PEOPLE@HES-SO Directory and Skills inventory

Decarbonization of industrial processes through redesign of the process-utility interface

Role: Collaborator

Requérant(e)s: iE

Financement: Innosuisse

Description du projet : Innosuisse Flagship project - Projet phare d'Innosuisse - Calendrier sur 3 ans (2022-2025). Ce projet a été accepté en octobre 2021 avec une date de début en janvier 2022 et une implication importante de la HES-SO dans le SP1 (le work package sur les méthodes de communication participatives et avancées pour les communautés de pratique). Afin de relever les différents défis de la transition énergétique et de la décarbonisation en Suisse, les sous-projets de DeCIRRA étudient (SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT OF INVESTIGATE) comment parvenir à un système énergétique suisse plus flexible, plus efficace (en termes de coûts) et plus résilient, qui combine dans une approche innovante le stockage saisonnier, le couplage sectoriel, la capture et l'utilisation/le stockage du carbone (CCUS) et les gaz renouvelables. L'objectif est de - diminuer le besoin d'importation d'électricité en hiver - améliorer la stabilité du réseau (local) en été - décarboniser les processus à haute température dans l'industrie (ciment) et le transport (lourd) - comprendre quelles seront les meilleures utilisations de la bioénergie domestique pour améliorer l'efficacité et la flexibilité du système énergétique - créer par une communication systématique (SHOULD BE THE SAME AS « SYSTEMIC COMMUNICATION », et soutenu par des outils appropriés, un pool de connaissances sur le potentiel des solutions techniques pour décarboniser ou même devenir négatif, qui sont économiquement et environnementalement saines et socialement acceptables. Les résultats des travaux de DeCIRRA sont importants pour de nombreux acteurs et investisseurs potentiels en Suisse, tels que les services publics municipaux, les exploitants de stations d'épuration des eaux usées, d'installations de biogaz et de flottes de véhicules, les utilisateurs potentiels de la chaleur coproduite et les fournisseurs de technologies. Grâce à la combinaison de collaborations locales et d'une communication nationale plus ouverte (et de stratégies de co-conception (SHOULD BE THE SAME AS « CO-DESIGN STRATEGIES ») au sein des communautés de pratique développées), le projet DeCIRRA aidera les entreprises à faire avancer leurs projets de mise en 'uvre locale et à choisir la meilleure technologie (fournisseurs) d'une part, mais s'assurera, en incluant une série d'associations, que les connaissances transférables, préconcurrentielles (SHOULD BE SAME AS « PRECOMPETITIVE ») et les recommandations sur les réglementations soient diffusées et distribuées à d'autres régions et groupes de parties prenantes. Note : Projet dans lequel Mary Jean Bürer et Massimiliano Cappezali sont tous deux fortement impliqués et ont participé à la phase de rédaction de la proposition.

Research team within HES-SO: Capezzali Massimiliano , Bürer Mary Jean

Partenaires académiques: iE

Durée du projet: 01.02.2022 - 31.01.2026

Montant global du projet: 114'402 CHF

Statut: Ongoing

Solar energy neighborhoods ' Optimal design and operation of heat, cold and electricity supply on the neighborhood scale

Role: Co-applicant

Requérant(e)s: iE, iE

Financement: Auto fin. IGT; Socle HEIG-VD Ra&D; OFEN; Provision 2022

Description du projet : DeCarb-PUI builds upon this far-reaching statement: In a resource constrained world: think exergy, not energy (Science Europe 2016). In many industrial sectors, heat transfer induces large exergy losses, notably due to utility systems designed to meet the temperature required by the most de-manding process. E.g., medium pressure steam systems are a de facto 'standard', thus manufac-turers design their process equipment accordingly. DeCarb-PUI challenges these standards and focuses on heat transfer at the process-utility interface through redesign of both the processes and the utility system. This new approach is set up by involving partners from both process industries and equipment manufacturers. Case studies are used to extend existing graphical tools and meth-ods for heat integration, and to demonstrate the decarbonization potential thanks to larger heat re-covery, and enhanced efficiency and profitability of heat upgrading technologies (heat pumps) and of renewable resources.

Research team within HES-SO: Capezzali Massimiliano , Fesefeldt Marten , Krummenacher Pierre , Hanin Khaoula , Weber Nicolas , Notarangeli David

Partenaires académiques: HSLU - Hpchschule Luzern

Partenaires professionnels: iE; iE

Durée du projet: 01.11.2021 - 31.12.2024

Montant global du projet: 292'307 CHF

Statut: Ongoing

Fostering increased DHN penetration: maximizing renewable share, decreasing temperature levels, identify synergies and integrate multiple injection points on the territory

Role: Co-applicant

Financement: OFEN (Office fédéral de l'énergie); Provision 2022; iE

Description du projet : This project aims to develop smart planning methods and control strategies for high-performance solar neighborhoods. The supply with heat, cold and electricity of such neighborhoods shall make optimal use of solar energy technologies, storage solutions, and the interconnection of the buildings via electrical and thermal grids. A special focus is on the winter heat supply, and the search for effi-cient alternatives to air/water and geothermal heat pump systems. Exploiting synergies and sector coupling at the neighborhood scale will allow to reduce the carbon-intensive winter electricity de-mand and to provide a high load and production flexibility towards the electricity grid. The technical approach is the development of efficient computational models that allow a) to com-pare a large number of system variants in the design phase with regard to different objective func-tions (costs, emissions, grid flexibility) and b) to realize model-predictive control strategies on a neighborhood scale.

Research team within HES-SO: Duret Alexis , Lasvaux Sébastien , Pham Stéphanie , Capezzali Massimiliano , Fesefeldt Marten , Jobard Xavier , Clot Nathalie , Goulouti Kyriaki , Pauletta Stefano , Frossard Mija

Partenaires académiques: SPF Institut für Solartechnik

Partenaires professionnels: ponzio solar SA

Durée du projet: 01.11.2021 - 30.11.2024

Montant global du projet: 119'900 CHF

Statut: Ongoing

Completed

Accompagnement à la conception participative du plan climat communal de la Chaux-de-fonds

Role: Main Applicant

Financement: DIREN; VS - Institut Energie et environnement; Auto-fin IESE; Services Industriels de Lausanne; SFOE; Services Energies Yverdon

Description du projet : District heating networks (DHN) represent a crucial technology to attain significantly lower carbon footprint of the heating sector. Existing grids and their extensions, as well as new projects, are ex-pected to decrease distribution temperature levels decrease, in order to both improve efficiency and integrate a larger share of renewable and waste heat energy sources. The latter need to be quantita-tively characterized in order to be optimally integrated. In parallel, the potential synergies existing among small networks ' e.g. covering a few building blocks or one neighbourhood - need to be exploited, in terms of resources temporal availability and specific demand load profiles, in order to provide dynamic support, including possible storage capacities. FOSTER_DHN aims at developing the corresponding multi-grid and multi-temperatures design and simulation approaches as to gain a systemic understanding of DHN deployment and provide decision-support for local authorities and utilities.

Research team within HES-SO: Duret Alexis , Gendre Fabrice , Eicher Sara , Capezzali Massimiliano , Fesefeldt Marten , Jobard Xavier , Pauletta Stefano

Partenaires académiques: iE

Durée du projet: 01.12.2022 - 31.10.2024

Montant global du projet: 262'165 CHF

Statut: Completed

OPTIM-EASE - Optimisation de la gestion énergétique d'ensemble de bâtiments incluant les impacts environnementaux et le couplage sectoriel

Role: Main Applicant

Financement: Ville de la Chaux-de-Fonds

Description du projet : Accompagnement à la conception participative du plan climat communal de la Chaux-de-fonds

Research team within HES-SO: Joerin Florent , Luggen Maude , Capezzali Massimiliano , Fesefeldt Marten , Costa Pereira Alice

Partenaires académiques: INSIT; Bio-Eco Sàrl; Capezzali Massimiliano, IESE

Durée du projet: 01.08.2022 - 31.12.2023

Montant global du projet: 56'627 CHF

Statut: Completed

OPTIM-EASE - Optimisation de la gestion énergétique d'ensemble de bâtiments incluant les impacts environnementaux et le couplage sectoriel, financement FOGA

Role: Co-applicant

Financement: Fachhochschule Ostschweiz; Romande Energie SA; Office Fédéral de l'Energie (OFEN); Energie 360° AG ; St.Galler Stadtwerke - SGSW; Provision 2022; iE

