Installation Site Research Articles

The potential of hydrogen-battery storage systems for a sustainable renewable-based electrification of remote islands in Norway

Remote locations and off-grid regions still rely mainly on diesel generators, despite the high operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The exploitation of local renewable energy sources (RES) in combination with energy storage technologies can be a promising solution for the sustainable electrification of these areas. The aim of this work is to investigate the potential for decarbonizing remote islands in Norway by installing RES-based energy systems with hydrogen-battery storage. A national scale assessment is presented: first, Norwegian islands are characterized and classified according to geographical location, number of inhabitants, key services and current electrification system. Then, 138 suitable installation sites are pinpointed through a multiple-step sorting procedure, and finally 10 reference islands are identified as representative case studies. A site-specific methodology is applied to estimate the electrical load profiles of all the selected reference islands. An optimization framework is then developed to determine the optimal system configuration that minimizes the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) while ensuring a reliable 100% renewable power supply. The LCOE of the RES-based energy systems range from 0.21 to 0.63 €/kWh and a clear linear correlation with the wind farm capacity factor is observed (R2 equal to 0.87). Hydrogen is found to be crucial to prevent the oversizing of the RES generators and batteries and ensure long-term storage capacity. The techno-economic feasibility of alternative electrification strategies is also investigated: the use of diesel generators is not economically viable (0.87–1.04 €/kWh), while the profitability of submarine cable connections is highly dependent on the cable length and the annual electricity consumption (0.14–1.47 €/kWh). Overall, the cost-effectiveness of RES-based energy systems for off-grid locations in Northern Europe can be easily assessed using the correlations derived in this analysis.

The Visual Patient Avatar ICU Facilitates Information Transfer of Written Information by Visualization: A Multicenter Comparative Eye-Tracking Study.

Patient monitoring is crucial in critical care medicine. Perceiving and interpreting multiple vital signs requires a high workload that can lead to decreased situation awareness and consequently inattentional blindness, defined as impaired perception of unexpectedly changing data. To facilitate information transfer, we developed and validated the Visual-Patient avatar. Generated by numerical data, the animation displays the status of vital signs and patient installations according to a user-centered design to improve situation awareness. As a surrogate parameter for information transfer in patient monitoring, we recorded visual attention using eye-tracking data. In this computer-based study, we compared the correlation of visually perceived and correctly interpreted vital signs between a Visual-Patient-avatar ICU and conventional patient monitoring. A total of 50 recruited study participants (25 nurses, 25 physicians) from five European study centers completed five randomized scenarios in both modalities. Using a stationary eye tracker as the primary endpoint, we recorded how long different areas of interest of the two monitoring modalities were viewed. In addition, we tested for a possible association between the length of time an area of interest was viewed and the correctness of the corresponding question. With the conventional monitor, participants looked at the installation site the longest (median 2.13-2.51 s). With the Visual-Patient-avatar ICU, gaze distribution was balanced; no area of interest was viewed for particularly long. For both modalities, the longer an area was viewed, the more likely the associated question was answered incorrectly (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99, p = 0.008). The Visual-Patient-avatar ICU facilitates and improves information transfer through its visualizations, especially with written information. The longer an area of interest was viewed, the more likely the associated question was answered incorrectly.

Site suitability assessment for solar power plants in Bangladesh: A GIS-based analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach

Solar power plants are important alternatives to fossil fuel-based power plants because they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. The potential of harnessing solar energy is highly dependent on selecting the optimal locations for plant installation. This study primarily aims to select optimal sites for solar energy plant installation using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. In the underlying processing phase, the AHP method was used to calculate the relative weights of the study area's physiographic, utility, and climate data. These weights were then used in the MCDA to identify the optimal locations for solar plants. The results of the MCDA were presented in the form of a solar plant suitability map, which showed that 44.59 % (66506.49 km2) of the study area in the south and southwest of Bangladesh is highly suitable for the development of utility-scale solar power plants. In contrast, there are substantial areas of about 31.18 % (46507.37 km2) of the country where the installation of any type of power plant is completely prohibited. This research can help authorities and stakeholders decide where to invest in solar energy.

