Projects / Programmes
Modelling and environmental impact assessment of processes and energy technologies
January 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.03.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Energy engineering |
|
| 2.02.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Chemical engineering |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T140 |
Technological sciences |
Energy research |
| P305 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Environmental chemistry |
Energy, environmental protection, process chains, energy efficiency, multi-criteria process evaluation, modelling, waste management, toxic chemicals, radioactive substances
Researchers (11)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
The programme includes basic research, validation of new detection methods and development of applicative knowledge in order to obtain integrated knowledge as regards looking for new development possibilities concerning environmental protection, natural and cultural heritage. Processes in environment and energy are complex and interconnected, along production chains and environment impacts, as well as in geographical and time sequence. Research is thus oriented to processes of great dimensions being of wider significance for economic systems and entire society. Modelling, estimation of environment impacts and selection of strategies is based on simplified but sufficient presentation of details, selection of key observed parameters (indicators) and multi-criteria evaluation of processes and development strategies on the level of intervention or strategy in a certain region or at the national level. Basic research approach is modelling "bottom-up", from individual technological processes to chains (vertical) and by statistical analysis and aggregation (horizontal). Complex models are in the form of a network, supported by suitable programming which is specific as regards the purpose of the research. Model characterisation and scenario analyses carried out on that basis will expose more or less promising technologies and suitable time for mass introduction of new environment friendly technologies. Research is aimed at fields, which have not yet been sufficiently considered, e.g., co-impact of state measures and market mechanisms, which is also a direct challenge in energy and environmental protection. An important research component is elaboration of terms for technological development, eventually leading into suitable combinations of technical regulations and standards, as well as proposals for flexible, stimulating and market instruments.
Main research objective of studies concerned with toxic substances in the environment is achieving knowledge and capabilities for radioactive materials characterisation and introduction of appropriate systems for their management.
Significance for science
Research into operation of complex environmental and/or energy systems is a lively field at international level, encouraged by new global challenges. Substantial part of research has therefore been carried out in the framework of international, especially European-scale projects. Within the current EU Framework Programme, holistic approach in environmental and energy research is emphasized. In this context, connection between research achievements and social decisions has been of key importance for the development of science. Suitable model consideration, presentation and management of complex systems is a key factor of the success in that connection. The research group investigated overall impacts of energy technologies onto the environment and thus contributed scientific and expert basis for an efficient remediation of polluted areas. Research carried out is very important for the development of models and programme tools for system researches in energy, methodology development for the energy efficiency calculation, the efficient energy use and green house gases reduction, as well as energy management tools development. Research contributed towards better knowing processes of large dimensions important for economic systems and for the society. Research for needs of management of energy - environment interaction was based on modelling of the entire energy system involving modelling of sub-systems for particular economic activity, which was then combined for different processes, connected on different energy levels. Network connection of processes and sub-systems was applied. Such network model as complex linkages of processes gives possibility for studying and analysing energy and environmental impacts for different scenarios and different strategies of development. The verification of the developed sector and integrated models has been made by harmonization of model parameters on the basis of simulation and in comparison with the real data. Research into the modelling, environmental impact assessment and contaminants transport in the environment are more and more oriented from the determination of their levels and dose calculations towards understanding the processes of biogeochemical transformations and deeper understanding of environmental processes. The research programme was following this trend thus contributing to the science and allowing for incorporation of the Slovenian scientists into the worldwide research trends. Research objective of studies concerned with toxic substances in the environment as consequence of operating energy systems contributed towards better management and assessment of pollution sources, dynamics and transport of the substances studied, ecological exposure of biota and man, as well as towards introduction of novel concepts of countermeasures for remediation purposes. New knowledge was acquired on radioactive pollutants, their sources, fate and management. In particular, the studies of biogeochemical transformations of radionuclides in contaminated areas were of great importance, aimed at assessing the mass streams and elaborating a model describing transport of critical radionuclides. Dynamics of a fire in the environment was modelled and applied to a nuclear facility, thus allowing for the calculation of the probability of an event, where fire outside the protected area would endanger the facility. An important contribution represents an artificial neuron network modelling of carstic watershed contaminated by PCBs. Such approach allows for predicting future behaviour of an existing pollution dynamics thus serving as scientific basis for the remedial countermeasures to be implemented. The programme group published 21 scientific papers in journals included in the WoS, 4 papers in other peer-reviewed journals, 27 papers in proceedings of international conferences and 8 papers in proceedings of national conferences. The papers were 294-times quoted. There was also two PhD thesis concluded.
Significance for the country
The research programme aimed at supporting sustainable development of Slovenia: energy efficiency improvement, the use of renewable sources and reduction of greenhouse gases release. Decisions on development options are of key importance for the Slovene national originality, requiring quality supportive scientific information, based on appropriate modelling and quantity analyses. Research results formed scientific basis for the key programme documents on energetics. Research was also focused on analysing influence of emission trading onto the industry, concerning operational as well as investment viewpoints, both being of key importance for establishing starting points for the new trade period. Results help managers in their decision making processes, as emission trading, being both an environmental and economic instrument, influences operation of the facilities involved in the trading scheme. The research results have been forwarded to the interested end-users to be applied at their respective workshops and seminars concerned with energy-efficient technologies. The research group obtained support for its research programme from state institutions and leading Slovenian industrial/energy enterprises. Its work and cooperation in projects for industrial / energy enterprises as well as for the relevant Ministries prove importance of the research carried out. The group has been actively involved in feasibility studies, energy audits and consultancies in the field of preparation of efficient energy use programmes for industrial enterprises and other end users. The group has also actively participated in the Innovation Relay Centre Slovenia. Research objective of studies concerned with toxic substances in the environment as consequence of operating energy systems has been focused towards supporting safe operation of energy facilities, introducing novel concepts of countermeasures for remediation purposes and providing scientific basis in executing relevant national programmes. New knowledge on biogeochemical transformations of radionuclides at the former uranium mine Žirovski Vrh (RŽV) area was accrued. The final goal of these investigations is to assess the mass streams and elaborate a model describing transport of critical radionuclides within the specific area of RŽV. A tool for modelling the influence of exceptional events on important energy facilities was elaborated and tested on the geometry of the Krško NPP. The Hot Cells Facility (HCF) was renewed and commissioned. HCF is now, as defined in the relevant national resolutions, main part of the system for management of radioactive waste emerging from small producers as well as the central facility for interventions involving highly radioactive sources in case of an accident, illegal trafficking or a terrorist act. A pollution dynamics model of the Krupa river by PCBs was introduced. The results obtained serve as scientific basis for the final remedial countermeasures to be implemented in the future. Final remediation of the polluted river Krupa area is of big importance for socio-economic and cultural development not only the affected Bela Krajina region but also Slovenia as whole. The Slovenian Government/responsible ministries and EU support the activities targeting this issue. In the field of education and knowledge transfer in the past period, several seminars and workshops were organized and carried out for individual technologies and education of energy managers. The researchers participate in under- and graduate- level study programmes at two universities and one international post-graduate school. Education of young scientists is therefore an important activity of the programme group. The research programme helps maintain the base of qualified scientists who, with their knowledge and professional expertise, support in Slovenia the safe use of nuclear energy and technology, and maintain the emergency preparedness.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