Research team within HES-SO: Wagner Guy , Duret Alexis , Loperetti Murielle , Lasvaux Sébastien , Pham Stéphanie , Capezzali Massimiliano , Fesefeldt Marten , Jobard Xavier , Clot Nathalie , Goulouti Kyriaki , Pauletta Stefano , Frossard Mija , Demonchy Gauthier

Partenaires professionnels: Helion Solar Ouest SA; Swissolar; VSG Verband der Schweiz. Gasindustrie; Powerloop - Schweizerischer Fachverband

Durée du projet: 01.02.2021 - 31.10.2023

Montant global du projet: 141'614 CHF

Statut: Completed

Ecobilan Dynamique des Bâtiments (EcoDynBat)

Role: Collaborator

Requérant(e)s: iE

Financement: FOGA; Provision 2022

Description du projet : Le concept énergétique optimal d'un groupe de bâtiments est différent de la somme des concepts optimaux des bâtiments considérés séparément. Le projet OPTIM-EASE développe un cadre méthodologique permettant l'optimisation énergétique de groupes de bâtiments en utilisant leurs synergies. En comparant la solution optimale d'un groupe de bâtiments avec la somme des solutions optimales des bâtiments individuels, les gains économiques et environnementaux de l'agrégation de bâtiments sont caractérisés. il s'agit, ici du financement accordé par le FOGA pour étudier spécifiquement dans le cadre du projet OPTIM-EASE, les aspect liés au gaz renouvelable: - Quantifier la contribution du gaz renouvelable au virage énergétique suisse en réduisant l'impact environnemental de la demande énergétique des groupes de bâtiments (thermique et électrique) - Développement de systèmes multi-énergie décentralisés pour des groupes de bâtiments comprenant des appareils fonctionnant au gaz renouvelable (cogénération, chaudière à gaz à haut rendement, petit réseau de chauffage urbain, etc.) - Identification des options les plus appropriées pour l'intégration du gaz renouvelable dans le concept énergétique via des méthodes d'optimisation multi-objectif, y compris la minimisation des coûts et de l'impact environnemental

Research team within HES-SO: Wagner Guy , Duret Alexis , Loperetti Murielle , Lasvaux Sébastien , Pham Stéphanie , Capezzali Massimiliano , Bürer Mary Jean , Fesefeldt Marten , Jobard Xavier , Goulouti Kyriaki , Frossard Mija

Partenaires académiques: Fachhochschule Ostschweiz; iE

Durée du projet: 31.10.2023 - 31.10.2023

Montant global du projet: 82'000 CHF

Statut: Completed

Role: Co-applicant

Requérant(e)s: IGT

Financement: SUPSI; OFEN; EMPA; Viteos; Socle HEIG-VD Ra&D; Auto-fin IESE; Auto-fin IGT

Description du projet : Le projet EcoDynBat a pour objectif d'étudier l'effet de la variabilité temporelle lors du calcul des impacts environnementaux de l'électricité consommée dans les bâtiments. Ce travail tient compte des fluctuations temporelles 1) de la production électrique nationale, 2) des importations d'électricité, 3) des pertes réseaux et de conversions, 4) de la production d'électricité décentrali-sée et 5) de la demande d'électricité au sein du bâtiment.

Research team within HES-SO: Périsset Blaise , Duret Alexis , Citherlet Stéphane , Lasvaux Sébastien , Padey Pierryves , Capezzali Massimiliano , Jobard Xavier , Goulouti Kyriaki

Partenaires académiques: IESE; IGT

Partenaires professionnels: losinger; Amstein + Walthert

Durée du projet: 15.11.2018 - 31.07.2020

Montant global du projet: 183'430 CHF

Publications liées:

Statut: Completed

2024

Reviewing 20 years of redevelopment trajectories of industrial sites literature and highlighting new research perspectives

Scientific paper ArODES

Belinda Ravaz, Pierre-Henri Bombenger, Massimiliano Capezzali, Teva Meyer

Land Use Policy, 2024, 146, 107326

Summary:

Although there has been a large amount of study into the future of post-industrial site, there have been few efforts to synthesize and connect this research. This paper presents a systematic review of the international literature on the redevelopment trajectories of post-industrial land. Its aim is to consolidate existing knowledge, identify gaps and provide a solid basis for future research. We will answer the following questions: (i) what are the trends in research into the redevelopment of post-industrial sites? (ii) what factors influence their redevelopment trajectories? and (iii) how do these factors interact? To understand this, we conducted a systematic literature review, based on 71 carefully selected articles published between 2002 and 2021. Using a methodology combining statistics and content analysis, we noted an increase in research on this subject in the mid-2010s. We also observed that monocase studies were the most common, and that the most studied fields were on the Asian continent. Furthermore, we identified three main approaches: the industrial heritage approach; the brownfield approach; and the governance approach. We conclude by identifying gaps in current research trends and new research perspectives.

10 positions sur l'hydrogène - Réflexions du Comité Scientifique de l'AEE Suisse

Report

Capezzali Massimiliano, Luca Baldini, Christophe Ballif, Andreas Häberle, Martin Patel, Greta Patzke, François Vuille

2024, Bern : AEE Suisse, 15 p.

Massimiliano Capezzali, Marten Fesefeldt

2023

Projet FOSTER_DHN :

Professional paper ArODES

pour des réseaux de chauffage à distance plus efficaces et moins carbonés

AQUA & GAS, 2023, 12, 16-19

Summary:

Les réseaux de chauffage à distance jouissent d’un important soutien politique en Suisse et en Europe. Ils sont appelés à jouer un rôle crucial dans la décarbonisation du marché de la chaleur, à condition qu’ils soient planifiés puis utilisés de manière optimale et que les ressources d’énergie renouvelables soient implémentées rationnellement par rapport aux potentiels disponibles. Le projet FOSTER_DHN vise justement à travailler autour de ces deux axes.

Impact of heat pump and cogeneration integration on power distribution grids based on transition scenarios for heating in urban areas

Scientific paper ArODES

Marten Fesefeldt, Massimiliano Capezzali, Mokhtar Bozorg, Riina Karjalainen

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, no. 6, article no. 4985

Summary:

Electrification of final use sectors such as heating and mobility is often proposed as an effective pathway towards decarbonization of urban areas. In this context, power-driven heat pumps (HP) are usually strongly fostered as alternatives to fossil-burning boilers in municipal planning processes. In continental climates, this leads to substantially increased electricity demand in winter months that, in turn may lead to stress situations on local power distribution grids. Hence, in parallel to the massive implementation of electric HP, strategies must be put in place to ensure the grid stability and operational security, notably in terms of voltage levels, as well as transformer and line’s capacity limits. In this paper, three such strategies are highlighted within the specific situation of a mid-sized Swiss city, potentially representative of many continental, central Europe urban zones as a test-case. The hourly-based power flow simulations of the medium- and low-voltage distribution grids show the impact of various future scenarios, inspired from typical territorial energy planning processes, implying various degrees of heat pumps penetration. The first strategy relies on the implementation of decentralized combined heat and power (CHP) units, fed by the existing natural gas network and is shown to provide an effective pathway to accommodate heat pump electricity demand on urban power distribution grids. Two alternative solutions based on grid reinforcements and controlled usage of reactive power from photovoltaic (PV) inverters are additionally considered to ensure security constraints of grid operation and compared with the scenario relying on CHP deployment.

2021

Governance drivers and barriers for business model transformation in the energy sector

Book chapter ArODES

Mary Jean Bürer, Matthieu de Lapparent, Massimiliano Capezzali, Mauro Carpita

Swiss Energy Governance (pp. 195-243). 2021, Cham : Springer

Summary:

Smart second-generation policies for energy transition governance have been less studied and reviewed in the literature. They are also difficult to compare or measure in terms of their effectiveness with regard to the energy transition, not only because each country’s objectives and underlying drivers for an energy transition are different. Technological innovation and new technology deployment are only the tip of the iceberg. Understanding how to redesign energy governance to allow for business model reconfiguration among incumbents and how to stimulate business model innovation by start-ups and new entrants is key for an effective and sustainable energy transition in the long term. However, beyond this, countries must address the underlying driving forces such as consumption patterns and the financial system. Therefore, business model transformation is not the only solution, but it is an important one and it requires well-designed policies. It also requires the involvement of all stakeholders at all levels of the economic fabric of each region and country. At the same time, we continue to measure progress on energy transitions in a superficial and extremely limited way. Policies must now be smarter, not just more ambitious in terms of appearances, and the measurement of energy transition progress must evolve as well. We discuss the full story of an energy transition to the extent possible in a single chapter. For example, we will review business models in different sub-sectors, policies that either block or promote such changes in each sub-sector chosen, and the elements that are necessary for energy transitions to become successful and sustainable without long-term government intervention and financial support. Finally, we also provide insights from an expert workshop held in 2019 and we outline our upcoming work on an Energy Transition Preparedness Index.

