Energy Authority Research Articles

GROWTH AND SOME MACRONUTRIENTS UPTAKE BY CASTOR BEAN IRRADIATED WITH GAMMA RAY AND IRRIGATED WITH WASTEWATER UNDER SANDY SOIL CONDITION

A field experiment was carried out at Experimental Farm of Soil and Water Research Department, Nuclear Research Centre, Atomic Energy Authority, Inshas Egypt, to follow up the effects of different doses of gamma ray on castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) grown on a sandy soil and irrigated with either fresh water or wastewater from El-Gabal El Asfar. Irradiation resulted in higher values of both fresh and dry weight of castor bean. This effect seemed more obvious by increasing the dose of gamma ray up to 50 Gy beyond which a gradual decrease occurred. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents in castor bean under the effect of gamma irradiation were arranged in the following descending order; 50Gy > 100Gy > 150Gy > 200Gy > 0 > 250Gy> 300 Gy. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and oil contents in castor bean plants irrigated with wastewater were higher than the corresponding ones in plants irrigated with fresh water.

"Competition for the field" and pricing regulation: the case of the natural gas distribution in Italy

Recently, looking at the incoming tenders for the new territorial districts in Italy, the Italian energy authority approved the new regulatory regime for the natural gas distribution where the difference between the VIR (residual industrial value) and the RAB (regulatory assets based) is recognized only to the new entrant (disparity of treatment). This article demonstrates that this decision is sub-optimal for firms and consumers. Compared to the situation under parity of treatment (the difference VIR-RAB is recognized for both new entrant and incumbent), the authority’s choice implies distorted results (the less efficient firm would win the tender) and higher final prices for consumers.

A graphical approach to radio frequency quadrupole design

The design of a radio frequency quadrupole, an important section of all ion accelerators, and the calculation of its beam dynamics properties can be achieved using the existing computational tools. These programs, originally designed in 1980s, show effects of aging in their user interfaces and in their output. The authors believe there is room for improvement in both design techniques using a graphical approach and in the amount of analytical calculations before going into CPU burning finite element analysis techniques. Additionally an emphasis on the graphical method of controlling the evolution of the relevant parameters using the drag-to-change paradigm is bound to be beneficial to the designer. A computer code, named DEMIRCI, has been written in C++ to demonstrate these ideas. This tool has been used in the design of Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK)’s 1.5 MeV proton beamline at Saraykoy Nuclear Research and Training Center (SANAEM). DEMIRCI starts with a simple analytical model, calculates the RFQ behavior and produces 3D design files that can be fed to a milling machine. The paper discusses the experience gained during design process of SANAEM Project Prometheus (SPP) RFQ and underlines some of DEMIRCI’s capabilities.

The Energy Authority Optimizes Water Routing and Hydroelectric Generation on the Columbia River

We describe a software application that enables owners of generation output from a virtualized Federal Columbia River Power System to safely operate the system, while also shaping the generation to meet their energy and economic needs. The application, the Optimizer, employs modern operations research techniques to convert a highly nonlinear problem into a linear one to create a robust solution for the six-dam system on an hourly basis, over a 10-day time horizon, and within a few minutes. The Optimizer helps to simultaneously manage and optimize the generation portfolios for 13 utilities in a stringent time frame around the clock, and enables hydroelectric (i.e., hydro) planners to ensure that the operation of the river meets all the requirements for flood control, fish management, electrical reliability, safe dam operations, and recreation under high degrees of uncertainty. The Optimizer allows utilities to integrate renewable, environmentally friendly wind and solar generation into their resource portfolio with hydro generation, and empowers these utilities to rapidly make decisions and adapt to changing conditions. We estimate that this project will reap benefits of $765–$952 million between 2011 and 2028.

