| 1. |
- Thomas, Jean-Baptiste, et al.
(författare)
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A comparative environmental life cycle assessment of hatchery, cultivation, and preservation of the kelp Saccharina latissima
- 2021
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Ingår i: Ices Journal of Marine Science. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1054-3139 .- 1095-9289. ; 78:1, s. 451-467
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Seaweed cultivation and processing industries could contribute to sustainable blue growth and the European bioeconomy. This article contributes a case study evaluation of environmental sustainability of preserved brown seaweed Saccharina latissima by means of environmental life cycle assessment of a pilot facility in Sweden. The study accounts for nutrient bioremediation and carbon capture and includes two alternative hatchery processes, a 2-ha longline cultivation, and four alternative preservation methods (hang-drying outdoors, heated air-cabinet drying, ensiling, and freezing). The study found that as a result of carbon capture and nitrogen and phosphorus uptake (bioremediation) by seaweed, more CO2 and PO4 equivalents are (temporarily) absorbed than emitted by the supply chain. The extent of emissions is most affected by preservation methods undertaken. Impact profiles of the supply chain show that the greatest impact shares result from freezing and air-cabinet drying, both the two most energy-intensive processes, followed by the cultivation infrastructure, highlighting strategic optimization opportunities. Hatchery processes, harvesting, and the low-energy ensilage and hang-drying outdoors were found to have relatively small impact shares. These findings presage the environmentally friendliness of seaweed-based products by documenting their potential to mitigate eutrophication and climate change, even when taking a life cycle perspective.
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| 2. |
- Shahroozi, Zahra, 1992-
(författare)
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Survivability control using data-driven approaches and reliability analysis for wave energy converters
- 2024
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Wave energy, with five times the energy density of wind and ten times the power density of solar, offers a compelling carbon-free electricity solution. Despite its advantages, ongoing debates surround the reliability and economic feasibility of wave energy converters (WECs). To address these challenges, this doctoral thesis is divided into four integral parts, focusing on optimizing the prediction horizon for power maximization, analyzing extreme waves' impact on system dynamics, ensuring reliability, and enhancing survivability in WECs.Part I emphasizes the critical importance of the prediction horizon for maximal power absorption in wave energy conversion. Using generic body shapes and modes, it explores the effect of dissipative losses, noise, filtering, amplitude constraints, and real-world wave parameters on the prediction horizon. Findings suggest achieving optimal power output may be possible with a relatively short prediction horizon, challenging traditional assumptions.Part II shifts focus to WEC system dynamics, analyzing extreme load scenarios. Based on a 1:30 scaled wave tank experiment, it establishes a robust experimental foundation, extending into numerical assessment of the WEC. Results underscore the importance of damping to alleviate peak forces. Investigating various wave representations highlights conservative characteristics of irregular waves, crucial for WEC design in extreme sea conditions.Part III explores the computational intricacies of environmental design load cases and fatigue analyses for critical mechanical components of the WEC. The analysis is conducted for hourly sea state damage and equivalent two-million-cycle loads. Finally, a comparison of safety factors between the ultimate limit state and fatigue limit state unfolds, illustrating the predominant influence of the ultimate limit state on point-absorber WEC design.Part IV, centers on elevating survivability strategies for WECs in extreme wave conditions. Three distinct controller system approaches leverage neural networks to predict and minimize the line force. Distinct variations emerge in each approach, spanning from rapid detection of optimal damping to integrating advanced neural network architectures into the control system with feedback. The incorporation of a controller system, refined through experimental data, showcases decreases in the line force, providing a practical mechanism for real-time force alleviation.This thesis aims to contribute uniquely to the goal of advancing wave energy conversion technology through extensive exploration.
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| 3. |
- Mathern, Alexandre, 1986, et al.
(författare)
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Concrete Support Structures for Offshore Wind Turbines: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Trends
- 2021
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Ingår i: Energies. - : MDPI AG. - 1996-1073 .- 1996-1073. ; 14:7
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Today’s offshore wind turbine support structures market is largely dominated by steel structures, since steel monopiles account for the vast majority of installations in the last decade and new types of multi-leg steel structures have been developed in recent years. However, as wind turbines become bigger, and potential sites for offshore wind farms are located in ever deeper waters and ever further from the shore, the conditions for the design, transport, and installation of support structures are changing. In light of these facts, this paper identifies and categorizes the challenges and future trends related to the use of concrete for support structures of future offshore wind projects. To do so, recent advances and technologies still under development for both bottom-fixed and floating concrete support structures have been reviewed. It was found that these new developments meet the challenges associated with the use of concrete support structures, as they will allow the production costs to be lowered and transport and installation to be facilitated. New technologies for concrete support structures used at medium and great water depths are also being developed and are expected to become more common in future offshore wind installations. Therefore, the new developments identified in this paper show the likelihood of an increase in the use of concrete support structures in future offshore wind farms. These developments also indicate that the complexity of future support structures will increase due to the development of hybrid structures combining steel and concrete. These evolutions call for new knowledge and technical know-how in order to allow reliable structures to be built and risk-free offshore installation to be executed.