Les effets ambivalents des héritages dans la reconversion des anciens territoires nucléaires

Scientific paper ArODES

Belinda Ravaz, Teva Meya, Pierre-Henri Bombenger, Brice Martin, Massimiliano Capezzali

VertigO : la revue électronique en sciences de l'environnement,

Summary:

Across the world, 165 reactors have been permanently shut down and more than one hundred are expected to be decommissioned in the near futur. Many regions will therefore be faced with the issue of land redevelopment. Many papers addressing the socio-economic impact of closing nuclear sites have underlined the opposition triggered by the disappearance of nuclear activities. However, few studies have focused on the redevelopment of the land this entails. This article addresses the effects of redeveloping the land through the reconversion process of two nuclear power plants: Brunsbüttel in Germany and Barsebäck in Sweden. The closure and reconversion of the German plant seems to have stirred little debates on the local level concerning social and land redevelopment issues. To the contrary, the Swedish plant led to much socio-political polemic and controversies regarding its reconversion. A comparison of the territorial outcome of these two fundamentally different nuclear power plants contributes to enrich the discussion on the factors that impact the post-nuclear outcome of land redevelopment.

Biométhane agricole :

Professional paper ArODES

intégration territoriale de la production et de la consommation de biométhane

Julien Crevant, Marie-Hélène de Sède-Marceau, Massimiliano Capezzali, Gladys Montagnole, Stéphane François

Aqua Gas, 2021, no. 6, pp. 50-57

Summary:

La méthanisation et le biométhane ainsi produit constituent un potentiel intéressant pour la transition énergétique. Cependant, la variabilité des projets et la multifonctionnalité de la méthanisation complexifient l’analyse et la quantification des impacts environnementaux de la filière, notamment nécessaire à la construction de scénarios prospectifs loco-régionaux. Nous proposons une méthodologie systémique basée sur les flux physiques dont l’application présentée permet la production de facteurs d’émissions territorialisés du biométhane agricole.

Evaluation of future scenarios for gas distribution networks under hypothesis of decreasing heat demand in urban zones

Scientific paper ArODES

Marten Fesefeldt, Massimiliano Capezzali, Mokhtar Bozorg, Matthieu de Lapparent

Energy, 2021, vol. 231, article no. 120909

Summary:

The consumption of buildings for the production of heat is expected to decrease in Switzerland in the coming years, in particular following policies encouraging the refurbishment of buildings. This will notably have an impact on the natural gas network, in parallel with the penetration of electric-driven heat pumps. Through a detailed optimization scheme, the evolution of the natural gas (NG) distribution network is studied over a future period of forty years, i.e. up to 2050, on the territory of a large Swiss canton. By way of installing large shares of co-generation units, it is shown that the NG network does not lose its meshed structure, while continuing to play a central role in the production of heat and the generation of part of the additional electricity demand associated with the concomitant penetration of heat pumps. As a novel result, the developed optimization framework allows a detailed, geographically precise view of both the evolution of the NG network, as well as of the optimal location of selected technologies. The adoption of energy networks convergence in urban zones therefore can lead to relevant synergies, avoiding over-investments, increasing system resilience and fostering the use of efficient technologies.

BlockChainTechnology for energy transition

Book chapter ArODES

Mary Jean Bürer, Massimiliano Capezzali, Mauro Carpita, Vincenzo Pallotta

Dans Panigrahi, Sushanta Kumar, Patnaik, Srikanta, Shen, Tao, Wang, Tao-Sheng, Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies (pp. 153-188). 2021, Singapore : Springer

Vincenzo Pallotta, Massimiliano Capezzali

Summary:

In this chapter, we provide a framework for assessing the relevance and impact of BlockChain technologies for enabling the energy transition from both the production and consumption sides of the equation. We will assess the issues and current solutions to understand how BlockChain combined with Smart Contracting could be best adapted and combined to serve energy transition objectives. The assessment is taken from both the technology and business models perspectives. Our framework is designed as a guide for the adoption and deployment of BlockChain and Smart Contract solutions in the energy sector for common and new use cases by taking the perspective of multiple stakeholders such as consumers (either private and industrial), producers, operators and investors in microgrids, DSOs and TSOs. Moreover, we will include aspects related to regulation and policies. The proposed framework and assessment methodology are the synthesis of a study realized in Switzerland where several representatives of multiple stakeholders have been consulted via interviews and a workshop held in mid-2019.

2020

Blockchain et modèles d'affaires

Professional paper ArODES

bulletin.ch = Fachzeitschrift und Verbandsinformationen von Electrosuisse und VSE = Bulletin SEV/AES : revue spécialisée et informations des associations Electrosuisse et AES, 2020, vol. 111, no. 9, pp. 30-33

Summary:

Les technologies Blockchain sont au coeur de l'actualité énergétique. Comme pour plusieurs innovations, on peine à séparer la réalité du "hype". Cet article, basé sur plusieurs exemples, met en avant les opportunités et les limites liées à cette nouvelle possibilité, notamment pour les RCP.

Managing wind turbine generators with a profit maximized approach

Scientific paper ArODES

Dominik McInnis, Massimiliano Capezzali

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, no. 17, article no. 7139

Massimiliano Capezzali, Marten Fesefeldt

Summary:

In Europe, at least 3 GW installed capacity of wind turbine generators (WTG) will fall out of subsidy schemes every year from 2021 onwards. An estimated 50% of this capacity cannot be replaced with new WTG due to commercial and legal restrictions. The remaining options are either to sell the electricity without subsidies on the wholesale electricity market—a novelty for most WTG, as most are receiving a feed-in tariff—or their dismantlement. Since the electricity market fixes the price at the intersection of demand and short run marginal production costs, WTG might struggle to generate enough revenues to cover their costs. This paper proposes an innovative commercialization strategy for WTG after the end of the feed-in tariff, namely a profit-maximized approach that focuses on synergies between revenues and costs when increasing the curtailments of the WTG. The two key elements of this approach are a more flexible and variable cost structure and a central overall optimization process. The paper proves the potential of this new strategy and highlights the necessity of further research for WTG at the end of their lifetime from a technical and commercial perspective, due to the impact on the initial investment decision and best allocation of subsides.

Évolution des réseaux de distribution de gaz naturel :

Professional paper ArODES

diminution de la consommation due au chauffage et nouvelles technologies

Aqua Gas, 2020, no. 9, pp. 30-33

Summary:

La consommation des bâtiments pour la production de chaleur est appelée à diminuer en Suisse ces prochaines années, notamment suite à des politiques encourageant la rénovation des bâtiments. Cela aura un impact sur le réseau de gaz naturel, en parallèle à la pénétration des pompes à chaleur électriques. Au travers d’un schéma d’optimisation détaillé, l’évolution du réseau de distribution de gaz naturel est étudiée sur une période future de trente ans et sur le territoire d’un grand canton Suisse.

2019

Use cases for blockchain in the energy industry opportunities of emerging business models and related risks

Scientific paper ArODES

Mary Jean Bürer, Matthieu de Lapparent, Vincenzo Pallotta, Massimiliano Capezzali, Mauro Carpita

Computers Industrial Engineering, 2019, vol. 137, article 106002

Summary:

This paper focuses on use cases for blockchain architectures with the goal of identifying major issues to study further in future research works. The paper will also consider aspects related to energy consumption of blockchain architectures, and risks and opportunities of emerging business models while ensuring a reliable distribution network and security of supply.

Blockchain in industry :

Book chapter ArODES

review of key use cases and lessons learned

Mary Jean Bürer, Massimiliano Capezzali, Matthieu de Lapparent, Vincenzo Pallotta, Mauro Carpita

Dans IEEE staff, Proceedings of the 2019 IEEE International Conference on Engineering, Technology and Innovation (ICE/ITMC) (7 p.). 2019, Piscataway : IEEE

Summary:

In this paper key applications of blockchain (and smart contracts) are reviewed coming from across different industries around the world, and lessons learned are pulled from this review with a specific focus on what can be learned regarding the energy industry and in relation to the energy transition in particular. While it is difficult to obtain clear conclusions based on such early stage applications in other industrial sectors, like the financial sector, some basic insights emerged that could provide general lessons learned to inform players in the energy industry (in particular utilities and the innovation ecosystem around them) about the potential for blockchain in the energy industry, considering of course that stakeholders in this industry operate and innovate under a highly regulated market.

