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Advancing Smart, Sustainable, and Safe Cities Through Integrated Energy and Resilience Monitoring: The Palermo Case Study
No full textThe Public Energy Living Lab (PELL) of ENEA is in Italy at the forefront of promoting management efficiency, since 2014, in urban critical infrastructures, with a focus on public lighting and strategic buildings. By integrating energy savings with data-driven operational management, PELL supports cities in their digital transformation towards smart, sustainable and safe urban environments. This paper presents the ongoing activities in Palermo, (the capital of Sicily, Italy) where an integrated monitoring system is being deployed to continuously track energy consumption, environmental parameters and the resilience of the built environment to natural hazards, with specific focus on earthquakes. By aggregating real-time data from IoT sensors and combining them with static data, the system dynamically calculates key performance indicators (KPIs) that inform urban decision-making. These insights support targeted infrastructure upgrades, optimize resource allocation, and enhance risk preparedness, driving Palermo towards a future that is not only smarter and more sustainable, but also safer and more resilient to emerging challenges. This paper provides an overview of the implementation steps and KPIs, with the aim of offering a blueprint for similar implementations in other Italian and foreign cities
Dalla lavagna al podcast. Evoluzione e prospettive di ENEA highlights
Full text linkIl report “Dalla lavagna al podcast: evoluzione e prospettive di ENEA Highlights” analizza la nascita, lo sviluppo e l’evoluzione del format audiovisivo di divulgazione scientifica realizzato da ENEA. Nato con l’obiettivo di rendere accessibili e coinvolgenti i temi della ricerca scientifica e tecnologica, ENEA Highlights ha progressivamente consolidato la propria identità comunicativa attraverso una combinazione di linguaggio visivo, storytelling e innovazione tecnica. Il documento illustra il percorso progettuale, dalla definizione del concept alla produzione multimediale, evidenziando le scelte tecniche di ripresa, montaggio e post-produzione che hanno reso distintivo il format. Ampio spazio è dedicato all’analisi dei target di riferimento – in particolare i giovani tra i 16 e i 25 anni – e dei canali comunicativi più efficaci per raggiungerli, con un focus anche sul pubblico interno di ENEA. Il report include un confronto con le strategie comunicative di altri enti di ricerca pubblici (ASI, INFN, CNR, ISPRA), individuando punti di forza e aree di miglioramento del format ENEA. Nelle conclusioni vengono delineate le prospettive future: potenziamento delle infrastrutture digitali, sperimentazione di nuovi formati come il podcast, diversificazione dei linguaggi visivi e sviluppo di contenuti speciali per i social media
Major Achievements of the EC MUSA Project
No full textThe maturity of severe accident (SA) codes, progress in computational methods, and computer infrastructures were considered a sound platform for conducting, for the first time in SA modeling, a systematic and broad application of uncertainty and sensitivity analysis (UaSA) in this domain. The overall objective of the HORIZON2020 project on “Management and Uncertainties of Severe Accidents (MUSA)” was to quantify the uncertainties of SA integral codes when modeling reactor and spent fuel pool (SFP) accident scenarios of Generation-II and Generation-III reactor designs for the prediction of the radiological source term. This paper presents the major achievements accomplished by MUSA. To name a few, (1) a database on input parameter uncertainties has been assembled, (2) SA codes and statistical tools, either inhouse built or existing ones, have been properly coupled by scripting or interfaces, (3) major specific challenges have been identified and different solutions have been worked out, and (4) applications to several reactor types and SFP scenarios have shown interesting insights into this simulation approach, particularly when dealing with source term variables as figures of merit. No less important, major challenges were found and are discussed here as issues that need to be addressed before achieving an effective implementation of UaSA in the SA domain
Improvement of Self-Consumption Rates by Cogeneration and PV Production for Renewable Energy Communities
Full text linkThe goal of decarbonization has driven the adoption of several intervention strategies across Europe, including the promotion of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs). This study analyses an electric REC in Italy to explore the performance of different potential energy mixes combining a biogas-based cogeneration (CHP) system and photovoltaic (PV) plants. The analysis is based on a real REC composed of 53 members (mainly companies) with a Self-Sufficiency Rate (SSR) of 92% and a Self-Consumption Rate (SCR) of 60%. Adding 550 residential consumers (apartments) to the REC, the total production matches total consumption, and both SSR and SCR converge to 84%. Compared to RECs that rely solely on PV systems, this case study shows that biogas integration leads to an increase of around 40 percentage points in both SSR and SCR—equivalent to an average gain of 0.4 to 0.6 percentage points for each percentage point increase in the CHP share of the CHP-PV production mix. The analysis quantifies how SSR and SCR vary not only with different biogas/PV production ratios but, more importantly, with variations in the total annual production-to-consumption ratio of the RECs. These results can guide the design of RECs tailored to the specific characteristics of local contexts