Recycling of Wood–Plastic Composites—A Reprocessing Study

Wood–plastic composites, consisting of wood particles and a thermoplastic matrix, are common composites often used in buildings as decking boards or for similar non-load-carrying applications. As these are usually semi-finished products, a certain amount of material is available after cutting these to size, in the factory and also at installation sites. Especially for in-house waste streams in factories, the question remains whether these materials can be reprocessed without any negative influence on the materials’ properties. Therefore, the aim of this work is to investigate the influence of reprocessing on the property profile of polypropylene based wood–plastic composites. Two base formulations with 40 wt% of wood particles and two different polypropylene grades were investigated for their mechanical properties, wood particle size, color, weathering stability and water uptake. We found that most of the wood–plastic composites’ properties were not negatively influenced by the multiple processing steps; the most pronounced effect beside particle size reduction is color degradation, as the composites darken with increasing number of processing steps. In our opinion this shows, that wood–plastic composites can be recycled, especially if these are only reprocessed in smaller shares together with virgin materials.

Learning From Field Testing Experiences for Developing Small Scale Tidal Current Energy Conversion System

Tidal current energy conversion system (TCECS) has been tested in potential straits such as the Larantuka Strait and Madura Strait. In its development, the technology will be improved by increasing its capacity to 100 kW. The new capacity is planned to use a farming system with vertical axis turbines. The experience of installing and operating a TCECS prototype with a capacity of 10-20 kW in Indonesia could be a valuable experience for the implementation phase of a TCECS with a higher capacity. This paper aims to report the experience of TCECS installation in Indonesia. According to previous installation experience, TCECS was made floating using a catamaran type as a supporting structure. This was done to facilitate the transportation process from the production site to the installation site. TCECS production was carried out in an area that is quite far from the installation area because there is not enough land around it to assemble or produce the technology. This condition is one of the factors that need to be considered in the TCECS installation step in Indonesia. Another factor to consider is the size of the TCECS technology to be utilized. The Installation facilities in Indonesia, especially in the eastern region, have been yet inadequate in using large equipment, e.g., a heavy crane. Therefore, the dimensions of the TCECS to be installed should not have large dimensions. To take the experience of the installation, other factors are described in several chapters in this paper.

A prospect theory extension of data envelopment analysis model for wave‐wind energy site selection in New Zealand

AbstractRenewable energy sources have been utilized by countries worldwide, but offshore energy exploitation projects remain highly promising for both the world and New Zealand specifically. The selection of equipment installation locations can be challenging and requires significant investment, prompting the need for optimization in offshore energy exploitation. Wind and wave location (WWL) integrated sites offer a highly potential solution for reducing installation costs and enhancing efficiency in renewable energy exploitation. However, the decision‐making process for selecting equipment locations is crucial and directly affects the outcome. This study aims to evaluate and consider sustainable and effective equipment installation sites based on both quantitative indicators and behavioral psychology of decision making. To achieve this goal, the study utilizes the prospect theory Data Envelopment Analysis (PT‐DEA) model, which builds on PT to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of offshore installation site selection with consideration for human psychology. By combining the results of quantitative indicators and decision‐making behavior, the study identifies sustainable and effective offshore installation sites, recommending appropriate equipment installation locations WWL. The study is also compared and referenced with relevant plans, projects, and development policies in New Zealand for confirmation.

