Cost Of Technology Research Articles

Toward a better understanding of barriers to wayfinding technology use for people with disabilities

ABSTRACT Wayfinding is the process of navigating from one’s present location to their desired location. While wayfinding technologies are increasingly used by people with disabilities, there is little understanding of the barriers specific to wayfinding technology. The objective of this study was to understand the wayfinding technology barriers experienced by Canadians with disabilities. A total of 213 participants with varying disabilities (i.e. mobility, visual, hearing, memory and learning disabilities) completed a survey of open-ended questions about their personal experiences with different types of technologies. Technologies were categorized into public (i.e. digital and tactile interfaces) and personalized (i.e. mobile/website applications, wearable devices, smart assistive devices), and qualitative content analysis was used. Main themes were identified and either common across both groups (i.e. compatibility, demands on personal resources, information provision, interactability) or specific to one technology type (i.e. stigma, specific to personalized technology). Detailed subthemes provided greater specificity on the types of barriers encountered. For example, infection risk was noted as a barrier to public technology and high costs was a barrier for personalized technology. Results support the inclusion of wayfinding technology within accessibility standards and provide insights to clinicians on how to best support people with disabilities and their use of technology.

Synergistic Catalytic Sites in High-Entropy Metal Hydroxide Organic Framework for Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

The integration of multiple elements in a high-entropy state is crucial in the design of high-performance, durable electrocatalysts. High-entropy metal hydroxide organic frameworks (HE-MHOFs) are synthesized under mild solvothermal conditions. This novel crystalline metal-organic framework (MOF) features a random, homogeneous distribution of cations within high-entropy hydroxide layers. HE-MHOF exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), reaching a current density of 100mA cm-2 at ≈1.64 VRHE, and demonstrates remarkable durability, maintaining a current density of 10mA cm-2 for over 100 h. Notably, HE-MHOF outperforms precious metal-based electrocatalysts despite containing only ≈60% OER active metals. Ab initio calculations and operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) demonstrate that the high-entropy catalyst contains active sites that facilitate a multifaceted OER mechanism. This study highlights the benefits of high-entropy MOFs in developing noble metal-free electrocatalysts, reducing reliance on precious metals, lowering metal loading (especially for Ni, Co, and Mn), and ultimately reducing costs for sustainable water electrolysis technologies.

Seawater Desalination System Driven by Sustainable Energy: A Comprehensive Review

Seawater desalination is one of the most widely used technologies for freshwater production; however, its high energy consumption remains a pressing global challenge. Both the development and utilization of sustainable energy sources are anticipated to mitigate the energy shortages associated with seawater desalination while also effectively addressing the environmental issues linked to fossil fuel usage. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the classification and evolution of traditional desalination technologies, emphasizing the advancements, progress, and challenges associated with integrating various sustainable energy sources into the desalination process. Then, the cost, efficiency, and energy consumption of desalination systems driven by sustainable energy are discussed, and it is found that even the most widely used reverse osmosis (RO) technology driven by fossil fuels has CO2 emissions of 0.3–1.7 kgCO2/m3 and the lowest cost of desalinated water as high as 0.01 USD/m3, suggesting the necessity and urgency of applying sustainable energy. A comparison of different seawater desalination systems driven by different sustainable energy sources is also carried out. The results reveal that although the seawater desalination system driven by sustainable energy has a lower efficiency and a higher cost than the traditional system, it has more potential from the perspective of environmental protection and sustainable development. Furthermore, the efficiency and cost of desalination technology driven by a single sustainable energy source is lower than that driven by multi-sustainable energy sources, while the efficiency of desalination systems driven by multi-sustainable energy is lower than that driven by hybrid energy, and its cost is higher than that of desalination systems driven by hybrid energy. Considering factors such as cost, efficiency, consumption, economic scale, and environmental impact, the integration of various seawater desalination technologies and various energy sources is still the most effective strategy to solve water shortage, the energy crisis, and environmental pollution at present and in the future.