Improving Research Reactor Accident Response Capability at the Hungarian Nuclear Safety Authority

The paper describes the design and implementation of an on-line operation monitoring and accident response support system to be used at the emergency response center of Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority (HAEA). The system is called CERTA VITA and it is able to monitor the four VVER-440 units of the Hungarian Paks nuclear power plant (NPP) during their normal operation and during emergencies (including severe accidents). As a result from the analyses following the severe accident at Fukushima the HAEA decided to extend the CERTA VITA system on the Budapest Research Reactor (BRR), which is a tank type research reactor with 10 MW thermal power. The extension of the present system was realized in co-operation with the Centre for Energy Research, the operator of BRR. It is believed that by the introduction of this new on-line system the accident response capabilities of HAEA will be further enhanced and the BRR emergencies will be handled at the same professional level as potential emergencies at Paks NPP.

The implementation of smart measurement from the viewpoint of the consumers

“Electricity suppliers, in accordance with the appropriation of the European Union, the Hungarian government, and the Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority, have begun the preparations for implementing the so-called smart measurement system.” – That is how those consumers who were planned to receive a smart meter in their household were notified. The new meter was planned to have been set up within a month by the company’s employed mechanics. These are the reasons why I have chosen to examine the installment of smart meters from the viewpoint of the consumers. What benefits would this change bring to them? How can they save money by using smart meters? How can they influence their consumption? Are they willing to change their consumption habits? In my work, the starting point will be a sociodemographic attitude research that has already been carried out. Besides all this, I am going to describe the disadvantages of smart meters as well. I am going to present what other inventions suppliers are planning after the installment of smart meters by performing some calculations with the smart web portal’s smart tariff calculator. Finally, I am going to summarize the most important thoughts and conclusions.

Intergovernmental organisation activities

European Atomic Energy Community Proposed binding instruments Adopted legally binding instruments Non-legally binding instruments International Atomic Energy Agency Convention on Nuclear Safety Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management International Expert Group on Nuclear Liability Legislative assistance activities OECD Nuclear Energy Agency Appointment of new Director-General International experts in Japan to review safety after Fukushima Daiichi China Atomic Energy Authority co-operation workshop

A pseudo-optimal inexact stochastic interval T2 fuzzy sets approach for energy and environmental systems planning under uncertainty: A case study for Xiamen City of China

In this study, a new Pseudo-optimal Inexact Stochastic Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Sets Linear Programming (PIS-IT2FSLP) energy model is developed to support energy system planning and environment requirements under uncertainties for Xiamen City. The PIS-IT2FSLP model is based on an integration of interval Type 2 (T2) Fuzzy Sets (FS) boundary programming and stochastic linear programming techniques, enables it to have robust abilities to the tackle uncertainties expressed as T2 FS intervals and probabilistic distributions within a general optimization framework. This new model can sophisticatedly facilitate system analysis of energy supply and energy conversion processes, and environmental requirements as well as provide capacity expansion options with multiple periods. The PIS-IT2FSLP model was applied to a real case study of Xiamen energy systems. Based on a robust two-step solution algorithm, reasonable solutions have been obtained, which reflect tradeoffs between economic and environmental requirements, and among seasonal volatility energy demands of the right hand side constraints of Xiamen energy system. Thus, the lower and upper solutions of PIS-IT2FSLP would then help local energy authorities adjust current energy patterns, and discover an optimal energy strategy for the development of Xiamen City.

Dynamic model of a storage system with real-time simulation for power system reliability

SUMMARY The paper deals with the upgrading of the primary distribution networks applying the smart grid strategies. In particular, a new research field is devoted to the application of storage systems for the power quality improvement and the better exploitation of renewable sources. In this context, this work proposes the use of a storage based on lithium-ion batteries for the black start and island operation of a portion of the medium voltage network. The innovation of the idea proposed is related to a soft start of the system that reduces transient overvoltages and transient inrush current components in order to reduce the stress of the system and allow the supply in island through direct current/alternating current converters. Simulations carried out on a dedicated model implemented in real-time digital simulator are reported and analyzed. These tests are the basis for a full-scale prototype installation of the storage in a real Italian network as a part of a big project founded by the Italian Energy Authority. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Smart Grid on field application in the Italian framework: The A.S.SE.M. project

