R&D advancement,technology diffusion,and impact on evaluation of public R&D

In a 2001 report titled Energy Research at DOE: Was It Worth It? a National Research Council (NRC) committee defined a set of simplifying rules to estimate the net economic benefits from technologies supported by the Department of Energy (DOE). We evaluate the efficacy of the NRC rules compared to published literature on acceleration of technology introduction into markets, technology diffusion, and infrastructure change. We also offer considerations for revisions of the rules that call for the use of technology and sector-specific data, advanced forecasting techniques, and sensitivity analysis to test the robustness of the methodology.     

Energy R&D A UK perspective

Energy R & D is essential for countries wishing to lessen their dependence on imported oil and to widen their long-term options for energy policy. Accepting that energy R & D must be viewed in an international context, Mr Surrey and Mr Walker review the UK coal, gas, oil, nuclear and electricity supply industries' programmes, examine the role of government and suggest guidelines for a national strategy. They call for more positive direction of energy R & D by the Government in order to balance the interests of the nationalised fuel industries where they conflict or overlap, and to ensure consistency of energy R & D policy with industrial policies.     

R&D investment strategy for climate change

The economic costs of stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations over the coming century depend critically on the development of new technologies in the energy sector. Our research and development (R&D) investment strategy is the control variable for technology availability. This paper proposes an analytic framework for determining optimal R&D investment allocation and presents some numerical results to demonstrate the implementation of the methodology. The value of technological advance in three targeted areas–fossil-based generation, renewables, and carbon capture and storage–is represented by the increase in expected welfare in the presence of an emissions policy constraint of initially uncertain stringency. R&D expenditure increases the probability of advance. Optimal investment is determined by its relationship with success probability, which is assumed to exhibit decreasing returns to scale, relative to the value of success. While the numerical results are speculative, the paper offers insights into the nature of an optimal technology strategy for addressing climate change.     

Decision frameworks and the investment in R&D

In this paper we provide an overview of decision frameworks aimed at crafting an energy technology Research & Development portfolio, based on the results of three large expert elicitation studies and a large scale energy-economic model. We introduce importance sampling as a technique for integrating elicitation data and large IAMs into decision making under uncertainty models. We show that it is important to include both parts of this equation – the prospects for technological advancement and the interactions of the technologies in and with the economy. We find that investment in energy technology R&D is important even in the absence of climate policy. We illustrate the value of considering dynamic two-stage sequential decision models under uncertainty for identifying alternatives with option value. Finally, we consider two frameworks that incorporate ambiguity aversion. We suggest that these results may be best used to guide future research aimed at improving the set of elicitation data.     

Hydrogen engine: research and development (R&D) programmes in Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi

Active research in the development of hydrogen-fuelled low-emission engines is being pursued at the Engines and Unconventional Fuels Laboratory of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), for a period of close to two decades. This paper highlights the significant pursuits and attainments of the research and development (R&D) activities carried out in IIT, Delhi on hydrogen-operated engines. Both spark ignition (SI) and compression ignition engine test rigs have been developed and instrumented for the use of hydrogen fuel. Several existing petroleum-fuelled engine configurations have been modified by taking care to observe that the converted system does not need substantial hardware modifications. Various fuel induction techniques have been experimentally evaluated keeping in view the temperamental combustion characteristic of this fuel. Curative and preventive steps have been adopted and suitable retrofits and subsystems have been installed at the appropriate locations to preclude the possibility of any undesirable combustion phenomena such as backfire, knocking and rapid rate of pressure rise. Performance, emission and combustion characteristics of the systems have been determined. It has been observed that an appropriately designed timed manifold injection system can overcome the problem of backfire in a hydrogen engine. NO_x emission level from a hydrogen-operated SI engine can be drastically reduced by way of lean engine operation.     

Real options valuation of fusion energy R&D programme

This paper aims to perform a real options valuation of fusion energy R&D programme. Strategic value of thermonuclear fusion technology is estimated here based on the expected cash flows from construction and operation of fusion power plants and the real options value arising due to managerial flexibility and the underlying uncertainty. First, a basic investment option model of Black–Scholes type is being considered. Then, a fuzzy compound real R&D option model is elaborated, which reflects in a better way the multi-stage nature of the programme and takes into account the imprecision of information as one of the components of the overall programme uncertainty. Two different strategies are compared: “Baseline” corresponding to a relatively moderate pace of fusion research, development, demonstration and deployment activities vs. “Accelerated” strategy, which assumes a rapid demonstration and massive deployment of fusion. The conclusions are drawn from the model calculations regarding the strategic value of fusion energy R&D and the advantages of accelerated development path.     

