Direct Vicinity Research Articles

Fingerprinting fluid evolution by trace elements in epithermal pyrite, Vatukoula Au-Te deposit, Fiji

Tellurium (Te) is an important element for green technologies, including thin film photovoltaic panels. Stagnating supply caused by its by-product dependency together with an increasing demand will likely lead to a shortage in the near future. Pyrite may represent a potential target for the direct recovery of Te, since the concentrations of Te can reach weight percent levels under specific, but poorly constrained hydrothermal conditions. The Vatukoula (formerly Emperor) epithermal Au-Te deposit is currently mined for Au and ~ 75% are recovered from Au-tellurides and pyrite. Tellurium has been processed in the past, but is now sent to tailings despite of concentrations reaching 1.4 wt. % in pyrite, which makes this system a natural laboratory to investigate key Te enrichment processes.The epithermal mineralisation at Vatukoula consists of an early low-grade disseminated host-rock and a later high-grade Ag-Au-Te vein-type stage. Pyrite occurs in both ore-types with diverse As contents including concentrations < 0.5 wt. % in pure pyrite, 0.5 to 13 wt. % in low-As and 23 to 43 wt. % in high-As pyrite, reflecting increasing fluid As with system evolution towards the high-grade mineralisation. Tellurium contents in pyrite increase from pure pyrite (up to 220 ppm) to low-As pyrite (up to 1.4 wt. %), but with a decrease towards high-As pyrite (up to 185 ppm). This is a yet unknown relation, since trace element incorporation in pyrite is usually facilitated by increasing As. Instead, the presented results suggest a threshold between 13 and 23 wt. % As, above which the incorporation of Te and related elements (e.g., Ag, Au) may be less favourable. Mineral stabilities, trace element ratios (e.g., Sb/Pb, Tl/Pb) and LA-ICP-MS mapping of texturally distinct pyrite indicate that fluid boiling was a critical process for the Ag, Au and Te enrichment in the Vatukoula epithermal system. Fluid sulphidation states decreased with proceeding evolution of the epithermal system from initially intermediate- to late low-sulphidation conditions, which led to the diverse chemical character of pyrite. Early pure pyrite primarily formed as a replacement product of magnetite in the altered host rocks, whereas low- and high-As pyrite precipitated in the direct vicinity of Ag-Au-telluride veins, from which most of the As, Ag, Te and Au hosted in pyrite was derived from. Consequently, the trace element composition of pyrite allows the fingerprinting of the fluid evolution of Te-rich ore-forming systems like Vatukoula, Fiji.

Effect of Solution Aggressiveness on the Crack Growth Resistance and Cracking Mechanism of AA2024-T3

Aluminum alloy 2024-T3 was examined using a range of microscopy techniques at the early stages of corrosion attack to investigate the corrosion-induced cracking mechanism. Two different corrosive environments—exfoliation corrosion (EXCO) and 3.5 wt% NaCl—were used for the exposure of tensile and prenotched compact-tension C(T) specimens of AA2024-T3. Different embrittlement mechanisms are noticed for the two investigated corrosive environments. Significant intergranular corrosion (IGC) and grain boundary embrittlement are evident in the specimens exposed to EXCO solution, whilethis was not the case for the milder solution comprising of 3.5 wt% NaCl. With regard to the milder solution, the corrosion attack is not only restricted to the grain boundary, but evolves transgranularly to the neighboring grains of the IGC attacked region and, consequently, the grain boundary strength in the direct vicinity is not notably affected. The extent of secondary cracks, after the exposure of C(T) specimens to EXCO solution and the subsequent crack-growth resistance evaluation, were found to correlate with the diameter of the plastically affected zone (≈3.78±0.04 mm). Additionally, the depth of these cracks was found to correlate well with the thickness of the intergranular fracture surface, giving evidence that the secondary cracks form due to grain boundary embrittlement; probably attributed to hydrogen embrittlement phenomena.

Przedsiębiorczość jako działalność patriotyczna? Zakłady Baruchów i Włodzimirskich w Podgórzu i Łagiewnikach w drugiej połowie XIX w.

The article examines the growth and decline of the one most important industrial enterprise in Podgórze, in the direct vicinity of Kraków, where during the second half of 19th century Maurycy Baruch founded a flourmill, automatic bakery, as well as briquette and tile factories. Baruch managed his business complex until his death, when it was taken over by his offspring. The history of the Baruch enterprises, in particular their modernization and marketing/promoting strategy, is presented in the context of contemporary Galician and Habsburg business competition. The main sources include is the local press, mostly from Kraków.

