Interest in electrical energy storage systems is increasing as the opportunities for their application become more compelling in an industry with a back-drop of ageing assets, increasing distributed ...generation and a desire to transform networks into Smart Grids. A field trial of an energy storage system designed and built by ABB is taking place on a section of 11
kV distribution network operated by EDF Energy Networks in Great Britain. This paper reports on the findings from simulation software developed at Durham University that evaluates the benefits brought by operating an energy storage system in response to multiple events on multiple networks. The tool manages the allocation of a finite energy resource to achieve the most beneficial shared operation across two adjacent areas of distribution network. Simulations account for the key energy storage system parameters of capacity and power rating. Results for events requiring voltage control and power flow management show how the choice of operating strategy influences the benefits achieved. The wider implications of these results are discussed to provide an assessment of the role of electrical energy storage systems in future Smart Grids.
•To fix voltage rise in LV networks, DNOs traditionally reinforce LV networks.•We show that the severity of the voltage problem depends on the penetration of PV.•A new planning tool is produced for ...locating and sizing energy storage in networks.•Storage is shown to be cheaper than reinforcement depending on the PV penetration.•We use the tool to show that small single phase storage reduces rating/capacity.
In light of the expansion of domestic photovoltaic (PV) systems in the UK, there are concerns of voltage rise within LV networks. Consequently, network operators are interested in the costs and benefits of different technologies to manage their assets. This paper examines the particular case for distributed energy storage.
A heuristic planning tool is developed using a genetic algorithm with simulated annealing to investigate the problem of locating and sizing energy storage within LV networks. This is applied to investigate the configuration and topologies of storage to solve voltage rise problems as a result of increased penetration of PV. Under a threshold PV penetration, it is shown that distributed storage offers a financially viable alternative to reconductoring the LV network. Further, it is shown that a configuration of single phase storage located within the customer home can solve the voltage problem using less energy than a three phase system located on the street.
Despite numerous studies, uncertainty remains about how water quality indicators can best be used in the regulation of recreational water. We conducted a systematic review of this topic with the goal ...of quantifying the association between microbial indicators of recreational water quality and gastrointestinal (GI) illness. A secondary goal was to evaluate the potential for GI illness below current guidelines. We screened 976 potentially relevant studies and from these identified 27 studies. From the latter, we determined summary relative risks for GI illness in relation to water quality indicator density. Our results support the use of enterococci in marine water at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guideline levels. In fresh water, Escherichia coli was a more consistent predictor of GI illness than are enterococci and other bacterial indicators. A log (base 10) unit increase in enterococci was associated with a 1.34 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.00-1.75 increase in relative risk in marine waters, and a log (base 10) unit increase in E. coli was associated with a 2.12 (95% CI, 0.925-4.85) increase in relative risk in fresh water. Indicators of viral contamination were strong predictors of GI illness in both fresh and marine environments. Significant heterogeneity was noted among the studies. In our analysis of heterogeneity, studies that used a nonswimming control group, studies that focused on children, and studies of athletic or other recreational events found elevated relative risks. Future studies should focus on the ability of new, more rapid and specific microbial methods to predict health effects, and estimating the risks of recreational water exposure among susceptible persons.
Regulating recreational water exposure to pathogens within the tropics is a major public health and economic concern. Although numerous epidemiological studies estimating the risk to recreational ...marine water exposure have been conducted since the 1950s, few studies have been done in the tropics. Furthermore, many have suggested that the use of fecal indicator bacteria for monitoring recreational water quality in temperate regions is not appropriate in the tropics. We analyzed a large cohort study of five beaches in Sao Paulo, Brazil, conducted during consecutive weekends in the summer of 1999 that estimated risk to water, sand, and food exposures. Enterococci and Escherichia coli concentrations were measured each day of the study. Elevated risks were estimated for both swimming (OR = 1.36 95% CI: 1.05-1.58) and sand contact (OR = 1.29 95% CI 1.05-1.58). A 1 log increase in enterococci concentration was associated with an 11% increase in risk (OR = 1.11 95% CI: 1.04-1.19). For E. coli a 1-log increase in concentration was associated with 19% increase in risk (OR = 1.19 95% CI: 1.14-1.28). Most countries with beaches in the tropics are lower or middle income countries (LMIC) and rely on tourism as a major source of income. We present data that suggests fecal indicator bacteria such as enterococci are an appropriate indicator of risk in tropical urban settings where contamination is coming from predominantly human sources. Additional studies in tropical settings could help inform and refine guidelines for safe use of recreational waters.
Water quality issues in Rio have been widely publicized because of the 2016 Olympics. Recent concerns about polluted waters that athletes may be exposed to highlights the conditions that more than a ...billion people globally are exposed to daily. Despite these unhealthy conditions, much is unknown about the risks and exposure pathways associated with bathing in or drinking untreated or partially treated sewage. Beyond acute illness, we are learning more about the chronic sequelae that arise from repeated exposure to pathogens found in sewage. Additionally, we do not know enough about how to measure water quality, especially in developing countries. A consequence of these knowledge gaps is that data from developed countries are used to guide public health approaches in low- and middle-income settings. More data that are locally specific are needed to inform guidelines for improving sanitation and water quality in Rio and other cities in developing countries.