Microbial-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation and Basalt Fiber Cloth Reinforcement Used for Sustainable Repair of Tunnel Lining Cracks

The increasing problem of urban traffic congestion has led to the extensive use of underground tunnels. However, tunnel lining cracks pose a major threat to the integrity and safety of the structure. Although the traditional repair method is effective, it often requires higher construction technology and higher cost, and may cause damage to the concrete structure. In this study, microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) was combined with basalt fiber cloth to repair and reinforce tunnel lining cracks. Bacillus pasteurii was used to optimize the microbial mineralization process, and the effectiveness of the method on cracks with different widths was evaluated using a water seepage test. In addition, the mechanical properties of the reinforced tunnel lining were tested. The microbial mineralization process effectively repaired cracks with widths of 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm. The use of unidirectional basalt fiber cloth increased the bearing capacity of the strengthened member by 12.5%. The combined reinforcement method also enhances the deflection performance and alleviates the influence of water seepage on the bonding performance. This innovative and sustainable approach not only provides an effective solution for the repair of tunnel lining cracks, but also contributes to the broader field of eco-friendly building materials. This study highlights the potential of using this combination approach to improve the durability and performance of underground infrastructure.

Valuing the Societal Impact of Medicines and Other Health Technologies: A User Guide to Current Best Practices.

This study argues that value assessment conducted from a societal perspective should rely on the Generalized Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (GCEA) framework proposed herein. Recently developed value assessment inventories- such as the Second Panel on Cost-Effectiveness's "impact inventory" and International Society of Pharmacoeconomics Outcomes Research (ISPOR) "value flower"- aimed to more comprehensively capture the benefits and costs of new health technologies from a societal perspective. Nevertheless, application of broader value elements in practice has been limited in part because quantifying these elements can be complex, but also because there have been numerous methodological advances since these value inventories have been released (e.g. generalized and risk-adjusted cost effectiveness). To facilitate estimation of treatment value from a societal perspective, this paper provides an updated value inventory- called the GCEA value flower- and a user guide for implementing GCEAfor health economics researchers and practitioners. GCEA considers 15 broader value elements across four categories: (i)uncertainty, (ii) dynamics, (iii)beneficiary, and (iv) additional value components. The uncertainty category incorporates patient risk preferences into value assessment. The dynamics category petals account for the evolution of real-world treatment value (e.g. option value) and includes drug pricing trends (e.g. future genericization). The beneficiary category accounts for the fact health technologies can benefit others (e.g. caregivers) and also that society may care to whom health benefits accrue (e.g. equity). Finally, GCEA incorporates additional broader sources of value (e.g. community spillovers, productivity losses). This GCEA user guide aims to facilitate both the estimation of each of these value elements and the incorporation of these values into health technology assessment when conducted from a societal perspective.

A comprehensive cost mapping of digital technologies in greenhouses

Conventional greenhouse producers face significant challenges in integrating advanced Industry 4.0 technologies into their production processes. One of the main obstacles is the lack of clarity regarding the components of technological costs. This article develops a cost mapping for the implementation of such technologies in the context of greenhouses. The mapping distinguishes between capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational expenditures (OPEX), categorizing the key technological components and their financial implications. Based on the general findings from the literature review, several cost areas can be identified and classified as follows: hardware acquisition, installation and retrofitting, integration and customization, software and services, operational and maintenance costs. This cost structure will serve as a basis for future economic models and cost-benefit analysis (CBA), promoting strategic decision-making and a more informed and precise selection of digital technologies.

Application of electrochemical flow-through oxidation technology in the treatment of concentrated water from nanofiltration and reverse osmosis in the coal chemical industry