Economic Benefits and Governance of Guiding Barrier Fishing Gear in White-Spotted Spinefoot Fish Fishing Activities (Siganus canaliculatus, Park 1797) In Bontang City Waters

Guiding barrier fishing gear has been used in recent years in the mangrove, seagrass, and coral ecosystem areas of Bontang City. In previous studies, the main target, white-spotted spinefoot fish, has depreciated and degraded as a result of overfishing. This study calculates the economic benefits and attempts to analyze the management policy of guiding barrier fishing gear to overcome the depreciation and degradation problems. To calculate the economic benefits, the fisheries production approach was used, while the policy analysis used the interpretive structural model technique. During the peak season of white-spotted spinefoot fish, the average fisherman earns up to IDR400,750 per day, with a minimum of IDR103,000 and a maximum of IDR1,904,000. The optimal fishing period is nine months, after which fishermen will stop fishing in Ramadan, August, and September. There are six guiding barrier fishing gear management policies, namely: 1) open and close systems at the installation site; 2) increase the mesh size used; 3) reduce the number; 4) moratorium on new installations; 5) limit the number of owners for each fisherman; and 6) regulate the distance between guiding barrier fishing gear. Of the six policy alternatives, the top priority is to increase the mesh size used.

Offshore wind power around the Iberian Peninsula: variability, complementarity and added value for the power system

The advances in floating offshore wind energy are opening deep sea areas, like the coastal waters of Iberian Peninsula (IP), for the installation of wind farms. The integration of this new energy source in a semi-closed power system with an already high share of variable renewable energies would be facilitated if the potential contribution of offshore wind energy shows reduced variability and limited seasonal variations, as the power demand in IP shows two maxima in winter and summer. The aims of this study are the analysis of temporal variability and spatial complementarity of the potential installation sites, and the identification of an optimal combination of installation areas that minimizes the temporal variability of the aggregated offshore contribution. In order to better capture the marked mesoscale features of winds around the IP, wind data from a very high resolution reanalysis (COSMO-REA6) are used. The analysis considers allowed areas for installation, delimited by the maritime spatial planning. Northern coast areas are characterized by high capacity factors (CFs) and high seasonality, while the lower CFs at the western and southern coasts are compensated by a limited seasonality. Pairwise correlation between the potential areas shows outstanding results, with several negative correlation values within a synoptic scale region, in contrast to other mid-latitude regions like the North Sea or the Eastern USA coast. An optimal aggregation of areas includes at least one area at each of the four main Iberian coasts. A strong reduction of hourly variability is obtained through the resulting combinations, and the seasonality of the aggregated CF is clearly below the values for other offshore areas. Therefore, offshore wind energy can indeed offer an added value for the Iberian power system beyond the high resource amount, reducing the need for storage or backup plants.

Optimal installation and operation planning of parking spaces for solar-powered electric vehicles using hemispherical images

This study aimed to select the optimal installation of parking spaces for solar-powered electric vehicles using hemispherical images and to suggest operation plans. Hemispherical images were captured in parking spaces to generate shading matrices. The parking space suitability index was introduced to quantify the ratio of direct and diffuse solar insolation that is diminished by shadows during the operational hours of the parking space designated exclusively for solar-powered electric vehicles. Spatially adjacent parking spaces were grouped using a genetic algorithm to assign multiple solar-powered electric vehicles-only parking spaces. Finally, the optimal installation sites with the highest parking space suitability index were selected as the parking space dedicated to solar-powered electric vehicles. This approach was applied to 69 parking spaces in an off-street parking lot at Pukyong National University. The calculated parking space suitability index of parking spaces for four seasons showed that the shading effects were the same in the summer season (spring and summer), and in the morning and afternoon of the winter season (autumn and winter). It was more appropriate to park in different spaces during the summer, winter morning, and winter afternoon because of the shading effect.