Today, distribution systems are subject to an increasing penetration of dispersed generation. This is an important step toward a new green, sustainable, paradigm of energy. However, injections from renewables on distribution networks can cause technical issues in power systems, which require to put in operation new monitoring and control procedures and apparatuses. The paper details the Smart Grid experiment developed by A.S.SE.M. (a DSO of Central Italy) on its distribution grid. The project, incentivized by the Italian Energy Authority in the framework of Resolution ARG/elt 39/10, involves the installation of protection and automation devices in the HV/MV substation and over the distribution grid, 10 MV users and one LV user. The following innovative features are provided: increase in the reliability of Loss of Mains protections by transfer trip messages; logic selectivity between protections; centralized voltage control; real-time monitoring and control of generation. This project, together with the other pilot applications supported by Res. ARG/elt 39/10, will provide important information to the Italian Energy Authority, useful to define an output-based regulation for Smart Grids.

The use of human hair as biodosimeter

The potential use of human hair samples as biologic dosimeter was investigated by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. The hair samples were obtained from female volunteers and classified according to the color, age and whether they are natural or dyed. Natural black, brown, red, blonde and dyed black hair samples were irradiated at low doses (5–50Gy) and high doses (75–750Gy) by gamma source giving the dose rate of 0.25Gy/s in The Sarayköy Establishment of Turkish Atomic Energy Authority. While the peak heights and g-values (2.0021–2.0023) determined from recorded spectra of hair were color dependent, the peak-to-peak line widths were varied according to natural or dyed hair (ΔHpp: 0.522–0.744mT). In all samples, the linear dose–response curves at low doses saturated after ~300Gy. In black hair samples taken from different individuals, differences in the structure of the spectrum and signal intensities were not observed. The EPR signal intensities of samples stored at room temperature for 22 days fell to their half-values in 44h in black hair, 41h in blonde and brown hairs, 35h in dyed black hair and in 17h in red hair. The activation energies of samples annealed at high temperatures for different periods of time were correlated well with those obtained in the literature. In conclusion, hair samples can be used as a biological dosimeter considering the limitations showed in this study.

Study of small modular reactors in modern microgrids

Energy supply is one of the most important concerns of every government, energy authority, and researchers to meet the growing regional energy demands. Their target is to ensure less carbon dioxide emission, sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective energy solutions. Microgrids have the potential to solve some of the problems of conventional power grid and offer sustainable decentralized power system. Microgrid with modern distributed energy resources will play an important role to alleviate the dependency to the main grid, with the utilization of distributed energy resource such as wind turbine, solar photovoltaic, diesel generator, gas engine, micro turbine, and fuel cells. However, most of the current distributed generations within microgrids can't meet future energy demand expectations. small modular reactor (SMR) could be an effective and a viable power generation source for modern microgrids to support future electricity demands. A comprehensive study is conducted on microgrids with SMR through electricity generation profiles, geographical and environmental assessment, as well as cost analysis using simulation practices and data analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Low carbon rural housing provision in China: Participation and decision making

Under the national strategy of ‘building a new socialist countryside’, concentrated rural housing is increasing in some rural regions in China. In this research we use three case studies to analyze decision making on concentrated rural housing and the potential for future low carbon rural housing. The empirical results show that concentrated rural housing can improve both the energy efficiency of houses and the living conditions of households, compared to traditional stand-alone modes of housing. Providers are the major decision makers with regard to the kind of materials, technologies and energy networks applied in rural housing development. Local governments, private property developers and local (energy) authorities in principle have the power to select and apply low carbon alternatives. The involvement of Chinese householders in concentrated housing project turns out to be low or non-existent. The introduction of market incentives, stricter building regulations, better decision making processes and communication with householders are relevant social factors for improving low carbon housing provision in rural China.

