Demand Control Research Articles

Disentangling the socio-natural dynamics of drought and water scarcity in Colombia's Tropical Andes

Study regionThe Guachal River Basin (GRB), a headwater of the Cauca River in Colombia's Tropical Andes. Study focusDroughts develop gradually, without clear time-space boundaries, affecting extensive geographical areas. When droughts occur, they exacerbate existing water scarcity, aggravating the negative impacts on vulnerable populations and ecosystems. The drivers of these phenomena are complex, ranging from natural to anthropogenic, and their impacts are cumulative and not structural. This research investigates the socio-natural dynamics of drought and water scarcity in the GRB. We explore these dynamics through secondary data review and stakeholder interviews, capturing perceptions and manifestations of droughts beyond official reported data. The Drivers-Response-Impacts framework is employed to unravel these complexities and offer insights to improve drought and water management. New hydrological insights for the regionOur research reveals that water scarcity in the GRB primarily results from land use changes and water overconsumption by the local elite, who have transitioned to sugarcane farming. ENSO-driven droughts further exacerbate water shortages in the GRB. Policy responses to drought and water scarcity are often ineffective and reactive, addressing only immediate symptoms rather than long-term drivers, such as the role of the elite in perpetuating scarcity. We explore several strategies to enhance water management: exploring new drought indicators, creating comprehensive drought damage inventories, implementing adaptable demand control mechanisms targeting high-volume users, and enhancing stakeholder participation in decision-making processes.

Coordinated control of single-point moored floating multi-wind turbines under fault events and shutdowns

Abstract The emergence of novel concepts aimed at the reduction of floating offshore wind energy cost is increasingly demanding new control approaches. This is the case of floating offshore multi-wind turbine assets (FOMWT), with two or more full wind turbines placed on the same floating platform. The strong dynamic interaction among the sub-components of such systems requires appropriate coordination of the commands driven by the individual wind turbine controllers. The impact of such coupling may increase depending on the asset confguration, as is the case of single-point distribution of mooring lines, commonly applied to FOMWTs. Among the most demanding situations are those under fault events and shutdowns, which may cause large uncontrolled platform rotation and put the system integrity at risk. To address this, a new coordinated control level, mastering the individual turbine controllers hierarchically, is proposed to govern the whole asset. The control concept proves to be effective under a reduced set of extreme load cases in accordance with standards for a two-wind turbine FOMWT. The simulations are performed with the multi-wind turbine simulation tool MUST, which accounts not only for the interaction among the two turbines and the platform, but also for the communication of the coordinated control and the individual turbine control levels.

Optimal Hybrid Renewable Microgrids via Energy Demand Control Using Media Platforms in South Korea

In this study, media platforms were leveraged for the first time to control energy demand at peak intervals. A questionnaire-based face-to-face social survey was conducted in Korea to measure the impact of media content on consumers’ energy behavior during peak times. The experimental results were used in a mathematical model to define four energy demand scenarios: the base, cut, intensely shifted, and moderately shifted demand. The demand scenarios were used to simulate optimal hybrid renewable microgrids in 17 sites in Korea with (Plan A) and without (Plan B) hydrogen production facilities. Considering a 6% margin of error, the social experiment demonstrated that 8.08%–18.93% of the electricity demand in Korea can be decreased by the aware contribution of residents at peak intervals. Consequently, the reduced mismatch between electricity demand and supply can save $980,900–$2,714,670 of the net present costs of the hybrid renewable microgrids. Moreover, the shares of renewable energy sources under optimum conditions were used to create new maps of Korea in three and five clusters in Plans A and B, respectively. Considering the significance of cultural factors in social responses to media content, it would be best to expand this survey into international settings.

