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Objective: The Wave Dragon is a slack-moored wave energy converter of the overtopping type. It is by far the most powerful wave energy converter and at the same time one of the most energy efficient and economic devices under development today. Since March 2003 a 20kW scale 1:4.5 prototype of a 7MW Wave Dragon has been tested as the world's first floating grid connected wave energy converter. The project will develop the Wave Dragon technology further from the tested all steel-built 20kW prototype to a full size composite built 7MW unit and by testing validate the technical and economic feasibility. The RTD-part of the project will: - Develop Wave Dragon's energy absorbing structure, the low head turbine power take-off system and the control systems. An additional reservoir placed above the existing reservoir level will also be developed. The result of these changes to the overall design will be a significant increase in power production and a reduction in O&M cost. The development of the 7MW unit will be based on the knowledge base established through the tests with the 20kW prototype and the design process will comprise several innovative elements utilizing the O&M experience from the 20kW prototype tests. - Develop cost effective construction methods and establish the optimal combination of in situ cast concrete, post- stressed reinforcement and pre-stressed concrete elements - Develop new supplementary environmental friendly water hydraulic power take-off systems - Demonstrate reliable and cost effective installation procedures and O&M schemes - Establish the necessary basis for design codes and recommendations for floating multi MW wave energy converters. The test program will demonstrate the availability, power production predictability, power production capability and medium to long term electricity generation costs at 0.052EUR/kWh in a wave climate of 24kW/m, which could be found relatively close to the cost at the major part of the Atlantic coast.
Objective: The proposed project is designed to address the problem of pollution of the environment by road vehicles as denned under the Thematic Priority 1.6.2, Sustainable Surface Transport relating to the Work Programme 'Integrating and strengthening the European Research Area'. The research activities of the consortium will be based around state of the art developments in the area of optical fibre sensor and intelligent instrumentation technology to formulate a system for on line monitoring of exhaust emissions from road vehicles. The application of this technology to resolving the problems of atmospheric pollutants and their regional impacts is therefore highly appropriate to the issue identified in the thematic roadmap i.e. 'New technologies and concepts for all surface transport modes'. The consortium which will execute the research programme comprises six members from four EC member states. They include four academic institutions, an SME and an end user (a major European car manufacturer). Their combined expertise and knowledge of the technological and business issues will facilitate the rapid development of the technology into a demonstratable prototype within the three year lifetime of the project. The project's technical objectives are summarised as follows: -. To set up laboratory based test facilities such that the sensor systems may be characterised in a precisely controlled and reproducible manner. Therefore, individual parameters such as optical absorption and scattering may be studied in isolation as well as collectively.. To isolate and identify the optical signals arising from contaminants present in the complex mixtures of exhaust systems of a wide range of vehicles using advanced and novel optical fibre based spectroscopie interrogation techniques. To develop novel optical fibre sensors which are miniature and robust in their construction and may be fitted...
The proposed regulation concerning the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH) requires demonstration of the safe manufacture of chemicals and their safe use throughout the supply chain. There is therefore a strong need to strengthen and advance human and environmental risk assessment knowledge and practices with regard to chemicals, in accord with the precautionary principle. The goal of the project OSIRIS is to develop integrated testing strategies (ITS) fit for REACH that enable to significantly increase the use of non-testing information for regulatory decision making, and thus minimise the need for animal testing. To this end, operational procedures will be developed, tested and disseminated that guide a transparent and scientifically sound evaluation of chemical substances in a risk-driven, context-specific and substance-tailored (RCS) manner. The envisaged decision theory framework includes alternative methods such as chemical and biological read-across, in vitro results, in vivo information on analogues, qualitative and quantitative structure-activity relationships, thresholds of toxicological concern and exposure-based waiving, and takes into account cost-benefit analyses as well as societal risk perception. It is based on the new REACH paradigm to move away from extensive standard testing to a more intelligent, substance-tailored approach. The work will be organised in five interlinked research pillars (chemical domain, biological domain, exposure, integration strategies and tools, case studies), with a particular focus on more complex, long-term and high-cost endpoints. Case studies will demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the new ITS methodologies, and provide guidance in concrete form. To ensure optimal uptake of the results obtained in this project, end-users in industry and regulatory authorities will be closely involved in monitoring and in providing specific technical contributions to this project.
