Low Price Research Articles

Economic validation and comparison of microbial tryptophan, erythritol and collagen production in an integrated sugarcane biorefinery

Low sugar prices present a significant challenge to the global sugarcane industry, prompting the exploration of diversification strategies for expanding product portfolios. Techno-economic analyses and environmental sustainability assessments were carried out to evaluate the microbial production of tryptophan, erythritol, and collagen from A-molasses in a biorefinery annexed to an existing sugarcane mill. Tryptophan production exhibited the highest profitability, with a minimum selling price (MSP) at 59.7 % of its current market price, although the achievable production volumes of tryptophan from one sugar mill would oversupply the global market. Due to the larger market size of for collagen the achievable production capacity in the collagen scenario would avoid market saturation, reducing the risk of oversupply and rendering it more economically viable. In contrast, erythritol production was marginally not profitable, with an MSP exceeding the current market price by 1 %, primarily attributed to high operational costs. All scenarios demonstrated relatively low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (ranging from 9.1 to 16.5 kg CO2eq/kg product), with tryptophan production emerging as the most environmentally favourable option due to minimal chemical and freshwater usage. When compared with literature-reported data on ethanol and short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS), only collagen and ethanol production were deemed viable, based on their favourable profitability and contribution to the market.

An Application of an Initial Full Value of Vaccine Assessment Methodology to Measles-Rubella MAPs for Use in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Measles and rubella micro-array patches (MR-MAPs) are a promising innovation to address limitations of the current needle and syringe (N&S) presentation due to their single-dose presentation, ease of use, and improved thermostability. To direct and accelerate further research and interventions, an initial full value vaccine assessment (iFVVA) was initiated prior to MR-MAPs entering phase I trials to quantify their value and identify key data gaps and challenges. The iFVVA utilized a mixed-methods approach with rapid assessment of literature, stakeholder interviews and surveys, and quantitative data analyses to (i) assess global need for improved MR vaccines and how MR-MAPs could address MR problem statements; (ii) estimate costs and benefits of MR-MAPs; (iii) identify the best pathway from development to delivery; and (iv) identify outstanding areas of need where stakeholder intervention can be helpful. These analyses found that if MR-MAPs are broadly deployed, they can potentially reach an additional 80 million children compared to the N&S presentation between 2030-2040. MR-MAPs can avert up to 37 million measles cases, 400,000 measles deaths, and 26 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). MR-MAPs with the most optimal product characteristics of low price, controlled temperature chain (CTC) properties, and small cold chain volumes were shown to be cost saving for routine immunization (RI) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to N&S. Uncertainties about price and future vaccine coverage impact the potential cost-effectiveness of introducing MR-MAPs in LMICs, indicating that it could be cost-effective in 16-81% of LMICs. Furthermore, this iFVVA highlighted the importance of upfront donor investment in manufacturing set-up and clinical studies and the critical influence of an appropriate price to ensure country and manufacturer financial sustainability. To ensure that MR-MAPs achieve the greatest public health benefit, MAP developers, vaccine manufacturers, donors, financiers, and policy- and decision-makers will need close collaboration and open communications.

Algorithms in the marketplace: An empirical analysis of automated pricing in e-commerce

We analyze algorithmic pricing on the largest online marketplace in the Netherlands and Belgium. Based on two months of pricing data for around 2800 products, we find no significant correlation between the use of algorithms and an increase in prices of the Buy Box (the most prominently displayed offer for a product). We document that the presence of an algorithmic seller in monopoly markets goes hand-in-hand with lower prices. This effect is likely due to algorithms correcting excessively high human-set prices. We describe several characteristic algorithmic pricing patterns. While some of these pricing patterns are consistent with algorithmic collusion, such practice appears to be a fringe phenomenon. Overall, our findings call for careful policy with respect to pricing algorithms that remains alert to the possibility of algorithmic collusion but recognizes that pricing algorithms may benefit consumers.