Israeli cross-border assistance to Syrians: Creating bonds by giving?

ABSTRACT The relations between Israel and Syria are usually framed in the context of war and conflict. It is less known, however, that Israel provided humanitarian assistance to Syrians residing in the Al-Qunaytirah region from 2012/2013 to 2018. The purpose of this article is to explore if humanitarian goods and medical services from Israel and return gifts the Syrian side can be interpreted gift exchange in Maussan terms, the theoretical purpose of which is substituting war and establishing friendly relations between enemies. The argument is based on the content analysis of primary and secondary sources, a visual material, and interviews with key informants. Findings indicate that cross-border exchanges offered a way, even if temporarily, out of the reproduction of hostility in the direct vicinity of the border.

The acoustical properties of tetraethyl orthosilicate based granular silica aerogels.

Available data suggests that granulated aerogels can be of interest in terms of their sound absorption performance in the audio frequency range. However, there is still no thorough understanding of the complex physical phenomena which are responsible for their observed acoustical properties. This work is an attempt to address this gap through advanced material characterization methods and mathematical modelling. Aerogel samples are produced through a two-step, acid-base sol-gel process, with sol silica concentration and density being the main variables. Their pore structure is carefully characterized by nitrogen sorption analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The acoustical properties of hard-backed granular silica aerogels are measured in an impedance tube and the results predicted accurately with the adopted theoretical model. Although silica aerogels have over 90% of open interconnected pores, this was neither reflected in the measured acoustical properties nor the parameter values predicted with the model. Novel results show that only a proportion of the micro and mesopores in the direct vicinity of the grain surface influenced the acoustical properties of aerogels. Further work in the hierarchical pore structure of aerogels is required to better understand the roles of different pore scales on the measured acoustical properties of a granulated aerogel.

Incidence of GLMD-Like Symptoms on Grapevines Naturally Infected by Grapevine Pinot gris virus, Boron Content and Gene Expression Analysis of Boron Metabolism Genes

Grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV) is considered to be a causal agent of Grapevine Leaf Mottling and Deformation (GLMD) disease that has been reported worldwide through the grapevine-growing regions. Seven grapevines that were collected from a vineyard in the Czech Republic were tested for the presence of GPGV in leaf and phloem tissues. Each of the seven grapevines was infected by GPGV, from which sic symptoms were mostly shown without a typical mottling. The phylogeny based on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and movement/coat protein sequences indicated the same origin of the GPGV isolates. The GPGV titer was the highest in the grapevines with the highest GLMD-like symptoms; however, some of the grapevines with milder GLMD-like symptoms had a lower GPGV titer than the asymptomatic grapevine. Soil analysis showed uneven boron content in the direct vicinity of the grapevines, while the boron content in the grapevines was more, even showing no boron deficiency. The quantitative analysis of selected gene expressions associated with boron efflux and transport only partially explained the boron content in the soil and grapevines and only in the grapevines growing in soils with the highest or lowest boron contents. The VvBor2 and VvNIP5 genes had a higher expression and VvNIP6 had a lower expression in the grapevine growing in the soil with the lowest boron content, while a low expression of VvBor1 and VvBor2 was observed in the grapevine that was grown in the soil with the highest boron content.

Molecular characterization of a carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter hormaechei ssp. xiangfangensis co-harbouring blaNDM-1 and a chromosomally encoded phage-linked blaCTX-M-15 genes.

Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) members are rapidly emerging as successful nosocomial pathogens, especially, with the emergence of carbapenem-resistant clones. In this study, we performed a comprehensive molecular characterization of a carbapenem-resistant E. hormaechei ssp. xiangfangensis LAU_ENC1. hsp60 and average nucleotide identity (ANI) were used for its identification. The repertoire of resistance genes and phage content were analyzed. Plasmid sequences were extracted and compared to closest references. The isolate LAU_ENC1 was identified as an E. hormaechei ssp. xiangfangensis and belonged to ST-114A sub-cluster. blaNDM-1, blaCTX-M-15, blaOXA-1, and blaACT-16 genes were detected as β-lactam resistance determinants. A chromosomal hybrid intact phage, Enterobacter phage LAU1, with blaCTX-M-15 integrated in its direct vicinity within an ISEcp1 - blaCTX-M-15 - wbuC - ∆Tn2 rare cassette was detected. blaNDM-1 was integrated within a novel IncFII conjugative plasmid, pLAU_ENC1, through an IS3000- ΔISAba125-blaNDM-1-bleMBL-//-Tn5403 cassette. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a multi-drug resistant (MDR) E. hormaechei ssp. xiangfangensis carrying a blaCTX-M-15 integrated within the proximity of a provirus chromosomal region. Treatment options for MDR ECC members are becoming scarce, thus warranting an increased monitoring of the dissemination of these pathogens in clinical settings.