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| 4. |
- Svensson, Olle, 1967-
(författare)
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Experimental results from the Lysekil Wave Power Research Site
- 2012
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This thesis presents how experimental results, from wave power research performed offshore at the Lysekil research site, were obtained. The data were used to verify theoretical models as well as evaluate the feasibility of wave power as a future sustainable energy source.The first experiments carried out at the research site was the measurement of the force in a line where one end was connected to a buoy with a diameter of 3 m and the other end to a set of springs with limited stroke length. The system is exposed to high peak forces compared to average forces. The maximum measured force in the line, when the buoy motion is limited by a stiff stopper rope is ten times the average force in that particular sea state.The experiment performed on the first wave energy converter tested at the Lysekil Research Site is described. The infrastructure of the site is presented where the central connection point is the measuring station. The key finding is that it is possible to transform the motions of ocean waves into electrical energy and distribute it to land.Many wave energy converters must be interconnected if large amounts of energy are to be harvested from the waves. The first submerged substation intended for aggregation of energy from wave power converters is described, with focus on the measurement and control system placed inside the substation. During this experiment period the generators were equipped with many different sensors; these measurements are explained in the thesis.The system that aggregates power from the studied wave energy converter is regularly exposed to peak power of up to 20 times the maximum average output from the converter.Vertical and horizontal movement of the buoy has been measured in different ways. The result is that the vertical displacement of the buoy can be measured with a simple accelerometer circuit but it is much more complicated to measure the horizontal displacement. A special method for measuring the horizontal displacement has been implemented by measuring the strain in the enclosure and the force in the line.
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| 5. |
- Lindroth [formerly Tyrberg], Simon, 1979-
(författare)
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Buoy and Generator Interaction with Ocean Waves : Studies of a Wave Energy Conversion System
- 2011
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- On March 13th, 2006, the Division of Electricity at Uppsala University deployed its first wave energy converter, L1, in the ocean southwest of Lysekil. L1 consisted of a buoy at the surface, connected through a line to a linear generator on the seabed. Since the deployment, continuous investigations of how L1 works in the waves have been conducted, and several additional wave energy converters have been deployed. This thesis is based on ten publications, which focus on different aspects of the interaction between wave, buoy, and generator. In order to evaluate different measurement systems, the motion of the buoy was measured optically and using accelerometers, and compared to measurements of the motion of the movable part of the generator - the translator. These measurements were found to correlate well. Simulations of buoy and translator motion were found to match the measured values. The variation of performance of L1 with changing water levels, wave heights, and spectral shapes was also investigated. Performance is here defined as the ratio of absorbed power to incoming power. It was found that the performance decreases for large wave heights. This is in accordance with the theoretical predictions, since the area for which the stator and the translator overlap decreases for large translator motions. Shifting water levels were predicted to have the same effect, but this could not be seen as clearly. The width of the wave energy spectrum has been proposed by some as a factor that also affects the performance of a wave energy converter, for a set wave height and period. Therefore the relation between performance and several different parameters for spectral width was investigated. It was found that some of the parameters were in fact correlated to performance, but that the correlation was not very strong. As a background on ocean measurements in wave energy, a thorough literature review was conducted. It turns out that the Lysekil project is one of quite few projects that have published descriptions of on-site wave energy measurements.
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| 6. |
- Hammar, Linus, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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Introducing ocean energy industries to a busy marine environment
- 2017
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Ingår i: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. - : Elsevier BV. - 1879-0690 .- 1364-0321. ; 74, s. 178-185
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The immense energy potential of the oceans is being increasingly recognized the world over, at the same time the integrity of marine ecosystems is challenged by pressure from multiple human activities. For good reasons environmental licensing procedures are precautionary and new industries must declare their detrimental impacts and provide mitigation measures. New ocean energy industries target renewable energy sources thus, on a grand scale, partly mitigating climate change. However, on-site environmental impacts are yet to be established. In this review we compare ocean energy industries with a wide range of conventional, better understood, human activities and outline environmental risks and research priorities. Results show that ocean energy systems are thought to incur many pressures, some familiar and others with yet unknown effects. Particular uncertainties regard ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) and large fast-moving turbines. Ocean energy industries should not be considered in isolation because the significance of environmental impacts depend on the full spectra of human activities in each area. Marine spatial planning provides a platform for holistic assessments and may facilitate the establishment of ocean energy industries, as long as risk-related uncertainties are reduced.