Functional whey-based drinks with grape pomace extract and fruit juice

Industrial waste leads to pollution and deterioration of the environment, as well as harming the living population and animals. Whey, being a by-product of milk processing, is a source of protein and nitrogenous compounds, carbohydrates, lipids, mineral supplements, vitamins, organic acids, enzymes and macro- and microelements. Amino acid content of whey is represented by amino acids of protein substances and free amino acids. The next valuable secondary raw material is grape pomace, which is practically not processed and becomes a factor of anthropogenic load, polluting the environment. Grape pomace has a rich chemical composition, especially a large number of phenolic compounds, which have antioxidant properties. Currently, there is a significant increase in the production and consumption of soft drinks with various additives, the composition of which is replete with unnecessary colors and flavors. The aim of the work is to use milk whey for the development of technology of drinks of functional purpose, which will directly increase the efficiency of its processing, as a secondary raw material in industrial production, as well as serve the purpose of improving the environmental situation in places where milk processing plants are located. In particular, the creation of functional drinks on the basis of milk whey with the addition of grape pomace, fruit juices and pectin, will enrich the milk drink with a complex of biologically active substances, trace elements, antioxidants, vitamins. Using organoleptic and physico-chemical parameters, two technologies of functional drinks based on milk whey with 25% Husein Black grape pomace extract, in the first 25% cherry and in the second 25% peach juices were developed. The first formulation demonstrated noteworthy macro- and microelement content, including calcium (12.10%), sodium (5.04%), magnesium (1.60%), phosphorus (7.31%), and potassium (24.61%). Similarly, the second formulation exhibited significant macro- and microelement composition, including calcium (9.50%), sodium (4.28%), magnesium (1.33%), phosphorus (6.37%), and potassium (21.91%). All microbiological indicators meet the requirements of GOST and indicate the absence of pathogenic microflora, which is one of the indicators of guaranteed sanitary well-being of the proposed products. The developed drinks have pleasant organoleptic indicators, high biological value and low cost price.

Forest carbon payments: A multidisciplinary review of policy options for promoting carbon storage in EU member states

Forest carbon sinks can play an important role in mitigating climate change, but currently only a few policies exist globally where economic incentives are created for forest owners to maintain and strengthen sinks. This article aims to facilitate the design and implementation of governmental payment schemes for forest carbon uptake services by presenting a multidisciplinary analysis of the many challenges involved in such schemes and by proposing potential solutions. We assess the consequences, opportunities, and risks of carbon payment schemes from economic, ecological, social, and legal points of view based on existing literature. Our analysis is set in the context of the European Union (EU), but many of the central findings have relevance for a broader geographical area. The main economic challenges of implementing carbon payment schemes relate to potential leakage, the question of additionality, and uncertain forest-owner behavior. The most important ecological considerations include effects on soil carbon dynamics and biodiversity as well as issues of non-permanence and forest resilience. Our exploration of the social acceptance of carbon payments among the general public, key market actors such as forest owners and forest industry, and other stakeholders suggest that both the process of developing the scheme and its details are significant. Further, our legal analysis indicates that central challenges for carbon payment schemes within the EU rise from the requirement to comply with competition and state aid regulations. Finally, we synthesize our findings and suggest a two-step approach for introducing public carbon payments in an EU member state. Initially, the scheme could be launched via De minimis aid or the new aid scheme (GAFSRA). A low carbon price could be applied to moderate market effects, and the payments could be limited to additional carbon storage only. Peatlands, where tradeoffs exist between tree biomass carbon and soil carbon, should initially be excluded from the standard payment scheme, and regulated with command-and-control instruments and measure-based payments instead. In the future, an improved knowledge base and institutional changes may enable schemes that encompass all ecosystem carbon pools on all relevant soil types and create optimal incentives for both forest management and land-use choices by pricing all land-based sinks and emissions. Such schemes could utilize, e.g., cap-and-trade instruments and be complemented by import tariffs to control carbon leakage.

Multi-mode resource-constrained project scheduling problem with multiple shifts and dynamic energy prices

Considering the characteristics of time-of-use tariffs and multi-shifts in real-life project execution scenarios, we present a multi-mode resource-constrained project scheduling problem with multi-shift and time-of-use tariffs (MRCPSP-MS-TOU). The MRCPSP-MS-TOU is a bi-objective scheduling problem that aims to simultaneously minimise both project duration and energy costs. In this problem, renewable resources are the critical equipment that consumes the most energy and can work continuously for multiple shifts. Activities that require critical equipment with high energy consumption are given priority for shifts with lower electricity prices under time-of-use tariffs. We construct a mixed integer linear programming model for the MRCPSP-MS-TOU. For small-scale projects, the ε-constraint method is implemented to solve the MRCPSP-MS-TOU using the Gurobi optimiser. For large-scale projects, this paper develops meta-heuristic algorithms in the framework of the two non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm versions. The MRCPSP-MS-TOU enables manufacturers and the construction industry to schedule projects using time-of-use tariffs and multi-shifts in a more efficient manner since it can control the intensity of energy consumption, reduce project costs, make full use of energy-intensive equipment, and effectively reduce order delivery time.