PRF versus xenograft in sinus augmentation in case of HA-coating implant placement: A 36-month retrospective study.

Sinus lift with a simultaneous implant placement in the residual maxilla is a common technique used worldwide. Nevertheless, choosing an ideal grafting material remains an object of dispute. The use of an autologous blood-derived graft, known as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), has not yet been recognized to be as good as xenografts and alloplastic materials. However, initial results have been promising. To conduct a clinical and radiological comparison of implantation with a simultaneous sinus lift using xenograft or PRF clots. Thirty sinus lifts with simultaneous implantation were conducted using a lateral window approach and the tent pole technique, with xenograft (group 1 (G1)) or PRF (group 2 (G2)) as a filling material. To be included in the study, patients must have had an alveolar ridge height of 4-5 mm, no signs of inflammatory processes, good oral hygiene, and no other grafting procedures performed in region of implant insertion. In each case, the measurements taken were probing pocket depth (PPD), height of keratinized tissue (HKT), clinical attachment level (CAL), recession depth/width (RD/RW), and, on panoramic X-rays, marginal bone loss (MBL), grafted sinus high (GSH), and bone gain (BG). Preand post-operative treatment was applied to reduce the chance of infection. During the study, 30 implants (hydroxyapatite-coated implants manufactured by SGS - 10 mm in length and 4.2 mm in diameter) were placed. The survival rate of implants in both groups was 100% with no implant mobility, pain, paresthesia, or inflammatory processes in the direct vicinity of the implants observed, except in 1 patient. After 36 months of follow-up, the radiological assessments for G1 were: GSH 4.5 mm, MBL 0.46 mm and BG 4.53 mm; and for G2: 3.4 mm, 0.6 mm and 3.4 mm, respectively. Results of the clinical measurements were for G1: HKT after 36 months (HKT36) 2.46 mm, CAL 0.47 mm and PPD 2 mm; and for G2: HKT36 3.13 mm, CAL 0.6 mm and PPD 2.07 mm. After 3 years of follow-up, the results of sinus lifting solely using PRF with simultaneous implantation were promising, especially in terms of soft tissue management. Therefore, PRF can be regarded as an alternative to previously used materials.

Combustion Thermodynamics of Ethanol, n-Heptane, and n-Butanol in a Rapid Compression Machine with a Dual Direct Injection (DDI) Supply System

The development of internal combustion engines involves various new solutions, one of which is the use of dual-fuel systems. The diversity of technological solutions being developed determines the efficiency of such systems, as well as the possibility of reducing the emission of carbon dioxide and exhaust components into the atmosphere. An innovative double direct injection system was used as a method for forming a mixture in the combustion chamber. The tests were carried out with the use of gasoline, ethanol, n-heptane, and n-butanol during combustion in a model test engine—the rapid compression machine (RCM). The analyzed combustion process indicators included the cylinder pressure, pressure increase rate, heat release rate, and heat release value. Optical tests of the combustion process made it possible to analyze the flame development in the observed area of the combustion chamber. The conducted research and analyses resulted in the observation that it is possible to control the excess air ratio in the direct vicinity of the spark plug just before ignition. Such possibilities occur as a result of the properties of the injected fuels, which include different amounts of air required for their stoichiometric combustion. The studies of the combustion process have shown that the combustible mixtures consisting of gasoline with another fuel are characterized by greater combustion efficiency than the mixtures composed of only a single fuel type, and that the influence of the type of fuel used is significant for the combustion process and its indicator values.

