Detailed Resource Assessment Research Articles

RS-GIS Approach on Biomass Energy Potential Estimation of Sugarcane Residues in Medellin, Cebu

The need to use alternative energy sources is driven by the continued rise in fossil fuel price, increasing population and energy demand most particularly in a developing country like the Philippines. Biomass resources such as sugarcane residues provide alternative means to utilize its untapped potential for renewable energy. The use of remote sensing technology and geo-graphic information system enables detailed assessment on the quantification of its distribution, abundance and quality that will yield an effective and efficient use of its potential. Available energy potential measurement was conducted in the town of Medellin, part of Bogo-Medellin mill district, in the northern region of Cebu province. The calculation was assessed using the remote sensing technology of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data. This baseline valuation serves as primary input to obtain detailed resource information on specific cultivation land areas for sugarcane with the aid of GIS-based calculations. The calculation considered crop yield, residue-to-product ratio, cultivation area, moisture content and heating value of the crop for a detailed resource assessment. The results revealed the georeferenced location of specific sugarcane residue energy potential in the town of Medellin. The RS-GIS approach in biomass energy potential estimation provides a cost effective way to obtain the overview of spatial variation in agricultural bioresource of the locality.

Resource Assessment of Renewable Energy Systems—A Review

The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by the energy transition may lead to trade-offs with other impacts on the environment, society, and economy. One challenge is resource use impacts due to increasing demand for high-tech metals and minerals. A review of the current state of the art resource assessment of energy systems was conducted to identify gaps in research and application. Publications covering complete energy systems and supplying a detailed resource assessment were the focus of the evaluation. Overall, 92 publications were identified and categorized by the type of system covered and the applied abiotic resource assessment methods. A total of 78 out of 92 publications covered sub-systems of renewable energy systems, and nine considered complete energy systems and conducted a detailed resource use assessment. Most of the publications in the group “complete energy system and detailed resource assessment” were found in grey literature. Several different aspects were covered to assess resource use. Thirty publications focused on similar aspects including criticality and supply risks, but technology-specific aspects are rarely assessed in the resource assessment of renewable energy systems. Few publications included sector coupling technologies, and among the publications most relevant to the aim of this paper one third did not conduct an indicator-driven assessment.

A Resource and Policy Driven Assessment of the Geothermal Energy Potential Across the Islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

The energy security of each Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state is a key issue specifically addressed based on the energy demands of each nation. St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has the potential to strengthen its energy sector through the exploitation of immense untapped natural geothermal resources. Currently, SVG is planning to integrate base load power through a 10 Megawatt-electric (MWe) geothermal power plant (GPP1). The paper aims to highlight a detailed resource assessment profile of the renewables across SVG and the projected benefits of the proposed 10 MWe geothermal power potential, such as the positive economic development (displacing 149,000 bbls of crude oil), and the transition to a more climate-sensitive nation (displacing an estimated 0.172 million tCO2e/year). In addition, a volumetric method (Monte Carlo simulations) has been applied to reveal that the geothermal reservoir can sustain a minimum of 31 MWe, 34 MWe and 92 MWe over the lifespan of 25–30 years, for well 1 (SVG01), well 2 (SVG02) and well 3 (SVG03) respectively. Given the findings of the assessment and simulations, several policy approaches are identified as potential means of enhancing geothermal resource development and leveraging the resource for the islands’ sustainable energy demands. These include incentivization for public-private partnerships, information certainty, regulatory processes, and strengthened institutions.

Tidal stream resource characterisation in progressive versus standing wave systems

Characterisations of the tidal stream resource and its variability over various timescales are crucial for the development of the tidal stream energy industry. To date, no research has compared resource sensitivity in standing wave (when peak currents occur midway between high and low water) and progressive wave (where peak currents occur at high and low water) tidal systems. Here, we compare the flow regimes of standing wave versus progressive wave systems and the associated variations in tidal stream power with applications to device deployment options (floating-platform turbines versus bottom-mounted turbines). We use a validated 3D numerical model (ROMS) of a globally-significant tidal energy shelf sea region (Irish Sea), to test the hypotheses that the influence on potential extractable energy, and suitability for different devices, may be markedly different between these contrasting systems. Power density was also calculated and compared for floating versus bottom-mounted devices using in-situ current data (ADCPs) obtained from a standing wave site and a progressive wave site. We show that progressive wave systems are characterised by velocity-asymmetry over a tidal cycle (i.e. stronger peak flows at high water than at low water), leading to power-asymmetry. Such power asymmetry was shown to have more of an effect on floating device technology, where an assumed turbine depth tracks the sea surface, in contrast to bottom-mounted technology, where the hub height is fixed at a certain position above the sea bed. Shallow, high-flow regions where tidal range is large contained up to 2.5% more power density from bottom-mounted compared with floating turbines; however, there were areas where floating devices were exposed to higher mean currents over a tidal cycle. Standing wave systems, where flow asymmetry is minimised, did not particularly favour either technology. The results highlight the requirement for detailed resource assessments to consider the vertical plane, and are applicable to all potential tidal stream energy sites.