In the coal chemical industry, the concentrated waters produced by nanofiltration and reverse osmosis are usually evaporated and crystallized. During the evaporation crystallization process, high COD levels can lead to problems such as the entrainment of liquid droplets and excessive amounts of mother liquor. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop efficient, stable, and engineering-applicable organic matter degradation technologies before the evaporation crystallization process. In this study, Ti-ENTA/SnO2-Sb and GF-5 were combined as cathodes to form an electrochemical flow-through oxidation system to treat nanofiltration concentrate (NFCs) and reverse osmosis concentrate (ROCs). The experimental results show that within the current density range of 10–20 mA·cm−2, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rates of NFCs and ROCs are 55.3 %–85.2 % and 49.9 %–93.6 %, respectively. And the oxidation system can be used stably for a long time, fully meeting the practical application needs. In addition, this article further analyzed the effects of current density, initial organic matter concentration, pH value, and electrode spacing on COD removal. The results indicate that the COD removal efficiency is mainly affected by current density and initial organic matter concentration. Finally, a comprehensive comparison was made on the efficiency and cost of various advanced oxidation technologies in treating wastewater. The results indicate that the electrochemical flow-through oxidation system has significant cost advantages. The cost of processing NFCs and ROCs per cubic meter is $0.96 and $1.23, respectively. These findings indicate that the electrochemical flow-through oxidation system proposed is an advanced oxidation technology with economic benefits and practical application prospects.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Nearly Zero-Carbon Office Buildings in Taiwan

The formulation of an affordable and economically-feasible policy for nearly zero-carbon building design is a challenge that countries encounter in promoting net-zero building. In 2022, Taiwan promulgated Building Energy Rating System (BERS), the world's first building energy efficiency assessment system tailored for subtropical climates, as a basis for evaluating its goal of achieving nearly zero-carbon buildings by 2050. However, whether this nearly zero-carbon building policy is financially feasible has remained unknown to the government and the industry. To address the issue, the objective of the paper is to conduct a cost-benefit and payback period analysis of newly constructed nearly zero-carbon office buildings in accordance with the Building Energy-efficiency Rating System for New Buildings (BERSn) assessment framework, and thereby examines the financial affordability and feasibility of Taiwan's net-zero building policies.Firstly, this study introduces existing building energy performance evaluation methods in Europe, America, and Japan, and explains the methodology of Taiwan's Building Energy Rating System (BERS). The paper then reviews international Cost-Benefit Analyses of Nearly Zero Energy Office Buildings and parallelly conducts a Cost-Benefit Analysis of Nearly Zero-Carbon Office Buildings in Taiwan. Following the BERS methodology, this paper identifies the baseline efficiency level and the Nearly Zero-Carbon Building (NZCB) efficiency level, along with their associated solutions and investment costs, for air conditioning and lighting systems. In this study, a questionnaire survey of 28 experts identifies the air conditioning unit costs of Basic Mechanical Equipment Efficiency (BME) and energy-saving control technologies (R) for energy-efficient design of Fan Coil Unit (FCU), Air Handling Unit (AHU), and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system. Accordingly, 33 air conditioning design solutions and their corresponding construction costs complying with the BERSn requirements of EAC≦0.5 for nearly-zero carbon office buildings are identified. Regarding the nearly zero-carbon lighting design, the simulations reveal that the use of LED panel luminaires or T8 LED luminaires (including those with energy-saving labels) can achieve an average operational lighting illuminance of 500 LUX and the BERSn requirements of EL ≤ 0.5 for lighting. Finally, the study further analyzes the payback period and premium cost ratio of NZCB by employing the budget data of seven building projects. The analysis shows that the premium cost ratio and the payback period of NZCB range from 1.33%-1.50% and 6.4-7.7 years, respectively. The results demonstrate that while a higher budget is commonly associated with NZCB by the public, it is in fact economically and technologically feasible to realize NZCB with prevailing energy-efficient measures.

Unlocking new export opportunities: An open-source framework for assessing green iron and steel supply chains

Globally traded commodities such as iron and steel are coming under international scrutiny owing to their significant embedded greenhouse emissions. Commodity export-oriented nations must explore opportunities for decarbonising these supply chains or risk losing market share as customers seek cleaner alternatives and as initiatives such as carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM) come into effect. Here we present an open-source model developed to assist industry and other stakeholders in assessing the costs of potential CO2 abatement pathways in supplying green iron ore, green iron, or green steel to key global markets. Using a case study, we assess the development of a green steel supply chain from major iron ore producers of Australia, Brazil, and Sweden, to key markets in Europe, China, and India. Projected costs of renewable energy and other key technologies are used to estimate possible future costs of different decarbonisation pathways. Our modelling suggests that by 2050, export costs of green iron ore, iron and steel could range from 48 to 150, 370–600 and 540–810 USD/tonne respectively. Access to low-cost renewable energy is the key driver of cost reductions for value added products such as iron and steel, and given their substantial renewable energy potential, in 2050 Australia and Brazil could outcompete Sweden in providing these products, with both even outcompeting Sweden in exporting to the European market. The release of our model as open source allows any and all stakeholders to explore the implications of key technology and market uncertainties over least cost green iron and steel supply chains.

