Technology Readiness Level Scale Research Articles

A Sociotechnical Readiness Level Framework for the Development of Advanced Nuclear Technologies

The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale was initially developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the 1970s and is now widely used in space, nuclear, and other complex technology sectors in the United States and beyond. The TRL scale is particularly useful for determining where the extrapolation of untested subsystems or features could produce technical risk, cause expensive redesigns, or act as a roadblock to technology development. In this paper, we propose the development of a sociotechnical readiness level or SRL, premised on the understanding that the successful development and eventual use of a technology requires achieving not only full technological readiness but also anticipating, prioritizing, and addressing societal concerns that may arise during the course of development of a technology. Failures to anticipate and address societal factors in the early stages of technology development have led to high-profile delays, and in some cases, ultimate failures of nuclear technology projects. The sociotechnical readiness scale, which conceptually draws on the design research and science and technology studies scholarship, centers on the principles of equity and environmental justice in technology design and emphasizes the need for social engagement during the process of technology development. Nowhere is such an approach to technology development more vital or needed than for the long-term management of spent nuclear fuel.

Developing readiness levels for risk assessment in green transition engineering projects

AbstractThis paper aims to develop a risk assessment framework that addresses both the complexities of the risk landscape that green transition portfolios face, but is recognizable and easily understandable by stakeholders. For this purpose, we build upon the framework of NASA Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). This study analyzes six existing readiness levels framework that are held towards uncertainty factors from the Green Transition. The TRL scale are coupled with Risk, Uncertainty, and Ignorance to score the individual level of uncertainty. The paper ends with suggestion for further studies.

Level of Technological Maturity of Telemonitoring Systems Focused on Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis Treatment: A Systematic Literature Review

In the field of eHealth, several works have proposed telemonitoring systems focused on patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment. Nevertheless, no secondary study presents a comparative analysis of these works regarding the technology readiness level (TRL) framework. The TRL scale goes from 1 to 9, with 1 being the lowest level of readiness and 9 being the highest. This paper analyzes works that propose telemonitoring systems focused on patients with CKD undergoing PD treatment to determine their TRL. We also analyzed the requirements and parameters that the systems of the selected works provide to the users to perform telemonitoring of the patient’s treatment undergoing PD. Fourteen works were relevant to the present study. Of these works, eight were classified within TRL 9, two were categorized within TRL 7, three were identified within TRL 6, and one within TRL 4. The works reported with the highest TRL partially cover the requirements for appropriate telemonitoring of patients based on the specialized literature; in addition, those works are focused on the treatment of patients in the automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) modality, which limits the care of patients undergoing the continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) modality.

Educational Design for Adolescents Aware of Reproductive Health in an Effort to Prevent Stunting in Singkawang Public Health Center

Stunting is one of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which is included in the 2nd sustainable development goal. One of the causes of stunting is the mother's age which is too young. Interventions to prevent an increase in educational design for adolescents aware of reproductive health. as an effort to prevent stunting in health education activities. This research activity used a Quasi Experiment pre & post test with the control group. The sample in this research are 40 respondents. This research was conducted in the working area of North Singkawang Health Center I. Evaluation of the implementation of this research activity using the knowledge and attitudes of the ordinal scale. Data analysis using Wilcoxon study. The research is targeted to have met the Technology Readiness Level scale, which is when the intervention is started, the basic principles are observed, practical applications can be explored/developed. The application is still speculative and there is no detailed evidence or analysis to support the assumptions used and the examples are still limited to paper studies. The results showed an increase in knowledge about stunting prevention with a p value of 0.00 and an increase in attitude with a p value of 0.00 so that RS2R can be used as an activity that can be implemented in the wider community, especially adolescents.

Comprehensive Assessment of Technological Readiness of an Innovative Project during the Development of a Pharmaceutical Product

Most of RD, technological and experimental works carried out in Russia result in the development of technologies with low-level readiness for possible integration into the production cycles of industrial enterprises, which, on the one hand, demonstrates a lack of understanding by developers of the requirements for the product life cycle, and on the other hand, it is the possible reason for the low share of Russia in the total world exports of high-technology goods. In order to create a scientific and technical reserve in a target time, the world practice uses the Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) scale. This approach is used in various industries and has shown the possibility to develop technologies and launch production of innovative product by a target time. However, the Ministry of Education and Science notes that this approach has not yet been used to determine the readiness levels of chemical-technological processes and pharmaceutical technologies. The article discusses main scientific problems associated with conducting a comprehensive assessment of technological readiness levels of an innovative project during the development of a pharmaceutical product, using the TRL scale and the QbD concept for a systematic and early approach to development, based on a scientific understanding of the drug life cycle processes.