Regulating and Supervising of Wholesale Energy Markets. What's in it for the Consumers?

This paper draws on the case law of the European Court of Justice to examine the current (im)possibilities of dealing with the supervision and regulation of the competition in the wholesale energy markets within the three different European regulatory frameworks, namely the Third Energy Package, REMIT and EU competition law. It contains a critical analysis of the potential of this complex interplay of rules- in itself a burden for the national energy authorities- to contribute to the key objective of the Third Energy Package’s directives and regulations: the protection of energy consumers when concluding energy supply contracts.

FP7 EU funded CORES wave energy project: a coordinators' perspective on the Galway Bay sea trials

The present paper gives an overview of the lessons learnt from the project called Components for Ocean Renewable Energy Systems (CORES). In the context of this European funded 7th Framework Programme research project, new components and systems for ocean energy devices were developed and trialed. The present paper also details the work packages, major achievements, significant impacts, summary results and the outcomes of the sea trials. 1. Introduction Components for Ocean Renewable Energy Systems (CORES) was an EU funded FP7 Collaborative Research Project and was coordinated by the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre in University College Cork (UCC). The Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre is now integrated into UCC Beaufort Research since 2013. The CORES project was intended to further develop components and systems required by the wave energy sector such as grid interface technology, power generators, moorings, instrumentation, telemetry and power control systems. The project started in 2008 and spanned over 3.5 years. It culminated with a three-month sea trial of the systems integrated onto the quarter-scale OEBuoy Hull in Ireland's Galway Bay Wave Test Site. This test site, which is operated jointly by Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) and the Marine Institute (MI), was made available at no cost to the project. Thirteen partners from across seven European countries participated in the project. Although it concentrated on new concepts and components based on floating oscillating water column (OWC) systems, the majority of developments have relevance to most other wave device types. The project finished successfully on budget, but was extended by six months owing to issues concerning weather conditions and vessel availability. How this was achieved, the lessons learnt and what pitfalls need to be avoided are addressed in the present paper. Techniques and tools developed to reduce the risk involved in prototype sea trials and planning, as well as resourcing methods, are discussed. Finally, the present paper details the intellectual property (IP) generated from the project that will be available to the wider ocean energy community. The ultimate objective of the CORES project was to create a wave-to-wire modelling 'toolbox'. This toolbox would allow developers to evaluate the effect of changes in device components on the performance and economics of their devices. It was to consist of a number of numerical models or 'tools' developed within individual work packages and validated at bench scale and through laboratory scale testing at sea. Further information on these tools can be found in a number of detailed technical papers (CORES, 2011; Thiebaut, 2011) as well as on the CORES website (www.fp7-cores.eu).

The Effect of Ionizing Radiation on Multi-drug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Aquatic Environments in Egypt

Aims: This study was conducted to determine the effect of different doses of gamma radiation on Multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from River Nile at Rosetta branch and associated drains in Egypt. Place and Duration of Study: The study was started with samples collection in August 2010 through April 2011 in the Microbiology Dep., Central Laboratory for Environmental Quality Monitoring (CLEQM), National Water Research Center (NWRC), Cairo, Egypt and the National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt. Methodology: Water samples were processed using membrane filtration, 144 strains of P. aeruginosa were isolated and identified and their antibiotic susceptibility was determined against 20 different antibiotics using agar disc diffusion method. Irradiation of bacterial isolates was processed using gamma irradiation unit of cobalt (Co) and the Original Research Article British Microbiology Research Journal, 4(8): 856-868, 2014 857 D10-value was calculated from the survival curve. Results: Isolates were categorized as multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPA). 125 (86.8%) were found to be extensively drug resistant (XDR) and 19 (13.2 %) were characterized as possible pan drug resistant (PDR). The highest resistance (100%) was mostly directed to amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin, carbenicillin, methicillin, cephalothin, kanamycin, vancomycin, tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin and chloramphenicol. More than 75% of isolates were sensitive to norfloxacin (82.6%), piperacillin (81.2%), amikacin (79.2%) and tobramycin (77.8%). 63.2%, 26.4% and 14.6% of isolates were sensitive to ofloxacin, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone, respectively. The viable counts of MDRPA decreased with increasing radiation doses of gamma rays up to the lethal dose (3 kGy). The counts of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 kGy irradiated samples were respectively 7.8, 6.5, 4.7, 2.3& 1 log10 and the D10-value calculated from the survival curve was 0.27 kGy. Conclusion: Contaminated fresh water may act as reservoirs for antibiotic resistant pathogens. Regular monitoring of Multi-drug resistant pathogens in aquatic environments should be adopted constantly. Gamma radiation demonstrates a potential value for wastewater treatment and pollution control.

