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Health Effects of Ultrafine Particles

Ultrafine particles represent the smallest size fractions of particles with sizes from one to about 100 nanometers in aerodynamic diameter . Thus, their specific health effects are related to their physical capacity to reach diverse organ systems. The aims of this project were to systematically review the scientific literature on the health effects of ultrafine particles, to evaluate the quality of the selected studies and to assess the transferability of the results to the situation in Germany. The  search strategy yielded 85 references of original articles. As a result, the evidence on health effects related to the exposure with ultrafine particles remains inconclusive or insufficient for most of the studied health outcomes. Veröffentlicht in Umwelt & Gesundheit | 5/2018.

Windtec 1200 kW-cost/light-weight wind turbine

Das Projekt "Windtec 1200 kW-cost/light-weight wind turbine" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Windtest Kaiser-Wilhelm-Koog durchgeführt. General Information/Objectives: The objective of the project is to develop a 3-bladed, 1.2 MW, variable speed, pitch controlled wind turbine, with (a) reduced tower head mass, (b) optimized energy yield for low wind speed regimes, and (c) improved logistics with strong emphasis on the erection of the turbine without crane. The combination of all these improvements are expected to lead to reduced costs of power production, whereby the goal is to produce electrical power for 0.038 ECU/kWh in a wind regime of 8 m/s at a hub height of 60 m. Technical Approach Above objectives are achieved by developing various new components as: (1) Improved variable speed power electrics on the basis of a doubly fed induction generator. (2) Integrated drive train design with the main target of reducing weight and costs. (3) Light weight rotor blade design, utilizing carbon fibre technology. (4) Optimized slip-form concrete tower designed to reduce costs and to improve the dynamics of the complete system. (5) Modular nacelle design including an on-board erectable crane system, which allows the nacelle and the rotor to be installed without an external mobile crane. After the engineering phase a prototype will be manufactured and installed in the eastern part of Austria. Loads and performance measurements will be performed and reported under the Scientific Measurement and Evaluation Programme (SMEP), which was developed for the WEGA-II machines. The analysis of the measurements will be the basis for (a) the validation of the design and the performance of the wind turbine, and (b) further improvements of the design. Expected Achievements and Exploitation The expected outputs of the project are: (1) Validation of software programs by comparing dynamic simulations with measurements. (2) Development of a variable speed power electrics system, which is highly efficient and at the same time very cost effective. (3) Development of a light weight rotor blade with high aerodynamic efficiency. (4) Improvement of the logistics for the installation of a MW-class wind turbine. The combination of all these features should lead to a wind turbine with substantially improved economics by guaranteeing excellent power quality. Prime Contractor: Windtec Anlagenerrichtung- und Consulting GmbH; Völkermarkt; Austria.

Self Sustained Compact Mobile System Turning Waste Sludge Inert

Das Projekt "Self Sustained Compact Mobile System Turning Waste Sludge Inert" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Muegge-electronic GmbH durchgeführt. With the increasing population densities within the EU and the predicted rise in the volume of sewage sludge to 10 Bn tonnes p.a., there is an urgent need to provide the 40,000 waste water treatment plants with a cost effective and energy efficient method of converting their biologically active sludge output into an inert form, on-site prior to it's transportation and in a safe form for landfill. European emission standards for disposal and incineration have to be met. There is a need for reduction of hazardous, biologically active sludge being land filled and potentially contaminating ground water supplies for drinking water. Sludge is transported from sewage plants to the incineration with content of only 30 percent dry substance (DS). 1.15 M tonnes of DS mean actually 3.83 M tonnes p.a. of sludge being transported. This equates to 191,500 truck loads of 20 tonnes each. The main innovation of the project is the combination of sludge drying and gasification in one unit having both steps heated up by microwave. The project will develop a basic understanding of the dynamic processes involved in heat transfer and antenna interaction of microwave and the aerodynamic control of flows within the dryer cavity. One specific innovative step required is the design of a novel antenna, using arial technique configuration to achieve sufficient microwave energy density and homogeneity across the conveyed pellet stream to achieve 95 percent dryness at stage 1 because the gasification process at stage 2 needs dry input of more then 92 percent. This project delivers the development of a compact and therefore mobile combined sludge drying and gasification system that uses microwave energy to improve the thermal efficiency of both drying and gasification processes and produces waste solid in an inert form. These systems can process up to 1.7 tons per hour of sludge (approx. 0.6 tons/h dry solids content) and achieves 95 percent drying prior to gasification to produce 'clean' combustible gas supply during gasification stage. An electrical conversion efficiency of 25 percent will enable to produce sufficient power for the microwave generator. The recovery of 90 percent of thermal energy from the gases and degassed product and its use during the drying process will enable the system to be energy self-sufficient. Objectives are to substitute at least 20 percent of the current 1.15M tonnes p.a. European incinerated sludge disposal market within 5 years, generating ?23 M p.a. and securing 153 jobs as well as capturing at least 5 percent of the current 6.8 M tonnes p.a. of the landfill sludge disposal market, generating ?34 M p.a., creating 227 jobs. Through this reduction of 230,000 tonnes p.a. of sludge being transported by road and incinerated a lot of transport and up to 19 Mio litres of diesel fuel for transportation can be saved. ...