COMPARING vaccine manufacturing technologies recombinant DNA vs in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA

Vaccine manufacturing fosters the prevention, control, and eradication of infectious diseases. Recombinant DNA and in vitro (IVT) mRNA vaccine manufacturing technologies were enforced to combat the recent pandemic. Despite the impact of these technologies, there exists no scientific announcement that compares them. Digital Shadows are employed in this study to simulate each technology, investigating root cause deviations, technical merits, and liabilities, evaluating cost scenarios. Under this lens we provide an unbiased, advanced comparative technoeconomic study, one that determines which of these manufacturing platforms are suited for the two types of vaccines considered (monoclonal antibodies or antigens). We find recombinant DNA technology to exhibit higher Profitability Index due to lower capital and starting material requirements, pertaining to lower Minimum Selling Price per Dose values, delivering products of established quality. However, the potency of the mRNA, the streamlined and scalable synthetic processes involved and the raw material availability, facilitate faster market penetration and product flexibility, constituting these vaccines preferable whenever short product development cycles become a necessity.

Multifaceted impacts of R&D activities on exporting behavior

ABSTRACT This study uses data from China to investigate the multidimensional impacts of R&D activities on a firm’s exporting behaviour. The findings confirm the well-documented positive effects of innovations on export participation and export volumes while also uncovering additional aspects of innovation’s influence on exporting. Specifically, firms that engage in research activities charge lower prices, offer a wider variety of exported products, enter more international markets, and demonstrate a tendency to expand into smaller and less affluent export markets. These findings offer cohesive and unified support for the effects of innovation on export that align with the implications of heterogeneous-firm trade models.

Small price bias in the cryptocurrency market. A cognitive bias revealed by emotions on social networks

Cognitive biases influence cryptocurrency market outcomes. Of relevance for this work, investors react variably to low-priced cryptocurrencies, evident in market outcomes like volatility. We investigate whether low prices also drive emotional responses on Twitter. Results show emotions align with price levels, with stronger reactions to lower prices. We conclude that small prices affect investor emotions.

A review of the engineered treatment of red mud: Construction materials, metal recovery, and soilization revegetation

Red mud, known as bauxite residue, is an alkaline solid waste generated during alumina production. Globally, the stockpile of red mud is about 3 billion tons and is increasing at a rate of 150 million tons per year. The global production of red mud is mainly distributed in China (28.2 %), Oceania region (22.4 %), South America (14.6 %), Europe (12.9 %), and North America (8.8 %). The increasing stockpile of red mud has posed a huge challenge to safe disposal while restricting the development of the alumina industry. The comprehensive utilization of red mud still needs green, efficient, and massive consumption methods. This work gives a review of the engineered treatment of red mud, including the characteristics and threats, as well as the engineered application through construction materials, metal recovery, and soilization revegetation. For red mud with a high content of metals, resource recovery of valuable metals and rare earth elements is a preferred choice, meeting the circular economy concept. Recovery of valuable metals from red mud can be achieved by magnetic separation, hydrometallurgy, and bioleaching. Hydrometallurgy is promising for recovering valuable metals such as Fe, Al, V, Ti, and rare earth elements, and the recovery is up to 99 %. Construction materials such as cement, geopolymers, and ceramics is an efficient alternative for the massive consumption of red mud, and the high-performance concrete with the compressive strength (129.5 MPa) can be obtained. This strategy is limited by the low price of construction materials, the lowered quality by alkaline components, and potential threats of toxic elements in red mud. Soilization of red mud with ecological restoration is promising for the sustainable management of red mud dam. To accelerate the process of red mud soilization, amendments such as gypsum, organic matter, and microorganisms can be added to neutralize red mud (lowering pH from 10 to 12 to near 7), promote the formation of agglomerates, and provide nutrients, promote the conversion of red mud into soil-like substrate. The phytoremediation of red mud can be realized after effective regulation, finally realizing vegetation establishment of red mud. This work provides technological and practical guidance for the engineered disposal of red mud.

