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Sustainable energy management systems (SEMS)

Objective: The aim of this project is to turn 4 core communities (Germany, Austria, Luxemburg, Poland) with clearly defined system borders and 14 - 20.000 inhabitants each into CONCERTO communities. A mix of different EE and RES demonstrations (including refurbishment of old buildings, eco-buildings and polygeneration, all underpinned with complete business plans) will allow to avoid about 300 GWh/yr end energy from fossil sources, thus avoiding 94.000 tons CO2/yr, and saving 22.9 mio Euro/yr of disbursements for extra-communal electricity and heat deliveries. The application of the Decentralised Energy Management System (DEMS) will allow for local and inter-communal operation, monitoring and control of energy consumption, storage and generation units and grids, including DSM and LCP, thereby exploring a EE potential of at least 5Prozent. The target in RES coverage for 2010 is of resp. 39 to 62Prozent of the then remaining electricity and heat demand. EnerMAS, a low-threshold version of the European environmental management system.

Optimized Strategies for Risk Assessment of Chemicals based on Intelligent Testing (OSIRIS)

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.

Compact direct (m)ethanol fuel cell for portable application (MOREPOWER)

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.

Resolving the impact of climatic processes on ecosystems of the North Atlantic basin and shelf seas: Integrating and advancing observation, monitoring, and prediction (BASIN)

The scale of influence of global change and the added value of co-ordinating the scientific activities of the EU and North American countries to assess, predict and mitigate the effects on marine ecosystems of the North Atlantic and their services is the justification for the development of the BASIN SSA. An important step towards such a co-ordinated approach is the development of an implementation plan where by jointly funded international projects can be supported. The development of such a plan is the first key goal of BASIN. The second goal of BASIN is to develop an integrated basin-scale North Atlantic research program, for submission to the EU 7th framework program, US NSF and Canadian NSERC for joint funding. Programmatic goals will be achieved in working groups including experts from both the EU and North America as well as delegates from funding organisations. As a prerequisite for the development of the research proposal, this SSA will (1) assess the status of climate related ecosystem research in the North Atlantic basin and associated shelf seas, (2) identify gaps in systematic observations and process understanding of atmospheric and oceanic parameters, (3) identify the potential for consolidation of long-term observations from EU and international databases for modelling and prediction. The BASIN research program will focus on: Resolving the natural variability, potential impacts and feedbacks of global change on the structure, function and dynamics of ecosystems; Improving the understanding of marine ecosystem functioning; Developing ecosystem based management strategies. Hence, BASIN will contribute significantly to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) 10-Year Implementation Plan via the development of comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained observations of the Earth System, improved monitoring of the state of the Earth, increased understanding of Earth processes, and enhanced prediction.

FP4-NNE-JOULE C, EUropean HYdrogen Filling Station (EUHYFIS): Europäische Infrastruktur fuer Wasserstofftankstellen für Brennstoffzellenfahrzeuge auf der Grundlage erneuerbarer Energien

Der Einsatz von Wasserstoff als Kraftstoff im Straßenverkehr führt nur dann zu bedeutenden ökologischen Vorteilen, wenn der Sekundärenergieträger Wasserstoff aus erneuerbaren Energiequellen gewonnen wird. Andernfalls findet im Wesentlichen nur eine Verlagerung der Emission von Klimagasen und Schadstoffen statt, vom Auspuff des Fahrzeugs zum Ort der Wasserstoff-Erzeugung. Zwar können sich auch hierdurch gewisse Umweltvorteile ergeben; diese würden jedoch den Aufwand für den notwendigen, drastischen Umbau des Treibstoffsystems von Mineralöl auf Wasserstoff nicht rechtfertigen. Ziel des Projekts EUHYFIS (EUropean HYdrogen Filling Station) war eine Tankstelle, die den Wasserstoff vor Ort aus 'grünem Strom gewinnt und speichert. Dabei ging es einerseits um die Anpassung von Komponenten, andererseits um die Entwicklung eines abgestimmten Gesamtsystems. Zur Komponentenanpassung gehörten die Modifikation eines Erdgas-Kompressors zur Verdichtung von Wasserstoff sowie die Optimierung eines Elektrolyseurs hinsichtlich seiner Energie-Effizienz und seiner Beständigkeit gegenüber - für Wind- und Solarenergie typischen - Schwankungen der elektrischen Leistung. Ferner ging es um Sicherheitsanforderungen in ausgewählten europäischen Ländern, um die Modellierung und Optimierung des Gesamtsystems sowie um die Bestimmung der ökologischen Vorteile von Wasserstoff als Kraftstoff (Umweltbilanzierung). Von PLANET ging die Initiative für das Projekt aus. Die Idee entstand 1997 im Rahmen einer Studie für die Inselgemeinde Norderney zu den Potentialen schadstoffarmer Busantriebe. Zu diesem Zeitpunkt waren jedoch weder Brennstoffzellenbusse noch eine geeignete Wasserstoffversorgung auf der Basis erneuerbarer Energiequellen verfügbar. PLANET entwickelte die Grundzüge für EUHYFIS und suchte und fand geeignete Partner für das Projekt. Mitglieder des Konsortiums wurden unter anderem Bauer Kompressoren aus München, deutscher Marktführer für Erdgastankstellen, und Casale Chemicals aus Lugano (Schweiz) mit langjähriger Erfahrung in Entwicklung und Bau von Elektrolyseuren. Die Forschungsdienstleister wurden ausgewählt und der Projektantrag im Detail ausgearbeitet. Die Europäische Kommission sagte Ende 1998 Mittel aus dem CRAFT-Programm für kleine und mittlere Unternehmen (KMU) zu. PLANET leitete das Projekt organisatorisch und inhaltlich. Dazu gehörte auch die Vorbereitung von nachfolgenden Demonstrationsvorhaben. Allerdings wurde nach Abschluss der Entwicklungsarbeiten deutlich, dass in Zukunft höhere Betankungsdrücke für Wasserstoff-getriebene Fahrzeuge erwartet würden, um größere Reichweiten zu ermöglichen. Der neue vorläufige Standard sollte 350 bar sein. Langfristig werden 700 bar angestrebt. Das EUHYFIS-Konzept war jedoch, in Anlehnung an Erdgas als Kraftstoff, auf einen maximalen Lieferdruck von 300 bar ausgelegt. Von einer Weiterentwicklung sah das Konsortium wegen vorerst begrenzter Marktperspektiven daher zunächst ab.

