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Network of DER laboratories and pre-standardisation (DER-LAB)

Objective: The main objective of the proposed Network of Excellence (NoE) DER-Lab is to support the sustainable integration of renewable energy sources (RES) and distributed energy resources (DER) in the electricity supply by developing common requirements, quality criteria, as well as proposing test and certification procedures concerning connection, safety, operation and communication of DER-components and systems. DER-Lab intends to strengthen the EC domestic market and to protect European interests on the international standardisation level. A major objective is to establish a durable European DER-Lab Network that will be a world player in this field. The NoE will bring together a group of organisations for the development of certification procedures for DER- components for electricity grids. The NoE will act as a platform to exchange the current state of knowledge between the different European institutes and other groups. The scattered, but high quality research and test facilities will be combined with great benefit for the European research infrastructure DER-Lab will contribute by developing new concepts for control and supervision of electricity supply and distribution and will bundle at European level specific aspects concerning the integration of RES technologies. The absence of European and international standards for the quality and certification of components and systems for DER is a hindrance to the growth of the European market and for European penetration of the world market. It is within the aims of the proposed NoE to reduce these barriers and to work towards common certification procedures for DER components that will be accepted throughout Europe and the world. Obviously this work cannot be done on a national basis. The results of the project and afterwards the output of the network will be a significant contribution to the European standardisation activities and will contribute to the harmonisation of the different national standards.

Fuel Flexible, Air-regulated, Modular, Electrically Integrated SOFC System (FLAME-SOFC)

Objective: The overall objective of the FlameSOFC project is the development of an innovative SOFC-based micro-CHP system capable to operate with different fuels and fulfilling all technological and market requirements at a European level. The main focus concerning t he multi-fuel flexibility lies on different natural gas qualities and LPG, but also on liquid fuels (diesel like heating oil, industrial gas oil IGO and renewables like FAME). The target nominal net electrical output is 2 kWel (stack electrical output ca. 2,5 kW), which is expected to represent the future mainstream high volume mass market for micro-CHPs. An advanced planar, compact SOFC-stack will be developed and combined with an innovative, compact and robust fuel processor, which will be able to process many different fuels without catalytic components, thus enabling the potential for a long lifetime of greater than 30.000 h. A simple, highly integrated and reliable system design will result via the integration of advanced peripheral components like the advanced T hermal Partial Oxidation reformer (T-POX), the multi-purpose off-gas burner, the compact heat exchangers, the cool flame vaporizer and the soot trap. Advanced control strategies will assure an optimal integration in an electrical network environment. The o verall efficiency targets are greater than 35 percent net electrical efficiency and greater than 90 percent total CHP efficiency, which will result in 2 tons of annual CO2 reduction per unit (compared to the combination of a condensing boiler and European electricity mix). The SOFC fuel cell technology will be applied because it is less sensitive to impurities and variations in the fuel composition than other fuel cell systems and has a better cost reduction potential than other fuel cell types. The high temperature level of the SOFC tec hnology gives also a better integration potential in co- or tri-generation applications. The main target application is a micro CHP system for single or two-family residential homes with electrical grid connection.

Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle System Component Development (HYSYS)

Objective: The objective of the project is the research on of low-cost components for fuel cell (FC-) systems and electric drive systems which can be used in future hybridised FC-vehicles (medium term objective) and ICE vehicles. The components will be analysed and tested in two FC-vehicle platforms with different concepts. The project consortium consists of 6 major European car manufacturers, 10 major and smaller suppliers, 6 institutes and 4 universities. The focus of the project is on components which have a high potential of significant cost reduction by decreasing complexity and/or choosing innovative approaches to support a future mass production. In the field of FC-system components the key components which are investigated are innovative air supply based on electrical turbochargers, novel humidification subsystems, new hydrogen sensors and innovative hydrogen injection system components. For the electric drive system we focus on highly integrated drive trains (converters, inverters and electrical motors) and high-energy-density battery systems based on innovative Li-Ion technology which has been developed in EU funded projects (EV-lift, Lionheart). All the component work is accompanied by a sub project which will work on requirements of the vehicles, subsystems and components, standardisation of the components, identification of synergies between components for FC- and ICE Hybrids, safety aspects and a comparative investigation of different electrical storage systems (battery / supercap) and the respective e-storage management. In the system level subproject not only will the components be integrated in the two validator vehicles and tested, but it will also be worked on optimised vehicle control strategies, energy-management and development of modular system control software. The improved system components and subsystems could be used as a basis for future FC- and ICE-vehicles which are planned to be deployed in the HyCOM initiative and the Lighthouse projects.