Fuel Cell CFD and though-plane Modelling

Das Projekt "Fuel Cell CFD and though-plane Modelling" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare Energiesysteme durchgeführt. Projektziel ist die Entwicklung von Software zur Strömungssimulation (CFD - computational fluid dynamics) von Brennstoffzellen mit einer Kopplung zu den entscheidenden elektrochemischen Reaktionen auf Kathode und Anode im notwendigen Detaillierungsgrad, der Wärmeerzeugung und dem Wärmetransport und der Flüssigwasserbildung bzw. dem 2-Phasen-Transport. Dabei soll das Modell unterschiedliche Geometrien des Strömungsfelds und unterschiedliche Materialien, insbesondere für die porösen Lagen einer Brennstoffzelle, abbilden. Zusätzlich soll das Modell dynamische Lastzyklen abbilden können.

FC-CAT - Fuel Cell CFD and though-plane Modelling

Das Projekt "FC-CAT - Fuel Cell CFD and though-plane Modelling" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare Energiesysteme durchgeführt. Projektziel ist die Entwicklung von Software zur Strömungssimulation (CFD - computational fluid dynamics) von Brennstoffzellen mit einer Kopplung zu den entscheidenden elektrochemischen Reaktionen auf Kathode und Anode im notwendigen Detaillierungsgrad, der Wärmeerzeugung und dem Wärmetransport und der Flüssigwasserbildung bzw. dem 2-Phasen-Transport. Dabei soll das Modell unterschiedliche Geometrien des Strömungsfelds und unterschiedliche Materialien, insbesondere für die porösen Lagen einer Brennstoffzelle, abbilden. Zusätzlich soll das Modell dynamische Lastzyklen abbilden können.

FC-CAT - Fuel Cell CFD and though-plane Modelling

Das Projekt "FC-CAT - Fuel Cell CFD and though-plane Modelling" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Institut für Mikrosystemtechnik (IMTEK), Professur für Anwendungsentwicklung durchgeführt. Projektziel ist die Entwicklung von Software zur Strömungssimulation (CFD - computational fluid dynamics) von Brennstoffzellen mit einer Kopplung zu den entscheidenden elektrochemischen Reaktionen auf Kathode und Anode im notwendigen Detaillierungsgrad, der Wärmeerzeugung und dem Wärmetransport und der Flüssigwasserbildung bzw. dem 2-Phasen-Transport. Dabei soll das Modell unterschiedliche Geometrien des Strömungsfelds und unterschiedliche Materialien, insbesondere für die porösen Lagen einer Brennstoffzelle, abbilden. Zusätzlich soll das Modell dynamische Lastzyklen abbilden können. Das IMTEK befasst sich dabei maßgeblich mit der ex-situ Charakterisierung relevanter Materialien für die Brennstoffzellensimulation. Dabei werden unterschiedlichste Methoden angewandt, von Tomographischer Rekonstruktion via FIB-SEM, CT oder TEM bis hin zu Raman-Imaging, um valide Deskriptoren für die Materialeigenschaften zu finden.

Sub project: Major and trace elements of the saline fluids at the Outokumpu deep drilling site - the role of the hydrolysis of rocks and of fluid inclusions

Das Projekt "Sub project: Major and trace elements of the saline fluids at the Outokumpu deep drilling site - the role of the hydrolysis of rocks and of fluid inclusions" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von RWTH Aachen University, Fachgruppe für Geowissenschaften und Geographie, Institut für Mineralogie und Lagerstättenlehre durchgeführt. Deep saline fluids are a common feature of cratons. One aim of the new, already completed Finnish research borehole at Outokumpu, which is an approved project of the International Continental Drilling Program, is the understanding of sources, flow dynamics, chemical composition and evolution, and the biosphere of deep, saline fluids of the Scandinavian shield. This proposed project consists of a work package, which is agreed between the Outokumpo research group, to the overall project by studing the involvement and relative importance of two possible fluid sources. One source may be due to the leakage of fluid inclusions, of which in-situ trace and major element compositions will be analysed by Laser-ICP-MS. Additional fluid inclusion fingerprints, namely oxygen and carbon isotopes will be determined with the aid of a coupled online-pyrolysis-GC-MS technique. The chemical characteristics together with micro-thermometry data will be used to gain information on the origin and physico-chemical conditions of the fluid inclusions. As a further source, the hydrolysis of the rock minerals will be investigated employing diffusion cells and column experiments at constant temperatures up to 90 centigrade on cored samples. Overall rate constants of the release of major and trace elements will be calculated from those experiments.