The Progress of Reductive Coupling Reaction by Iron Catalysis.

The transition metal catalyzed coupling reaction has revolutionized the strategies for forging the carbon-carbon bonds. In contrast to traditional cross-coupling methods using pre-prepared nucleophilic organometallic reagents, reductive coupling reactions for the C-C bonds formation provide some advantages. Because both coupling partners are reduced in the final products using a stoichiometric amount of a reductant, this approach not only avoids the need to use sensitive organometallic species, but also provides an orthogonal and complementary access to classical coupling reaction. Notably, the reductive coupling reactions feature readily available fragments, promote good step economy, exhibit high functional group tolerance and unique chemoselectivity, which have propelled their increasingly popular in the organic synthesis. In recent years, due to the low price, minimal toxicity, and environmentally benign character, iron-catalyzed carbon-carbon coupling reactions have garnered significant attention from the organic synthetic chemists and pharmacologists, especially the iron-catalyzed reductive coupling. This review aims to provide an insightful overview of recent advances in iron-catalyzed reductive coupling reactions, and to illustrate their possible reaction mechanisms.

A IMPORTÂNCIA DO PERCHERON NO PÓS GUERRA: UMA ANÁLISE HISTÓRICA

This article aims to present a systematic study on the correlation between the post-war period, the importance and changes of the Percheron horse in the historical and economic context of world development. A horse from France with descendants of breeds such as Shire, Belgian and Arabian, with a docile temperament, strong and resistant morphology, participated in different historical scenarios that range from the war field to the work field and new modalities of today. Known for its great strength, it is one of the most outstanding draft horses in the world with a robust but elegant appearance. However, with Modernization and the use of mechanized vehicles, its creation suffered a decrease and appreciation, being sold at lower prices. It arrived in Brazil around the 20th century, brought by the Brazilian army, the Matarrazo company and the Companhia Cervejaria Antárctica with the aim of transporting cargo. The research was based on a bibliographical review of articles, books and theses that discussed the subject and presented an understanding of the topic. Faced with many impasses and socioeconomic and technological changes in the post-war period, the creation and destiny of the Percheron horse in agriculture and society underwent changes that compromised its existence for a certain period. From a sought- after and luxurious animal used in transportation and fighting in war due to its compact morphology and good musculature, to new forms of agricultural work and leisure, in addition to its role in Modern society.

Pay what you want pricing: should marketers use it to introduce innovative products?

ABSTRACT The paper examines the suitability of pay-what-you-want (PWYW) pricing in introducing incremental or radical innovative products. Four experimental studies were conducted: three lab-based and one field-based. The results indicated that customers voluntarily made non-zero payments in anonymous exchanges. However, the payout in the lab (willingness to pay) and field (actual payout) studies were invariably lower than the externally provided price anchors. Further, low-price external anchors exerted a stronger influence on consumer payout than high-price external anchors. Message framing (descriptive versus injunctive) and external price anchors were used to nudge consumers toward a higher payout. The study found that customers’ payout was closer to the external price anchor when the anchor reflected what others paid (descriptive framing). In contrast, the payout deviated significantly below the price anchor when the seller suggested it (injunctive framing). Message framing was more effective in high external reference price anchors. Managers should choose high or low reference prices depending upon the deviation in actual payment from the external reference price anchor. Managers should introduce radically innovative products using descriptive framing and high-price anchors.