Analysis of low‐temperature pumped thermal energy storage systems based on a transcritical CO2 charging process

AbstractPumped thermal energy storage (PTES) is a technology for intermediate storage of electrical energy in the form of thermal energy. In this work, PTES systems based on a transcritical CO2 charging process are investigated. A two‐zone water storage tank with a storage temperature of 115°C is used as thermal energy storage. For discharge, an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and, alternatively, a transcritical CO2 heat engine are investigated. The considered concepts are modelled and simulated as stationary processes using the EBSILON Professional software. The scaling is based on an electrical input power of 5 MW. Using an ORC with the working fluid R1234yf for the discharging process results in the highest round‐trip efficiency of 36.8%. The component costs of the different configurations are estimated using cost functions. On the basis of this, the levelized cost of storage (LCOS) is calculated. The configuration with the ORC as the discharging process has the lowest LCOS of 59.2 €cents (kWh)−1. In addition, the technological maturity is determined using the technology readiness level scale. There are no prototypes of the investigated PTES systems yet. Therefore, further investigations must be carried out to implement the technology in the future.

Interactive robots for health in Europe: Technology readiness and adoption potential.

Social robots are accompanied by high expectations of what they can bring to society and in the healthcare sector. So far, promising assumptions have been presented about how and where social robots are most relevant. We know that the industry has used robots for a long time, but what about social uptake outside industry, specifically, in the healthcare sector? This study discusses what trends are discernible, to better understand the gap between technology readiness and adoption of interactive robots in the welfare and health sectors in Europe. An assessment of interactive robot applications at the upper levels of the Technology Readiness Level scale is combined with an assessment of adoption potential based on Rogers' theory of diffusion of innovation. Most robot solutions are dedicated to individual rehabilitation or frailty and stress. Fewer solutions are developed for managing welfare services or public healthcare. The results show that while robots are ready from the technological point of view, most of the applications had a low score for demand according to the stakeholders. To enhance social uptake, a more initiated discussion, and more studies on the connections between technology readiness and adoption and use are suggested. Applications being available to users does not mean they have an advantage over previous solutions. Acceptance of robots is also heavily dependent on the impact of regulations as part of the welfare and healthcare sectors in Europe.

Technology Readiness Levels for vaccine and drug development in animal health: From discovery to life cycle management.

Public research and innovation initiatives in animal health aim to deliver key knowledge, services and products that improve the control of animal infectious diseases and animal welfare to deliver on global challenges including public health threats, environmental concerns and food security. The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a popular innovation policy instrument to monitor the maturity of upcoming new technologies in publicly funded research projects. However, while general definition of the 9 levels on the TRL-scale enable uniform discussions of technical maturity across different types of technology, these definitions are very generic which hampers concrete interpretation and application. Here, we aligned innovation pipeline stages as used in the animal health industry for the development of new vaccines or drugs with the TRL scale, resulting in TRL for animal health (TRLAH). This more bespoke scale can help to rationally allocate funding for animal health research from basic to applied research, map innovation processes, monitor progress and develop realistic progress expectations across the time span of a research and innovation project. The TRLAH thus become an interesting instrument to enhance the translation of public research results into industrial and societal innovation and foster public-private partnerships in animal health.

TRL TECHNOLOGICAL READINESS LEVEL SCALE AND ITS MODIFICATION PERSPECTIVES

The purpose of the article is to investigate the ways of Technology Readiness Levels scale modification, which is one of the key parts of Technology Readiness Assessment methodology.The article considers advantages and disadvantages of TRL scale. The author proposes an increase of information content using an additional indicator that shows the number of subsystems on a particular level, as well as the order number of the subsystem, on which the new technology currently undergoes testing process. Accordingly, the TRL scale may be modified with the help of an additional measurement axis characterising forces, which are required to overcome each scale sublevel (including duration, labour intensity, number of efforts, number of participants, etc.). It is believed that TRL scale in this representation characterises both quantitative and partially qualitative aspects of the new technology progress process. Consequently, the adequacy and informativity of the entire assessment methodology would increase.