Sterility and Radio Stability of Amoxicillin and Cefaclor Antibiotics Sterilized by Gamma Irradiation

Aim: The present investigations aimed at studying the effect of sterilization by gamma irradiation on amoxicillin and cefaclor antibiotics. They have been irradiated in solid dry state and the probable changes in physicochemical and microbiological properties were studied Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out from 2011 to 2013 in the Drug Radiation Research Department, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority. Methodology: Amoxicillin and cefaclor compounds in solid states were exposed to γ irradiation in air atmosphere at room temperature, with a dose of 25kGy and afterwards they had been subjected to microbiological and analytical tests checking their sterility and antibacterial activitiy it was tested against different pathogenic bacterial species by measuring MIC using Microdilution technique and microplate reader. Then their chemical stability were evaluated by different techniques. EPR, FTIR, UV analysis, mass spectroscopy, and melting point. Results and conclusion: The results showed that the majority of initial unirradiated compounds had a slight degree contamination with Bacillus, Micrococcus genera, and fungi. By applying γ irradiation at 25kGy it showed sterilization of the tested antibiotics and keeping their antibacterial activity. The EPR analysis results showed formation of free radicals. The other analytical tests (FTIR), (UV) analysis ,mass spectroscopy, and melting point results proved that the antibiotics analyzed are radioresistant and can be sterilized by irradiation with a dose of 25kGy, without any detrimental effect on their properities and antibacterial activity.

Effect of sesame seeds or oil supplementation to the feed on some physiological parameters in Japanese Quail

A total No. of 200 three weeks old Japanese quail from the breeding flock in the Poultry Research Farm of Nuclear Research Center, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt, were used in this study. The quail chicks were randomly allotted equally to five groups (40 birds per each). For 4 weeks experimental period birds were kept in battery cages and water and feed were provided ad libitum. A basal diet of 24% protein and 3000 kcal M.E./Kg was formulated to cover all nutrients needed. The experimental design included five tested groups as follows: group (1): birds fed on the basal diet and served as control. Group (2): birds fed on the basal diet supplemented with 2% sesame seeds. Group (3): birds fed on the basal diet supplemented with 4% sesame seeds. Group (4): birds fed on the basal diet supplemented with 2%sesame oil. Group (5): birds fed on the basal diet supplemented with 4% sesame oil. The effect of sesame seeds or oil supplementations in feed on some physiological parameters in Japanese quails was investigated. It was observed that the groups of quails supplemented with 4% sesame seeds or 4%oil recorded the lowest body weight. Female and male carcass weight had significant increase in group supplemented with 4% oil as compared to the control group. Total lipids in the eggs significantly decreased in group supplemented with 4% oil as compared to the control group. Cholesterol content in the eggs significantly decreased in group supplemented with 4% sesame seeds while triglycerides in the eggs recorded significant decrease in the group supplemented with 2% sesame seeds. Eggs weight did not significantly change due to the feeding on sesame seeds or oil but, the group supplemented with 4%seeds laid higher number of eggs than other groups. Serum total protein, albumin, alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, urea, creastinine, total triiodothyronine (T3) and total thyroxin(T4) concentrations were with the normal level as compared to the control group. Blood components of liver and kidney functions are normal in all experimental groups. Total lipids and triglycerides in female and male groups supplemented with 4% sesame seeds significantly decreased as compared to the control group while serum cholesterol level in both female and male groups supplemented with 2% sesame seeds decreased significantly as compared to the control group. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) significantly decreased in spleen and bursa homogenates in both female and male group supplemented with 4%oil. Glutathione content in spleen increased significantly in female and male groups supplemented with 4% oil as compared to the control group. While catalase increased significantly in group supplemented with 2%oil in spleen homogenate. Glutathione content in bursa homogenate was significantly increased in female group supplemented with 2%oil while in male group supplemented with 4%oil as compared to the control group. Catalase content in bursa homogenate increased significantly in both female and male group supplemented with 4%oil. Histological examination of ileum section showed long villi in group supplemented with 2% oil and other sections showing activation of mucous secreting cells lining intestinal villi in group supplemented with 4% oil. It could be concluded that sesame oil 2% or 4% supplementation to the feed can improve physiological performance of quails.