Dynamic Properties of Remote Sensing Algorithm in Digital Resistance Elements

In microprocessor-based distance protection of lines, digital resistance elements are used as measuring instruments for determining the components of the input resistance vector and their subsequent mathematical comparison with the boundaries of the selected response characteristics. The values of the resistance vector components are calculated from the voltages and currents measured at the installation site of the protection. The most common are algorithms for remote measurements of input resistance based on: two samples of instantaneous values of line voltage and current; line models; using orthogonal voltage components and current. In the resistance elements of modern microprocessor line protections for remote measurements, the last of the above algorithms is most widely used. Its dynamic properties are determined mainly by the implemented method of generating the orthogonal components of the input signals. In distance protection measuring device, non-recursive digital Fourier filters are predominantly used for this purpose. To improve the dynamic properties of the remote measurement algorithm based on them, it is proposed to correct additionally dynamic errors in transient modes. In the dynamic modeling environment MATLAB-Simulink-SimPowerSystems, digital model is implemented that allows for a comparative assessment of the dynamic properties of the proposed algorithm for remote measurements of input resistance based on the results of a computational experiment. The research results have shown that the proposed algorithm for remote measurements of input resistance has higher dynamic properties compared to the known ones.

Geographical information system as an approach for PV power plants allocation with 3E criteria

One of the major issues in developing photovoltaic (PV) power production farms is choosing suitable locations for their installment, since it has substantial effects on efficiency of power production and consequently, environmental and economic viability of that. Taking this point into consideration, the geographical Information system (GIS) approach was used to eliminate unsuitable locations for PV power plant installation. After the elimination process, the remaining locations are assessed from energy, economic, and environmental (3E) perspectives. 3E criteria were obtained for each possible location in two scenarios, i.e., constant area and constant capacity, in which the former investigates three different panel capacity in a constant area, while the latter models three constant farm capacities without any restrictions for land. In each scenario, potential installation sites are ranked based on their suitability for PV farm installation using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM). Iran was selected as the case study, and using a weighted Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method, ideal locations in each scenario for installing PV plants were found. The suggested locations offer noticeably improved objective functions as compared to farms that have already been installed with 9, 20, 8, and 60% improvement in GE, PR, LCOE, and environmental parameters, respectively. A detailed report for environmental impact of using PV farms instead of fossil energy is presented. Furthermore, a comparison of mono and polycrystalline panels is carried out, and it was found that in all of the parameters, the mono-crystalline panel has better 3E performance.

Propagation and arrest of collapse failures in a buried offshore pipeline crossing reverse fault areas

Offshore pipelines crossing fault rupture areas suffer the risk of local buckling, which can in turn initiate propagating buckles. This study presents the results of evaluating several series of local collapses, subsequent propagating buckles, temporary buckling arrests, and crossover simulations of a deformed (due to reverse fault displacements) offshore pipeline under external overpressure. A numerical model of a buried pipeline with a single (twin) integral arrestor(s) was developed using a nonlinear vector form intrinsic finite element method. The residual external pressure capacity of a deformed pipeline after reverse fault displacements was assessed. Single integral arrestors at different installation sites and twin integral arrestors of different lengths were tested. Effects of fault dip angles on the propagation and arrest of collapse failures were investigated. The longitudinal and bending deformations caused by reverse fault displacements result in a significant decrease in the external pressure resistance of offshore pipelines. Four weak areas appeared around the bending regions, the size relationship of their collapse pressures determined the sequence of multiple local collapses and directions of the subsequent propagating buckles. Integral arrestors are effective designs with significant arresting efficiency in such scenarios. The flexure curve of the pipeline changed significantly only when an arrestor was installed in the left- or right-bending region. A large fault dip angle leads to both higher first collapse pressures and crossover pressures due to smaller bending deformations. A flipping crossover occurs when a downstream reverse ovality develops, which rotates the collapse direction by 90°. The material efficiency of integral arrestors will decrease with the occurrence of flipping crossovers.