Evaluation of material accountancy techniques for 233Pa from thorium nuclear fuels

Thorium is a promising alternative to uranium as nuclear fuel with advantages such as higher abundance, lower production of long-lived transuranic elements, and potentially better proliferation resistance. However, thorium presents a potential pathway for proliferation where produced 233Pa can be diverted for the clandestine production of safeguarded 233U. To prevent this, the ability to detect and measure 233Pa must be assessed. This paper reviews several nuclear material accountancy techniques to determine their suitability for detecting 233Pa extracted from irradiated thorium fuel. Hybrid K-edge densitometry and passive gamma spectroscopy have been found to be the best options based on technology maturity, cost, accuracy, and acquisition time. Thorium can be used in various reactor designs such as pressurized water reactors (PWRs), Canada deuterium uranium (CANDU) reactors, and molten salt reactors (MSRs). Therefore, thorium-uranium oxide fueling was modeled for three representative reactors (PWR, CANDU, MSR), burning the fuel to 47 GWd/MTHM for PWR, 19 GWd/MTHM for CANDU, and at a steady power of 52.711 MW/MTHM for MSR. Within each model, the protactinium element in the used fuel was extracted and its isotopic content analyzed. Simulated results indicated that 233Pa can be detected using passive gamma spectroscopy in each fuel type at all decay times (0–300 days) following separation.

Research on Driver Emotion Monitoring and Regulation System in Intelligent Assisted Driving

Abstract. With the rapid development of smart connected vehicles, the influence, recognition and regulation of driver's emotions are crucial for intelligent cockpits with "emotional interaction". This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of driver emotion monitoring systems in intelligent assisted driving. By summarizing and analyzing related literature, the structure and application of emotion monitoring systems are introduced, their principles and evaluation criteria are discussed in depth, and the advantages and limitations of the three sub-systems, namely, detection, decision-making and regulation, are analyzed in detail. The results show that although emotion monitoring and modulation technologies perform well in enhancing driving safety and comfort, their practical applications still face challenges in terms of technology maturity, cost control, and privacy protection. In addition, the reliability and accuracy of current emotion monitoring systems in complex driving environments have yet to be improved. Future research should focus on interdisciplinary cooperation to integrate the latest achievements in psychology, computer science and engineering. At the same time, it is necessary to develop unified technical standards and evaluation guidelines to promote compatibility and interoperability between different systems and enhance research on privacy protection measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of user data. Through these efforts, the field of intelligent driving is expected to achieve comprehensive development and wide application, further enhancing driver safety and user experience.

The Tipping Points of Video Conferencing Solutions

ABSTRACT Video conferencing solutions have been used to support remote work and distance education but have not yet been widely adopted. This study aims to contribute to the development and proliferation of video conferencing solutions for remote work and education by analyzing consumer preferences. For this purpose, a survey of 1,018 people was conducted in July and August 2021 in Korea. As the use of video conferencing became enforced due to COVID-19, the analysis reflected previous user experiences. In addition, various scenario-specific market share simulations were performed, assuming future video conferencing solutions. The survey results showed that several factors, including technology attributes, cost, and market share, influence consumers’ choice of video conferencing solutions. The survey also found that consumers have asymmetric preferences regarding video conferencing solutions depending on their previous experience. Finally, the study identified tipping points companies could use to gain a significant market share.