A Legal Assessment of the Exemption of Electricity Producers from Transport Tariffs Under EU Law

This article contains an examination of the exemption from paying transport charges for producers, under European Union sector specific regulation and the European Union state aid rules. In the Netherlands and several other EU Member States, the energy authorities have decided that producers of electricity will not be charged for using the electricity network for transportation. These energy authorities are responsible for setting the tariffs and the related methodologies. The charges are meant to be paid to the network operator and thereby ensure that this network operator can recover the costs that are made to provide the service of transport to users of the network. Both producers and consumers are users of the network. Producers inject electricity that will be transported to consumers. These consumers take the electricity off the network. This article assesses whether exempting producers from contributing to the payment of these charges, can be considered legitimate under European Union law. First, the relevant provisions from the Third Energy Package are assessed. This legislative package does not contain provisions containing strict rules with regard to the allocation of transport tariffs on the electricity market. It does however contain the principle of non-discrimination. Whether or not this principle is infringed by the measure containing the exemption is doubtful. Secondly, the exemptions will be tested under the EU state aid doctrine. Whether or not the state aid rules are infringed by the exemption will depend of the interpretation of the specific elements of the state aid rules. Applying a broad interpretation of the state aid conditions will lead to the conclusion that the measures containing the exemption can constitute unlawful state aid as prohibited by the Treaty. Nevertheless, it is not that convincing that this conclusion would be the same if these conditions would be interpreted in a more strict way. It would thus be useful to notify the measures to the European Commission, in order for them to carry out investigations.

A Legal Assessment of the Producer Exemption from Transport Tariffs under EU Law

This article examines the producer exemption from paying transport charges in the light of European Union sector specific regulation and the European Union state aid rules. In the Netherlands and several other EU Member States, the ministries and/or the energy authorities have decided that producers of electricity will not be charged for using the electricity network for the transport of electricity. These charges have to be paid to the network operator and thereby ensure that this network operator can recover the costs that are made to provide the transport service to the users of the network. EU law assumes that both producers and consumers are users of the electricity network. This article assesses whether exempting producers from contributing to the payment of the transport charges for using the electricity network is legal under European Union law. First, the relevant provisions from the Third Energy Package are examined. This legislative package does not provide strict rules with regard to the allocation of transport tariffs on the electricity market. It does however contain the principle of non-discrimination. The exact contours of this principle have not yet crystalized and it raises questions whether or not it is infringed by the producer exemptions. Secondly, the exemptions will be tested under the EU state aid doctrine. It is controversial whether or not the state aid rules are infringed by the exemption, as this will depend on the exact interpretation (broad or narrow) of the specific elements of the state aid rules. It would thus be useful that the Member States involved notify the measures to the European Commission, urging the latter to give more clarity on the legality of the producer exemption in the light of EU Law.