Technology readiness level of gas hydrate technologies

AbstractGas or clathrate hydrates are non‐stoichiometric crystalline materials known primarily for the operational and safety problems they pose during hydrocarbon processing as well as a potential source of unconventional natural gas. Gas hydrates also have a variety of other applications, mostly representing opportunities for technology development such as gas separations and seawater desalination. This dual nature of gas hydrates is best represented by the two faces of a Janus particle. Although the research on the various gas hydrate‐based technologies has been reviewed, the focus has been on the phase equilibrium and kinetic data needed for process design. On the other hand, the status of the technologies in terms of their commercialization has not been methodically assessed. In this work, we employ the nine‐level technology readiness level (TRL) tool to classify the various technologies that are based on gas hydrate crystallization. A brief review of the current status of the technologies is presented first, followed by the status of each one on the TRL scale.

A review of superconducting fault current limiters compared with other proven technologies

• Fault Current Limiters Technologies. • Advantages and disadvantages of FCL technologies. • Commercial FCL Devices review. Several substations in operation were commissioned decades ago. These substations are overstressed, then their protection equipment cannot provide an effective safety condition to the system. In the worst cases, short-circuits can cause permanent damage to the system if the overcurrent is higher than the capacity of the installed equipment. There are some possible solutions for those cases: replace all the equipment in the overstressed substation, build a new one in parallel or install a fault current limiter (FCL) device. From an economic point of view, introducing FCLs in the power system is the best way to solve the described problem. The commercial solutions available are the pyrotechnic FCL, air coil reactor, neutral earthing resistor, and high impedance transformer. However, these devices are limited and present several drawbacks. Since the ’70s, there has been a search for reliable FCL devices that do not interfere in the regular operation of substations and could limit the fault currents to the protection system rated level. There were so many FCL technologies proposed in the last decades. These proposed new devices may use superconducting technologies, power electronics, or both. This paper reviews proven FCL technologies, focusing on full-scale devices demonstrated in field and lab tests. The goal is to introduce the main FCL technologies in development and discuss didactically their operation principle, the built prototypes, the commercial units, whether they exist, and the main drawbacks for each technology presented. A final analysis of the level of maturity for each FCL technology is discussed using the TRL (Technology readiness level) scale in order to find technologies with more potential for mass production. The three technologies closer to the full commercial application are: the Resistive Superconducting FCL, the Saturated Iron Core FCL, and the Series Reactor FCL.

Blockchain solutions for carbon markets are nearing maturity

Blockchain solutions for carbon markets are nearing maturity

On the applicability of atmospheric water harvesting technologies on building facades: A critical review

The current climate emergency has already impacted life on Earth with increasingly extreme, prolonged, and frequent weather events. One of the most critical consequences is the progressive desertification of lands, leading to a scarcity of safe and sustainably sourced freshwater supplies. Water availability is entwined with regional economic and social benefits, as well as environmental and ecosystem security. Today, about 4.5 billion people have inadequate access to clean water, pushing to find alternative solutions for providing safe water to all. Localized atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) may represent an economical and efficient alternative, and some case studies already demonstrate its small-scale viability. Nonetheless, its large-scale applicability in urban environments and its related impacts and barriers are significantly under-explored.This paper proposes a systematic review of the main AWH technologies from the literature. It evaluates their potential for application on building façade components by identifying the technology readiness level (TRL) and undertaking a Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis. Results indicate that the currently available technologies, despite their infancy on the TRL scale, offer significant potential for application at the building scale. Future research should investigate the boundary conditions necessary for AWH technologies to work in urban environments to identify a roadmap for large-scale uptake from the construction industry.