Realizzazione dei piezometri nel campo geotermico sperimentale del C.R. ENEA-Casaccia e misure di conducibilità tecnica
Full text linkL’attività descritta in questo report è parte del progetto di ricerca, relativo al Piano Triennale di realizzazione 2022-2024 della Ricerca di Sistema Elettrico Nazionale, linea di attività 1.7 “Tecnologie per la penetrazione efficiente del vettore elettrico negli usi finali”. Nello specifico, l’attività in oggetto è la L.A. 4.1 (WP4). Nel primo anno e mezzo di attività sono stati realizzati due fori attrezzati a piezometri, per monitorare temperatura e livello dell’acqua di falda nel campo geotermico realizzato nel 2021, costituito da 4 pozzi a diversa profondità (da 35 a 85 m), a circuito chiuso e con configurazione a doppia U (cfr. RT/2023/23/ENEA). Le due perforazioni (PZ1 e PZ2), profonde 45 m, sono state eseguite a carotaggio continuo nel marzo 2023. Di ogni litotipo è stato estrapolato il valore del coefficiente di permeabilità e di porosità efficace. È stata determinata la portata unitaria attraverso i diversi strati, tenuto conto della permeabilità del litotipo e del gradiente idraulico effettivamente calcolato. Inoltre, sono state caratterizzate le litologie attraversate in ogni foro ed è stata effettuata la correlazione litostratigrafica tra i due siti. Misurazioni dirette di conducibilità termica sono state eseguite, all’atto del recupero, sulle carote dei sondaggi PZ1 e PZ2, in condizioni sostanzialmente indisturbate. I valori sono stati confrontati con le misure effettuate in laboratorio sulle carote del sondaggio geognostico S1 (corrispondente al pozzo 1 del campo geotermico) correlando le successioni litostratigrafiche fino alla profondità di 45 m. Da 45 a 85 m sono stati considerati i valori di conducibilità termica media misurati in laboratorio sui campioni del sondaggio S1. Su tutti i campioni dei sondaggi S1, PZ1 e PZ2 sono stati calcolati densità e calore specifico, con l’intento di utilizzare tali valori nelle future fasi di modellizzazione termica del campo geosonde. I dati rilevati ogni 12 ore dai piezometri hanno permesso di definire la quota del livello statico della falda acquifera e di registrarne le variazioni in funzione della pluviometria.The activity described in this report is part of the research project, related to the 2022-2024 ThreeYear Implementation Plan of the National Electricity System Research, activity line 1.7 “Tecnologie per la penetrazione efficiente del vettore elettrico negli usi finali”. Specifically, this activity is L.A. 4.1 (WP4). In the first year and a half of activity, two boreholes equipped with piezometers were drilled, to monitor temperature and groundwater level in the geothermal field constructed in 2021 and consisting of 4 boreholes at different depths (from 35 to 85 m), with a closed circuit and a double U configuration (see RT/2023/23/ENEA). The two 45 m deep boreholes (PZ1 and PZ2) were drilled by continuous coring in March 2023. The value of the permeability coefficient and effective porosity was extrapolated for each lithotype. The unit flow rate through the different layers was determined, considering the permeability of the lithotype and the effectively calculated hydraulic gradient. In addition, the lithologies crossed in each borehole were characterised and the lithostratigraphic correlation between the two sites was carried out. Direct measurements of thermal conductivity were carried out, upon recovery, on the cores of boreholes PZ1 and PZ2 under substantially undisturbed conditions. The values were compared with laboratory measurements on the cores of geognostic survey S1 (corresponding to borehole 1 of the geothermal field) by correlating the lithostratigraphic successions up to a depth of 45 m. From 45 to 85 m, the mean thermal conductivity values measured in the laboratory on the S1 samples were considered. Density and specific heat were calculated on all samples from S1, PZ1 and PZ2, to use these values in future thermal modelling of the geosonde field. The data collected every 12 hours from the piezometers made it possible to define the static level of the aquifer and to record its variations as a function of the rainfall
Study of thermal oils for nuclear power plants safety system applications: thermal ageing and radiation effects investigation
Full text linkNel presente rapporto tecnico vengono descritte le attività condotte nell’ambito del progetto ARDECO (ASTRID Research and Development Cooperation). Lo scopo del progetto è stato quello di studiare fluidi di scambio termico per un sistema di mitigazione incidentale per reattori nucleari di IV generazione raffreddati a sodio liquido. Tra diversi tipi di fluidi di scambio termico, gli oli termici rappresentano una valida scelta per diverse ragioni; hanno una buona compatibilità con diversi componenti del sistema, incluso il fluido primario di raffreddamento (sodio liquido), possono essere usati in un ampio range di temperatura e mostrano eccellenti qualità di scambio termico. Per lo studio sono stati selezionati due oli aromatici, commercialmente conosciuti come Therminol 66 e Therminol SP, grazie alla loro stabilità sia allo stress termico che radiolitico. Entrambi sono ampiamente utilizzati sia