Commercial EV fleet smart charging for cost reduction and renewables integration: A case study in Germany

The transition to electric mobility reduces transportation carbon emissions but presents challenges in integrating growing electricity demand with renewable electricity generation and power systems. Smart charging emerges as a key technology to minimize operational costs and support higher utilization of green electricity for electric vehicles (EVs). Market analysis indicates a trend towards dynamic electricity tariffs, incentivizing EV charging at times favourable to the electricity grid, yet existing literature fails to address smart charging technology in sync with times of lower electricity prices and higher renewables integration. This work examines different smart charging strategies for a commercial EV fleet in Germany, considering a Real-Time Pricing (RTP) tariff indexed to day-ahead market prices and renewable electricity integrations. HOMER Grid is used to model these smart charging strategies and generate new EV load profiles. Direct and indirect CO2 emissions and renewable electricity usage ratios are calculated based on detailed electricity grid and self consumption data. The resulting Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) is minimized, by adjusting solar PV and battery capacities. The adoption of an RTP tariff decreases the LCOE from €0.530 to €0.314 per kWh. A smart charging strategy designed to reduce peak demand and schedule charging at lower price times further reduces the LCOE to €0.283 per kWh. The lowest LCOE of €0.281 per kWh is achieved with 34.4 kWp of solar PV capacity and no batteries. The carbon impact is minimized with larger solar PV and battery capacities. The performed work indicates a favourable framework for EV charging integrators to maximize cost savings and renewable energy integration for an EV fleet charging use case.

Labour market impacts of the China shock: Why the tide of Globalisation did not lift all boats

The 1990s and 2000s saw a dramatic expansion in global goods trade. China rapidly emerged as the world's leading exporter while manufacturing employment in many high-income countries plummeted. Guided by textbook models that assumed frictionless labour markets and balanced trade, economists long maintained the view that trade had only modest labour market impacts and was not an important contributor to rising inequalities in high-income countries. We review recent evidence on the impacts of rapidly rising import competition from China on a broad range of outcomes in high-income countries. Import competition led to employment and wage losses that were heavily concentrated among the employees of exposed industries and individuals residing in local labour markets where such industries clustered, while consumer gains from lower goods prices were much more evenly distributed in the population. The disruptive effects of trade were particularly salient in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom where a rapid growth of imports did not coincide with a commensurate expansion of own exports. Local labour markets facing greater import competition also experienced deteriorations in terms of health outcomes, crime, and family structures, and they became more likely to support far right politicians. We discuss several policy options to support the losers from globalisation.

The bright side of analyst coverage: Evidence from stock price resilience during COVID-19

Understanding a firm's stock price resilience is crucial in an increasingly uncertain environment. We investigate the impact of financial analysts on a firm's stock price resilience. We find that firms in the Chinese stock market with higher analyst coverage were more resilient during the COVID-19 crisis and had lower pandemic-induced stock price declines, shorter decline and recovery periods, and higher recovery probability. This positive relationship is more prominent for firms with strong star analyst coverage and does not depend on ownership type or firm size. Moreover, analysts help firms attract attention from media and institutional investors, improve corporate governance by improving information disclosure quality (especially for private information), and reduce financial constraints, in turn, firms’ ability to absorb pandemic shocks improves. Overall, we demonstrate that financial analysts play a crucial role in shaping a firm's stock price resilience during crises, particularly for firms with strong star analyst coverage.

Sulfur Vacancies are the Active Sites in the Iron Sulfide Catalyst for the Hydrogenation of Naphthalene

AbstractIron sulfide catalysts could boost the hydrogenation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and have been widely employed in direct coal liquefaction owing to their low price and good activity. In the past, the Fe deficient structure on Fe1−xS was normally considered as the active site. Herein, the promotion effect of S vacancies on the performance in the naphthalene hydrogenation reaction was revealed. Additional S vacancies on the prepared Fe1−xS catalyst were introduced by a heat‐treatment under H2. Multiple characterization techniques verified that the density of S vacancies on catalyst surface increased with the prolonged H2 treatment time, while the Fe deficient structure displayed an opposite trend. The performance in the hydrogenation of naphthalene to tetralin was used to evaluate the catalyst activity. It was found that the sequence of naphthalene conversion over catalysts was consistent with the corresponding content of S vacancies, indicating that S vacancies were more efficient active sites. DFT calculation results revealed that both molecular H2 and naphthalene exhibited a pronounced inclination towards adsorption on S vacancies as compared to intact surface of Fe1−xS. The increasing amount of S vacancies facilitated the adsorption of reactants and the weakening of naphthalene C−C bonds.