Recycling packaging waste from residual waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions

Recycling packaging waste from residual waste can help alleviate resource pressure. However, its environmental and economic benefits remain uncertain, which hinders the widespread application of packaging waste recycling. This study assessed the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, environmental impacts, and external costs of a government-recommended technology for recycling packaging waste by applying Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and ChintaxRCP model. The results showed that packaging waste recycling reduced GHG emissions by an average of 348.1 kg CO2-eq/t residual waste, and external costs by 376.7 €/t residual waste, due to the decrease in incineration. If all packaging waste in residual waste is recycled, over 60% of the total GHG emissions and about 80% of the external costs of residual waste management can be avoided. Moreover, sensitivity analysis indicated that the content of paper and plastic had a significant impact on the environmental impacts of residual waste management. This study demonstrates that recycling packaging waste instead of incineration can bring environmental and economic benefits in the long run. The study provides quantitative evidence to support policies for waste management and increases confidence in the utilization of low-value recyclables for the government.

AI-driven decarbonization of buildings: Leveraging predictive analytics and automation for sustainable energy management

The decarbonization of buildings is a pivotal strategy in addressing global climate change, and artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool in this process. This paper explores the application of AI in optimizing building energy consumption, focusing on predictive analytics, real-time energy monitoring, and smart energy systems. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, AI enhances energy efficiency through precise automation, particularly in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. AI-powered demand response solutions dynamically adjust energy use based on factors like occupancy, weather patterns, and energy prices, further minimizing carbon footprints. Additionally, the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind with AI-driven energy management systems enables smarter utilization of clean energy. The paper examines both new construction projects and the retrofitting of existing infrastructures, offering insights into AI’s role in reducing carbon emissions and improving energy sustainability. Case studies highlight successful implementations, underscoring AI’s ability to drive significant energy savings and carbon reduction. The study also discusses challenges such as data privacy, the high cost of AI technology, and the regulatory framework required for widespread adoption. The findings present AI as an essential component of the future of sustainable, carbon-neutral buildings.

Blockchain for sustainable supply chains: A systematic review and framework for SME implementation

This paper presents a systematic review of the role of blockchain technology in fostering sustainable supply chains, with a particular emphasis on its implementation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The objective is to explore how blockchain can address critical challenges such as transparency, traceability, and accountability, thereby contributing to more sustainable and ethical supply chain practices. Through an extensive literature review, this study examines various blockchain applications and their potential to enhance sustainability by reducing inefficiencies, ensuring compliance with environmental standards, and mitigating risks related to unethical practices. The research methodology involved a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed articles, case studies, and industry reports to identify the benefits and barriers of blockchain adoption in supply chains. Key findings suggest that while blockchain can significantly enhance transparency and sustainability, SMEs face unique challenges in terms of technological adoption, cost implications, and scalability. Additionally, the paper proposes a framework tailored to SME needs, outlining practical steps for blockchain implementation, including initial investment strategies, stakeholder collaboration, and integration with existing technologies. The study concludes that blockchain holds great potential for advancing sustainable supply chains, but its adoption by SMEs requires a strategic approach that addresses financial, technical, and operational barriers. This framework provides a roadmap for SMEs aiming to leverage blockchain technology to achieve sustainability goals, thus contributing to long-term business competitiveness and compliance with global sustainability standards.

Comparison and Alternative Feasibility of Biofuels with Other Fuels

In modern society, with the gradual rise of environmental protection requirements, various industries have paid attention to green environmental protection and sustainable development. Among them, the direction of fuel is particularly important. The renewable, environmental protection and high energy characteristics of biofuel make it a promising alternative fuel. Therefore, the advantages and disadvantages of biofuels compared with other fuels and the feasibility of alternative fuels are major issues that need to be understood. According to the existing research data, compared with other fuels, there are still some problems related to the cost and immature technology of biofuel, and there are also problems in its promotion and application. However, biofuel has excellent environmental protection, low carbon and sustainable characteristics, through policy support and technological development, most of the above problems will be solved, biofuel is still the most promising alternative fuel. Therefore, biofuels will replace other fuels to become the main energy in the future, sorting out the advantages and key development directions of biofuels compared with other fuels, and providing new ideas for fuel replacement and environmental protection.

Analysis of the case of China’s high-speed Railway Bidding negotiation in 2004

This paper analyzes the bidding negotiation of China’s high-speed railway in 2004 from the following three elements: alternative plan, target and initial offer.In 2004, China sought high-speed rail technology, negotiating with international companies such as Siemens, Shinkansen, Alstom and Bombardier. Negotiations with Japan and Germany have faced challenges due to reluctance and high costs of technology transfer.However, China shifted strategically to negotiating with Alstom and Bombardier, and in the end, China obtained a variety of high-speed rail technologies, successfully established its own high-speed rail industry, and demonstrated an effective negotiation strategy.