Optimization of the cathodic protection system for the main pipelines

This study investigated the multi-criteria task of optimizing the operating modes of cathodic protection stations (CPS), considering monitoring data, geological conditions at the pipeline installation site, climatic or seasonal changes, and other factors. The relevance of this research is associated with a comprehensive solution to the problem of increasing the durability and reliability of trunk pipelines to reduce accidents at their facilities by ensuring the efficiency of electrochemical protection (EChP) systems. The problems of existing EChP systems are analyzed, where the elimination of anode zones ("lack of protection") due to cathodic polarization is carried out without operational consideration of environmental conditions, as a rule, with a margin in terms of protective potential, which often leads to "overprotection", resulting in increased power consumption, gas formation on the metal surface, and detachment and wear insulation of pipelines. The aim of this research is to create a method for optimal regulation of the operation modes of the main pipelines and an adaptive electrochemical protection system that provides control and parameter management of cathodic protection stations, considering changes in external conditions on individual linear sections of main pipelines. Tasks: to develop an adjustment method for finding the effect of the CPS on the value of potentials at control points along the pipeline route; to develop a multicriteria optimization model for regulating the operation modes of the CPS; and to provide an example of testing the method of optimal regulation on the objects of the linear part of the existing main gas pipeline. The following results were obtained. A method is proposed for determining the effect of CPS operating modes on the value of potentials at control points in the mode of interrupting the protection current of other stations. An optimization model was formed according to the criterion of uniformity of the distribution of the protective potential "pipe-ground" along the pipeline route and according to the criterion of the minimum total protective current of all CPSs on a given section of the main pipeline. Conclusions. The scientific novelty of the results obtained is associated with the development of an original optimization method that allows scientifically determining the operation modes of the CPS to ensure the protection of the main pipeline both in time and length with reduced operating costs and adaptability to changes in climatic, seasonal, and geological conditions at the pipeline installation site. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is illustrated by the regulation of the parameters of the CPS based on the monitoring data of the section of the main gas pipeline of the oil and gas complex of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Geo-Environmental Analysis on Specifying Solar Energy Power Plant (SEPP) Fields by GIS and Different Fuzzy AHP Methods

The use of solar energy among renewable energy sources has started to turn out widespread due to its potential, practicality of use and environmental friendliness. In assessing the installation sites of solar energy power plants (SEPPs) economic, social and environmental elements should be taken into consideration, and cultural and paleontological heritage areas should not be damaged. In order for decision-makers to show own predilections in some ways, the subject of this investigate is to specify the convenient fields for SEPP installation in Yalova province with all its districts by using different methods of Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Processes (BAHP) together with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). According to the results obtained, it has been seen that Yalova province has convenient filelds for SEPP sites in the center and east, including the Central and Çiftlikköy districts.

Solar photocatalysis application in UWWTP outlets - simulations based on predictive models in flat-plate reactors and pollutant degradation studies with in silico toxicity assessment

The application of the solar photocatalysis for the degradation of residual pollutants found in surface water was demonstrated. Semi-pilot scale flat-plate cascade reactor (FPCR) was used to study the degradation of model organic pollutants: enrofloxacin (ENRO), 17β-estradiol (E2) and 1H-benzotriazole (1H-BT) over TiO2 thin-film supported on glass fibers. A modular panel with full-spectra solar lamps with appropriate UVB and UVA irradiation levels was used as a simulation of sunlight. Pollutant degradation in FPCR was estimated using predictive models; intrinsic reaction rate constants (ki) for ENRO, E2 and 1H-BT independent of the reactor size, flow rate and irradiation conditions were determined: 9.60, 3.35 and 0.37 109 s−1 W−0.5 m1.5, respectively. Main degradation products (DPs), formed upon hydroxylation, ring opening and oxidation, were identified using LC-QTOF-MS. The ecotoxicological impact was assessed via T.E.S.T. and ECOSAR open-source tools showing the formation of less harmful DPs after sufficient reaction time. Pollutant degradation was simulated at four locations of interest, i.e. exhausts from urban wastewater treatment plants (UWWTPs) in Zagreb, Croatia (45°N), Krakow, Poland (50°N), Sevilla, Spain (37°N) and Ioannina, Greece (39.6°N). Results have proved that a simple flat-plate system with supported photocatalysts can be easily scaled up and incorporated at the outlet of UWWTP for the reduction of pollutant load and related toxicity. The exhaust canal in Zagreb with the estimated length of a photocatalytic layer of 122 m for the > 90% degradation of all target pollutants was discussed as the best installation site among studied locations. Environmental ImplicationA multi-disciplinary approach to the tentative application of TiO2 solar photocatalysis outdoors to reduce pollutant loads and toxicity in surface waters was demonstrated. Possible application at four selected locations in Europe, as an additional step in water treatment after urban wastewater treatment plants (UWWTPs) was discussed. Target pollutants were studied under environmentally relevant conditions (sunlight levels, water matrix, simulation of process on a real scale at selected geographical location), at both higher and low concentrations.