Tidal stream energy resource assessment in the Qiantang River Estuary, China

ABSTRACTA tidal stream energy resource assessment can be achieved through direct measurements of tidal elevations or flow velocities, theoretical formulas, and numerical models. This paper first described the development of renewable energy in China. Then, the tidal stream energy resource in the Qiantang River Estuary was assessed. The present work established a 2D numerical model for calculating the power density in the estuary and validated it with in situ water level, tidal current, and suspended sediment concentration measurements. Three possible sites found near the Hangzhou Bay Bridge were selected for detailed resource assessment. The results indicated that if only 50 turbines are deployed to each site, the tidal stream energy output by all turbines would be 7.5 GWh/year. Finally, building a tidal stream power generation device into an existing bridge structure was proposed at the Qiantang River Estuary.

Quantum computation with realistic magic-state factories

Leading approaches to fault-tolerant quantum computation dedicate a significant portion of the hardware to computational factories that churn out high-fidelity ancillas called magic states. Consequently, efficient and realistic factory design is of paramount importance. Here we present the most detailed resource assessment to date of magic state factories within a surface code quantum computer, along the way introducing a number of new techniques. We show that the block codes of Bravyi and Haah [Phys. Rev. A 86, 052329 (2012)] have been systematically undervalued; we track correlated errors both numerically and analytically, providing fidelity estimates without appeal to the union bound. We also introduce a subsystem code realisation of these protocols with constant time and low ancilla cost. Additionally, we confirm that magic state factories have space-time costs that scale as a constant factor of surface code costs. We find that the magic state factory required for post-classical factoring can be as small as 6.3 million data qubits, ignoring ancilla qubits, assuming $10^{-4}$ error gates, and the availability of long range interactions.

Real time Markov chains: Wind states in anemometric data

The description of wind phenomena is frequently based on the data obtained from anemometers, which usually report the wind speed and direction only in a horizontal plane. Such measurements are commonly used either to develop wind generation farms or to forecast weather conditions in a geographical region. Beyond these standard applications, the information contained in the data may be richer than expected and may lead to a better understanding of the wind dynamics in a geographical area. In this work, we propose a statistical analysis based on the wind velocity vectors, which we propose may be grouped in “wind states” associated with binormal distribution functions. We found that the velocity plane defined by the anemometric velocity data may be used as a phase space, where a finite number of states may be found and sorted using standard clustering methods. The main result is a discretization technique useful to model the wind with Markov chains. We applied such ideas in the anemometric data for two different sites in Mexico where the wind resource is considered reliable. The approximated Markov chains of both places give a set of values for transition probabilities and residence times that may be regarded as a signature of the dynamics of the site.

10-year high resolution study of wind, sea waves and wave energy assessment in the Greek offshore areas

Nowadays, renewable energy resources are one of the top priority issues for the environmental and political community. In particular, wind and wave energy are two of the most promising solutions, with great potential from research and technological point of view. In this work, an integrated high resolution platform, consisting of state-of-the-art wind-wave numerical models, has been utilized and produced a 10-year database containing all the relevant environmental parameters for a detailed resource assessment over the Greek seas. The results of the atmospheric and sea wave numerical models concerning the environmental parameters that directly affect the wave energy potential were evaluated. High resolution maps for the coastal and offshore areas of Greece present sea wave and wind climatological characteristics, as well as the relevant distribution of the wave energy potential. A number of statistical indices have been employed for analyzing the output of the models, including the potential impact of extreme values and the corresponding distribution of the above parameters, which optimally describe the spatial and temporal analysis of the wave power potential over the area of interest. It is shown that the regions with increased wave energy potential are mainly the western and southern seas of Greece, which are usually exposed to swell from central and south Mediterranean Sea.

Methodologies for city-scale assessment of renewable energy generation potential to inform strategic energy infrastructure investment

In support of national and international policies to address climate change, local government actors across Europe and Asia are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Many recognise the contribution that decentralised renewable electricity production can bring towards reducing emissions whilst also generating revenue. However, these actors are often subject to significant financial pressures, meaning a reliable and compelling business case is needed to justify upfront investment. This article develops a method for rapid comparison of initial project viability for multiple city sites and installation options using data from wind and solar resource prediction techniques. In doing so, detailed resource assessments grounded in academic research are made accessible and useful for city practitioners.Long term average wind speeds are predicted using a logarithmic vertical wind profile. This employs detailed three-dimensional building data to estimate aerodynamic parameters for the complex urban surface. Solar resource is modelled using a Geographical Information System-based methodology. This establishes the location and geometry of roof structures to estimate insolation, whilst accounting for shading effects from other buildings and terrain features. Project viability for potential installations is assessed in terms of the net present value over the lifespan of the technology and associated Feed-in Tariff incentive. Discounted return on investment is also calculated for all sites. The methodology is demonstrated for a case study of 6794 sites owned by Leeds City Council, UK. Results suggest significant potential for small-scale wind and solar power generation across council assets. A number of sites present a persuasive business case for investment, and in all cases, using the generated electricity on site improves financial viability. This indicates that initial installations should be sited at assets with high electricity demands. Overall, the work establishes a methodology that enables large city-level asset holders to make strategic investment decisions across their entire portfolio, which are based on financial assessment of wind and solar generation potential accurate to the individual asset scale. Such tools could facilitate strategic planning within cities and help to ensure that investment in renewable energy is focused at the most viable sites. In addition, the methodology can assist with asset management at the city scale by identifying sites with a higher market value as a result of their potential for renewable energy generation than otherwise might be estimated.