Use cases for Blockchain in the Energy Industry: opportunities of emerging business models and related risks

Scientific paper

Mary Jean Bürer, De Lapparent Matthieu, Pallotta Vincenzo, Capezzali Massimiliano, Carpita Mauro

Computers & Industrial Engineering, 2019 , vol. 137

2018

Convergence des réseaux dans les milieux urbains

Professional paper ArODES

Massimiliano Capezzali, Diane von Gunten, Pablo Puerto, Jakob Rager, Jessen Page

Summary:

Un outil permettra d'évaluer les synergies possibles entre les différents réseaux énergétiques. La convergence des réseaux énergétiques permet d'apporter des solutions aux défis qui vont se poser au niveau territorial, notamment à cause de la pénétration massive de sources intermittentes et décentralisées. Dans le cadre d'un projet européen, un nouvel outil est développé afin de concrétiser ce concept dans les villes.

Assessing the sustainability of biofuel production from camelina in Spain, results of the ITAKA project – analysis of GHG emissions

Scientific paper ArODES

Mélanie Guittet, Massimiliano Capezzali, Gonzalo Hernando, Yuri Herreras

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, 2018, vol. 90, no. 7, pp. 1027-1032

Summary:

With the rapid growth and increased consumption of biofuels worldwide, and the multitude of policy decisions supporting this expansion, growing concerns about the biofuels sustainability have arisen. Therefore, the European project “ITAKA”, aiming at supporting the development of aviation biofuels in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner, has devoted considerable effort to take sustainability into account, in a quantitative and qualitative manner. This paper aims to calculate a robust assessment of a life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) for the entire ITAKA value chain. Design/methodology/approach – The calculation for the produced bio jet fuel has been set up using the roundtable on sustainable biomaterials (RSB) European Union (EU) renewable energy directive (RED) methodology, through the online RSB tool. This pathway includes feedstock production, feedstock processing, biofuel production, biofuel distillation and all transport steps involved. Findings – A significant reduction in GHG emissions has been demonstrated, up to 66 per cent emission reduction if one considers a mature pathway for the entire ITAKA biofuel chain. Practical implications – The camelina oil produced can be sustainable according to RSB and RSB EU RED schemes if the practices defined in the project are applied. Originality/value – Application of different frameworks (actual vs theoretical) to the ITAKA value chain has aimed at testing and demonstrating the commercial application of the sustainability standards in Europe and the readiness of biofuels in Europe as a major means to decrease GHG emissions in aviation.

Relever les défis de la transition énergétique

Professional paper ArODES

Mauro Carpita, Jean-François Affolter, Massimiliano Capezzali

Summary:

Un laboratoire "flexible" pour tester les réseaux basse tension. La transition énergétique engendre une mutation du réseau électrique. Les réseaux de distribution sont appelés à jouer un rôle essentiel alors qu'ils n'ont pas été conçus pour cela. Afin de planifier au mieux les évolutions à apporter, la HEIG-VD met sur pied un laboratoire permettant de tester diverses solutions.

2017

Projet IntegrCiTy :

Professional paper ArODES

développement d’un outil d’aide à la décision pour intéropérabilité des réseaux énergétiques, le projet IntegrCiTy

Massimiliano Capezzali, Jessen Page, Pablo Puerto, Jakob Rager

Aqua Gas, 2017, 12, pp. 14-22

Summary:

IntegrCiTy vise à maximiser l’utilisation des énergies renouvelables par l’intégration de technologies de conversion énergétiques avancées et l’interconnexion des réseaux urbains transportant le gaz naturel, l’électricité et l’eau pour le chauffage/refroidissement. Le futur outil d’aide à la décision qui sera développé dans le cadre de ce projet permettra d’identifier les synergies entre les réseaux et de les mettre à profit, en parallèle avec l’évolution de la demande énergétique sur les territoires. La plateforme IntegrCiTy sera testée dans trois villes, dont deux en Suisse.

Du lin dans le réservoir des avions? :

Scientific paper ArODES

opportunités et défis pour le développement de biocarburants durables pour l'aviation

Mélanie Guittet, Massimiliano Capezzali

bulletin.ch = Fachzeitschrift und Verbandsinformationen von Electrosuisse und VSE = Bulletin SEV/AES : revue spécialisée et informations des associations Electrosuisse et AES, 2017, 12, pp. 72-76

Summary:

Seul moyen de transport mondial extrêmement rapide, le volume du transport aérien devrait tripler dans les 20 prochaines années. Afin de diminuer son impact environnement, des études sont en cours pour remplacer les combustibles fossiles par des biocarburants plus durables.

Evaluation and recommendation of a subsidy instrument for new large hydropower plants, use case of Switzerland

Scientific paper ArODES

Thomas Gisler, Massimiliano Capezzali, Mélanie Guittet, René Burkhard, Daniel Favrat

Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 2017, 26, pp. 6-16

Summary:

Hydropower is the central pillar of the current Swiss electricity mix. The Swiss energy transition will profoundly change the electricity mix by transitioning a third of electricity generation from nuclear towards renewable energy sources mainly. This backbone role of hydropower is hindered by the current Europe-wide sluggish economic situation, characterized by subsidized new renewables energies which distort electricity prices, a partially liberalized market and power production overcapacity. In this difficult context, a strong and comprehensive political support through long-term policy will be of utmost importance to accompany hydropower across this transformation. This article explores various subsidy instruments, before using the general framework of “System Engineering” to base a precise recommendation for Swiss hydropower. The recommended mixture of investment contribution with discount reclamation appears the most appropriate instrument. Also, the short time horizon means that the subsidization can be quickly terminated if necessary. In parallel, it is a mature instrument since it is already used for other new renewable energies. The discount model allows reclaiming subsidies in case of an excess profitability. The strength of this study is its robust, comprehensive and allencompassing methodology which can be replicated to other cases (for instance, other technologies or energy sources) and other countries.

Réseaux de distribution de l'énergie et sobriété énergétique des territoires, les apports d'une approche thermodynamique et métabolique des systèmes territoriaux

Scientific paper ArODES

Paul-Marie Guinchard, Marie-Hélène de Sède-Marceau, Massimiliano Capezzali

VertigO: la revue électronique en sciences de l'environnement, 2017, 17, 2

Summary:

In the context of energy transition and current environmental crisis, the interest of local and systemic approaches to energy issues seems admitted today. However, despite the many advances in all technology areas both in terms of planning and development or even in terms of psycho-social and behavioral approaches, the curves of energy consumption are struggling to curb. With this in mind, we hypothesize, based on theoretical elements from thermodynamics and biology, the potential role of energy distribution networks, their characteristics, their morphology and dynamics thus promoting increasingly efficient territorial organizations and operations.

2016

Study of the drivers and asset management of pumped-storage power plants historical and geographical perspective

Scientific paper ArODES

Mélanie Guittet, Massimiliano Capezzali, Ludovic Gaudard, Franco Romerio, François Vuille, François Avellan

Energy, 2016, vol. 111, pp. 560-579

Summary:

PSP (Pumped-storage power plants) represent the only mature option for large-scale electricity storage, and offer a wide range of grid management services, ranging from peak power production to ancillary services. This technology has undergone drastic progress in reliability, efficiency and generation capacity, with modern PSP being able to switch from pumping to generating mode in a few minutes and working at different levels of part load. This article presents a historical perspective and the current trends in PSP deployment at a global level. It covers initial investment rationale, the evolution of the operational management and trends in installed capacities, and a systematic overview on the contribution of PSP to electricity system flexibility and reliability to different electricity markets and different power grid configurations. Particular attention is devoted to the electricity production mix evolution in the selected countries. The role and operation of PSP have evolved significantly over time to adapt to new electricity mix and market conditions. Insights regarding the prospects and barriers of PSP in the coming decades are discussed, and estimates of remaining potential are compared with future storage needs, highlighting that alternative energy storage technologies will need to emerge alongside PSP to meet the future needs.

Système de management énergétique territorial :

Professional paper ArODES

une plateforme web cartographique pour la planification de la politique énergétique locale

Loïc Darmayan, Pablo Puerto, Gaëtan Cherix, Massimiliano Capezzali

Aqua Gas, 2016, vol. 6, pp. 56-65

Summary:

La plateforme MEU est un outil au service des collectivités, des entreprises d’approvisionnement en énergie et des gestionnaires de réseaux de distribution. L’outil crée une «photographie énergétique » détaillée de la ville pour un instant donné. Il permet de monitorer et planifier tant la demande que l’approvisionnement énergétique d’un bâtiment, d’un quartier ou d’une ville. Via la création de scénarios, l’utilisateur pourra ensuite prendre les meilleures décisions énergétiques possibles pour le futur. La plateforme sera commercialiser en fin 2016 par Navitas Consilium SA.