Work- & family-related stress & the risk of hazardous alcohol use: role of sex and social support

Abstract Background There is a lack of longitudinal studies investigating the effect of individual stress factors on alcohol use behaviour, and how sex and social support may mitigate the effect of these stressors. We aimed to determine the association of work- and family-related stressors with developing hazardous alcohol use over time among habitual drinkers, and to examine the role of sex and social support in these associations. Methods A sample of 4,046 individuals, working and living in Stockholm, age 25-55 years, habitual drinkers, who answered the PART study (Swedish acronym for Mental Health, Work and Social Relations) questionnaire regarding work- and family-related stress (exposures) in 1998-2000 (wave1) and 2001-2003 (wave2) were followed until 2010 (wave3) regarding hazardous alcohol use (outcome) measured using Alcohol-Use-Disorder-Identification-Test (AUDIT) score ( > =8 in men, > =7 in women). Weights for selective attrition were calculated, and crude and multivariate (adjusting for sociodemographic, health- and previous stress-related factors) logistic regression models, yielding Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI), were used to estimate the exposure-outcome associations. Analyses were stratified for sex and social support in general and at work. Results Job strain (a combination of high demand and low control) was not statistically significantly associated with hazardous alcohol use (OR, CI: 1.3, 0.9-1.9). Among those reporting any family-related stress, a significantly higher risk was observed (OR, CI: 1.5, 1.1-2.1), particularly among women (OR, CI: 1.7, 1.02-2.7) and those with low social support (OR, CI: 2.1, 1.2-3.6). These associations became non-significant after adjusting for previous family-related stress. Conclusions Public health measures aiming to prevent transitions from habitual to hazardous alcohol use should give special attention to individuals with family-related stress, especially among women and those with low social support. Key messages • While job stress was not significantly associated, those experiencing family-related stress had a higher risk of hazardous alcohol use, especially among women and those without social support. • Individuals experiencing family-related stress, particularly women and those lacking social support, require special attention in public health prevention strategies for risky alcohol consumption.

Highly insulated hydrogen powered vacuum gasochromic smart windows for energy-efficient buildings

Switchable active hydrogen powered gasochromic smart windows present an appealing option for energy-efficient building integration, offering two controllable transparencies between ON and OFF states compared to traditional windows. Implementing such glazing in cold-climate buildings requires minimizing the total heat transfer across the glazing, achievable through vacuum-insulated glazing resulting in the retrofitting to obtain energy efficient building. This study investigates the potential of vacuum gasochromic (VGC) windows to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings in diverse climatic conditions, focusing on London, UK, and New Delhi, India. Comparing traditional single-glazing and double-glazing windows with vacuum-gasochromic windows in terms of thermal performance, energy demand, and dynamic control over solar heat gain and visible light transmission are evaluated using advanced simulation techniques with SketchUp, OPTICS6, WINDOW 7.8 and EnergyPlus 9.6. Results reveal that vacuum gasochromic windows exhibit superior thermal insulation with significantly lower U-values of 1.559W/m2K, reducing heat transfer and energy demand for heating and cooling. Vacuum gasochromic opaque states demonstrate exceptional performance in minimizing energy transfer, making them the most energy-efficient option, especially in warm climates like New Delhi with 9544.4 kWh. Conversely, vacuum gasochromic transparent state shows promise in reducing heating demand in London's cold climate by 9.43 %, highlighting their adaptability. Moreover, vacuum gasochromic windows allow dynamic control over solar heat gain and visible light transmission, enabling occupants to adjust transparency based on weather conditions and preferences.

Ecological compensation mechanism controlled by both river ecological water demand and regional water rights