Transport Accessibility in a Suburban Zone and Its Influence on the Local Real Estate Market: A Case Study of the Olsztyn Functional Urban Area (Poland)

The development of real estate markets in the vicinity of cities is linked with suburbanization processes. The migration of the population to suburban areas contributes to the growth of the residential property market (houses, apartments and construction plots). To minimize commuting costs, property buyers opt for locations that are situated close to the urban core. This article analyzes construction plots on the local real estate market in the Olsztyn Functional Urban Area, in terms of their temporal accessibility and demographic changes. Spatial variations in population distribution were analyzed with the use of the Gini index and geostatistical interpolation techniques. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the relationships between the analyzed variables. The study revealed differences in the spatial distribution of the population and real estate transactions as well as strong correlations between average transaction price, number of transactions, commuting time and population. The highest number of transactions were observed in cadastral districts situated in the direct vicinity of Olsztyn’s administrative boundaries and the major transportation routes due to their high temporal accessibility.

CAMP Imaging at Ryanodine Receptors Reveals β2-Adrenoceptor Driven Arrhythmias.

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Development of a dynamic food chain model for assessment of the radiological impact from radioactive releases to the aquatic environment

The software tool POSEIDON-R was developed for modelling the concentration of radionuclides in water and sediments as well as uptake and fate in the aquatic environment and marine organisms. The software has been actively advanced in the aftermath of the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident. This includes development of an uptake model for the benthic food chain, a kinetic-allometric compartment model for fish and recent advancements for the application of 3H. This work will focus on the food chain model development and its extension to key artificial radionuclides in radioecology such as 3H. Subsequently, the model will be applied to assess the radiological dose for marine biota from 3H, 90Sr, 131I, 134Cs and 137Cs released during and after the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident.The simulation results for 3H, 90Sr, 131I, 134Cs and 137Cs obtained from the coastal box (4-4 km) located at the discharge area of the Fukushima Dai-ichi NPP, and the surrounding regional box (15–30 km) are compared with measurements. The predictions are by and large consistent with experimental findings, although good validation for 3H, 90Sr and 131I is challenging due to lack of data. On the basis of the model predictions a dose assessment for pelagic and benthic fish is carried out. Maximum absorbed dose rates in the coastal box and the regional box are respectively 6000 and 50 μGy d−1 and are found in the pelagic non-piscivorous fish. Dose rates exceeding ICRP's derived consideration levels of 1 mGy d−1 are only found in the direct vicinity of the release and shortly after the accident. During the post-accidental phase absorbed dose rates consistently fall to levels where no deleterious effects to the marine biota are expected. The results also demonstrate the prolonged dose rate from 134Cs and 137Cs, particularly for benthic organisms, due to caesium's affinity with sediment, re-entry of caesium from the sediment into the food chain and external exposure from its high energetic gamma emissions. Uptake of non-organic tritium (HTO) and organically bound tritium (OBT) is modelled and shows some accumulation of OBT in the marine organism. However, dose rates from tritium, even during the accident, are low.

Hybrid electro-optic modulator combining silicon photonic slot waveguides with high-k radio-frequency slotlines

Electro-optic (EO) modulators rely on the interaction of optical and electrical signals with second-order nonlinear media. For the optical signal, this interaction can be strongly enhanced using dielectric slot–waveguide structures that exploit a field discontinuity at the interface between a high-index waveguide core and the low-index EO cladding. In contrast to this, the electrical signal is usually applied through conductive regions in the direct vicinity of the optical waveguide. To avoid excessive optical loss, the conductivity of these regions is maintained at a moderate level, thus leading to inherent RC limitations of the modulation bandwidth. In this paper, we show that these limitations can be overcome by extending the slot–waveguide concept to the modulating radio-frequency (RF) signal. Our device combines an RF slotline that relies on B a T i O 3 as a high-k dielectric material with a conventional silicon photonic slot waveguide and a highly efficient organic EO cladding material. In a proof-of-concept experiment, we demonstrate a 1 mm long Mach–Zehnder modulator that offers a 3 dB bandwidth of 76 GHz and a 6 dB bandwidth of 110 GHz along with a small π voltage of 1.3 V ( U π L = 1.3 V m m ). We further demonstrate the viability of the device in a data-transmission experiment using four-state pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM4) at line rates up to 200 Gbit/s. Our first-generation devices leave vast room for further improvement and may open an attractive route towards highly efficient silicon photonic modulators that combine sub-1 mm device lengths with sub-1 V drive voltages and modulation bandwidths of more than 100 GHz.

