Open Access Journals at Aalborg University
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Techno-economic Assessment of Battery Energy Storage Systems in Renewable Energy Communities
Get PDFRenewable Energy Communities (RECs) are an important driver in the energy transition to foster renewables deployment in a cost-effective way, to engage citizens in the energy sector with an active participation, to share local energy, and to improve local balancing. A key element to maximize the utilization of renewable resources is the ability to store energy in renewable energy communities. By storing excess energy, communities can avoid curtailment, which occurs when renewable energy generation exceeds the immediate demand. This curtailed energy can be stored for later use which optimizes the functioning of an integrated system. This study highlights the cost-effectiveness of implementing Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the framework of REC. Findings support the potential benefits even when employing lower-efficiency storage systems, provided their costs are sufficiently low. Results show that, at the current level of technological development, BESS are not economically viable without additional revenue streams. It is also shown that BESS could be economically feasible in the future with anticipated technological development that would drive Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) down. Under these circumstances, cost savings are enhanced in the REC context, as members’ energy storage capacities are shared within the community along with the renewable energy generation
A Method for the Development of Business Models for Collaborative Product Service Systems in the Industrial Sector
Get PDFPurpose: This study aims to introduce a methodology dedicated to developing business models for industrial product service systems (IPSS) in mechanical engineering. It identifies shortcomings in generic methods and emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Grounded in a thorough literature review, a careful selection of eleven scientific papers has been identified and explored in a two-step literature review and analysis process. To develop an adjusted reference methodology, we used a multi-phase development model for structural guidance. The emphasis is on a step-by-step and iteratively validated approach to overcome the particular challenges of IPSS in mechanical engineering.
Findings: The comprehensive review of literature revealed a gap in research concerning IPSS business model development within mechanical engineering, as none of the reviewed studies fully met all predefined requirements. Additionally, the absence of focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the literature suggests an important area for further investigation. These findings underscore the need for a more systematic methodology to address this deficiency. Despite these limitations, valuable insights were extracted through careful content analysis, organized into distinct phases, resulting in the development of a systematic reference model.
Practical Implications: Project managers and organizations can view this reference model as a strategic roadmap, providing step-by-step guidance for the effective development of IPSS business models in engineering companies.
Originality/Value: We contribute a systematic reference methodology for the development of collaborative IPSS business models in mechanical engineering, addressing industry-specific needs and paving the way for future research on incorporating company-specific factors into the business model development process
Nietzsche and Freud: Pandora's box of transgressive contemporary art
Get PDFKieran Cashell defines the art of transgression as influenced by the "dark troika" (Nietzsche, Freud, and Bataille). This paper examines Nietzschean and Freudian contributions to an art detached from traditional aesthetics like form, symmetry, and beauty, referred as "de immundo" by Jean Clair. It explores Nietzsche's early work, "The Birth of Tragedy," and its concepts of the Apollonian and Dionysian, linking them to Freudian psychoanalysis. The paper concludes by discussing Nietzsche's influence on psychoanalysis and contemporary transgressive art
Framing European Youth Gender Attitudes through Serial Dramas: Focus Group Insights from the GEMINI Project
Get PDFThe wide universe of serial drama acts both as mirror and shaper of young adults’ perceptions and attitudes towards social issues, also fostering their growing interest in gender-related ones. Drawing from the European project GEMINI-Gender Equality through Media Investigation and New training Insights (CERV-2022-GE), this study provides the insights from the qualitative research phase, consisting of 15 focus groups interviews carried out in 4 countries (Denmark, Italy, Ireland and Romania) with the aim of detecting the interplay between serial narratives, gender issues and European young adults. The main findings show complex dynamics between media consumption and youth views, revealing how serial dramas can challenge stereotypes and promote conversations around gender topics, though they tend to reinforce existing attitudes rather than change views or behaviours
Exploring spirituality’s location in sustainable clothing consumption through “Black Swan” narratives