Objective: Observational records show that the global climate is changing and ongoing changes are also visible in Central Eastern Europe. About 64Prozent of all catastrophic events in Europe since 1980 can directly be attributed to weather and climate extremes. Climate change projections show even an increasing likelihood of extremes. Certainly negative impacts of climate change will involve significant economic looses in several regions of Europe, while others may bring health or welfare problems somewhere else. Within CLAVIER three representative Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) will be studied in detail: Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. Researches from 6 countries and different disciplines will identify linkages between climate change and its impact on weather patterns with consequences on air pollution, extremes events, and on water resources. Furthermore, an evaluation of the economic impact on agriculture, tourism, energy supply and the public sector will be conducted. This is of increasing importance for CEEC, which are currently facing a rapid economic development, but also for the European Union as e.g. Romania's and Bulgaria's high vulnerability from extreme events such as floods will impact not only the respective economic goals for joining the EU but also the EU solidarity fund. CLAVIER will focus on ongoing and future climate changes in Central and Eastern European Countries using measurements and existing regional scenarios to determine possible developments of the climate and to address related uncertainty. In addition, climate projections with very high detail will be carried out for CEEC to fulfil the need for a large amount of detail in time and space, which is inherent in local and regional impact assessment.
Objective: The objective is to develop a low-cost, low temperature, portable direct methanol fuel cell device. It will also offer limited operation on ethanol fuel and will be of compact construction and modular design. The development will include novel proton exchange membranes, anode and cathode electro catalysts and fully optimised multilayer membrane electrode assemblies. New low-cost proton exchange membranes will be developed to reduce the methanol crossover rate through the electrolyte to levels significantly lower than that of currently available materials (e.g. Nafion). New electro catalyst materials will be developed to enhance the low temperature methanol (and ethanol) electro-oxidation activity of the anode. Catalyst development for the cathode will focus on enhancing the oxygen reduction activity of platinum electro catalyst and increasing its selectivity to enhance methanol tolerance. The structure of the electro catalyst and electrode layers will be optimised to promote efficient operation at low temperatures with practical flows and pressures. System optimisation, simplification and miniaturization will be carried out. The final performance objectives will be: single cells operating at 0.5V / cell at 0.2 Acm-2 at 30-60 C (in atmospheric pressure air). Prototypes of 100 and later 500 W stacks, operating at low temperatures with aimed electrical characteristics of 40 A/12.5 V, will be the targets of the project. The effective operation at this low temperature is particularly challenging. Additionally a conceptual study for up-scale will be supplied. A narrow collaboration between research centres and industry will make possible a rapid exploitation of the new components and system developments. A SME will be responsible for the integration and will deliver the prototypes. The potential market for portable fuel cells includes weather stations, medical devices, signal units, auxiliary power units, gas sensors and security cameras.