Extensive testing on PVC sewer pipes towards identifying the factors that affect their operational lifetime

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sewer pipes have operated for decades in a hostile environment, raising concern among sewer managers over the longevity of their drainage systems. Inspection data (CCTV and Panoramo®) reveals that severe defects have already surfaced, yet it is unknown if the material properties of PVC sewers have been affected. In order to address this issue, extensive testing (among others flexural and tensile tests, FT-IR, X-ray, viscosity measurements) was conducted on eight exhumed PVC sewer pipes (16–43 years old) with known defects and one brand-new for reference purposes. Visual examination during excavation revealed various failure causes, including uncontrolled handling of the pipes during construction or due to digging activities in the direct vicinity of the pipes. The test results indicate that physical ageing is extensively detected while other degradation mechanisms had minimal or no effect on the investigated pipes. However, mechanical testing on exhumed 3-layer pipes show that the incorporation of layered wall constructions is potentially a critical factor for the structural status of the pipe.

A tracking study of farmed Atlantic Salmon released from marine aquaculture sites located in the Fortune Bay area of Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada) to inform on sea recapture programs as a mitigation strategy

In this study, we build on previous findings and simulate a salmon fall escape from two aquaculture sites located in a small cove representative of site locations in the South coast of Newfoundland (Canada). Under the previously established premise that recapture should be initiated almost immediately, the study was designed to focus on three main questions: 1) What is the amount of time fish spend in the small bay where they were released? 2) Are the adjacent small enclosed bays with aquaculture sites visited and for how long? 3) Are the depths where fish are detected conducive to their potential recapture? We measured fish movement (n = 60) during 17 days post-release. Results confirm quick responses required for any sea recapture effort to be successful knowing that the feasibility of immediate action following escapes remains logistically challenging. Our findings suggest that quickly targeting the direct site vicinity (within 2 days) as well as any adjacent coves (within 4 days) should be a priority in bays with similar configurations as Fortune Bay. The presence of aquaculture sites in production in these coves is likely a factor influencing the fish movement patterns but this needs to be confirmed by other trials. Fish were detected at depths >10 m indicating that gill nets of appropriate size and/or angling should be used.

Industrial Fishing Near West African Marine Protected Areas and Its Potential Effects on Mobile Marine Predators

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are increasingly implemented to facilitate the conservation of marine biodiversity and key habitats. However, these areas are often less effective to conserve mobile marine species like elasmobranchs (i.e., sharks and rays). Industrial fishing near MPA borders possibly impacts vulnerable species utilizing these protected areas. Hence, we aimed to study spatiotemporal patterns of industrial fisheries near MPAs, in relation to the bycatch of elasmobranchs. Specifically, we analyzed the spatiotemporal fishing effort within the West African region, mapped fishing effort in the direct vicinity of the Parc National du Banc d’Arguin (PNBA, Mauritania) and the Bijagós Archipelago (BA, Guinea Bissau), and compared the seasonal overlap between elasmobranch bycatch and fishing effort near these MPAs. We combined Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and local fisheries observer data, and determined fishing effort for each gear type and compared this with bycatch of elasmobranchs. We found that industrial fishing effort was dominated by trawling, drifting longlines, and fixed gear types. Although no industrial fishing was observed within both MPAs, 72 and 78% of the buffer zones surrounding the MPAs were fished for the Banc d’Arguin and Bijagós, respectively. Within the Banc d’Arguin buffer zone, trawling and drifting longlines dominated, with longlines mainly being deployed in fall. In the Bijagós buffer zone, trawling and fixed gears were most prevalent. Fisheries observer data for Mauritania showed that elasmobranch catches increased during the most recent sampling years (2016–2018). Elasmobranch catches within the waters of Guinea Bissau peaked in 2016 and decreased in the following two years. Seasonal patterns in elasmobranch bycatch within the waters of both countries are likely caused by increased catches of migratory species. Catches of rays peaked in May and June for Mauritania, and in October for Guinea Bissau. Shark catches were highest in February and July in Mauritanian waters, and in May and October in the waters of Guinea Bissau. Our study indicates that industrial fisheries near the border of ecologically important MPAs may have potentially major implications for ecosystem functioning by the removal of (migratory) predatory species.

