An analysis of feed-in tariff remuneration models: Implications for renewable energy investment

Recent experience from around the world suggests that feed-in tariffs (FITs) are the most effective policy to encourage the rapid and sustained deployment of renewable energy. There are several different ways to structure a FIT policy, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This paper presents an overview of seven different ways to structure the remuneration of a FIT policy, divided into two broad categories: those in which remuneration is dependent on the electricity price, and those that remain independent from it. This paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of these different FIT models, and concludes with an analysis of these design options, with a focus on their implications both for investors and for society.     

Mesomorphism of dialkylterthiophene homologues

New dialkylterthiophene liquid crystalline compounds were synthesised and characterised using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and polarized optical microscopy (POM). Upon cooling from the isotropic state to the crystalline phase, these dialkylterthiophenes present different types of smectic mesophases. For the highest ordered smectic phase, XRD analyses have revealed a molecular organisation within the smectic layers and the key structural parameters are determined by molecular modelling simulations. The structural properties of these smectic phases are discussed in relation to the alkyl chain length.     

Prediction of milk fatty acid composition by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy

Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) (700–2500 nm) was used to predict milk fatty acid (FA) composition. Broad FA variability was ensured by using experimental cow milk derived from different feeding regimes (pasture and preserved forages with or without lipid supplements). Detailed FA composition was analyzed by gas chromatography. Predictive equations (354 samples) were developed for liquid and oven-dried milk samples using modified partial least squares with cross-validation and external validation (114 samples). Coefficient of determination in external validation (R²V) and residual predictive deviation (RPD) were good (R²V ≥ 0.88; RPD ≥ 3.26) for saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), unsaturated fatty acids (UNSAT), trans FA, trans and cis-C18:1, caproic, caprilic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic and oleic acids in oven-dried milk, approximate for polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), stearic, vaccenic and rumenic acids (R²V ≤ 0.81; RPD ≤ 3.23) and poor for linoleic, linolenic, total n-6 and n-3 acids. The quantification was more accurate for oven-dried milk, but good results were also obtained for SFA, MUFA, palmitic and oleic acids in liquid milk.     

Damage localization using experimental modal parameters and topology optimization

This work focuses on the development of a damage detection and localization tool using the topology optimization feature of MSC.Nastran. This approach is based on the correlation of a local stiffness loss and the change in modal parameters due to damages in structures. The loss in stiffness is accounted by the topology optimization approach for updating undamaged numerical models towards similar models with embedded damages. Hereby, only a mass penalization and the changes in experimentally obtained modal parameters are used as objectives. The theoretical background for the implementation of this method is derived and programmed in a Nastran input file and the general feasibility of the approach is validated numerically, as well as experimentally by updating a model of an experimentally tested composite laminate specimen. The damages have been introduced to the specimen by controlled low energy impacts and high quality vibration tests have been conducted on the specimen for different levels of damage. These supervised experiments allow to test the numerical diagnosis tool by comparing the result with both NDT technics and results of previous works (concerning shifts in modal parameters due to damage). Good results have finally been achieved for the localization of the damages by the topology optimization.     

Potential of nisin-incorporated sodium caseinate films to control Listeria in artificially contaminated cheese

A sodium caseinate film containing nisin (1000 IU/cm²) was produced and used to control Listeria innocua in an artificially contaminated cheese. Mini red Babybel^® cheese was chosen as a model semi-soft cheese. L. innocua was both surface- and in-depth inoculated to investigate the effectiveness of the antimicrobial film as a function of the distance from the surface in contact with the film. The presence of the active film resulted in a 1.1 log CFU/g reduction in L. innocua counts in surface-inoculated cheese samples after one week of storage at 4 °C as compared to control samples. With regard to in-depth inoculated cheese samples, antimicrobial efficiency was found to be dependent on the distance from the surface in contact with the active films to the cheese matrix. The inactivation rates obtained were 1.1, 0.9 and 0.25 log CFU/g for distances from the contact surface of 1 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm, respectively. Our study demonstrates the potential application of sodium caseinate films containing nisin as a promising method to overcome problems associated with post-process contamination, thereby extending the shelf life and possibly enhancing the microbial safety of cheeses.     