Technology development for the early detection of plant pests: a framework for assessing Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) in environmental science

Innovation in environmental fields such as plant health is complex because of unbounded challenges and lack of certainty of commercial uptake. In this paper we present a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework, specifically to assist with assessment of technologies to support detection of tree pests and pathogens, but also for wider potential adaptation. Biosecurity can be enhanced by improved early detection of pests and pathogens, but development and deployment of new technologies requires robust scrutiny. We critically analyse the concept, practice and applicability of TRLs. Interviews revealed scientist perspectives during the development process of five novel early plant pest and pathogen detection technologies. A retrospective, collective narrative of one technology from concept to commercial deployment was undertaken. We then developed a calculator tool for assessment of biosecurity TRLs. Our findings illustrate the iterative process of technology development, the challenges in final TRLs of acquiring funding to move from proven success to viable product, inefficiencies created through the need for multiple projects for each technology and the imperative to consider the wider socio-ecological technical landscape, including policy context. End user engagement was particularly valuable at beginning and end of the TRL scale. We conclude that the TRL framework comprises a robust approach to assess technologies in that it facilitates progress tracking, evaluation of success likelihood and identification of opportunities for investment. However, its potential will only be realised for environmental management if it is integrated into the socio-ecological technical landscape and wider discussions regarding knowledge co-production and valuing nature.

Integral Assessment of the Level of Innovative Development of the Railway Industry Companies

Background: NTI Competence Center, in the direction “Technologies of Storage and Analysis of Big Data,” has significant background in the development of integral indexes: a) IQ Cities (to Ministry of Construction of the Russian Federation), b) National Index of digital development of the subjects of the Russian Federation, c) Index of readiness of industries for the introduction of artificial intelligence, d) Index of innovative development for leading domestic companies, including in the sector of air transportation and oil production. Objective: Today, innovative, scientific, and technical development is one of the key factors in maintaining the competitiveness of the railway industry in the transport services market. At the same time, innovative development is a complex and dynamically changing process, due to the high rates of development and implementation of new technologies on the level of commercial use in various tech companies. Therefore, it is advisable to use an assessment of the level of innovative development of a company in comparison with the market competitors. Today in the railway industry, there is a need to assess and constantly monitor the level of innovative development of companies. The relevance of building a single tool for assessing the level of innovative development of railway companies is due to the lack of unified and comprehensive methods for calculating such indexes in the industry and the necessary efficiency of innovative railway companies to increase their competitiveness in the transport services market. Methods: The main research methods used were bibliometric analysis, qualitative methods of information analysis and quantitative methods for the development of integral indexes (methods for standardizing indicators, methods for assigning specific weights, methods for aggregating indicators). The data for the assessment of the indicators as in 2019 were collected using available sources of information (including official reports and strategic planning documents of railway companies, scientific literature from the Scopus/Web of Science databases) and the opinions of independent industry experts. There are three groups of indicators used to form an integral assessment: - indicators for assessing the level of readiness of advanced innovative solutions and technologies (indicators are measured on a scale from 0 to 1 using the Technology Readiness Level scale, where 0 is no solution/ no supporting data; 0.5 is a solution at the development stage (TRL1-7), 0.75 is a solution at the approbation stage (TRL8), 1 is a solution at the production stage (TRL9). - binary indicators for assessing the presence or absence of the use of advanced innovative solutions and technologies (indicators are measured on a scale from 0 to 1, where 0 is no relevant functional (specific characteristic/ capability), 0.5 is possible existence with consideration of indirect factors, 1 - confirmed existence). - quantitative indicators for assessing the effectiveness and scope of innovation policy and the use of advanced innovative solutions and technologies (evaluated and ranked based on the minimum-maximum method). To aggregate these groups of indicators at the subindex level, there was calculated a subindex of the average value of the indicators. All the weights of the indicators included in one subindex are the same. Results: The scientific result of the research is the development of a unique method (structure of the indicators) for calculating the integral index of innovative development of railway companies based on the analysis of the best domestic and foreign practices and approaches to the formation of integral indexes. The method for calculating the index was successfully tested as a part of the assessment of the level of innovative development of the Russian Railways holding. Conclusion: The main result of this work is integral index that has prospects in international practice as a tool for strategic planning of the activities of railway companies to improve efficiency and optimize work processes, as well as a tool for assessing the level of dynamics of the innovative development of the industry and increasing its competitiveness in comparison with other modes of transport.