River ecological protection and rational utilization of water resources provide an important support for the sustainable development for human beings and nature. In view of the lack of ecological compensation research on river ecological water demand and socio-economic water demand, a mechanism and methodology for ecological compensation based on the synergistic control of river ecological water demand and river water rights allocation is proposed. The variable monthly flow method and the improved dynamic calculation method are applied to obtain the river basic and suitable ecological water demands as the river protection threshold. A two-layer decision model for water rights allocation is established, which realizes the cascading allocation of initial water rights from city to counties to sectors, and the socio-economic water usage threshold for each level is obtained based on the model. Developing compensation discrimination guidelines under the dual-threshold synergistic control and using the unilateral water resources value by sub-sector as the compensation standard, realize the quantification and sharing of compensation funds. The Nanyang section of the Bai River basin in China is used as an example. The ecological compensation value for wet year (2011), normal year (2012), and dry years (2014–2013) are 0, 15.09 × 108 and 12.04 × 108 (average value for dry years) RMB. The adoption of suitable ecological water demand thresholds in 2012 increases the ecological protection requirements thus leading to an internal compensation situation between Nanyang County and Xinye County. From 2014 to 2016, river runoff continued to be low, and excessive water intake from upstream lead to a chain of compensation situations in the midstream and downstream. It is essential to establish a basin and regionally nested ecological compensation mechanism. The research results are conducive to improving the eco-compensation theory and provide scientific references for water resources management and high-quality development in the basin.

Comprehensive performance evaluation of HVAC systems integrated with direct air capture of CO2 in various climate zones

Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a rapidly evolving technology that extracts CO2 directly from ambient air. This study presents a comprehensive performance evaluation of integrating DAC in HVAC systems, which can reduce indoor CO2 concentration and improve energy efficiency of HVAC systems. The DAC equipment is modeled in Modelica based on isotherm and thermodynamic equations, and pressure drop curves of the CO2 sorbent described in literature. The model is validated with data from the literature, and then integrated into a typical HVAC system available in Modelica Buildings library. The HVAC system is a Variable Air Volume (VAV) with reheater system for a one-floor office building with standard ASHRAE 2006 control sequences. Demand control ventilation strategies are designed to reduce the outdoor air flowrates when indoor CO2 concentrations are lower than the threshold, which is to maximize the benefits of integrating DAC. Four cases are proposed to assess the impacts of integrating DAC and DCV in HVAC systems in 8 different ASHRAE climate zones in the USA. The results show that by integrating DAC unit into the HVAC system, the average indoor CO2 concentration can be significantly reduced by over 45 % against the baseline without a DAC unit. By integrating DCV, 0.39–21.66 % of annual energy savings and 226–9539 kg carbon emissions reduction are observed across different climate zones. The highest energy savings are found to be achieved with cold climatic conditions while the lowest energy savings occur with favorable weather.

O46 PSYCHOSOCIAL STRESSORS AT WORK ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED BLOOD PRESSURE VARIABILITY

Background and Objectives: Elevated blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, independently of blood pressure values. Psychosocial stressors at work are modifiable risk factors from the work environment, shown to increase the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The present study aims to determine whether psychosocial stressors at work have a detrimental effect on BPV. Methods: The present study relied on a prospective cohort of 3 645 white-collar workers in Quebec City evaluated at three visits: at recruitment, 3 years, and 5 years. At each visit, participants wore an ambulatory blood pressure monitor during working hours and answered a questionnaire on psychosocial work stressors, as measured using validated instruments according to the demand-control (DC) and effort-reward imbalance (ERI) models. Working hours BPV was calculated using average real variability. Results: A total of 7 078 observations (n = 4 246 in women and n = 2 832 in men) were available. Using the DC model, systolic and diastolic BPV were higher in active (high psychological demands, high job control) when compared to non-exposed participants (low demands, high control). Using the ERI model, systolic and diastolic BPV were higher among participants exposed to an imbalance between efforts at work and rewards when compared to unexposed participants. These associations were robust to adjustment for socio-demographics, lifestyle-related risk factors and clinical risk factors. Conclusions: Participants exposed to psychosocial stressors at work showed higher BPV than non-exposed participants. Since these risk factors are amenable to appropriate preventive intervention in workplaces, they should be considered for the primordial prevention of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Adjusted for age, education, body mass index, alcohol intake, smoking status, sedentary behaviors, family history of CVD and medication for hypertension (as well as for sex in analyses conducted in the total sample).