2015

Le Jatropha comme biocarburant durable en Afrique de l'Ouest

Professional paper ArODES

Mélanie Guittet, Massimiliano Capezzali

Summary:

L’Afrique sera bientôt amenée à mobiliser d’importants efforts pour faire face à la croissance prévue de sa demande énergétique dans laquelle l’électricité aura un rôle crucial à jouer, tous secteurs d’utilisation confondus. De plus, la recherche de solutions pour améliorer l’accès à l’énergie des populations rurales en Afrique de l’Ouest représente un enjeu majeur. Parmi les nombreuses solutions envisagées, les agrocarburants ont connu un engouement très fort.

The power of LOVE

Professional paper ArODES

Gaia Piazzesi, Massimiliano Capezzali, Daniel Favrat

International Cement Review, 2015, vol. 8, pp. 68-71

Summary:

In 2010, an ambitious collaboration between academia and industry was launched as a part of the EU FP7 project LOVE, with the aim to investigate the generation of electricity by recovering waste heat at temperatures below 120°C, focussing on the cement sector as test case. We look at the key lessons learned from this period.

Le Jatropha :

Professional paper ArODES

une plante écologique et un biocarburant durable ?

Pierre-Henri Texier, Mélanie Guittet, Massimiliano Capezzali

Revue des Industries Alimentaires et Agricoles, 2015, pp. 42-44

Summary:

La culture du Jatropha pour la production d’agrocarburants a suscité beaucoup d’espoir dans les années 2005 à 2008. Malheureusement, malgré les nombreuses opportunités de marché, la filière souffre de graves problèmes de fond. Aussi, en octobre 2014, les ministères burkinabés ont organisé, avec l’appui de l’Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, un séminaire de réflexion prospective pour redynamiser la filière dans son ensemble, sur le long terme et à large échelle. Il a ainsi été proposé de cultiver le Jatropha selon les nouvelles méthodes agroécologiques, c’est-à-dire en association avec d'autres cultures (arachide, niébé ou maïs) et d’utiliser les tourteaux et les coques comme fertilisants organiques selon les principes de l’économie circulaire. Une meilleure valorisation de l’huile de Jatropha pour l'électrification rurale décentralisée est également au cœur du processus de rentabilité de la filière, car en association avec des lampes LED, elle permet d’obtenir un rendement d’éclairage cent fois supérieur à celui du pétrole lampant.

2014

Plus de biométhane grâce au bois :

Professional paper ArODES

technologies de gazéification et méthanisation du bois et projets-phare en Europe

Gaia Piazzesi, Massimiliano Capezzali

Aqua Gas, 2014, vol. 10, pp. 58-62

Summary:

La production de biométhane à partir du bois a enregistré d’importants progrès au cours des dernières dix années. Les technologies les plus prometteuses sont en développement croissant et plusieurs investissements ont été effectués ou planifiés pour des installations de taille commerciale à travers de grands projets pilotes. L’objectif du présent article est de recenser les différents projets phares qui sont présentement développés ou planifiés en Europe, ainsi que les avantages et barrières pour la production du biométhane à partir du bois, en vue de la production d’un gaz compatible avec le gaz naturel du réseau.

2013

Une plateforme web pour les villes :

Professional paper ArODES

outil web et cartographique pour la planification énergétique urbaine

Massimiliano Capezzali, Diane Perez, Jakob Rager, Hans B. Püttgen, Gaëtan Cherix

Aqua Gas, 2013, vol. 93, no. 7-8, pp. 88-92

Gaëtan Cherix, Massimiliano Capezzali

Summary:

La plateforme MEU est un outil web au service des villes et des entreprises énergétiques qui permet de créer des scénarios énergétiques futurs à partir d'états des lieux servant de base de calcul. Cet outil d'aide à la décision permet d'évaluer toutes sortes de projets énergétiques, facilitant ainsi le travail d'analyse stratégique et de planification énergétique des zones urbaines.

Smart cities :

Scientific paper ArODES

la métamorphose

Urbia - Les Cahiers du développement urbain durable, 2013, vol. 15, pp. 27-44

Summary:

Le concept de « villes intelligentes » est aujourd’hui largement répandu et utilisé, de même que celui de « réseaux intelligents ». Or, dans les villes européennes et suisses, nous sommes pour l’instant dans une situation très éloignée par rapport à ces objectifs de « smart cities », non seulement du point de vue technologique mais aussi, peut-être surtout, du point de vue de leur intégration dans les politiques locales et dans les modèles d’affaires des entreprises énergétiques. En effet, s’il existe sur le marché des compteurs énergétiques permettant de communiquer, ils ne sont installés qu’en très petit nombre dans les villes et, dans la grande majorité des cas, sous-utilisés du point de vue des informations détaillées qu’ils pourraient fournir quant à la dynamique de l’approvisionnement et de la demande énergétiques. D’autre part, les implémentations actuelles de réseaux intelligents considèrent les consommateurs finaux comme des éléments « réactifs », pour utiliser une analogie électrique, et non comme des éléments « actifs », qui disposent de véritables outils afin de participer à la dynamique des réseaux, tant du point de vue de la demande énergétique (shift de consommations, installation de nouveaux appareils moins énergivores, rénovations de bâtiments, etc.) que de l’approvisionnement décentralisé. De même, les utilisateurs peuvent devenir co-créateurs de nouveaux services énergétiques, dans un marché dynamique et novateur. Couplés à des outils de planification énergétique territoriale toujours plus performants, ces nouveaux développements permettront aux villes européennes d’atteindre leurs ambitieux objectifs en matière d’efficacité énergétique accrue.

2009

Stocker l'énergie solaire :

Professional paper ArODES

une solution d'avenir

Kevin Sivula, Florian Le Formal, Michael Grätzel, Massimiliano Capezzali, Hans Björn Püttgen

Summary:

Aujourd’hui déjà, l’énergie solaire peut être utilisée pour produire soit de l’électricité, soit de la chaleur, par de multiples systèmes technologiques qui s’améliorent constamment, tant du point de vue du rendement que de leur intégration au sens large. Toutefois, ce type d’énergie ne peut pas être stocké de manière aisée, afin d’être utilisée en absence de rayonnement solaire ou dans des régions ne disposant pas d’une illumination suffisante. Cette importante limitation a poussé les scientifiques à trouver des méthodes alternatives, afin de maîtriser cette source d’énergie renouvelable.

2008

Marché électrique libéralisé en Suisse

Professional paper ArODES

Akbar Nour, Massimiliano Capezzali

Summary:

L'entrée en vigueur de la loi sur l'approvisionnement en électricité (LApEl) au début 2008 et l'ouverture du marché électrique sont en passe de recomposer le paysage énergétique suisse et ses acteurs principaux: les collectivités publiques et les entreprises de production et de distribution. Un séminaire organisé le 18 septembre dernier à l'EPFL par le Centre de Recherches Energétiques et Municipales (CREM), l'Energy Center de l'EPFL et SuisseEnergie pour les communes a tâché d'explorer les différentes opportunités, ainsi que les risques en matière de stratégies de coopération entre les multiples acteurs du secteur électrique suisse.

An algorithm to allow humerus translation in the indeterminate problem of shoulder abduction

Scientific paper ArODES

Alexandre Terrier, Arne Vogel, Massimiliano Capezzali, Alain Farron

Medical Engineering Physics, 2008, vol. 30, no. 6, pp. 710-716

Summary:

The shoulder is one of the most complex joints of the human body, mainly because of its large range of motion, but also because of its active muscular stabilisation. Actually, the numerous stabilizing muscles and degrees of freedom yield indeterminate biomechanical models. To solve this indeterminate, most models use reverse dynamics with a simplified ball-socket joint, preventing therefore the natural humerus translation. In this paper, an algorithm was specifically developed to solve the indeterminate problem by a feedback control of muscle activation, allowing the natural humerus translation. Abduction was considered in the scapular plane, accounting for the three deltoid parts and the rotator cuff muscles. The major aim of this study was to validate the numerical algorithm, which was here restricted to two-dimensions in order to compare the numerical solution to a known algebraic one. This comparison gave a relative error below 0.1%. The joint reaction force was comparable to other models and the humerus translation was in agreement with in vivo or in vitro studies.