Objective/Problems to be solved: BEAM addresses the risk assessment of chemical mixtures resulting from the joint occurrence of environmental pollutants. Despite extensive research into this field current procedures for the prospective or retrospective assessment of chemical risks still focus on single pure toxicants. The incorporation of existing scientific evidences on the predictability of combination effects into regulatory strategies is hampered by two crucial gaps: - There is too little knowledge available at the stage of risk assessment on how to use existing toxicity information for single substances in order to account for expectable combination effects. - There is a lack of environmental realism in the existing scientific approaches to the assessment of mixture toxicities regarding both, the types of mixtures actually occurring and the suitability of methods for the purpose of a routine assessment. - BEAM seeks to bridge both gaps. Thereby a sound basis for the inclusion of mixture toxicity assessments into EU-regulations (e.g. Water Framework Directive) shall be provided. Scientific objectives and approach. The objectives of BEAM are:- to achieve more environmental realism in the scientific hazard assessment of complex exposure situations, - to provide new tools for mixture toxicity assessment, - to explore the options for implementation of predictive mixture toxicity assessment into regulation. In an interdisciplinary effort BEAM will use expertise and methods from biometry, chemometry, analytical chemistry, experimental ecotoxicity research, mixture pharmacology and regulatory toxicology. BEAM will deliver: - a compilation of available and optional strategies in regulating risks from mixtures of toxicants, - validated biotests, chemometrical and biometrical instruments that allow the identification and prediction of mixture toxicities, - a protocol together with technically guiding documentation that allows the derivation of water quality targets for toxicant mixtures on the basis of toxicity information for the single components. Experts from European policy, regulatory advisors, and chemical industries will join a consulting group and participate in the development of implementation strategies. Expected impacts: The exploitation of BEAM results will allow to implement mixture toxicity assessment into EU regulations, ensuring better pollution management of water resources and the sustainable use of water bodies. This will indirectly improve quality of life, health and safety. BEAM will increase EU-competitiveness, knowledge and skills in the field of environmental risk assessment of chemical mixtures. The participation of a stakeholders consulting group will ensure the effectiveness of the exploitation process.
Objective: The goal of this project is to develop mobile air conditioning systems with a reduced impact on the environment, both direct and indirect.Two new technologies will be explored:Metal Hydride, either powered by waste heat or by electric energySorption Cooling, powered by waste heatNeither of these technologies uses HCFCs, and so they do not have a direct impact on GWP. The key point is to develop systems that will have also lower indirect impact with respect to state of the art of mobile air conditioning systems. Both technologies has the potential for pre-cooling and pre-warming of the vehicle cabin. In addition to that, the advantages arising from the integration of a near zero Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) based on a Rankine cycle and able to provide electric power and heat (that can be modulated independently) will be evaluated so to study innovative architecture for the energy management of the overall vehicle.Two applications will be considered: Passenger carsLight and heavy trucksThe objective is to set up at least two prototypes: a truck and a car. Benefits for the environment will be quantified by means of calculations and tests in a climatic chamber and on the road. A methodology to evaluate at the same time thermal comfort and the associated energy performance will be developed.
Objective: ENCOMAR-TRANSPORT aims to improve co-operation between the new member states, applicant countries as well as Russia, Ukraine and Turkey in the maritime fields. ENCOMAR-TRANSPORT has two general strategic objectives:- to support the integration of the new member states, applicant countries, Russia, Ukraine and Turkey into the European Maritime Research Area, thus supporting EU policies and the formation of ERA- to support the goals defined in the maritime part of the Sustainable Surface Priority of the 6 th Framework Programme. To support integration, ENCOMAR-TRANSPORT will help to jointly use R&D potentials and resources.ENCOMAR-TRANSPORT will promote a culture of innovation and fertilize participation of SMEs in European research. Technically, enhan ced exchange of information, technology transfer and research cooperation initiated by the project will help to meet demands of European transport policy and to the objectives of the sustainable surface transportpriority. Particular focus will be on:- S hipbuilding and -repair, including ship equipment manufacturers and maritime service providers,- Waterborne (long-haul, short sea and inland waters) transport in Europe.- Maritime Transport safety will especially focus on transport of dangerous goods to a void environmental- hazards in European waters, the Baltic and Mediterranean and Black Sea.- Efficient transport of marine natural resources is in the focus as well. The following activities will be undertaken:- Creation of a Network of Maritime R&D N ational Contact Points.- Inform about potentials and activities of European research in the new member states and neighbours of the EU by workshops in those countries. Inform research community and industry about the potential of countries not yet integra ted in European research.