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| 7. |
- Petersson, Jesper, 1974, et al.
(författare)
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Defend, Retreat and Attack: Urban Waters and Valuation Practices
- 2022
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Ingår i: Water Alternatives. - : Water Alternatives Association. - 1965-0175. ; 15:1, s. 175-192
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper explores the river landscapes and concomitant values resulting from tensions between flood management and visions of a River City. The aim is to contribute to an understanding of the management of urban waters as valuation practices. We regard valuation practices as co-constitutive of current and future river landscapes. Sweden’s second-largest city, Gothenburg, is located next to the sea, and the Göta River, Sweden’s largest water system, runs through it. Our empirical focus is on how this city approaches increasing risks of flooding. We explore three approaches that have been formulated in relation to flood management: defend, retreat and attack. We ask how these approaches are applied in the management of Göta River flooding and in the city’s vision of a future Gothenburg that embraces the river as a genuinely positive aspect of urban life. We present the case as a journey that takes us upstream from the river’s sea inlet port and through Gothenburg. During our kilometre by kilometre journey, the river’s appearance shifts. The varied river landscape mirrors the diversity in how its waters are valuated, both historically and in present times. The perception of urban waters is shaped by practices of valuation. These valuations are generative. They connect the value of water to other entities, actors, plans, activities and buildings, and they are thus key to the river landscapes that will eventually be realised. By way of conclusion, we identify a number of governance challenges that are particularly relevant to urban rivers.
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| 8. |
- Rämö, Robert, et al.
(författare)
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Sediment Remediation Using Activated Carbon: Effects of Sorbent Particle Size and Resuspension on Sequestration of Metals and Organic Contaminants.
- 2022
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Ingår i: Environmental toxicology and chemistry. - : Wiley. - 1552-8618 .- 0730-7268. ; 41:4, s. 1096-1110
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Thin-layer capping using activated carbon (AC) has been described as a cost-effective in situ sediment remediation method for organic contaminants. In this study, we compare the capping efficiency of powdered AC (PAC) against granular AC (GAC) using contaminated sediment from Oskarshamn harbor, Sweden. The effects of resuspension on contaminant retention and cap integrity were also studied. Intact sediment cores were collected from the outer harbor and brought to the laboratory. Three thin-layer caps, consisting of PAC or GAC mixed with clay, or clay only, were added to the sediment surface. Resuspension was created using a motor-driven paddle to simulate propeller wash from ship traffic. Passive samplers were placed in the sediment and in the water column to measure the sediment-to-water release of PAHs, PCBs, and metals. Our results show that a thin-layer cap with PAC reduced sediment-to-water fluxes of PCBs by 57 % under static conditions and 91 % under resuspension. Thin-layer capping with GAC was less effective than PAC, but reduced fluxes of high-molecular weight PAHs. Thin-layer capping with AC was less effective in retaining metals, except for Cd, which release was significantly reduced by PAC. Resuspension generally decreased water concentrations of dissolved cationic metals, perhaps due to sorption to suspended sediment particles. Sediment resuspension in treatments without capping increased fluxes of PCBs with log Kow > 7 and PAHs with log Kow 5 6, but resuspension reduced PCB and PAH fluxes through the PAC thin-layer cap. Overall, PAC performed better than GAC, but adverse effects on the benthic community and transport of PAC to non-target areas are drawbacks that favor the use of GAC. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.© 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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| 9. |
- Hörteborn, Axel, 1986, et al.
(författare)
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Economic incentives and technological limitations govern environmental impact of LNG feeder vessels
- 2023
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Ingår i: Journal of Cleaner Production. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 0959-6526 .- 1879-1786. ; 429
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the transition to sustainable shipping, Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), is proposed to play a role, reducing emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. However, LNG is a fossil fuel and there is an ongoing discussion regarding the extent of methane slip from ships operating on LNG, challenging the assumptions of LNG as a sustainable solution. Here we show another aspect to consider in the environmental assessment of shipping; LNG feeder vessels may spend as much as 25% of their time at sea just running the ship to ensure the pressure in the tanks are not exceeded, i.e., run time not directly attributed to the shipment of gas from one port or ship, to another. In other words, the economic incentives are currently allowing for roughly 32% increase of the ships’ operational emissions and discharges and increased navigational risks. Most coastal areas are heavily affected by anthropogenic activities and e.g., in the Baltic Sea there is consensus among the HELCOM member states that the input of nutrient and hazardous substances must be reduced. Even if the LNG feeder vessels are currently few, the possibility to reduce their environmental impact by 32% should be an attractive opportunity for future policy measures and investigation of technological solutions of the problem.