Analysing policy success and failure in Australia: Pink batts and set‐top boxes

AbstractThis article examines two Australian government programs from the Rudd/Gillard Labor government, the Home Insulation Program (HIP) and the Digital Switchover Household Assistance Scheme (HAS). Both became shibboleths of the Labor government's perceived waste and incompetence. Using key informant interviews and documents obtained under freedom of information (FOI), I analyse these programs against the multiple ‘dimensions’ of success proposed by Newman and common narrative frames around programme failure. I argue that the HAS was broadly successful across most dimensions of success, notwithstanding the adverse media attention. The study identifies four key factors driving HIP's failure: scheme design, installer training, demand control, and departmental expertise. All of these came back to the timeline pressures, driven by conflicting priorities, which in turn gave the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) more influence than would usually be the case. In comparison, HAS's success is attributed to crucial design choices, like the phased rollout and head contractor model. The article identifies the danger of ignoring subject matter expertise and poor policy/Cabinet processes, which have been reinforced by the recent Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme.Points for practitioners Demand‐driven programmes need to have demand‐side control techniques built into them. The role of central agencies needs to be carefully considered, particularly in relation to areas that are not their expertise, such as detailed programme development and implementation. Lessons about poor policy and Cabinet processes, as well as cultural change from the Pink Batts Royal Commission, do not appear to have been sufficiently embedded in the culture of the APS, as there are ongoing echoes of the same problems evident in the Robodebt Royal Commission.

Case Study Manufacture of Cotton Polo Shirts and Jumpers

Objective: Explore the manufacturing process of tangüis cotton polo shirts and jumpers from a Peruvian textile company to optimize the process and obtain quality products that can compete in the international market. Theoretical Framework: The forecast demand and forecast control, the required and available capacity of workers and machines for the production process, the aggregate planning of the required workforce, the master production program, and the disaggregation of material requirements with the calculation of the corresponding lead-times. Method: Basic and applied hypothetical case study, transversal and exploratory, non-experimental, where the production process of cotton polo shirts and jumpers is simulated in one year considering their seasonality. Results and Discussion: Proposal for the demand estimation, forecast control, the required and available capacity of workers and machines necessary for the production process, the aggregate planning of the required workforce, the master production program, and the disaggregation of materials with the calculation of the corresponding lead-times. Research Implications: Be able to replicate the case in real situations of companies focused on textile manufacturing to determine their real estimations and propose proposals for continuous improvement. Originality/Value: The contribution to the literature of a case study that can be replicated to the reality of companies oriented to textile manufacturing to optimize their processes and contribute with their proposals for continuous improvement.

Multi-paradigm modelling and control of microgrid systems for better power stability in the Rockaways

The Rockaways Peninsula faces issues related to congestion and power outages during times of peak usage. Additionally, it is susceptible to disruptions caused by disasters such as hurricanes and storms. In this paper, we propose a new methodology that employs multi-paradigm modelling and control for the design and implementation of interconnected microgrid systems in the Rockaways. Microgrids are small-scale power networks that incorporate renewable energy technologies for power generation and distribution to enhance the control of energy supply and demand. Multi-paradigm modelling is employed to describe microgrids’ dynamic behavior more accurately by integrating system dynamics, agent-based modelling, as well as discrete event and continuous time simulation. We use agent-based models to describe the behavior of separate microgrid elements and the microgrid as a whole. Discrete event/continuous time simulation is used to analyze real-time operation of electrical parameters, such as voltage, current and frequency. Thus, the design, analysis and performance of microgrids are improved. Also, control strategies are used for the purpose of enabling the microgrids to operate effectively by responding to changes in power supply and demand and minimizing the effects of disturbances. The findings of this study demonstrate the feasibility and resilience benefits of incorporating multi-paradigm modelling and control in the design and management of microgrid systems in the Rockaways, which can result in the development of more durable, efficient, and sustainable energy systems in the region.