Everyday household costs of raising a child with cerebral palsy

Abstract Background Caring for a child with a disability can be costly in terms of time and energy, and it is also associated with lower incomes and higher direct costs, such as costs for assistive technologies, transport, food, clothing and leisure activities. However, few studies that have focused on households’ everyday costs associated with raising a child with disability. This study is based on the capability approach. The economic costs of a child with cerebral palsy are defined as the economic costs associated with achieving the same capabilities, or functionings, as a child without cerebral palsy. The purpose of this study is to explore the needs and economic costs in households raising a child with cerebral palsy. The results are important to inform, plan and justify targeted policies and interventions. Methods Digital in-depth interviews with caregivers from 15 Norwegian households raising children with cerebral palsy (aged 4-17 years, GMFCS levels 1-5). 12 women, 2 men and a couple were interviewed two times (1-2 hours each). Results The caregivers who took part in the interviews described their demanding role and that they spend a lot of time organizing daily routines, activities, health services, assistive technologies and assistants. Many of them initially reported that they do not have many daily extra costs, but when discussing the different areas of consumption, it emerged that households have extra housing costs because they need to make adaptations, remodeling and maintenance to their homes. An adapted car, which requires service, insurance and fuel, is often used for transport. The washing machine runs regularly and towels, sheets and clothes need to be frequently changed. Sometimes they also end up buying food, clothes or toys that are not used. Conclusions Households caring for children with cerebral palsy have additional costs for several types of expenses, including especially high costs for housing and transportation. Key messages • Households raising a child with cerebral palsy have needs that generate additional costs. • The costs vary and it is important to cover a broad range of cost areas.

Destruction of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Reverse Osmosis Concentrate Using UV-Advanced Reduction Processes.

UV-advanced reduction processes (UV-ARP), characterized by the strongly reducing aqueous electron (eaq -), have been shown to degrade perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Due to the high cost of PFAS destruction technologies, concentrated waste streams derived from physical treatment processes, such as ion exchange or membrane concentrates, are promising targets for implementation of these technologies. However, there are limited studies on the application of UV-ARP for PFAS destruction in concentrated waste streams. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the UV/sulfite ARP in reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) containing high concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), nitrate, and carbonate species, spiked with mg/L concentrations of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, perfluorobutanesulfonic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, and perfluorobutanoic acid. We demonstrate that hardness removal and preoxidation of ROC with UV/persulfate enables >90% PFAS defluorination within 24 h of subsequent UV/sulfite treatment, a 3-fold enhancement in defluorination % compared to UV/sulfite treatment without preoxidation. This enhancement is shown to result from abatement of the light shielding and eaq - scavenging capacity of DOC during UV/persulfate oxidation. Collectively, these results demonstrate that appropriate pretreatment steps increase the effectiveness of PFAS destruction using UV-ARP, supporting the application of UV-ARP for PFAS destruction in ROC and other concentrated waste streams.

Evaluation of influential factors on energy system optimisation

Energy system analysis is gaining more importance in political decisions, science, and society, thus, the basis of interpreting the results is increasingly being questioned. Different approaches have been used in energy system models: Scenario variations, changing base assumptions or sensitivity analyses. A direct comparison of these approaches aims to show that the influence on the results is comparable for all and thus needs to be considered alongside each other. Therefore, this paper uses energy system optimisation within a case study on Germany. It confirms that all approaches greatly influence the results and are thus suitable for discussing uncertainties. Among other things, the sole change of the reference weather year can have a comparable influence on the emissions just like the specification of an entirely different mobility scenario (+44% and +56% respectively). However, the target function (total costs) is significantly more influenced by scenarios. Among the evaluated parameters, the investment costs of renewable technologies and the potential of renewable feedstock affect the system the most. In summary, all three methods provide important insights into the optimisation model and should therefore be used together for validation, discussion and design of energy system models.