2007

Intégration optimale des couplages chaleur-force dans les systèmes urbains

Professional paper ArODES

Gaëtan Cherix, Céline Weber, François Maréchal, Massimiliano Capezzali

2006

Internal structure of fluctuating Cooper pairs

Scientific paper ArODES

N. Andrenacci, Massimiliano Capezzali, Hans Beck

The European Physical Journal, 2006, vol. 53, pp. 417–432

Summary:

In order to obtain information about the internal structure of fluctuating Cooper pairs in the pseudogap state and below the transition temperature of high Tc superconductors, we solve the Bethe-Salpeter equation for the two-electron propagator in order to calculate a “pair structure function” gP(P,ρρ) that depends on the internal distance ρρ between the partners and on the center of mass momentum P of the pair. We use an attractive Hubbard model with a local potential for s-wave and a separable potential for d-wave symmetry. The amplitude of gP for small ρ depends on temperature, chemical potential and interaction symmetry, but the ρ dependence itself is rather insensitive to the interaction strength. Asymptotically gP decreases as an inverse power of ρ for weak coupling, but exponentially when a pseudogap develops for stronger interaction. Some possibilities of observing the pair structure experimentally are mentioned.

2003

Vortex dynamics in two-dimensional Josephson junction arrays

Scientific paper ArODES

Md. Ashrafuzzaman, Hans Beck, Massimiliano Capezzali

Physical Review B, 2003, vol. 68, no. 052502

Summary:

The dynamic response of two-dimensional Josephson junction arrays close to, but above the Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) transition temperature is described in terms of the vortex dielectric function ε(ω) and the flux noise spectrum Sφ(ω). They are calculated by considering both the contributions of free vortices interacting through a screened Coulomb potential and the pair motion of vortices that are closer to each other than the BKT correlation length. This procedure allows us to understand various anomalous features in ε(ω) and in Sφ(ω) that have been observed both experimentally and in dynamic simulations.

2000

One-electron spectral functions of the attractive Hubbard model at intermediate coupling

Scientific paper ArODES

M. Yu Kagan, R. Frésard, Massimiliano Capezzali, Hans Beck

Physica B: Condensed Matter, 2000, vol. 284–288, part. 1, pp. 447-448

Summary:

We calculate the one-electron spectral function of the attractive-U Hubbard model in two dimensions. We work in the intermediate coupling and low-density regime and evaluate analytically the self energy. The results are obtained in a framework based on the self-consistent T-matrix approximation. We also calculate the chemical potential of the bound pairs as a function of temperature. On the basis of this calculation we analyze the low-temperature resistivity and specific heat in the normal state of this system. We compare our results with recent beautiful tunneling experiments in the underdoped regime of HTSC-materials.

1999

Excitation spectrum of the two-dimensional attractive Hubbard model

Scientific paper ArODES

Massimiliano Capezzali, Hans Beck

Physica C: Superconductivity, 1999, vol. 317–318, pp. 482-485

Summary:

We calculate the one-particle spectral functions above the superconducting transition temperature TC, in the framework of a functional integral approach. The coupling of the electronic self-energy to pair fluctuations, which are treated by means of a time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau equation, yields a double-peak structure, around the Fermi wavenumber. The peak separation is essentially temperature-independent, but the structure sharpens when TC is approached.

Pseudogap in the one-electron spectral functions of the attractive Hubbard model

Scientific paper ArODES

Massimiliano Capezzali, Hans Beck

Physica B: Condensed Matter, 1999, vol. 259–261, pp. 501-503

Summary:

We calculate the one-electron Green's function of the two-dimensional (2D) attractive Hubbard model by coupling the electrons to pair fluctuations. The latter are approximated by homogeneous amplitude fluctuations and phase correlations corresponding to the XY-model. The electronic density of states shows a pseudogap at temperatures well above the transition temperature Tc. For a quasi-3D system, a superconducting gap emerges out of the pseudogap below Tc.

1998

Pseudogap, quantum phase fluctuations and spectroscopy of HTCS cuprates

Scientific paper ArODES

D. Ariosa, Hans Beck, Massimiliano Capezzali

Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, 1998, vol. 59, no. 10–12, pp. 1783-1787

Summary:

Superconducting critical temperatures Tc are calculated as a function of the doping parameter x for generic layered Cu oxide superconductors, within the framework of a 2D-XY model with quantum phase fluctuations. The model accounts for the lower doping threshold observed at x=0.05, and allows for a simple interpretation of the “pseudogap” in terms of condensation of pre-formed pairs. On the other hand, a novel pairing mechanism, based on the 2D confinement of carriers and on the in-plane overscreening of long-range Coulomb repulsion, is proposed. A 2–3D dimensional crossover which suppresses 2D pairing is considered in the overdoped regime.

One-electron spectral functions of the attractive Hubbard model for intermediate coupling

Scientific paper ArODES

Maxim Yu. Kagan, Raymond Frésard, Massimiliano Capezzali, Hans Beck

Physical Review B, 1998, vol. 57, no. 10, pp. 5995-6002

Summary:

We calculate the one-electron spectral function of the attractive (negative-U) Hubbard model. We work in the intermediate-coupling and low-density regime and obtain the self-energy in an approximate analytical form. The excitation spectrum is found to consist of three branches. The results are obtained in a framework based on the self-consistent T-matrix approximation, which is compatible with the Mermin-Wagner theorem.

1997

Screening effects in superconductors

Scientific paper ArODES

Massimiliano Capezzali, D. Ariosa, Hans Beck

Physica B: Condensed Matter, 1997, vol. 230–232, pp. 962-965

Summary:

The partition function of the Hubbard model with local attraction and long-range Coulomb repulsion between electrons is written as a functional integral with an action A involving a pairing field Δ and a local potential V. After integration over V and over fluctuations in ∥δ∥2, the final form of A involves a Josephson coupling between the local phases of δ and a “kinetic energy” term, representing the screened Coulomb interaction between charge fluctuations. The competition between Josephson coupling and charging energy allows to understand the relation between Tc and composition in high-Tc materials, in particular superlattices, alloys and bulk systems of low doping.

Regime interpretation of anomalous vortex dynamics in 2D superconductors

Scientific paper ArODES

Massimiliano Capezzali, Hans Beck, Subodh R. Shenoy

Physical Review Letters, 1997, vol. 78, pp. 523-526

Summary:

Low-frequency dynamic impedance [σ−1(ω,T)≡(σ1+iσ2)−1] measurements on Josephson junction arrays found that σ1∼|lnω|, σ2∼const. This implies anomalously sluggish vortex mobilities μV(ω)∼σ−11, and is in conflict with general dynamical scaling expressions. We calculate (a) σ(ω,T) by real-space vortex scaling and (b) μV(ω) using Mori's formalism for a screened Coulomb gas. We find, in addition to the usual critical (large-ω) and hydrodynamic (low-ω) regimes, a new intermediate-frequency scaling regime into which the experimental data fall. This resolves the above mentioned conflict and makes explicit predictions for the scaling form of σ(ω,T).

1996

Dynamics of vortices in disordered Josephson junctions arrays

Scientific paper ArODES

Massimiliano Capezzali, M. Mombelli, H. Beck

Physica B: Condensed Matter, 1996, vol. 222, no. 4, pp. 304-308

Summary:

We have studied a two-dimensional disordered Josephson Junction Array (JJA), where sites (or bonds) have been randomly removed with a given probability 1 − p. These defect regions of the array are modelled by a fixed distribution of holes, which are considered as being circular. We calculate the vortex mobility as a function of frequency, ω. When the holes are considered as having the same size, the former increases almost monotonically when the frequency gets higher, tending then to the value of the regular lattice as ω → ∞. For holes of different sizes, a similar behavior results from the superposition of the contribution from each family of holes.

2023

Optihood – a multi-objective analysis and optimization framework for building energy systems at neighborhood scale

Conference ArODES

Neha Dimri, Daniel Zenhäusern, Daniel Carbonell, Xavier Jobard, Vincent Jacquot, Agnès François, Massimiliano Capezzali, Marten Fesefeldt

Journal of Physics: Conference Series ; Proceedings of cisbat 2023, the built environment in transititon, Hybrid International Scientific Conference

Summary:

Strategic planning of future energy systems in a district is essential to fully exploit the benefits from sector coupling. In particular, new solutions may arise when a group of buildings is considered rather than individual buildings. Therefore, in order to identify optimal production and storage technologies within a district, new tools are needed. In this paper we present the open-source software framework optihood, which allows for multi-objective optimization and analysis of energy systems for neighborhoods. The tool assists researchers and, in a future stage, energy planners in the design of energy systems as well as in optimizing their operation strategy. After introducing the tool, its applicability is demonstrated with a case study, wherein we investigated the supply of a small neighborhood of four residential buildings with space heat, domestic hot water and electricity demands. The optimizer was allowed to consider heat pumps (geothermal/air-source), PV, batteries and hot water storage tanks as available technologies. We show comparisons between optimal solutions in terms of total annualized cost for the buildings considered (a) together as a group and (b) individually.