Solar Steam Reforming of Methane Rich Gas for Synthesis Gas Production (SOLREF)

Project main goals: The main purpose of this project is to develop an innovative 400 kWth solar reformer for several applications such as Hydrogen production or electricity generation. Depending of the feed source for the reforming process CO2 emissions can be reduced significantly (up to 40 percent using NG), because the needed process heat for this highly endothermic reaction is provided by concentrated solar energy. A pre-design of a 1 MW prototype plant in Southern Italy and a conceptual layout of a commercial 50 MWth reforming plant complete this project. Key issues: The profitability decides if a new technology has a chance to come into the market. Therefore several modifications and improvements to the state-of-the-art solar reformer technology will be introduced before large scale and commercial system can be developed. These changes are primarily to the catalytic system, the reactor optimisation and operation procedures and the associated optics for concentrating the solar radiation. For the dissemination of solar reforming technology the regions targeted are in Southern Europe and Northern Africa. The potential markets and the impact of infrastructure and administrative restrictions will be assessed. The environmental, socio-economic and institutional impacts of solar reforming technology exploitation will be assessed with respect to sustainable development. The market potential of solar reforming technology in a liberalised European energy market will be evaluated. Detailed cost estimates for a 50 MWth commercial plant will be determined.

FP6-SUSTDEV, Seismic early warning for Europe (SAFER)

Earthquakes are a serious threat for many countries of Europe, particularly for those around the Mediterranean Sea. Early warning systems, based on real time, automated analysis of ground motion measurements, can play an important role in reducing the negative impact of catastrophic events on densely populated areas and, particularly, in mitigating the damage to strategic structures and lifelines. Europe is covered by numerous high quality seismic networks, managed by national and by European agencies, including also some local networks specifically designed for seismic early warning around large cities like Bucharest, Istanbul and Naples, respectively. The SAFER project is aimed at fully exploiting the possibilities offered by a real time analysis of the signals coming from seismic networks for a wide range of actions, performed in a time interval of a few seconds to some tens of minutes. These actions range from the shut down of critical systems of lifelines, industries, highways, railways, etc. and the activation of control systems for the protection of crucial structures, to decision support for rapid response of the emergency management (ground shaking maps, continuously expected damage scenarios, aftershocks hazard etc.). The project is structured in 6 work-packages: (1) Project Coordination and Management (2) Real-Time Estimation of Source Parameters (3) Real-Time Damage Assessment and Reduction Strategies (4) Real- Time Shake Maps (5) Real-Time Aftershock Hazard Assessment (6) Dissemination of Results and End User Interface. The work-packages address all major components of an earthquake early warning system. Tasks of Section 5.3 within the project Preparation of the foundations to generate the most realistic earth shake maps possible: 1.) Derivation of detailed attenuation models of the macroseismic intensity in specified test areas and 2.) Derivation of regional relations between intensities and physical ground motion parameters.