An improved installation of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl (iHmb) method for chemical protein synthesis

The 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl (Hmb) backbone modification can prevent amide bond-mediated side-reactions (e.g., aspartimide formation, peptide aggregation) by installing the removable Hmb group into a peptide bond, thus improving the synthesis of long and challenging peptides and proteins. However, its use is largely precluded by the limited Hmb's installation sites. In this report, an improved installation of Hmb (iHmb) method was developed to achieve the flexible installation and the convenient removal of Hmb. The iHmb method involves two critical steps: (1) oxidative diazotization of the readily installed 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-5-amino-benzyl (Hmab) to give 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-5-diazonium-benzyl (Hmdab) by combining soamyl nitrite (IAN)/HBF4, and (2) reductive elimination of Hmdab to give the desired Hmb by 1,2-ethanedithiol (EDT). The iHmb method enables the installation of Hmb at any primary amino acid including the highly sterically hindered amino acids (e.g., valine and isoleucine). The practicality and utility of the iHmb method was demonstrated by one-shot solid-phase synthesis of a challenging aspartimide-prone peptide, the mirror-image version of a hydrophobic peptide and a long-chain peptide up to 76-residue. Furthermore, the iHmb method can be utilized to facilitate chemical protein ligation, as exemplified by the synthesis of the single-spanning membrane protein sarcolipin. The iHmb method expands the toolkit for peptide synthesis and ligation and facilitates the preparation of peptides/proteins.

On the design of a small scale tidal converter for long time deployment at sea

A scale model of a kite-like converter of tidal energy, the GEMSTAR, is designed to be installed at sea for a long term deployment. The aim of the experiment is to develope a digital twin with fault detection and isolation capabilities. To this aim, a fully-functional 1:10 scale of GEMSTAR is designed, starting from measurements of tidal currents in the site of installation. Several spots were investigated searching for the most suitable current profile. The paper describes the principal issues concerning operational functions and the choice of the physical parameters to monitor during the deployment through several sensors placed on board. A scale model of a kite-like converter of tidal energy, the GEMSTAR, is designed to be installed at sea for a long term deployment. The aim of the experiment is to develope a digital twin with fault detection and isolation capabilities. To this aim, a fully-functional 1:10 scale of GEMSTAR is designed, starting from measurements of tidal currents in the site of installation. Several spots were investigated searching for the most suitable current profile. The paper describes the principal issues concerning operational functions and the choice of the physical parameters to monitor during the deployment through several sensors placed on board.

Effects of projected wave climate changes on the sizing and performance of OWCs: a focus on the Mediterranean and Atlantic European coastal waters