The Battery Component Readiness Level (BC-RL) framework: A technology-specific development framework

Government investment constitutes a large portion of overall investment in research and development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and other future battery technologies with the goal of electrifying the transportation sector and so removing a major source of global greenhouse gas emissions. Poor investments, however, can result in taxpayer funding losses and political backlash, making clear communication and informed decision-making critical. This manuscript presents the Battery Component Readiness Level scale, an overhauled version of the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale currently utilized by the EU for innovation programs that has been customized for use in battery technology development. It retains the structure of the EU TRL scale while adding in-depth description of technology-specific development as well as discussion of aspects such as manufacturability and cost that are necessary to understand technological promise and risk. Its use by the EU and other parties involved in battery development can thus improve communication between all involved sectors, from government to academia to industry, and can aid in better-informed decision-making regarding investments. This can ultimately contribute to a more efficient electrification of the transportation sector and any other sectors where batteries display transformative potential.

Применение шкалы готовности технологий в государственном финансировании НИОКР в странах ОЭСР

The article describes evolution of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale and analyzes prospects of using TRL methodology as an instrument of public financing of R&D and innovation in OECD. It is noted that TRL was first applied at the end of 1960s by NASA, where it was used as a means of measuring progress in technology development. In the beginning of 2000s, it has become a widespread project management tool. Advantages and limitations of the TRL scale application in R&D project management are revealed in the article. In 2010s, several countries and regions started using TRL methodology in different capacity – as an instrument of public funding of national innovation systems. EU also announced plans to build TRL into the foundation of its new innovation policy. The plans were partially implemented in the subsequent EU Framework program Horizon 2020. Application of TRL scale was limited to tender documents and applications for project funding. It was not applied in the program budget planning or in assessment of project results. The authors claim that in order to use TRL methodology in public funding at full length, it is necessary to create certain conditions. The most important of them are: a} clear definition of the stages (types) and results of scientific and technical activities in accordance with the TRL methodology and linking them with the instruments of public support; b) development and application of appropriate number of industry-specific TRL scales; c) wider usage of TRL methodology and other indices of readiness in planning, implementation and integral evaluation of the results of R&D projects; d) introduction of TRL methodology into national systems of accounting and reporting on R&D projects and development of science, technology and innovation sphere.

Application of technology readiness level assessment model in realization of innovative scientific and technological projects

At present, innovative activity is becoming more and more significant, and is a vital factor of maintaining economic growth of the country. When realizing innovative scientific and technological projects it is possible to make well-grounded managerial decisions basing on the performance indicators within the technology readiness level (TRL) assessment model. The authors study the TRL assessment model and present a set of performance indicators of similar Russian TRL model. On the example of monitoring of suggested performance indicators of the eighth technology readiness level the authors reveal the factor producing the most serious impact on one of the factors (profitability of production) and present an option for solving the problem, and a neuron network has been trained to control the indicator. The results obtained have revealed the possibility of adapting the TRL scale for the needs of high technology businesses which implement technological development programs. The results can be used in realization of innovative scientific and technological projects to reduce the costs at different life cycle stages and to increase the efficiency of the managerial decisions taken.

Human Readiness Levels Explained

The Human Readiness Level scale complements and supplements the existing technology readiness level scale to support comprehensive and systematic evaluation of human system aspects throughout a system’s life cycle. The objective is to ensure humans can use a fielded technology or system as intended to support mission operations safely and effectively. This article defines the nine human readiness levels in the scale, explains their meaning, and illustrates their application using a helmet-mounted display example.

Removal of phthalates from aqueous solution by semiconductor photocatalysis: A review

While phthalate esters are commonly used as plasticizers to improve the flexibility and workability of polymeric materials, their presence and detection in various environments has become a significant concern. Phthalate esters are known to have endocrine-disrupting effects, which affects reproductive health and physical development. As a result, there is now increased focus and urgency to develop effective and energy efficient technologies capable of removing these harmful compounds from the environment. This review explores the use of semiconductor photocatalysis as an efficient and promising solution towards achieving removal and degradation of phthalate esters. A comprehensive review of photocatalysts reported in the literature demonstrates the range of materials including commercial TiO2, solar activated catalysts and composite materials capable of enhancing adsorption and degradation. The degradation pathways and kinetics are also considered to provide the reader with an insight into the photocatalytic mechanism of removal. In addition, through the use of two key platforms (the technology readiness level scale and electrical energy per order), the crucial parameters associated with advancing photocatalysis for phthalate ester removal are discussed. These include enhanced surface interaction, catalyst platform development, improved light delivery systems and overall system energy requirements with a view towards pilot scale and industrial deployment.