Metamorphosis of Power Distribution: System Services from Photovoltaics (METAPV)

MetaPV is the first project world-wide that will demonstrate the provision of electrical benefits from photovoltaics (PV) on a large scale. Additional benefits for active grid support from PV will be demonstrated at two sites: a residential/urban area of 128 households with 4 kWp each, and an industrial zone of 31 PV systems with 200 kWp each. The enhanced control capacities to be implemented into PV inverters and demonstrated are active voltage control, fault ride-through capability, autonomous grid operation, and interaction of distribution system control with PV systems. A detailed technical and economic assessment of the additional services from PV is carried out. The role of PV in an area fully supplied by renewable sources is to be assessed. The work covers 3 phases: - In the first phase, the demonstration is prepared for the specific demonstration zones. The PV side (inverter) and the network side will be both addressed. Small and large PV inverters for residential and industrial applications, which both can provide additional benefits for electrical network operation, will be developed. On the network side, adapted concepts for grid planning and operation of distribution networks with large amounts of PV generation will be developed. - In the second phase, based on the development and suggestions of phase one, two pilot demonstrations will be carried out and evaluated. The first one will demonstrate the active contribution of PV for increasing power quality and security of the system operation in a residential area. In the second one, security of power supply and autonomous operation will be demonstrated in an industrial zone. - The third phase covers communication with stakeholders that will take place from the beginning of the demonstration phase. The project results will be disseminated and communicated to the stakeholders, the scientific community and to the local public. The demonstration will allow for successful replication in other grids in Europe.

Integrated small scale solar heating and cooling systems for a sustainable air-conditioning of buildings (SOLERA)

Objective: The project aims to develop highly integrated solar heating and cooling systems for small and medium capacity applications which are easily installed and economically and socially sustainable. The envisioned applications are residential houses, small office buildings and hotels. The goal is to use the excess solar heat in summer to power a thermally driven cooling process in order to provide cooling for air-conditioning. In the heating season the solar system is used to provide direct heating. The proposed project therefore aims to demonstrate the technical feasibility, reliability and cost effectiveness of these systems, specially conceived as integrated systems to be offered on the market as complete packages which will make better use of the available solar radiation as present systems.

CO2 enhanced separation and recovery (CESAR)

CESAR aims for a breakthrough in the development of low-cost post-combustion CO2 capture technology to provide economically feasible solutions for both new power plants and retrofit of existing power plants which are responsible for the majority of all anthropogenic CO2 emissions (worldwide, approx. 5,000 power plants emit around 11 GtCO2/year). CESAR focuses on post-combustion as it is the only feasible technology for retrofit and current power plant technology. Moreover, analysis of the current R&D in Europe shows that there is yet no follow-up to the post-combustion work in the CASTOR project while R&D aimed at other types of carbon capture technologies have been accommodated for. The primary objective is to decrease the cost of capture down to 15 /tCO2. CESAR aims at breakthroughs via a combination of fundamental research on Advanced Separation Processes (WP1), Capture process modelling and integration (WP2) and Solvent process validation studies (WP3) with duration tests in the Esbjerg pilot plant. CESAR will build further on the successes and high potential ideas from the FP6 integrated project CASTOR. Moreover, the pilot built in this project will be used for CESAR. Prime Contractor: Nederlandse Centrale Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO; Delft; Nederland.