Dynamic Operations of a Mobile Charging Crowdsourcing Platform

This paper investigates the operation of a novel electric vehicles (EVs) charging service mode, that is, crowdsourced mobile charging service for EVs, whereby a crowdsourcing platform is established to arrange suppliers (crowdsourced chargers) to deliver charging service to customers’ electric vehicles (parked EVs) at low-battery levels. From the platform operator’s perspective, we aim to determine the optimal operation strategies for mobile charging crowdsourcing platforms to achieve specific objectives. A mathematical modeling framework is developed to capture the interactions among supply, demand, and service operations in the crowdsourced mobile charging market. To design an efficient solution method to solve the formulated model, we first analyze the model properties by rigorously proving that a crucial variable set for operating the mobile charging crowdsourcing system includes charging price, commission control, and period-specific aggregate demand control. Besides, we provide both an equivalent condition and a necessary condition for checking the feasibility of these crucial variables. On top of this, we construct a search tree according to the operation periods in a day to solve the optimal operation strategies, wherein a nondominated principle is adopted as an accelerating technique in the searching process. The solution obtained from the proposed solution algorithm is proved to be sufficiently close to the actual global optimal solutions of the formulated model up to the resolution of the discretization scheme adopted. Numerical examples provide evidence verifying the model’s validity and the solution method’s efficiency. Overall, the research outcome of this work can offer service operators structured and valuable guidelines for operating mobile charging crowdsourcing platforms. Funding: This work was supported by the Singapore Ministry of Education [Grant RG124/21]. Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2023.0126 .

Machine-learning based control of bi-modular multilevel PWM inverter for high power applications.

This paper presents the topology and machine learning-based intelligent control of high-power PV inverter for maximum power extraction and optimal energy utilization. Modular converters with reduced components economic and reliable for high power applications. The proposed integrated intelligent machine learning based control delivers power conversion control with maximum power extraction and supervisory control for optimal load demand control. The topology of the inverter, operating modes, power control and supervisory control aspects are presented. Simulation is carried out in MATLAB/SIMULINK to verify the feasibility of the proposed inverter and control algorithm. The experimental study is presented to validate the simulation results. The operational performance of the proposed topology is evaluated in terms of operational parameters such as regulation of output power, and load relay control and is compared to existing topologies. The economic performance is also evaluated in terms of power switch sizing and reliability in power delivery concerning switch or power sources failure.

Complex Pathways Drive Pluripotent Fmoc-Leucine Self-Assemblies.

Nature uses complex self-assembly pathways to access distinct functional non-equilibrium self-assemblies. This remarkable ability to steer same set of biomolecules into different self-assembly states is done by avoiding thermodynamic pit. In synthetic systems, on demand control over 'Pathway Complexity' to access self-assemblies different from equilibrium structures remains challenging. Here we show versatile non-equilibrium assemblies of the same monomer via alternate assembly pathways. The assemblies nucleate using non-classical or classical nucleation routes into distinct metastable (transient hydrogels), kinetic (stable hydrogels) and thermodynamic structures [(poly)-crystals and 2D sheets]. Initial chemical and thermal inputs force the monomers to follow different assembly pathways and form soft-materials with distinct molecular arrangements than at equilibrium. In many cases, equilibrium structures act as thermodynamic sink which consume monomers from metastable structures giving transiently formed materials. This dynamics can be tuned chemically or thermally to slow down the dissolution of transient hydrogel, or skip the intermediate hydrogel altogether to reach final equilibrium assemblies. If required this metastable state can be kinetically trapped to give strong hydrogel stable over days. This method to control different self-assembly states can find potential use in similar biomimetic systems to access new materials for various applications.