R&D programmes in the field of hydrogen economy

After a short survey of the perspectives of hydrogen in the future energy market, the research and development programmes in the field of hydrogen are reviewed. Approximately homogeneous groups of research subjects are shown, with the corresponding efforts of each country. A rough estimate of the overall present R&D effort in the field of hydrogen is suggested and the possible outcomes are sketched.     

Nanotechnology for the progress of lithium batteries R&D

In this paper we report the strategy followed in our laboratories for the progress of lithium ion batteries. The results show that nanotechnology is a very promising tool for achieving breakthrough in electrode and electrolyte materials. The concept is demonstrated for the cases of metal storage and metal oxide anodes, phospho olivine lithium iron phosphate cathodes and solvent-free, poly(ethylene oxide)-based polymer electrolytes.     

Uncertain R&D,backstop technology and GHGs stabilization

This paper analyses optimal investments in innovation when dealing with a stringent climate target and with the uncertain effectiveness of R&D. The innovation needed to achieve the deep cut in emissions is modeled by a backstop carbon-free technology whose cost depends on R&D investments. To better represent the process of technological progress, we assume that R&D effectiveness is uncertain. By means of a simple analytical model, we show how accounting for the uncertainty that characterizes technological advancement yields higher investments in innovation and lower policy costs. We then confirm the results via a numerical analysis performed with a stochastic version of WITCH, an energy–economy–climate model. The results stress the importance of a correct specification of the technological change process in economy–climate models.     

R&D of the ground-coupled heat pump technology in China

The ground-coupled heat pump (GCHP) systems have been identified as one of the best sustainable energy technologies for space heating and cooling in residential and commercial buildings. In this paper, research on and development of the GCHP technology in China are summarized. New models are presented for efficient thermal analysis of ground heat exchangers, of which one- and two-dimensional solid cylindrical source models and their analytical solutions are devised to deal with pile ground heat exchangers. Analytical solutions are also derived for vertical and inclined finite line source models as well as for a groundwater advection model. Explicit solutions of a quasi-three-dimensional model can be used to better evaluate the thermal resistance inside boreholes. Studies on hybrid GCHP systems and the thermal response test in China are also commented.     

2. Outline of the Commission's Wind Energy R&D Programme

Wind speed data (in metres per second) and direction (in degrees) were recorded at hourly intervals for a period of 1 year from September 2004 to August 2005 at two mast heights of 10 and 25 m. The data recorded were analysed and the regional wind climate determined using the WAsP 8.2 program and a vector map of the region covering 12×12 km. The orography of the area was characterised by elevation contours at 5 m intervals. On the basis of details obtained from the aerial photographic images, the roughness classes were also assigned. The time series wind data were analysed and the Weibull distribution for the two projected heights of 50 and 70 m as per the requirement of the proposed wind turbine generator (WTG) was evaluated. It is seen that the annual energy production in the area from 1 MW WTG is 3.712 GWh at 50 m hub height and 4.431 GWh at 70 m hub height, indicating a satisfactory wind energy generation potential. This paper describes the methodology adopted for the evaluation of wind energy potential for the site.     

Clean technology R&D and innovation in emerging countries—Experience from China

This paper touches upon two key issues related to clean technology deployment in emerging countries: what is the life cycle of R&D and innovation? And where does the R&D funding come from? The paper holds that the innovation climate, system and process in emerging countries do not follow the same trajectory as those in developed countries. Crafting an innovation model that is adapted to the needs and conditions of emerging countries thus is critical. Through revealing the four phases of an innovation life cycle in emerging countries, the paper highlights the dominant role of the public sector in clean technology R&D.     

燃气轮机故障诊断技术研究综述与展望

研究先进的故障诊断技术对燃气轮机精确测定系统内的故障是其主要的发展方向,这对提高燃气轮机的经济性能具有重要的意义。介绍了国内外燃气轮机故障诊断技术研究的发展现状,并对各种研究方法进行了归类,分析了各自的特点并对其前景进行了展望。     

Restricted carbon emissions and directed R&D support; an applied general equilibrium analysis

We analyse welfare effects of supporting general versus emission-saving technological development when carbon emissions are regulated by a carbon tax. We use a computable general equilibrium model with induced technological change (ITC). ITC is driven by two separate, economically motivated research and development (R&D) activities, one general and one emission-saving specified as carbon capture and storage (CCS). We study public revenue neutral policy alternatives targeted towards general R&D and CCS R&D. Support to general R&D is the welfare superior. However, the welfare gap between the two R&D policy alternatives is reduced with higher carbon tax levels. For sufficiently high levels of the carbon tax equal subsidy rates are preferred.     