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| 10. |
- Cullinane, Kevin
(författare)
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Targeting the Environmental Sustainability of European Shipping: The Need for Innovation in Policy and Technology
- 2014
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- At their Summit meeting in Gothenburg in June 2001, Europe’s heads of state and government reached agreement on a European strategy for sustainable development. The social and economic dimensions of the Lisbon strategy were complemented by an environmental dimension. Thus, the Gothenburg Summit represents a breakthrough for sustainable development in the European Union (EU). The University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology made a commitment to serve, through the joint Centre for Environment and Sustainability (GMV), as a hub for research and scientific follow up of the EU sustainable development strategy. In order to fulfill this commitment, the two universities have established a European Panel for Sustainable Development (EPSD), together with Lund University. In addition, individual members from other universities and research institutes contribute to the work of the Panel. The Centre for Environment and Sustainability (GMV) in Gothenburg is the lead organization in the EPSD. The first report produced by the Panel in 2004 was “From Here to Sustainability – Is the Lisbon/Gothenburg Agenda Delivering?” This was put forward as an independent contribution from academics to the mid-term review of the Lisbon strategy for growth, competitiveness and jobs. The second report “Make the Kok-report sustainable” was produced by the EPSD as a reflection on, and a response to, the mid-term review on the Lisbon strategy chaired by the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Wim Kok. The third report “Towards a Smart Growth Strategy for Sustainable Development” aimed to contribute to the re-launch of the EU sustainable development strategy. It contained a critical assessment of “A Platform for Action”, the proposal for an updated strategy put forward by the European Commission. The fourth report “TAKING CHILDREN SERIOUSLY – How the EU can Invest in Early Childhood Education for a Sustainable Future” presented research on children’s interest and ability to understand questions on the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The present report “Targeting the Environmental Sustainability of European Shipping: The Need for Innovation in Policy and Technology” has emerged from a background survey with the aim of mapping what is being done on sustainable shipping within the European Union. A wide scope of strategic EU policy sectors and documents, including existing directives, legislation and regulations on shipping were scrutinized to describe the actual knowledge framework. The background study defines areas where new research could contribute in closing knowledge gaps, and gives a compilation of directives and policy documents concerning sustainable shipping in a European perspective. Based on a definition of sustainable shipping that include all three pillars of sustainable development, the present report presents a holistic view and strategies for achieving a sustainable shipping industry. The report provides scientifically based knowledge of various aspects that affect sustainability at sea, such as particles, greenhouse gases, ship wrecks, ship recycling, and intermodality, as well as a comprehensive overview and updates on regulations. These various areas are presented as separate chapters and solid recommendations are presented on future actions (on EU and international level) to make the shipping industry in Europe a sustainable business. The main author of the report was Prof. Kevin Cullinane, Edinburgh Napier University, UK. The separate chapters in the report were written by Lars Barregård, University of Gothenburg, Erik Fridell, Hulda Winnes, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute (Particle emission from ships); Hannes Johnson 1 , Chalmers University of Technology (GHG Emissions and the Energy Efficiency Gap in Shipping); Peter Domini, Stena Metall (Ship Recycling: A Global Issue); Lars Barregård, University of Gothenburg (The Health Risks Associated with the Ship Breaking Industry); Ida-Maja Hassellöv, Chalmers University of Technology (Potentially Polluting Shipwrecks); Abhinayan Basu Bal, University of Gothenburg (Sustainable Intermodal Transport with Short Sea Shipping in the EU); A number of researchers and knowledgeable persons have constituted a reference group and further contributed to the report: Katarina Gårdfeldt, Maria Svane, Dan Strömberg, and Jonas Norrman, GMV, Gothenburg; Karin Andersson, Björn Södahl, Josefin Borg, and Oliver Lindqvist, Chalmers University of Technology; Lars Göran Malmberg, Johan Boman, Johan Woxenius, and Mattias Hallquist, University of Gothenburg, Christer Forsgren, Stena Metall; Anders Carlberg, Vgregion; Carl Carlsson, Swedish Shipowners Association, and Axel Wenblad, Former GD National Board of Fisheries. Dan Strömberg, and Maria Svane, University of Gothenburg, have been invaluable during the course of the project and as editors of the publication. The report has been endorsed by the EPSD. Bo Samuelsson Chairman of EPSD
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