•Results of an EES system demonstration project carried out in the UK.•Approaches to the design of trials for EES and observation on their application.•A formalised methodology for analysis of smart ...grids trials.•Validated models of energy storage.•Capability of EES to connect larger quantities of heat pumps and PV is evaluated.
The UK government’s CO2 emissions targets will require electrification of much of the country’s infrastructure with low carbon technologies such as photovoltaic panels, electric vehicles and heat pumps. The large scale proliferation of these technologies will necessitate major changes to the planning and operation of distribution networks. Distribution network operators are trialling electrical energy storage (EES) across their networks to increase their understanding of the contribution that it can make to enable the expected paradigm shift in generation and consumption of electricity.
In order to evaluate a range of applications for EES, including voltage control and power flow management, installations have taken place at various distribution network locations and voltage levels. This article reports on trial design approaches and their application to a UK trial of an EES system to ensure broad applicability of the results. Results from these trials of an EES system, low carbon technologies and trial distribution networks are used to develop validated power system models. These models are used to evaluate, using a formalised methodology, the impact that EES could have on the design and operation of future distribution networks.
► We design a simple solar-powered water pump to supply water in developing countries. ► A linear actuator is used to provide the lifting force. ► An optimization method matches PV panel ...characteristics to pump hydraulics. ► Geometrical/electrical options are compared by FE analysis and analytic expressions. ► Model predictions achieved close comparison with measured results from a prototype.
A need has been identified for a simply constructed, photovoltaic-powered, water pump to improve the water supply in rural areas of developing countries. The use of a linear actuator to provide the lifting force was investigated as part of a way to meet this need. Substantial challenge was presented in optimizing the system to suit the power characteristic of a photovoltaic panel and the hydraulic requirements of the application. An iterative process combining finite element analysis and analytic expressions was devised to allow comparisons to be made between many geometrical and electrical configurations of the linear actuator. Model predictions achieved close comparison with measured results from an existing water pump. The modelling technique was used to generate an actuator design that will utilize the available power more efficiently in a next generation pumping device.
Rheumatic autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), are associated with antibodies to "self" antigens. Persons with autoimmune diseases, most notably ...SLE, are at increased risk for developing accelerated cardiovascular disease. The link between immune and inflammatory responses in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease has been firmly established; yet, despite our increasing knowledge, accelerated atherosclerosis continues to be a significant co-morbidity and cause of mortality in SLE. Recent animal models have been generated in order to identify mechanism(s) behind SLE-accelerated atherosclerosis. In addition, clinical studies have been designed to examine potential treatments options. This review will highlight data from recent studies of immunity in SLE and atherosclerosis and discuss the potential implications of these investigations.
OBJECTIVE To confirm that patients admitted to hospital with a head injury benefit from a routinely offered early intervention service. PATIENTS AND METHODS A mixed rural and urban Health District of ...560 000 people with two accident and emergency departments provided the setting. Existing routine services for most patients with head injury are minimal. All patients aged 16–65 years admitted to hospital after a head injury of any severity, with or without other injuries entered the trial. Prospective randomisation, with a block randomisation procedure was used to allocate all eligible patients to either: a group offered an additional service by a specialist team; or a group receiving existing standard services. Patients were assessed at follow up six months after injury. The primary outcome measure was the Rivermead head injury follow up questionnaire, a validated and reliable measure of social disability. The Rivermead post-concussion symptoms questionnaire was used to estimate severity of post-concussion symptoms. Each patient in the trial group was contacted 7–10 days after injury, and offered assessment and interventions as needed. These initially focused on the provision of information, support, and advice. Forty six per cent of patients in the trial group also received further outpatient intervention or additional support by telephone. RESULTS 314 patients were registered: 184 were randomised into the trial group, 130 into the control group. For prognostic data, the groups were comparable at randomisation, and remained comparable when assessed at six months. 132 trial and 86 control patients were followed up at six months after injury. Patients’ post-traumatic amnesia ranged from mild (n=79, 40%), and moderate (n=62, 32%), to severe (n=38, 19%) and very severe (n=17, 9%). The trial group patients had significantly less social disability (p=0.01) and significantly less severe post-concussion symptoms (p=0.02) at follow up at six months after injury than the control group patients. CONCLUSIONS The early interventions offered by a specialist service significantly reduced social morbidity and severity of post-concussion symptoms in trial group patients at six months after head injury. Recommendations about how specialist services should be targeted are made both in the light of these results and those from a previous randomised controlled trial.
Introduction
Diversity has become a key-strategic element of success in various political and economic fields. The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) decided to make diversity a key ...strategic priority for the future and appointed a Task-Force on this topic.
Methods
In a consensus process, three Working-Groups, nominated by Task-Force members, developed statements on strategic future topics. In addition, diversity-related data available from the membership database have been analyzed and reported in aggregated form.
Results
The Task-Force decided to nominate working groups on (1) “sex, gender identity and sexual orientation”, (2) “ethnicity, culture and socio-economic status”, and (3) “multiprofessionalism”. These are the first prioritized topics for the near future. The first diversity-report shows targetable items in all three domains.
Conclusion
The diversity Task-Force defined actionable items for a one- and three-year plan that are especially aiming at the identification of potential gaps and an implementation of concrete projects for members of the ESICM.
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