Large-Area CIS Based Thin-Film Solar Modules for Highly Productive Manufacturing (LARCIS)

Objective: In order for the commercial production of large CIGS modules on the multi-MW scale to be successful, the processes must still be streamlined and optimised taking considering both economical and ecological aspects. This project aims to support the developme nt of this material- and energy-saving thin-film technology so it can gain a foothold in the free PV market. Promising laboratory results will be transferred to large-scale production, where the availability of appropriate production equipment and very hig h material and process yields are of decisive importance. 4 universities, 2 research institutes, and 4 companies will work closely together in order to merge the physical understanding of the processes and the engineering know-how, which are necessary for up-scaling the CIGS technology to a marketable multi-megawatt production volume. We will focus on: (1) very high-quality modules manufactured by coevaporation of CIGS and applying cost-effective methods, ETA up to 14 Prozent on 0.7 m2; (2) the development of Cd-free buffer layers for Cd-free CIGS modules on an area of up to 0.7 m2, ETA up to 12 Prozent; (3) and the development of a mid-term alternative: electrodeposition of low-cost CIS modules with ETA above 10 Prozent (estimated cost about 0.8 E/Wp). We will transfer the Mo back contact sputtering know-how to a specialised European large-area glass coater to provide substrates for both the coevaporation and the electrodeposition approaches. All process developments such as modifications of the back contact, wet- or vacuum-deposited buffer layers, the multi-stage coevaporation of CIGS, or improved Ga incorporation in electrodeposited absorbers will first be tested and evaluated on the laboratory scale. Successful approaches will be up-scaled and transferred to three independ ent commercial CIGS pilot lines located in three different European countries. Novel process and quality control techniques must also be developed and applied to reach these ambitious goals.

6. RP Aquaterra - Understanding river-sediment-soil-groundwater interactions for support of management of waterbodies (river basin & catchment areas) (AQUATERRA)

Objective: Changes in climatic conditions, land use practices and soil and sediment pollution have large-scale adverse impacts on water quantity and quality. The current knowledge base in river basin management is not adequate to deal with these impacts. Austere is both integrating and developing knowledge to resolve this and disseminating it to stakeholders. In the water cycle, soil is a key element affecting groundwater recharge and the chemical composition of both subsurface and surface waters (the latter is additionally affected by sediments). The proper functioning of the river-sediment-soil-groundwater system is linked to key biogeochemical processes determining the filter, buffer and transformation capacity of soils and sediments. Austere aims at a better understanding of the system as a whole by identifying relevant processes, quantifying the associated parameters and developing numerical models of the groundwater-soil-sediment-river system to identify adverse trends in soil functioning, water quantity and quality. The modelling addresses all relevant scales starting from micro-scale water/solid interactions, the transport of dissolved species, pollutants as well as suspended matter in soil and groundwater systems at the catchments scale, and finally the regional scale, with case studies located in major river basins in Europe. With this integrated modelling system, Austere provides the basis for improved river basin management, enhanced soil and groundwater monitoring programs and the early identification and forecasting of impacts on water quantity and quality during this century. Austere is committed to the dissemination and exploitation of project results through structured workshops, dedicated short courses, and the active participation of consortium partners in national and international conferences. A peer review panel supervises the quality and direction of the project.

A coordination action to prepare European Hydrogen and fuel cell demonstration projects (HYLIGHTS)

Objective: HyLights is a CA facilitating the planning of HyCOM. Focus is an assessment of concluded/ongoing H2/FC demonstration projects and recommendations for the preparation of HyCOM/Lighthouse Projects LP. Although HyLights's assessment focuses on transport stationary and portable H2 applications will be considered if synergies become apparent. HyLights will comprise 3 phases of 12 months each. Phase I includes a methodology definition and assessment, Phase II gaps analysis and development of recommendations and Phase III continuous monitoring. HyLights will need to draw from a network of relevant experts. For this purpose a European Partnership for Hydrogen in Transport EPHT will be established to extend the reach of the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Platform HFP. An asset of EPHT will be to include the member states/regions view through a moderation process. Dissemination of the project results will supplement the activity, coherently presenting the European demonstration projects.