Economic and environmental benefits of decentralized multi-energy systems for energy communities

Conference ArODES

Xavier Jobard, Massimiliano Capezzali, Neha Dimri, Alexis Duret, Marten Fesefeldt, Mija Frossard, Vincent Jacquot, Sébastien Lasvaux

Journal of Physics: Conference Series ; Proceedings of cisbat 2023, the built environment in transititon, Hybrid International Scientific Conference

Summary:

In the context of growing interest in decentralised multi energy systems, this work aims at quantifying the benefit of optimized energy concepts for energy communities at the neighbourhood scale compared to individually optimized solution. To tackle this question a multi-objective optimization framework was developed and applied to a case study of 6 buildings consisting of 85% of residential dwellings and 15% to retail shop and food stores. Grouped buildings have decreased costs and greenhouse gases emissions (GHGE) respectively by 18% and 12% in the cost optimum compared to individual buildings. In the environmental optimum, costs have decreased by 11%, while GHGE remains in the same range. This decrease is at both optimum driven by electricity prices favourable to large consumers since exchanges on the electrical microgrid for this neighbourhood is very small. Optimal decrease of GHGE is obtained with greater use of HPs and smaller natural gas consumption. This work illustrates the interest of multi-objective approaches to identify optimal energy solutions for groups of buildings.

2021

Opportunities for e-mobility and grid services for microgrids in the context of an industrial area in Switzerland

Conference ArODES

Mary Jean Bürer, Geoffrey Orlando, Laure Deschaintre, Massimiliano Capezzali, Stéphane Thuillard

Proceedings of FTAL 2021, 28-29 October, 2021, Lugano, Switzerland-CEUR Workshop

Summary:

This paper describes first the impact of electric mobility and Vehicle-To-Grid (V2G) on the energy balance of a microgrid in a real case - an industrial park at Yverdon in Switzerland. Secondly, potential business models for the value created from different scenarios for taking advantage of battery electric vehicle flexibility are described. This study set the stage for the demonstration and application of the microgrid concepts developed in a real case at YPARC Swiss-Technopole.

Multi-energy planning of a city neighbourhood and improved stakeholders’ engagement

Conference ArODES

application to a Swiss test-case

Schéhérazade Kheloufi, Massimiliano Capezzali, Jakob Rager, Diane von Gunten, Marten Fesefeldt, Monica Arnaudo

Energy Reports ; Proceedings of The 17th International Symposium on District Heating and Cooling (DHC Symposium), Further investigations on the Effective Width for District Heating

Summary:

During the IntegrCiTy project, a novel urban energy planning approach was successfully tested. The latter combines stakeholder engagement with an innovative multi-energy model using different control strategies, while combining both energy demand and supply dynamics on selected zones. The applied control strategies applied to the energy networks show the potential gains linked to using synergies among networks and technologies, as to foster renewable energy penetration in the system. Thanks to the combined approach of advanced optimization techniques and stakeholder engagement, solutions can be identified much quicker. In addition, unfeasible solutions can be discarded at earlier stages of the planning process, based on the feedback of the stakeholders even though, from a pure mathematical and energy point of view, the solutions might be theoretically interesting to consider.

Dynamic LCA of a single-family house, equipped with a micro-cogeneration unit, using a variable share of biomethane

Conference ArODES

Pierryves Padey, Marten Fesefeldt, Kyriaki Goulouti, Sébastien Lasvaux, Massimiliano Capezzali

Journal of Physics: Conference Series ; Proceedings of CISBAT 2021 Carbon-neutral cities - energy efficiency and renewables in the digital era

Summary:

The current study presents the CO2-eq emissions of the operational energy use of a single-family house, equipped with a micro-cogeneration unit. A back-up boiler and electricity from the grid cover the remaining energy demand, not covered by the micro-CHP. Two different technologies are evaluated, i.e. ICE and fuel cell systems, operating with a variable share of biomethane, while two different substrates were considered for the biomethane generation. A dynamic LCA was applied for the electricity mix, coming from the grid, using different time steps. The results show that producing biomethane from biowaste compared to conventional natural gas is beneficial, in terms of CO2-eq emissions, independently of the micro-CHP technology, while the total CO2-eq emissions of the fuel cell technology are higher than those of the ICE, independently of the substrate and the biomethane share.

2020

Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment of the building electricity demand :

Conference ArODES

a case study

Pierryves Padey, Kyriaki Goulouti, Didier Beloin Saint-Pierre, Sébastien Lasvaux, Massimiliano Capezzali, Vasco Medici, Jalomi Maayan Tardif, Stéphane Citherlet

Proceedings of 21. Status-Seminar "Erneuern! Sanierungsstrategien für den Gebäudepark", 3-4 September 2020, Aarau, Switzerland

Summary:

The environmental footprint of the Swiss consumed electricity is not constant over the year. Indeed, the share of the energy production means varies throughout the days, weeks and months, as a function of the electricity demand, resource availability (hydro, solar) and the power plant availability (maintenance). Switzerland also balances its electricity grid with imports from neighboring countries. All these possible fluctuations imply a variable environmental footprint of the Swiss consumed electricity, which affect the environmental impact of the building electricity demand. So far, in Switzerland, the environmental accounting of the building energy demand considers yearly average impacts for the consumed electricity. The EcoDynBat project has developed a framework to collect and merge all the necessary data to conduct a Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment (DLCA) of the environmental impact for the Swiss building consumed electricity under different time steps. The resulting database and methodology has been applied to different profiles of building electricity demand, including buildings with heat pump and/or decentralized electricity production systems. The study evaluates the influence of different time step resolutions on the environmental impacts of the electricity demand in Swiss buildings. Results for the climate change impact show a variability going from 36 to 580 g of CO2 eq/kWh for the consumed electricity when using an hourly resolution, during a one year period. This variability causes an increase in the impacts of up to 24% for space heating, when compared to the annual average impacts. Other electricity loads that do not have a seasonal profile are less affected by the time resolution. Nevertheless, observed trends suggest that an hourly resolution will be relevant to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of smart buildings.

2018

Pertinence des SI territoriaux pour la scénarisation énergétique :

Conference ArODES

démonstration par l'exemple de l'exploitation du SI OPTEER appliqué à l'éco-mobilité

Julien Crevant, Marie-Hélène de Sède-Marceau, Stéphane François, Massimiliano Capezzali

Actes de Spatial Analysis and GEOmatics (SAGEO’2018), 6-9 novembre 2018, Montpellier, France

Summary:

Giving the REPOS ambition of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, it is necessary to be able to make scenarios in order to plan energy systems evolutions. Yet at regional scale, knowing and taking account of territorial contexts is essential to estimate regional energy policies feasibility and relevance. Our study lays foundation to an aid-to-scenario-making approach using the observation and information system OPTEER, its functionalities and prospective data. The study addresses bioGNV mobility in Franche-Comté and concerns analysis of the impacts a bioGNV substitution in the current truck pool would have.

Use cases for blockchain in the energy industry :

Conference ArODES

A critical review

Mary Jean Bürer, Matthieu De Laparrent, Vincenzo Pallotta, Massimiliano Capezzali, Mauro Carpita

Proceedings of ICE/IEEE ITMC Conference

Summary:

This paper reviews major use cases for blockchain architectures and continues with a critical review of issues to study further in future research work including as related to energy consumption of blockchain architectures and ensuring a reliable distribution network and security of supply.

2016

Sustainability and certification for aviation biofuels

Conference ArODES

Mélanie Guittet, Massimiliano Capezzali, Gonzalo Hernando, Yuri Herreras

Proceedings of the 6th EASN International Conference, on Innovation in European Aeronautics Research

Summary:

2015

Energy flows monitoring at the Cantonal level

Conference ArODES

Mélanie Guittet, Massimiliano Capezzali

Proceedings of International Conference CISBAT 2015 Future Buildings and Districts Sustainability from Nano to Urban Scale

Summary:

As an increased number of measures (Swiss or European level) aim at developing more sustainable policies for energy management and reduction of CO2 emissions in particular (for example, the 3x20 policy), very few tools currently exist at the regional/cantonal level to monitor the multiple existing energy flows. Energy issues at local and territorial level have become considerably more complex in the last twenty years for a number of reasons. First, new technologies penetrated the market and now compete with fossil-based conversion systems. In addition, energy systems are evolving to systematically become multi-fluid and multi-services. Finally, local and state authorities have taken up a stronger and broader role in terms of energy policy and have committed to ambitious goals in terms of both increased energy efficiency and implementation of renewables. Within this project, a decision-support and monitoring tool for policy makers has been developed, which includes thorough information on the most prominent energy aspects of the Canton of Vaud, and paves the way for establishing more indicators covering environmental and economic aspects. The development of a web-based tool aimed at visualizing the entire energy chain, from energy sources to end-use sectors at the level of a whole Swiss Canton is thus presented here. This tool provides a unifying structure for all the useful information on energy sources, vectors and final consumptions, this approach thereby giving access to a global overview, understanding and monitoring of the energy supply and demand characteristics of any given Canton (or any equivalent subnational territorial entity). The final goal of this approach is to give access to the direct visualization of all energy flows on the platform, thus translating and broadening the national statistics on the energy chain up to the cantonal (territorial) level. Therefore, this innovative tool will allow quantifying energy profiles, modelling conversion nodes along the energy chain, as well as assessing the overall energy balance per end-use sector. This very innovative platform constitutes a centralized energy data repository as well as a quantitative evaluation tool, encompassing most useful energy sources.