Complex Pathways Drive Pluripotent Fmoc‐Leucine Self‐Assemblies

AbstractNature uses complex self‐assembly pathways to access distinct functional non‐equilibrium self‐assemblies. This remarkable ability to steer same set of biomolecules into different self‐assembly states is done by avoiding thermodynamic pit. In synthetic systems, on demand control over ‘Pathway Complexity’ to access self‐assemblies different from equilibrium structures remains challenging. Here we show versatile non‐equilibrium assemblies of the same monomer via alternate assembly pathways. The assemblies nucleate using non‐classical or classical nucleation routes into distinct metastable (transient hydrogels), kinetic (stable hydrogels) and thermodynamic structures [(poly)‐crystals and 2D sheets]. Initial chemical and thermal inputs force the monomers to follow different assembly pathways and form soft‐materials with distinct molecular arrangements than at equilibrium. In many cases, equilibrium structures act as thermodynamic sink which consume monomers from metastable structures giving transiently formed materials. This dynamics can be tuned chemically or thermally to slow down the dissolution of transient hydrogel, or skip the intermediate hydrogel altogether to reach final equilibrium assemblies. If required this metastable state can be kinetically trapped to give strong hydrogel stable over days. This method to control different self‐assembly states can find potential use in similar biomimetic systems to access new materials for various applications.

Water-energy-food-greenhouse gases nexus management in urban environments: A robust multi-agent decision-support system

Conceptual urban water metabolism (CUWM) models provide a holistic view of the efficiency of urban water systems. These models can be linked with multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) models to mimic stakeholders' reactions to various strategies. However, the outcomes derived from CUWM-MARL models come with uncertainty. As a result, this paper introduces a decision support system (DSS) that is aware of these uncertainties and uses this information to select robust management strategies based on the output of CUWM-MARL models. First, future scenarios are generated by exploring all combinations of critical values of deeply uncertain variables and values of uncertain variables sampled from an appropriate multivariate copula distribution. Then, a computationally efficient surrogate model is developed to alleviate the computational load of the MARL sub-model. The surrogate model is run through all future scenarios to calculate the system's key performance indicators (KPIs) for each management strategy. Urban water managers can use these KPIs and social choice methods to find consensus management strategies. The proposed methodology has been implemented in the western part of the Tehran metropolitan area, Iran. This study evaluates 26 management strategies consisting of various projects, including reducing water distribution network leakage, implementing urban demand control projects, and utilizing semi-centralized or decentralized wastewater treatment plants. The strategy chosen by the uncertainty-aware DSS enhances the total utility and fairness indices by 125% and 4%, respectively. Moreover, it effectively improves groundwater quality, reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and enhances water supply reliability, ultimately contributing to farmers' job security.

Ultrasound‐assisted synthesis of biodiesel in the presence of a novel catalyst recovered from waste effluent/water: A mini‐review

AbstractThe government of India has mainly focused on waste management, environment protection acts, and control of energy demand, which will lead to the development of a clean and green India. Nowadays most of the drinking water is getting polluted due to the harmful gases released by well‐renowned industries mining operations, alloy industries, and dye industries. The presence of more amounts of heavy metals in drinking water leads to a rise in chemical levels than the constrained level in the environment, inside a human body, and any living being. Protection of the environment through the recovery of heavy metals from waste effluents through a chemical activation process using bio‐derived activated carbons as adsorbents is one of the known strategies in the current decade that can be adopted. The application of these heavy metals as catalysts in the synthesis of biodiesel from nonedible oils through an ultrasound (US)‐assisted process is one of the emerging strategies that will help in the reduction of energy demand. In the current review, the recovery of heavy metals from the waste effluents through a conventional chemical activation process and their applications as catalysts in the US‐assisted synthesis of biodiesel from nonedible oils is discussed.

The effects of exoskeleton use on human response to simulated overhead tasks with vibration

The use of occupational exoskeletons has grown fast in manufacturing industries in recent years. One major scenario of exoskeleton use in manufacturing is to assist overhead, power hand tool operations. This preliminary work aimed to determine the effects of arm-supporting exoskeletons on shoulder muscle activity and human-hand tool coupling in simulated overhead tasks with axially applied vibration. An electromagnetic shaker capable of producing the random vibration spectrum specified in ISO 10819 was hung overhead to deliver vibrations. Two passive, arm-supporting exoskeletons, with one (ExoVest) transferring load to both the shoulder and pelvic region while the second one (ExoStrap) transferring load primarily to the pelvic region, were used in testing. Testing was also done with the shaker placed in front of the body to better understand the posture and exoskeleton engagement effects. The results collected from 6 healthy male subjects demonstrate the dominating effects of the overhead working posture on increased shoulder muscle activities. Vibration led to higher muscle activities in both agonist and antagonist shoulder muscles to a less extent. Exoskeleton use reduced the anterior deltoid and serratus anterior activities by 27% to 43%. However, wearing the ExoStrap increased the upper trapezius activities by 23% to 38% in the overhead posture. Furthermore, an increased human-shaker handle coupling was observed in the OH posture when wearing the ExoVest, indicating a more demanding neuromuscular control.