Best practices for comparing optimization algorithms

Comparing, or benchmarking, of optimization algorithms is a complicated task that involves many subtle considerations to yield a fair and unbiased evaluation. In this paper, we systematically review the benchmarking process of optimization algorithms, and discuss the challenges of fair comparison. We provide suggestions for each step of the comparison process and highlight the pitfalls to avoid when evaluating the performance of optimization algorithms. We also discuss various methods of reporting the benchmarking results. Finally, some suggestions for future research are presented to improve the current benchmarking process.     

Multiscale Photoelectrochemical Studies on Oxidized Duplex Stainless Steels

Photoelectrochemical characterizations at macroscopic, microscopic and mesoscopic scales were performed on thermally oxidized duplex stainless steel samples, with special attention paid to the differences exhibited by the oxides formed on austenitic and ferritic grains. Whereas duplex stainless steel oxidized in water vapour exhibited overall n-type semiconduction after 5 min oxidation, or n-type semiconduction combined with an insulating behaviour after 1 h oxidation at 850 °C, only overall p-type semiconduction was shown by samples oxidized in oxygen. Mesoscopic experiments allowed to put in evidence that the oxides grown on austenitic grains showed a lower chromium content in Fe_2?x Cr _x O₃. On the other hand, the contrast in the photoelectrochemical images could be explained by the ratio of the photocurrents measured on austenitic grains to the ones measured on ferritic grains. Atmosphere-dependent changes in the relative chromia fraction in austenitic and ferritic grains were also evidenced.     

Investigation of the self-healing properties of shape memory polyurethane coatings with the ‘odd random phase multisine’ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

The aim of this work is to study the physical self-healing properties of shape memory polyurethanes (SMPUs) with cerium ions on top of a pure aluminum substrate. To achieve this, the ‘odd random phase multisine’ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is used. The additional information given by this technique (stochastic noise, non-linear and non-stationary behavior of the sample during the measurement) has been useful to verify the quality of the measurement. Moreover, combined with a fitting algorithm weighted by the stochastic noise, these elements of information proved powerful in rejecting, accepting or improving electrical equivalent circuit models used to fit the impedance spectra.These SMPU consist of two parts: a soft matrix in caprolactone and a hard part in polyurethane. SMPU with 12, 30 and 41% of hard phase were investigated. The results showed that a physical self-healing can be observed for the coating with 12% of hard phase.     

Gauging Rivers during All Seasons Using the Q2D Velocity Index Method

This paper presents a new model (Q2D) for the velocity distribution in a channel cross section for use in estimating discharge. It describes the model and its theoretical basis and presents the results of a case study. The distribution is determined by combining the principle of maximum entropy with a probability distribution obtained by the solution of the Poisson equation over the cross section. The model uses observed depth and velocity in the water column, where an acoustic Doppler current profiler is installed to determine three key flow parameters to obtain velocity and discharge. In addition, if supporting field discharge measurements are available, the model can be further calibrated to account for any asymmetry in the flow. If velocity distribution data exist for the entire cross section, the model can be adjusted to stretch the predicted velocity pattern to better conform to experimental observations. When applied to the Chateauguay River, Quebec, for both ice covered and open water, Q2D predicted 12 gauged discharges with a ?4% bias and an average absolute error of 7% prior to calibration. After removing the bias through calibration, the average absolute error was reduced to 5%.     

An analytical model of an elementary elliptical cell forming an alveolar elastic material under plane stress

This paper analyzes the static behavior of alveoled materials that is about to be developed for dynamic optimization of structural panels. It deals precisely with materials made of elliptical thin cells, filled with polymer material. The main contribution of the paper consists in elaborating an analytical approach describing the material. The considered problem represents an unidirectional stress, the goal being to calculate the elastic energy and strain globally obtained in the material. The wall of the elementary cell is represented in accordance with the classical BRESSE’s theory of thin beams, with specific adaptation for elliptical shape. The polymer material filling the cell is modelized with ABSI’s method of equivalence, which allows a direct approximation of various continuous media by equivalent spring segments. This method is presented and discussed for the present configuration, with its specific adaptation. The final result obtained by these analytical approaches is then compared to results from a finite element model. In spite of local differences between the analytical results and numerical computation, it appears clearly that the precision obtained by the proposed analytical approach is better than 95%, which is sufficient for this kind of material. Thus, the proposed analytical calculation and methodology allows robust and quick determination of material characteristics for elementary cells of such alveoled materials. The resulting laws can then be introduced into global models of a grid of cells.