The MEU web platform :

Conference ArODES

a tool dedicated to urban energy management

Pablo Puerto, Mathias Pernet, Massimiliano Capezzali, Loïc Darmayan, Gaëtan Cherix

Proceedings of International Conference CISBAT 2015 Future Buildings and Districts Sustainability from Nano to Urban Scale

Gaëtan Cherix, Massimiliano Capezzali, Jakob Rager

Summary:

The MEU GIS-enabled web-platform [1] has been developed in close collaboration with four Swiss cities. The tool enables detailed monitoring and planning for both energy demand and supply at individual building, neighborhood and whole city scale (http://meu.epfl.ch). This web-platform acts like an interface between different tools and allows to establish detailed energy balances for entire cities comprising several thousand buildings. In its present configuration, the MEU tool does not allow yet to simulate energy networks behaviors, based on the real or projected energy demand in an urban zone. In order to meet this need from energy utilities partners, a specific data model, as well as an user-interface giving access to networks attributes and edition/simulation tools were developed, which will be then functionally integrated in the MEU platform. The idea is to create a “Natural Gas Networks” module built for energy utilities. The objectives of this project within the larger MEU endeavor were the following: - Create a platform gathering topological and geo-referenced data - Develop a gas network pre-design/planning methodology including demand characteristics and gas supply for buildings in a selected area. - Interface with gas distribution system operators existing tools and add new functionalities within a single platform. - Include gas distribution system operator constraints and operational realities in the pre-design/planning process. In order to achieve those objectives, two tools and several visualization concepts have been created, along with an ad hoc data model: (i) a data model able to allow data import, storage and centralization from energy utilities databases: networks, buildings demands and specifications, as well as interface between edition, simulation and visualization tools; (ii) a network edition tool prototype (LEAFLET JavaScript based web page), which allows to display a network on a map, to add/delete or drag&drop pipes, nodes, consumption and biogas production/injection points and pressure let down stations; (iii) a network flows, and pressures simulation device (MATLAB® compressible fluids model) which computes the network behavior for each hour (pressures, flows, power equivalent and temperatures in each point); (iv) a detailed mock-up for visualization and display concept with interactive and GIS data: buildings area, networks paths, pipes characteristics, results from simulation, studied area energy balance, etc. This paper focuses more specifically on the visualization and network edition tool, as well as simulation results interactive representation on the MEU platform.

Territorial energy systems :

Conference ArODES

a methodological approach and case study

Proceedings of the 10th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems

Summary:

Energy transition emphasizes the role of local authorities towards a sustainable future: energy productions are increasingly more decentralized by valuing renewable energies often rooted in territories. Management and operation of local energy systems are becoming more complex due to this paradigm shift (grid and supply/demand balancing), especially because production and consumption are not synchronized and not spatially related (temporal and spatial discontinuity). Territorial energy systems approach, consisting in analyzing all energy aspects of a territory in an integrated and simultaneous way (needs, resources, conversion and storage technologies), provides a relevant answer to this issue. It allows to systematically consider a large number of solutions, different by nature, in term of energy vectors and technologies, and to compare them in term of global performances at a territory scale. Nevertheless, it requires a very large amount of data to be structures and secured, as well as powerful calculating algorithms, combining energy and information technology (IT) aspects: smart cities and smart grids. Moreover, a territorial energy approach helps to provide actual answers to local entities, mainly through informatics tools, in term of energy monitoring and planning. Some of these tools will be highlighted through concrete examples.

Towards pre-dimensioning of natural gas networks on a web-platform

Conference ArODES

Pablo Puerto, Gaëtan Cherix, Loïc Darmayan, Mathias Pernet, Massimiliano Capezzali

Proceedings of the 26th World Gas Conference

Summary:

The MEU GIS-enabled web-platform has been developed in close collaboration with four Swiss cities: it enables detailed monitoring and planning for both energy demand and supply at individual building and neighborhood level (http://meu.epfl.ch). This web-platform gives access to entire cities comprising several thousands of buildings. In its actual configuration, this tool does not allow to pre-design networks depending on the energy demand of existing or futures infrastructures. Indeed, in MEU, gas networks or districts heating networks are handled in a simple steady-state way. This would in particular mean that, in scenarios, buildings can be arbitrary connected to energy networks without any territorial, power or technologic compatibility verification. Data about the amount of energy supplied by the gas or heat network in different parts of the studied cities are available but some data like the maximum power available, pipe’s diameters, parameters of pressure or heat loss and levels of temperatures, speed or flow rate are not known or reachable. In another hand, data about cooling and heating needs for a building are already known or estimated for each hour of the year by some modules of the platform. The precision already exist and we will use it to simulate the behavior of a gas network, and calculate all the flow rates, injections and consumptions for an urban zone. The idea is to create a new module allowing to test different pre-designed scenarios, to simulate the behavior of each scenario in order to calculate and display dynamics data for the considered network. We are targeting to create new functionalities for city energy manager in order to help them to design new network and expand present network or for system diagnostic purpose. Our aim is to allow users to create new buildings, add or delete nodes and pipes, modify installed heating power for an existing building and add feed-in of biogas. The resulting new network will be then tested and its behavior simulated to see if the means of production matches the demand and if the pressure is adequate in reducing stations to pipe the gas to consumers. The network tool will be useful to determine if a new district can be connected to the existent network or if the actual network need to be densified. It will also help to estimate the effect of a missing pipe due to road maintenance. The first step for the creation of those new functionalities consists in developing an operational module prototype for gas network management. The first phase of a test for a new scenario is the creation of the new state for the considered network. The user will be able to create his gas network based on the actual installation, pipes and structures. Then come the simulation phase. The user can choose the step, the duration and the period of the simulation. The simulation is based on a perfect and compressible gas model. The composition of the gas is considered as pure methane. The model include linear pressure loss equation and is built on a conservation of the molar flow rate through each node. Heating power are calculated for each building using a MEU module building physics software which simulates the energy demand by correlating real annual data from utilities and hourly simulated data. Feed-in gas flow rates are so determined. The studied system is limited to medium pressure (< 5bar) and low pressure networks (< 0.050 bar). Distribution pipelines between 40 bar and 50 bar are not include in the model. The simulation calculates pressure, molar flow rate and density of gas for every node of the network. The resolution of the equations system for each node of the network is made by a MATLAB® function (fsolve) using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. The raw results of the simulation are then exploited and converted to graphics. The user can choose nodes and the associate variable (pressure, speed, flow rate, etc…) that catch his attention and require to be added to graphics. We are currently testing the model using a comparison between the simulation of our model results and the results of a NEPLAN® simulation for the same neighborhood.

1999

Dynamics of the 2D two-component plasma near the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition

Conference ArODES

Dierk Bormann, Hans Beck, Oliver Gallus, Massimiliano Capezzali

Journal de Physique IV ; Proceedings of the 1999 International Conference on Strongly Coupled Coulomb Systems

Summary:

We study the dynamics of a classical, two-component plasma in two dimensions, in the vicinity of the Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT) transition where the system passes from a dielectric low-temperature phase (consisting of bound pairs) to a conducting phase. We use two "complementary" analytical approaches and compare to simulations. The conventional, "intuitive" approach is built on the KT picture of independently relaxing, bound pairs. A more forma1 approach, working with Mori projected dynamic correlation functions, avoids to assume the pair picture from the start. We discuss successes and failures of both approaches, and suggest a way to combine the advantages of both.

1995

Dynamics in disordered Josephson junction arrays

Conference ArODES

Massimiliano Capezzali, M. Mombelli, P. Beran, H. Beck

Macroscopic quantum phenomena and coherence in superconducting networks