Reliable estimations of the Annual Energy Production (AEP) achievable with a certain Wave Energy Converter (WEC) are among the fundamental elements for a sound evaluation of the related Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) that plays a crucial role in the investment decision-making process. The lack of reliability in estimates of the device productivity can be a result of the uncertainty in the assessment of the available wave energy resource since the geometry of the device which maximizes the AEP is dependent on the specific wave climate at the foreseen installation site.
 The Climate Data Store of the Copernicus Climate Change Service delivers projections of the wave climate along the 20 m bathymetric contours of the whole European coastlines, covering the period 2040-2100, under two Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) [1].
 This work addresses the effect of such long-term wave climate changes on the optimal sizing and performances of Oscillating Water Column (OWC) WECs to be installed along the Atlantic European coastline, expanding a previously published work in which the Mediterranean coastline was investigated [2]. The capture width of the OWC WEC under different wave conditions is computed using an empirical model [3] capable of predicting the device performance with acceptable accuracy and limited computational time.
 The results show that the optimal geometry of the OWC WEC varies significantly in the different geographical locations, and that the long-term changes in the wave energy resource could cause a slight modification of the optimal geometry in each potential installation site. The AEP of the OWC WEC in the projected wave climate scenario can be significantly different compared to the present one, potentially contributing to reducing the LCOE of this wave energy conversion technology in some geographical locations.
 REFERENCES:
 [1] Caires, S., Yan, K., 2022. Ocean surface wave time series for the European coast from 1976 to 2100 derived from climate projections. (Accessed on Feb. 2022) DOI: 10.24381/cds.572bf382. Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) Climate Data Store (CDS)
 [2] Simonetti, I., Cappietti, L., 2023, Mediterranean coastal wave-climate long-term trend in climate change scenarios and effects on the optimal sizing of OWC wave energy converters, Coastal Engineering, 173, 104247.
 [3] Simonetti, I., Cappietti, L., Oumeraci, H., 2018. An empirical model as a supporting tool to optimize the main design parameters of a stationary oscillating water column wave energy converter. Appl. Energy 231, 1205–1215.

Multiparametric Monitoring System of Mt. Melbourne Volcano (Victoria Land, Antarctica).

Volcano monitoring is the key approach in mitigating the risks associated with volcanic phenomena. Although Antarctic volcanoes are characterized by remoteness, the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption and the 2022 Hunga eruption have reminded us that even the farthest and/or least-known volcanoes can pose significant hazards to large and distant communities. Hence, it is important to also develop monitoring systems in the Antarctic volcanoes, which involves installing and maintaining multiparametric instrument networks. These tasks are particularly challenging in polar regions as the instruments have to face the most extreme climate on the Earth, characterized by very low temperatures and strong winds. In this work, we describe the multiparametric monitoring system recently deployed on the Melbourne volcano (Victoria Land, Antarctica), consisting of seismic, geochemical and thermal sensors together with powering, transmission and acquisition systems. Particular strategies have been applied to make the monitoring stations efficient despite the extreme weather conditions. Fumarolic ice caves, located on the summit area of the Melbourne volcano, were chosen as installation sites as they are protected places where no storm can damage the instruments and temperatures are close to 0 °C all year round. In addition, the choice of instruments and their operating mode has also been driven by the necessity to reduce energy consumption. Indeed, one of the most complicated tasks in Antarctica is powering a remote instrument year-round. The technological solutions found to implement the monitoring system of the Melbourne volcano and described in this work can help create volcano monitoring infrastructures in other polar environments.

Whole Watershed-based Estimation of FEWS Installation Site Using UAV Photogrammetry

For small rivers and reservoirs, a flood early warning system (FEWS) is generally used to prepare for sudden flood events whose impact is augmented from homonized environment and climate change. Currently, a FEWS requires the installation of a water gauge, typically on a bridge. This is a limitation of the FEWS owing to the possibility of existence of areas that are more vulnerable than the bridge. Therefore, to analyze the flood risk over the entire target basin, a procedure to install a FEWS was proposed. First, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based photogrammetry information is analyzed to preselect flood-prone areas. Second, further investigation including the ground surveying is followed for the preselected areas. Finally, the flood amount is estimated and the UAV photogrammetry information for issuing the alarm levels of the FEWS. For this purpose, Malgol Reservoir, a reservoir with high-risk level from floods, containing residential areas was selected as the current study area. Eleven flood-prone points were identified by analyzing the UAV photogrammetry information. Then, the flooding point with the lowest flood volume among the 11 points was selected as the most vulnerable point; this section was located at 464 m from the Malgol Reservoir spillway in the downstream direction. The warning alarm for the basin-wide FEWS could be issued according to the embankment of the most vulnerable section. This ensured the safety over the entire basin including the reservoir and its downstream area. The proposed procedure can overcome the limitations of the current bridge water level-based analysis by employing UAV-photogrammetry information of the entire basin and considering the entire flood-prone cross-sections.