Demonstration of direct Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) co-combustion in pulverised fuel plants and implementation of a sustainable waste-to-energy technology in large-scale energy production (RECOFUEL)

Objective: The use of Solid Recovered Fuels (SRF) derived from mixed-/mono waste streams is expected to result in a significant contribution to the generation of sustainable energy. The demand for alternative waste treatment is addressed by production and direct co-combustion of SRF in pulverised fuel fired power plants as an environmentally friendly, energy efficient, short-term available and cost effective technical solution. The project assists the implementation of EU policies (energy, environmental, economic and social goals) by sustainable energy production, CO2 emission reduction, preservation of natural resources and abatement of hazardous impacts on the environment due to landfill. The proposed project comprises large-scale demonstration of SRF co-combustion at a 450MWth brown coal/lignite boiler of RWE Rheinbraun AG in a continuous period of at least 12 months with the scope of permanent and reliable operation. A thermal share of 10% is envisaged (25.000 - 50.000 Mg/a SRF) resulting in a direct environmental benefit up to 50.000 Mg/a CO2 by the efficient use of the renewable share of SRF. With successful demonstration the implementation of the SRF co-combustion technology at further comparable and larger units of RWE is envisaged. Operational problems arising during former short-term co-combustion tests with hard coal could be successfully solved by an improved fuel production and a reliable quality control system. The interaction between a reliable quality control, quality management system and the combustion technology makes this technology competitive in the liberalised energy market without any additional subsidy. To achieve the ambitious goals partners of industry and research centres with substantial expertise in the areas covering the whole waste-to-energy chain created a consortium.

FP6-SUSTDEV, Netzwerk für die Entwicklung einer nachhaltigen Methode zur großangelegten Einführung von Sanitäreinrichtungen in Afrika (NETSSAF)

Ohne einen kurzfristigen erheblichen Fortschritt wird die Welt das Hygieneziel der Jahrtausendentwicklungsziele (MDG) um eine halbe Milliarde Menschen verfehlen. Betrachtet man etwa die subsaharischen Länder Afrikas, dann hat fast zweidrittel der Bevölkerung (64 Prozent) keine ausreichende Versorgung mit Sanitärenanlagen. In den afrikanischen Ländern schwankt die Menge der Wohnungen und Häuser mit Sanitäreinrichtungen zwischen 84 Prozent in den städtischen Gebieten und 45 Prozent in den ländlichen Gebieten. Um bis 2015 das Ziel einer flächendeckenden Wasserversorgung zu gewährleisten, müssen in den nächsten 15 Jahren für 210 Millionen (194 in den ländlichen Gebieten) Menschen zusätzliche sanitäre Einrichtungen gebaut werden. Das Ziel dieser Koordinierungsmaßnahme ist der Aufbau einer multilateralen, interdisziplinären Interessengruppe von subsaharischen und europäischen Fachleuten für die nachhaltige Entwicklung von Sanitäranlagen. NETSSAF fördert internationale Zusammenarbeit zwischen Forschungsinstitutionen, Verbänden, Universitäten sowie Gesellschafts- und Regierungsinteressengruppe in einem europäischen und subsaharischen Zusammenhang mit einer speziellen Ausrichtung auf die Westafrikanischen Länder. Eine beständige Plattform für Experten und Forschung im Sanitärsektor und ein Sachverständigennetzwerk werden eingerichtet, um nutzbringende Forschung und strategische Aktivitäten zu koordinieren, zu bestimmen und zu leiten, mit dem Ziel einerseits ein optimales Verfahren, Wissenslücken und Grenzen für das weitere Vorgehen zu bestimmen und andererseits Vorschläge für die Richtung zukünftiger Forschungen zu unterbreiten. Das Ziel des vorgeschlagenen Netzwerkes ist es ein Vielfalt an innovativen, anwendbaren und wiederholbaren Ansätzen für eine nachhaltige Sanitärentwicklung zu liefern, welche preiswerten Technologien mit einem auf der Kommune basierendem Management und den unterschiedlichen in den Regionen Afrikas vorherrschenden Bedingungen verbindet. Das Hauptergebnis wird die Entwicklung eines partizipativen Hygiene-Management-Unterstützungsinstruments für mehrere Benutzer sein, das für die Endbenutzer darauf abgezielt, sie in die Lage zu versetzen groß angelegte Hygienekonzepte und Technologien anzuwenden und sie den unterschiedlichen Bedingungen, die in Afrika vorherrschen, anzupassen.

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