High Li+ and Na+ Conductivity in New Hybrid Solid Electrolytes based on the Porous MIL‐121 Metal Organic Framework

AbstractSolid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) can leapfrog the development of all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs), enabling them to power electric vehicles and to store renewable energy from intermittent sources. Here, a new hybrid Li+ and Na+ conducting SSE based on the MIL‐121 metal‐organic framework (MOF) structure is reported. Following synthesis and activation of the MOF, the free carboxylic units along the 1D pores are functionalized with Li+ or Na+ ions by ion exchange. Ion dynamics are investigated by broadband impedance spectroscopy and by 7Li and 23Na NMR spin‐lattice relaxation. A crossover at 50 °C (Li+) and at 10 °C (Na+) from correlated to almost uncorrelated motion at higher temperature is observed, which is in line with Ngai's coupling model. Alternatively, in accordance to the jump relaxation model of Funke, at low temperature only a fraction of the jump processes are successful as lattice rearrangement in the direct vicinity of Li+ (Na+) is slow. 1H NMR unambiguously shows that Li+ is the main charge carrier. Conductivities reach 0.1 mS cm−1 (298 K, Na+) while the activation energies are 0.28 eV (Li+) and 0.36 eV (Na+). The findings pave the way towards development of easily tunable and rationally adjustable high‐performance MOF‐based hybrid SSEs for ASSBs.

Synthesis and Photostability of Cyclooctatetraene-Substituted Free Base Porphyrins

A series of free base meso-tetraarylporphyrins functionalized with substituents containing one, two, and four cyclooctatetraene (COT) moieties have been obtained and characterized by spectral and photophysical studies. Three COT-free porphyrins served as reference compounds. COT is a triplet quencher, well-known to enhance the photostability of several, but not all, fluorophores. In the case of porphyrins, substitution with COT improves photostability in zinc derivatives, but for free bases, the effect is the opposite. We show that placing the COT moiety further from the free base porphyrin core enhances the photostability when the COT group lies in the direct vicinity of the macrocycle. The quantum yields of photobleaching inversely correlate with porphyrin oxidation potentials. An improvement in photostability in both COT-containing and COT-free porphyrins can be achieved by screening the porphyrin core from oxygen by switching from tolyl to mesityl substituents. This leads to a decrease in the photobleaching quantum yield, even though triplet lifetimes are longer. The results confirm the involvement of oxygen in the photodegradation of porphyrins.

Evaluation of undeveloped hard coal deposits and estimation of hard coal reserves in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland

The article presents the results of works concerning evaluation of undeveloped deposits in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin and an estimation of hard coal reserves which can be developed by 2050. Evaluation of hard coal deposits was established on criterions choice and their score determination. On the basis of obtained the final score and after consultations with experts in the field of hard coal mining, there were selected three areas of undeveloped deposits with the amount of about 1.99 Gt (billion metric tons) of anticipated economic resources which can extend the coal reserve base located in the direct vicinity of operating hard coal mines. Additionally, one undeveloped coal deposit with estimated resources amounts to about 1.15 Gt was selected as a potential deposit whose resources could be included in the reserves of operating mines, up to the depth of 1,500 metres. Deposit areas were selected and hard coal reserves were estimated with a view to building new coal mines. For Oświęcim-Polanka deposit, there was built a 3D geological model with estimated the amount of 924 Mt (million metric tons) of anticipated economic resources of coal. An example of a deposit development with ventilation, extraction and transport/haulage underground roadways connecting coal seams with the surface are presented. The designed mine working was placed in the 3D geological deposit model which is a useful tool for designing spatial deposit management.

Parametric Cost Optimization of Solar Systems with Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage for Buildings

In combination with seasonal thermal energy storage (STES), solar energy offers a vast potential for decarbonizing the residential heat supply. In this work, a parametric optimization is conducted to assess the potential of reducing the costs of water-based STES through the use of alternative thermal insulation materials and the integration of an underground storage outside the building. The investigated configurations include: a hot-water tank, a solar collector installation, and a multifamily building with a solar fraction of 100%. The storage is either integrated inside the building or buried underground in its direct vicinity. A simulation-based analysis shows that if the tank is integrated inside an existing building (as part of a retrofitting action) – where costs are primarily driven by the loss of living space – vacuum-insulation panels can lead to significant savings in living space and a cost advantage compared to the use of conventional glass wool. Nevertheless, storage integration inside an existing building is a more expensive option compared to an external integration due to the high costs associated to the internal building modification and loss of living space. Despite the high excavation costs and increased heat losses, the concept of burying the storage underground is a promising option to allow the integration of large-volume seasonal storage systems in new and existing buildings.