment of electric vehicles in urban areas

Mobility plays a crucial part of our life. Alternative fuels and vehicle technology can mitigate climate change and greenhouse gases from road transport. This study analyses power-train deployments scenarios for the vehicle fleet of the city of Athens until 2021, taken into consideration European policy developments on vehicle CO2 emissions and technological level of readiness, European emissions standards, Greece's economic status, energy mandates and reductions in the European energy mix and translates these into comprehensive scenarios for the road transport sector. It quantifies and assesses the potential environmental impact of these scenarios on CO2 CO, NOx, HC, PM and CO2 emission reductions. The study proposes the development of a Strategic Zero Carbon Transport Plan for the city of Athens, aiming at the creation of a low carbon transport system, which will encompass issues such as life cycle thinking, urban planning and energy minimization aiming at climate change mitigation.

An inexact optimization model for planning regional carbon capture, transportation and storage systems under uncertainty

CO2 capture and storage (CCS) is widely recognized as a climate-change mitigation technology that can significantly sequestrate human-induced CO2 emission. However, there are two main issues that affect the development and deployment of CCS in a region/country: one is the shortage of planning tool for supporting effective decision making regarding timing, sitting and scaling of CCS capture, transport and storage facilities as well as dynamic sink-source matching between capture and storage. The other is uncertainty in technical, economic, political and other dimensions of CCS as the technology is still in early stage of commercialization. Therefore, the objective of this study is to develop an inexact CCS optimization model (ICCSM) for supporting regional carbon capture, transportation and storage planning under interval-format uncertainty with a least-cost strategy. It could address issues related to optimal sink-source matching in a region with multiple capture and storage options. The developed model was then applied to a case study of long term regional CCS planning under uncertainty. To demonstrate its applicability and capability, further scenario analysis indicated that high concentration CO2 from coal-to-chemical/liquids/gas for EOR storage would be early opportunity for CCS in China. In addition, carbon price would be an effective policy instrument for encouraging deployment of CCS. Without sufficient carbon price, it could be difficult for moving CCS from demonstration stage to deployment stage in a short term.

The making of giant pumpkins: how selective breeding changed the phloem of Cucurbita maxima from source to sink.

Despite the success of breeding programmes focused on increasing fruit size, relatively little is known about the anatomical and physiological changes required to increase reproductive allocation. To address this gap in knowledge, we compared fruit/ovary anatomy, vascular structure and phloem transport of two varieties of giant pumpkins, and their smaller fruited progenitor under controlled environmental conditions. We also modelled carbon transport into the fruit of competitively grown plants using data collected in the field. There was no evidence that changes in leaf area or photosynthetic capacity impacted fruit size. Instead, giant varieties differed in their ovary morphology and contained more phloem on a cross-sectional area basis in their petioles and pedicels than the ancestral variety. These results suggest that sink activity is important in determining fruit size and that giant pumpkins have an enhanced capacity to transport carbon. The strong connection observed between carbon fixation, phloem structure and fruit growth in field-grown plants indicates that breeding for large fruit has led to changes throughout the carbon transport system that could have important implications for how we think about phloem transport velocity and carbon allocation.

Towards smart grids: Identifying the risks that arise from the integration of energy and transport supply chains

This paper identifies the risks for the functionality and reliability of the grid that arise from the integration of the transport and supply chain. The electrification of transport is a promising option for the transition to a low carbon energy and transport system. But on the short term, the electrification of transport also creates risks. More specifically, when promising technological such as vehicle-to-grid and smart-grids are not yet available on a large scale, the rapid diffusion of electric vehicles and the recharging behaviour of consumers can create risks for grid functioning. In order to assess these risks, this paper present a GIS-based simulation method that assesses electricity demand and supply on the neighbourhood level. The paper combines local level electric vehicle diffusion forecasts, with neighbourhood level data about the grid additional capacity. Application of the model to the Netherlands shows that risks for grid functioning already appear as early as 2015. More specifically, the diffusion of electric vehicles is found to compromise the functioning of the grid on the short term in densely populated areas such as Amsterdam. In these neighbourhoods early and fast adoption of electric vehicles coincides with the presence of an older grid with less additional capacity. The model provides insights for grid operators as well as for policy makers that seek to stimulate the transition to sustainable energy and transport systems, and can be used as a strategic tool to plan (smart) grid investments.

Retrospect and Prospect of China's Low Carbon Road Research

Large amount of carbon has emitted from the transport, and which growing faster. This paper summarized the theoretical system, technology, product, methods and demonstration projects of low carbon transport. The deficiencies of current research were pointed out, such as researches on low carbon transport network and low carbon transportation system are less involved; low-carbon technology of transport is also imperfect, and some low carbon indicators still remain in the defined stages. At last, the evaluation methods of low-carbon indicators, building methods of low-carbon indicator system and evaluation methods were prospected. The paper also put forward that researches about the concept of low-carbon road, screening and construction method of low-carbon index system, application feedback and model validation should be deepened in future.

Decarbonising road transport with hydrogen and electricity: Long term global technology learning scenarios

Both fuel cell and electric vehicles have the potential to play a major role in a transformation towards a low carbon transport system that meets travel demands in a cleaner and more efficient way if hydrogen and electricity was produced in a sustainable manner. Cost reductions are central to this challenge, since these technologies are currently too expensive to compete with conventional vehicles based on fossil fuels. One important mechanism through which technology costs fall is learning-by-doing, the process by which cumulative global deployment leads to cost reduction. This paper develops long-term scenarios by implementing global technology learning endogenously in the TIAM-UCL global energy system model to analyse the role of hydrogen and electricity to decarbonise the transport sector. The analysis uses a multi-cluster global technology learning approach where key components (fuel cell, electric battery and electric drive train), to which learning is applied, are shared across different vehicle technologies such as hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell and battery operated vehicles in cars, light goods vehicles and buses. The analysis shows that hydrogen and electricity can play a critical role to decarbonise the transport sector. They emerge as complementary transport fuels, rather than as strict competitors, in the short and medium term, with both deployed as fuels in all scenarios. However, in the very long-term when the transport sector has been almost completely decarbonised, technology competition between hydrogen and electricity does arise, in the sense that scenarios using more hydrogen in the transport sector use less electricity and vice versa.

Integrated Mobility: A Research in Progress

We here present an ongoing research project about an integrated real time mobility assistant, which has been developed for the call “Personal Integrated Mobility” of the EU framework program. The assistant is aimed to support personal mobility in a near future scenario, where green, shared or public transports are replacing the current private, carbon transportation system. The assistant handles itineraries, which are based on goals of time, energy/pollution and cost, and supports users both before and during the trip. The service will gather and interpret any relevant source of information on transport resources and their availability. Information includes user generated content and social data. Given the globalization of users and the hourly peaks of mobility, the assistant is a cloud service, which integrates existing technologies; however a global extension requires a federation of clouds and, above all, the interpretation and validation of social data. These can be considered major research challenges.