Objective/Problems to be solved: RECOVER:2010 is designed to assess the impact of current and future anthropogenic pressures on sensitive European freshwater ecosystems. RECOVER:2010 will evaluate the present extent of recovery of acidified freshwaters, and identify and quantify the dominant driving processes governing the timing and magnitude of recovery. This Pan-European assessment will use enhanced predictive models to evaluate the degree of compliance with respect to restoration of acidified waters by the year 2010 as specified under the Water Framework Directive. Similarly, agreed and proposed UN-ECE protocols on emissions control will be critically assessed and economic costs and environmental benefits evaluated with respect to the recovery of freshwaters. Scientific objectives and approach: Empirical data from different acidified European ecotypes will be evaluated to provide measures of time lags in response to changes in emissions of acidifying compounds, and indeed to separate out the different contributing processes. Regional controls on sulphur dynamics, and the role of nitrogen in the recovery process will be determined. Current conceptualisation of the recovery process has not considered potential interaction with natural variations such as climate induced impacts, and RECOVER:2010 aims to assess the magnitude and spatial extent of these confounding factors. Current dynamic modelling approaches will then be enhanced through improved process representation, and through the linking of hydrochemical changes to biological impacts and time lags in ecosystem recovery. An evaluation of Pan-European existing and proposed emission controls will then be undertaken to determine spatial and temporal patterns of response. Feedback from the modelling evaluation will be central to the development of strategies to optimise environmental benefit against economic cost. Similarly, the timing of mitigation measures such as the implementation of S and/or N emissions reduction, will greatly influence the expected recovery of both individual regions and Europe as a whole. These, previously un-addressed interactions, will be also explored within RECOVER:2010. Hence these are distinct scientific, methodological and policy challenges which interact within the concept of RECOVER:2010. Expected impacts: The development of sustainable options for emissions control reductions is required to balance economic, social and environmental constraints. RECOVER:2010 will specifically address such concerns, and the involvement of an end-user focus group comprising National and International Agencies, will ensure that the results of this project extend further than just the scientific domain. Prime Contractor: Macaulay Land Use Research Institute; Aberdeen/UK.
Objective/Problems to be solved: Contaminated land in Europe poses a serious problem with respect to soil quality and the risk of spreading of pollutants into other compartments of the environment. The major concern at most contaminated sites is the risk of groundwater pollution by organic and inorganic compounds. Since, the remediation of all of the contaminated sites in Europe is economically not feasible, groundwater risk assessment procedures are needed for the ranking of sites, decision making on further use and remedial actions. In contrast to existing procedures this project concentrates on the development of methodologies for the assessment of the mobile contaminant fraction in contaminated soil and waste material. (i.e. the contaminant fraction which would reach the aquifer). It will allow the determination of the long-term contaminant release rates and the overall emission of pollutants into the groundwater at contaminated sites. The most important innovations expected will be more harmonized and integrated guidelines for groundwater risk assessment in Europe and beyond. Scientific objectives and approach: The procedures to be developed take the form of a scenario approach, as it is intended to be generally applicable to different situations in terms of classes/combination of pollutants and site-specific conditions, such as climatic conditions, permeability and distance between contamination and groundwater table. Such a scenario approach will allow the determination a priori whether, under given site conditions (subsurface permeability, distance to groundwater table, type of material) and contaminant properties (volatile/non-volatile/water soluble etc.), a minor, medium or high risk of groundwater pollution exists. The validation of these new risk assessment procedures will be done 1) in a well controlled field experiment which comprises an emplaced source of a hydrocarbon mixture consisting of volatile to semi-volatile, (partly) biodegradable compounds, 2) laboratory and field investigations for the quantification of contaminant transfer rates across the capillary fringe for specific scenarios and 3) column leaching tests for the quantification of the mobile contaminant fraction in various contaminated soils and waste materials (e.g. slag, bottom ash, construction/recycling materials). To cover as many different site-specific-scenarios as possible, the project involves numerical modelling for vapour phase contaminant transport in the unsaturated zone and long-term leaching of contaminants from specific materials. Expected impacts: The most important deliverables of the project will be guidelines for groundwater risk assessment which for certain scenarios, compound classes and material types does not require or requires only minor field or laboratory investigations. Therefore it would significantly reduce the costs to society for dealing with the legacy of industrial pollution...
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