上海天然气发展概况

天然气作为一种清洁高效的能源,是低碳经济的重要支柱。为了保证天然气的有效利用,稳定可靠的天然气供应是前提。文章以上海的天然气供应体系为例,分析了多气源供应、LNG储备、合理的管网配置、有效的调峰方式等对确保天然气稳定可靠供应的作用。     

In-depth analysis on R&D investment and strategy on PV in South Korea

Photovoltaics (PV) is an eco-friendly and green technology, as a renewable energy source, with the aim of minimizing carbon dioxide emission into the atmosphere. The Korean government has financed various domestic installations as well as research and development (R&D) programs to enter and develop a lead in the worldwide PV market. In this study, R&D investments in the area of PV are analyzed in terms of the respective ministry, performer, research characteristics, PV materials and output levels in detail. The Korean government in the Fiscal year (FY) 2010 provided $178 million dollars from R&D funds for PV development. 74% of the R&D funds in the context of PV has been invested by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy (MKE). Expenditures for R&D programs in terms of PV are mainly funded by small-medium companies (40%), and the portion of the R&D investment in crystalline silicon solar cells is the highest in terms of materials. In spite of the high levels of R&D investment in PV, the output for commercialization was relatively lower compared to the R&D input in FY 2009–2010. With these results, we suggested to develop various solutions to improve the R&D investment efficiency for PV technology in Korea.     

Key near-term R&D issues for continuous improvement in CIS-based thin-film PV modules

In a large-area approach up to 60 cm×120 cm size, monolithically integrated CIS-based thin-film PV modules have come to the efficiency level of 13%. The key near-term R&D issues to realize continuous improvement in CIS-based thin-film PV modules are related to their competitiveness against the crystalline-Si PV modules. In this contribution, the following three issues are discussed. The first and main issue is how important it is to understand the interfaces in the CIS-based thin-film circuit to improve the efficiency, because CIS-based thin-film circuits are fabricated in a stacked structure of four or five thin films. The second and third issues are how beneficial it is to develop the packaging and material recycle technologies in order to reduce the production cost.     

Liquid metal thermal hydraulics R&D at European scale: achievements and prospects

A significant role for a future nuclear carbon-free energy production is attributed to fast reactors, mostly employing a liquid metal as a coolant. This paper summarizes the efforts that have been undertaken in collaborative projects sponsored by the European Commission in the past 20 years in the fields of liquid-metal heat transfer modeling, fuel assembly and core thermal hydraulics, pool and system thermal hydraulics, and establishment of best practice guidelines and verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification (UQ). The achievements in these fields will be presented along with the prospects on topics which will be studied collaboratively in Europe in the years to come. These prospects include further development of heat transfer models for applied computational fluid dynamics (CFD), further analysis of the consequences of fuel assembly blockages on coolant flow and temperature, analysis of the thermal hydraulic effects in deformed fuel assemblies, extended validation of three-dimensional pool thermal hydraulic CFD models, and further development and validation of multi-scale system thermal hydraulic methods.     

The effects of environmental sustainability and R&D on corporate risk-taking: International evidence

In this paper, we ask an important question: can firm-level environmentally sustainable practices and research and development (R&D) intensity individually and jointly affect corporate risk-taking? Using firm-level data from 41 countries spanning 2002–2013, we find environmentally sustainable practices and R&D intensity enhance the risk-taking of firms. Voluntary sustainable practices generate a positive and significant effect on corporate risk-taking. We also find that country-level determinants play a complementary role. Firms operating in countries with better intellectual property rights protection and overall infrastructure benefit more from environment-friendly practices and R&D intensity. Further, we find that ESI has a positive effect on risk taking in countries with higher CO₂ emissions per capita, energy usages per capita and more stringent environmental policies. These results are robust after correcting for potential endogeneity, alternative measures of R&D intensity or ESI score. Overall, our findings provide key insights on policy recommendations at the national and international levels.