Leveraging media for demand control in an optimal network of renewable microgrids with hydrogen facilities in South Korea

Abstract In pursuit of a sustainable 2030 strategy in the Republic of Korea, this study addresses the oversight in recent optimal renewable energy microgrid designs, which, despite encompassing all feasible renewable sources, neglected the pivotal role of hydrogen as an energy carrier. This research explores the feasibility of reprogramming media platforms to dynamically shape energy consumption during peak intervals. It further proposes the retrofitting of microgrids with industrial hydrogen production and storage facilities, aligning with controlled electricity demand. A comprehensive social survey investigates the impact of media content on energy-conscious behaviour and cooperation, specifically targeting energy savings during peak hours. Utilizing a probabilistic model, the study quantifies responses from the surveyed sample and decomposes the energy demand time series to reveal three new consumption patterns: demand reduction by lowering residential electricity consumption at peak intervals without shifts, intense demand shifting by redistributing electricity consumption from peaks to valleys without human intervention, and moderate demand shifting achieved through cooperation with consumers. With these novel energy demand patterns in hand, the study optimally designs renewable microgrids in 17 sites in South Korea, comparing two strategies: Plan A, involving electrolysis-based hydrogen production and storage tanks, and Plan B, which excludes hydrogen facilities. Comparative results demonstrate that media content contributes to a 10.28% and 16.11% reduction in peak electricity consumption, with and without human intervention, respectively. In Plan B, a demand cut saves 937.3 MWh/yr, resulting in a 12.88% reduction in the levelized costs of electricity (LCOE) and a 4.67% reduction in net present costs (NPC) of optimal renewable microgrids in Korea. Conversely, in Plan A, intense demand reduction exhibits superior performance, leading to $981K less NPC, 1,046 MWh/yr less excess electricity, and a 3.76% smaller LCOE. The study recommends the implementation of smart gadgets to control residential electricity consumption, producing industrial hydrogen at Korean sites based on consumer attention and agreement with specific media content. However, it underscores the importance of studying the socio-psychological effects of this plan in future research.

The paradox of success: Water resources closure in Axarquia (southern Spain)

Axarquia is a semi-arid region in southern Spain that in the past 25 years has experienced significant population growth, along with an economic boom driven by an increasing influx of tourists to Costa del Sol and the expansion of irrigated export-oriented subtropical crops. The combination of these factors has led to a chronic structural scarcity condition that has been intensified by the occurrence of a long and extreme drought. As a result, its only reservoir has reached historically low levels and the piezometric levels in its main aquifer have decreased significantly, suggesting that groundwater reserves are being overexploited. The water crisis is impacting citizens (urban supply), farmers (losses of yields and crops), and the environment (decreasing water reserves). The authorities have responded through supply-side measures such as incorporating reclaimed wastewater in the system and planning the deployment of desalination infrastructure in the region, but demand control and proper governance are required to guarantee sustainability. Consequently, in this case study we apply the European Environment Agency's DPSIR (driving forces, pressures, state, impact, and response model of intervention) framework to understand the basin closure process in Axarquia and assess the main actions that have been undertaken by public and private sector stakeholders to address the challenges faced by the region. Our results provide a valuable reference case to support the analysis of similar closure events, the early identification of potential crisis conditions, and the design of potential solutions in water scarce regions in the European Union, the Mediterranean, and elsewhere.