Das Energiewende-Szenario 2020 - Ausstieg aus der Atomenergie, Einstieg in Klimaschutz und nachhaltige Entwicklung, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies for Road Transport (HyTRAN)

Two innovative integrated Fuel Cell Systems for automotive application will be developed within specific Technological Platforms (TPs): TP1 POWERTRAIN: development of a system for traction power by an 80 kW direct hydrogen PEM fuel cell system implemented on a passenger car. TP2 APU: development of 5 kW Auxiliary Power Unit for both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles, including microstructured diesel oil steam reformer, clean-up reactors, an innovative reformate hydrogen stack and balance of plant components. These objectives will be reached via R&TD activities that will address the most critical technical bottlenecks which currently hamper wide market penetration of PEM fuel cell systems for road transport, while accounting some of the key market and policy drivers and barriers. Particularly, the following innovative components will be developed: A 80 kW direct hydrogen stack with strong weight and volume reduction, increased efficiency, durability and start-up time, with innovative MEAs embodying sealing layers (7-layers MEAs); A 5 kW reformate stack, including innovative electrocatalyst and MEA elements tolerant to very high CO concentrations and low-resisitivity bipolar plates; A highly efficient, clean and compact micro-structured diesel steam reformer and gas purification unit; Variable displacement compressors with reduced noise level; Innovative humidification/dehumidification apparatus; Heat exchanger and radiator customised for the different applications; Specific targets for both platforms will be achieved via a system approach leading to development and validation of the concepts (POWERTRAIN: in a passenger car; APU: dynamic test validation in bench) with high well-to-wheel efficiency (low fuel consumption), easy and optimised packaging and on-board integration.

POLYCITY - europäische Energieforschung für Kommunen

Die Projektgebiete liegen in Deutschland, Italien und Spanien. Deutschland: Scharnhauser Park: In Ostfildern am südlichen Rand von Stuttgart entsteht auf einem ehemaligen amerikanischen Militärgelände der Stadtteil Scharnhauser Park für rund 10.000 Bewohner und mit etwa 2.500 Arbeitsplätzen. Zu rund 80 Prozent soll der Energiebedarf aus erneuerbarer Energie gedeckt werden. Kern des Energiekonzeptes für den Stadtteil ist ein Biomasse-Blockheizkraftwerk mit 1 MW elektrischer und 6 MW thermischer Leistung. Die Anlage wird optimiert, eine Ist-Analyse ist bereits erstellt worden. Mit der im Sommer ungenutzten Wärmeenergie soll künftig Kälte für die Klimatisierung von Gewerbebauten erzeugt werden. Neben der ganzjährigen Nutzung erneuerbarer Energien für die Kraft-Wärme-Kältekopplung ist auch Energiespeicherung (zentral und dezentral) und ein kommunales Energiemanagementsystem auf der Basis modernster Informationstechnologien vorgesehen. Das zafh.net liefert Know-how der simulationsgestützten Regelung von Anlagen und setzt betriebsbegleitende Simulationen ein. In Echtzeit soll aus den klimatischen Randbedingungen der optimale Betriebszustand berechnet und mit den real gemessenen Werten verglichen werden. Als Basis ist ein Geoinformationssystem entwickelt worden, mit dem die Energiedaten der Gebäude erfasst und ausgewertet werden können. Die Gebäude unterliegen einem hohen Dämmstandard (25 Prozent unter den in der Wärmeschutzverordnung 1995 geforderten Werten). Bei den im Projekt neu dazukommenden Wohn- und Gewerbebauten wird der Transmissionswärmeverlust um weitere 20-30 Prozent gesenkt. Die ersten Wohnbauten wurden im Herbst 2005 vom Siedlungswerk Stuttgart erstellt. Mit Argon gefüllte Fenster mit erhöhter Rahmendämmungund Kunststoff-Abstandhaltern erreichen einen Gesamt-Wärmedurchgangskoeffizienten von 1,1 W m-2 K-1. In diesem ersten Bauabschnitt sind reine Abluftanlagen ohne Wärmerückgewinnung installiert worden, in späteren Bauabschnitten sollen Anlagen mit Wärmerückgewinnung einer Vergleichsanalyseunterzogen werden. Die Gebäudedichtigkeit wird mit Blower-Door-Tests experimentell untersucht. Der Energiestandard wird bei allen Bauten dokumentiert. Messgeräte für die Fernauslese und Auswertung (Smartbox) sind bereits installiert. ImGewerbegebiet wird im März 2006 ein erstes Demoprojekt zur innovativen Gebäudetechnologie (Heizung, Lüftung, Klima) mit etwa 4.000 m2 Nutzfläche erstellt. In der Ausführungsplanung enthalten sind: thermische Kühlung, Erdreichwärmetauscher, Betonkernaktivierung (zur Kühlung) ein Unterflurkonvektions-Heiz- und Kühlsystem, ein Tageslicht-Lenksystem. Nicht nur das Biomassekraftwerk liefert Strom, sondern auch gebäudeintegrierte PV-Anlagen. Ziel ist eine Leistung von insgesamt 70 kWp. Zudem wird die kinetische Energie des Wassers genutzt: Das aus den Hochbehältern ins Netz abfließende Trinkwasser treibt eine 80-kW-Entspannungsturbine an.

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