Geospatial Analysis of the Socioeconomic and Demographic Effects of Historic Coal Mining in the Greater Pittsburgh Region, Pennsylvania, USA

A geospatial model was developed to statistically assess the socioeconomic effects of coal mining in the greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area by integrating home sale data, abandoned mine lands (AML) inventory “problem area” sites, and census demographic information. Results indicated that homes located within problem areas sold for an average of 28% ($58,600) less than homes outside of these regions. Demographic data revealed a notable disparity in the population distribution within Allegheny County mining problem areas as having a statistically significant larger Black population. This same trend was even more pronounced in urban areas. The study also established that areas influenced by past mining activities had a higher proportion of individuals without formal postsecondary education. Logistic regression models were created to analytically evaluate the relationship between predictor variables, specifically home sale price and Community Needs Index, to the probability of being situated within mining problem areas. The home sale analysis indicated a negative correlation between sale prices and the likelihood of residing in a mining-affected zone, implying that properties with lower prices are more commonly situated in these impacted areas. The CNI logistic regression model revealed a correlation between the probability of living in a mining problem area and overall higher community needs.

Socio-Demographic Profile, Farming Challenges and Local Government Unit (LGU) Support to Rubber Farmers in Tampilisan, Zamboanga Del Norte: A Pre and Actual Pandemic Analysis

This study investigates the socio-demographic profile, farming challenges, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) support to rubber farmers in Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. The research employed a pre and actual-pandemic analysis to assess the effectiveness of LGU extension services in empowering rubber farmers. Data from 50 rubber farmers across 15 barangays were analyzed using a descriptive-correlation method. Findings reveal that rubber farmers in Tampilisan are predominantly middle-aged, have a high school education level, and have low monthly incomes. Farmers engage in diverse farming practices, including intercropping and integrated farming systems, demonstrating adaptive strategies for income diversification. While participation in LGU extension services was high before the pandemic, it significantly declined during the pandemic due to restrictions and limitations. Farmers identified several key challenges, including low rubber prices, capital constraints, and lack of skilled labor, which persisted before and during the pandemic. Despite these challenges, farmers reported moderate agreement on the benefits derived from LGU extension services, particularly regarding education for their children and food security for their families. Findings also suggest that farmers' income correlates with the types of crops planted, indicating that diversifying crops like coconut, banana, and fruit trees can lead to increased income. More so, the correlation between farmer participation and the acquisition of farming tools and planting materials underscores the positive impact of active engagement on resource access. Analyzing the above results, the study revealed the importance of sustained farmer engagement in extension services for enhancing agricultural resilience and livelihood sustainability. The insights elicited from this study include strengthening technical training and infrastructure, promoting farmer group participation, and fostering collaboration between the Local Government Unit (LGU), educational institutions, and government agencies to ensure the effectiveness of extension programs and support sustainable rubber farming practices in Tampilisan.

Conditions for economic efficiency of latent heat thermal energy storage systems at nuclear power plants

In conditions of uneven schedules of electricity consumption and construction of power plants using renewable energy sources, nuclear power plants will participate in regulating the unevenness of daily energy consumption. At the same time, nuclear power plants have high economic feasibility of operating with a maximum installed capacity utilization factor due to significant capital investments at a relatively low fuel price. The use of nuclear power plants to cover uneven energy consumption will reduce the possibility of a return on investment, which will only be realized with greatly inflated capacity charges. At the same time, the annual operating costs will increase significantly. A possible decrease in the economic efficiency of a nuclear power plant is due to the fact that, at the request of the system operator of the energy system, the NPP will be to reduce electricity generation during off-peak hours or sell electricity on the market at significantly lower prices. In this regard, the problem of increasing economic efficiency of nuclear power plants under conditions of uneven daily energy consumption becomes particularly relevant. The solution to the problem could be the accumulation of excess energy and its subsequent use. Previously, the authors developed a method of additional redundancy of auxiliary needs of nuclear power plants based on the use of low-power steam turbines. In the present paper, schemes for increasing efficiency of using low-power steam turbines at nuclear power plants when regulating the load unevenness in the power system using thermal energy storage systems based on the latent heat thermal energy storage are developed. The design characteristics of the accumulator as part of a nuclear power plant are determined to ensure operation of the heat storage system throughout the entire period of energy consumption. In this research, the lithium nitrate was considered as a phase change material. The technical and system conditions under which the maximum economic effect is achieved have been determined. The boundary conditions under which a return on investment is achieved are shown.