E 1.2: Multi-layer drying models for optimising high value crop drying in small scale food industries

Das Projekt "E 1.2: Multi-layer drying models for optimising high value crop drying in small scale food industries" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Hohenheim, Institut für Agrartechnik, Fachgebiet Agrartechnik in den Tropen und Subtropen durchgeführt. Fruit tree cultivation is a suitable option for erosion control in mountainous regions of Southeast Asia. However, seasonal overproduction and insufficient access to markets can cause economic losses. The possibility of processing fruits locally could contribute considerably to increase and stabilize farm income. Currently, fruit drying methods in these areas are yielding products of inferior quality. Pre-treatments such as sulphurizing are commonly used, but can make the product undesirable for international markets. In addition, high energy requirements increase production costs significantly. Therefore, the objective of subproject E1.2 is to optimize the drying process of small-scale fruit processing industries in terms of dryer capacity, energy consumption and efficiency and end product quality. During SFB-phase II in E1.1, drying fundamentals for the key fruits mango, litchi and longan were established. In laboratory experiments, impacts of drying parameters on quality were investigated and numerical single-layer models for simulation of drying kinetics have been designed. In SFB-phase III this knowledge will be expanded with the aim of optimizing practical drying processes. Therefore, the single-layer models will be extended to multi-layer models for simulating bulk-drying conditions. The Finite Element Method (FEM) will be adapted to calculate heat and mass transfer processes. Thermodynamic behavior of batch and tray dryers will be simulated using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. Drying facilities will be optimized by systematic parameter variation. For reduction of energy costs, the potential of solar energy and biomass will be investigated in particular. Further research approaches are resulting from cooperation with other subprojects. A mechanic-enzymatic peeling method will be jointly used with E2.3 for studying the drying behavior of peeled litchi and longan fruits. Furthermore, a fruit maturity sensor based on Acoustic Resonance Spectroscopy (ARS) will be developed in cooperation with E2.3 and B3.2. Finally, an internet platform will be built for exchange of farmer-processor information about harvest time and quantities to increase utilization of the processing facilities.

Demonstration of viability of wind power generation at an exposed location in a low wind speed region

Das Projekt "Demonstration of viability of wind power generation at an exposed location in a low wind speed region" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Südwind Windkraftanlagen durchgeführt. Objective: To demonstrate the economic attractiveness of wind turbines installed in low wind speed regions. Innovation lies on the higher economic efficiency, compared to previous Suedwind wind turbines, due to increased size, optimized aerodynamics and cheaper construction of the rotor. General Information: A 30 kW HAWT with 12. 5 m of rotor diameter is going to be installed in Berlin and to be connected to the local grid. The flap hinge rotor is made of glass fibre, reinforced by epoxy resin and polyurethane hard foam core. This way of construction results in lower production cost, better and easier transportation, easier erection and higher economic efficiency for future plants produced in series. Due to low and medium winds prevailed over the specific site, proper choice of the transmission ratio will be made. The annual yield is estimated at 75. 000 kWh.

Sub project: Radium Isotopes as Indicators of Pump Test Induced Changes in Fluid Composition; Fluid Age Dating by Means of 81Kr, 39Ar, 37Ar and 85Kr During the Long-Term Pumping Test 2002/2003 at the KTB Pilot Hole

Das Projekt "Sub project: Radium Isotopes as Indicators of Pump Test Induced Changes in Fluid Composition; Fluid Age Dating by Means of 81Kr, 39Ar, 37Ar and 85Kr During the Long-Term Pumping Test 2002/2003 at the KTB Pilot Hole" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Hydroisotop GmbH durchgeführt. In this study the fluid dynamics and their hydraulically induced changes will be investigated by measurement of the radium isotopes 226Ra, 228Ra, 224Ra, 223Ra and the radioactive noble gas isotopes 39Ar, 37Ar, 85Kr and 81Kr during the pumping test at the continental deep drilling pilot hole (KTB-VB). The objective of the study is to derive information on the provenance and flow paths of the exploited fluids from radium isotope ratios. In addition changes in fluid rock interaction in the host rock can be concluded from the radium isotope ratio determinations. The measurement of the argon isotopes 39Ar and 37Ar provide information on the production rates and on the release and transfer processes of subsurface produced radionuclides (like 36Cl, 129l, 14C, 4He, 3He) from the rock into the pore water. An age dating of the exploited fluids will be performed by means of the long-lived krypton isotope 81Kr. Our investigations form an optimal supplement to other geochemical and hydraulic investigations planned at the KTB-VB. Far-reaching conclusions about fluid dynamics can be expected from the synthesis of the results.

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