Get PDF“Black swan” events (e.g., pandemics, natural disasters, war) often prompt individuals to clarify their self-concept and boost self-esteem with consumptive activities when their mortality is threatened. Research about the Covid-19 pandemic’s effects on clothing consumption indicates that some consumers shifted toward more conscious clothing consumption habits, which may be associated with a desire for self-transcendence (e.g., spirituality). The purpose of this study was to locate spirituality’s role in consumption practice that strengthens clothing’s longevity. Narrative inquiry methodology was used to engage individuals who reported a spiritual experience relevant to their consumption during the pandemic. The study explores the nature of narrators’ spiritual experiences, insights, and the clothing consumption practices and ideals that are informed by each narrator’s spiritual framework, which is idiosyncratic and deeply personal. The pandemic is described by narrators in this study as an opportunity for personal growth and insight into the value of time and relationships. Narrators describe an increased spiritual consciousness, leading to a sense of interconnectedness and responsibility, beyond their own survival. Their empathy for others expands. Materiality is reevaluated in their spiritual sense of what makes a "good life." Most importantly, narrators squarely negotiate their identity through contemplative spiritual practices and reduce their need for external approval. This allows them to deepen their commitment to reduce or restrain their clothing consumption habits. The narrators illustrate how sustainable clothing consumption is itself a spiritual practice that results in greater freedom of expression and a more meaningful and satisfying experience with clothing
Unveiling the Power of Repair Services in Enhancing Consumer Repair Behaviour in the Fashion Industry: A Crucial Step Towards a Circular Economy
Get PDFAdvocates for reducing the fashion industry’s ecological impact emphasize the importance of Circular Economy (CE) principles, with repair being a vital strategy for extending product lifetimes. The current research aims to go beyond merely identifying the factors that influence consumers' perceptions of repair services and their repair behaviour. It explores the types of repair services people prefer and presents actionable and practical design strategies that companies can adopt to facilitate their transition to CE. A quantitative survey (n=265) was set up to identify preferred repair services and factors influencing willingness to repair. Moreover, a focus group with experts (n=10), used the input generated by the survey to further discuss possible design strategies. The survey findings reveal that although consumers strongly support repair, few actually participate in it. While high costs are identified as a barrier, trust and respect for repair professionals serve as motivators for repair behaviour. Additionally, there is a clear preference for local repair services over those offered by fashion brands. The developed design strategies aim at increasing the visibility of repair services, enhancing consumers' repair skills, and leveraging trust in craftsmanship to improve perceptions of quality. The study concludes that improving repair service quality through these design strategies will extend the lifespan of clothing and footwear, crucial for the CE transition. Future research should explore the practical implementation of the proposed strategies and look for possible cultural differences
Nudging as a strategy to prevent behavioural rebound effects in the early phases of design
Get PDFDespite the recognition that ca. 50% of the potential environmental gains of sustainability-oriented interventions are offset by rebound effects (RE), effective strategies that can prevent the occurrence of rebound effects are currently missing. To address this gap, this paper explores how nudging can be used to prevent RE during the early phases of design of products, product/service-systems and socio-technical systems. Through a Systematic Literature Review, 23 nudges that have the potential to promote sustainable behaviour were identified and subsequently classified into four categories: ‘Decision information’ (e.g. descriptive norms), ‘Decision structure’ (e.g. defaults), ‘Decision assistance’ (e.g. pre-commitment), and ‘Miscellaneous’ (e.g. priming). The identified nudges served as the foundation for the development of a novel design tool that can support the selection of nudges to prevent RE in the early phases of design, with indication of potential additional RE emerging from the implementation of the selected nudges. In addition to the development of the tool, this study mapped existing research gaps that can guide further research in the field. 
Citizen Engagement Activities: Applying Behaviour Change Techniques in Sustainable Clothing Consumption
Get PDFThe study explores the application of Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) in promoting sustainable clothing consumption. The fashion industry significantly impacts the environment, and despite consumer interest in sustainable options, adoption remains low, and a green gap persists. This research aims to identify effective methods to encourage sustainable behaviours. BCTs, a theoretical framework originally used in health contexts, are applied here to sustainable clothing consumption. Four citizen engagement activities were conducted, each incorporating different BCTs. Surveys were conducted before and after the activities to measure their effectiveness. The study found that certain BCTs (providing information on social and environmental consequences, education, and instructions on how to perform behaviours), significantly correlated with participants' intentions to adopt sustainable clothing consumption behaviours. These findings suggest that interventions combining impact awareness through information with action are most effective. The study highlights the potential of BCTs to guide and evaluate interventions aimed at reducing the green gap in sustainable clothing consumption