Off-grid community electrification projects based on wind and solar energies: A case study in Nicaragua

Despite various institutional efforts, about 22% of the total Nicaraguan population still do not have access to electricity. Due to the dispersed nature of many rural inhabitants, off-grid electrification systems that use renewable energy sources are a reliable and sustainable option to provide electricity to isolated communities. In this study, the design of an off-grid electrification project based on hybrid wind-photovoltaic systems in a rural community of Nicaragua is developed. Firstly the analysis of the location, energy and power demands of all users of the community is carried out. A detailed resource assessment is then developed by means of historical data, in-situ wind measurements and a specific micro-scale wind flow model. An optimization algorithm is utilized to support the design defining generation (number, type and location of generators, controllers, batteries and inverters) and distribution (electric networks) systems considering the detail of resource variations. The algorithm is modified in order to consider a long-term perspective and a sensitivity analysis is carried out considering different operation and maintenance costs’ scenarios. The proposed design configuration combines solar home systems, solar based microgrids and wind based microgrids in order to connect concentrated groups of users taking advantage of best wind resource areas.

Verification within wave resource assessments. Part 1: Statistical analysis

Interest in wave energy as a viable renewable energy has increased greatly in the past couple of decades. To determine the potential that a certain location has to harvest wave energy, a resource assessment must be performed for that location. As wave energy converter technologies get closer to market, it is becoming necessary to undertake more detailed resource assessments in order to determine the optimal location for deployment as well as the design and operating sea states. This study shows the level of sophistication that must be included in the verification process within a wave resource assessment. We describe the methodology in two articles. The first part shows how doing a complete statistical analysis of the fit of the model at the location of interest is essential for determining the reliability of the model data. Part 2 of this study will investigate the systematic trends of the fit of spectral values. In Part 1, it is shown that spatial analysis, the examination of distributions to reveal overall trends, and the careful choice of the appropriate statistical model to describe the fit of the wave model to buoy observations are all critical steps that must be added to verification processes. Part 2 demonstrates that looking closely at the fit of spectral values can reveal potentially vital issues for energy extraction. Better statistical validation gives the predictions of a particular resource assessment greater credibility or reveals areas where model accuracy must be improved.

Verification within wave resource assessments. Part 2: Systematic trends in the fit of spectral values

Interest in wave energy as a viable renewable energy has increased greatly in the past couple of decades. To determine the potential that a certain location has to harvest wave energy, a resource assessment must be performed for that location. As wave energy converter technologies get closer to market, it is becoming necessary to undertake more detailed resource assessments to determine the optimal location for deployment as well as the design and operating sea states. This study shows the level of sophistication that must be included in the verification process within a wave resource assessment. We describe the methodology in two articles. Part 1 described a procedure for a complete statistical analysis of the fit of the model. This paper will demonstrate how investigating systematic trends in the fit of spectral values is essential for determining the precise problem areas of the model and is thus required as part of the verification processes. Lacking this detail could mean failing to notice potentially vital issues for energy extraction at the location of interest. The identification of specific problem areas will enable a well-informed consideration of the necessary next steps for improved prediction of energy extraction.

Bio energy: A case study of Kelp Industries, King Island, Tasmania

In 1984 Kelp Industries converted a seaweed drying kiln from oil to wood firing. Annual oil cost savings of over $100,000 are now being achieved. Based on detailed resource assessment, and a 15 year contract of sale, wood supply to the company is assured. Retention of money in the island economy has had a community benefit, viability of logging operations has been improved, and Kelp Industries are now more internationally competitive.

AGROCLIMATIC RESOURCE ASSESSMENT: AN EXAMPLE FOR PEACH CULTIVATION IN THE LOWER PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN

Detailed resource assessments can assist agricultural planners and growers select appropriate crops and cultivars for a region. This study employs a geographic information system (ARC/INFO) to develop a rating scheme suitable for evaluating the climatic resources of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan for commercial peach production. The rating scheme presented here improves on many previously developed indices by placing greater emphasis on identifying critical growth stages and the weather conditions that impact the critical stages. The use of a vector-based geographic information system in the analysis provided an efficient and flexible means for constructing the agroclimatic index. Suitability categories easily can be modified to meet requirements of different users, and additional climate variables readily can be added to the analysis. In addition, a computerized geographic information system allows the climatic suitability ratings to be combined easily with edaphic and topographic information. The clima...