in campo nucleare che, recentemente, negli impianti solari CSP (Concentrated Solar Power). Per verificarne la stabilità nelle reali condizioni di utilizzo, ne è stato studiato il comportamento in condizioni simulate di invecchiamento termico e radiochimico. Per quanto riguarda i test di invecchiamento termico, ogni campione di olio è stato sottoposto a test di riscaldamento controllato in un range di temperatura superiore a quello di normale utilizzo. Inoltre, per studiare eventuali fenomeni di radiolisi, gli oli sono stati sottoposti a test di invecchiamento nell’impianto di irraggiamento gamma CALLIOPE, dotato di una sorgente di Cobalto 60 (60Co). Gli oli prima e dopo i test di invecchiamento sono stati studiati mediante diverse tecniche analitiche al fine di studiarne gli effetti sulle proprietà chimico-fisiche.The present work describes the activity carried out in the framework of ARDECO (ASTRID Research and Development Cooperation) to study and select suitable Heat Transfer Fluids (HTFs) to be used in safety system heat exchangers for sodium cooled IV generation nuclear power plants. Among several HTFs, thermal oils are a good choice for the under-study application; have good compatibility with other components (such as the primary coolant which is sodium) and can operate in a wide temperature range with remarkable heat transfer properties. Given the studied application, materials with thermal and radiation resistance were selected; two aromatic oils, commercially named Therminol 66 and Therminol SP, widely used for several years both in nuclear and CSP (Concentrating Solar Power plants) were chosen. To study the suitability of selected materials, firstly, extensive thermal ageing laboratory scale tests were performed to undergo oils to controlled heating over working temperature range. Also, radiochemical stability was evaluated; oils samples were tested in the CALLIOPE Gamma Irradiation Facility equipped with a Cobalt 60 (60Co) isotopic source. Different, complementary analytical techniques were used to test oils samples before and after the above reported stress tests; obtained results permit to analyze, separately, thermal and radiochemical effect on the oils chemical structure
Tourism intensity and plastic waste management: insights from European capital cities
No full textThe surge in demand for plastic materials, coupled with the rising trend of out-of-home food consumption, has posed significant challenges to urban waste management systems. These challenges are intensified in touristic cities where touch-and-go tourism leads visitors to spend most of the day outside, resulting in a high generation of waste in urban areas. While existing research focuses predominantly on the hospitality sector, the role of public administrations remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by surveying city managers from ten European capitals, providing a comprehensive overview of plastic waste management and prevention patterns. Results reveal that legislative measures and plastic bans are effective, but local initiatives and social programs require further support. Waste generated in public areas is less scrutinized than residential waste, and differences in municipal waste collection schemes hinder proper sorting. Findings underscore the need for collaborative efforts in both waste prevention and management to strengthen partnerships with hotels, restaurants and shopkeepers, as well as the proper design of waste logistics and infrastructure and dedicated communication campaigns in tourist hotspots
Web-Based Eco-Feedback for Energy Efficiency and Indoor Comfort in Smart Dwellings
No full textUser feedback plays a critical role in enhancing energy efficiency in residential buildings. By frequently understanding energy use and comfort levels, tenants can assume more informed decisions and optimize energy consumption without compromising satisfaction and comfort. Digital Feedback systems help identify inefficiencies, such as poorly efficient home components and devices or ineffective automation routines, enabling continuous improvement and personalization. Ultimately, incorporating user input fosters a more responsive, sustainable, and energy-conscious built environment. In this paper the authors present the design and development of a web-based energy and environmental platform for enhancing user's awareness and boosting energy efficiency in comfort environments. The developed platform has been tested for a limited period in two dwellings of a smart residential building. The obtained results show the effectiveness of the energy and comfort feedback provided since after isolated fault events the occupants positively reacted. Furthermore, in the two investigated dwellings a decrease of the normalized daily energy consumption has been found ranging 7−10%, leading to a more efficient energy use of residential buildings
New data on some dobsonflies and fishflies (Megaloptera: Corydalidae) from Vietnam
Full text linkFaunistic data of 29 species of Corydalidae recently collected in Vietnam, with special emphasis to the central and southern regions, are presented. The studied material allows a better definition of the distribution of these species in Vietnam
Monitoraggio del particolato atmosferico presso la Base Mario Zucchelli in Antartide durante quattro spedizioni (dalla XXXV alla XXXVIII). Determinazione del contenuto degli elementi inorganici in traccia
Full text linkIn questo report sono presentati i risultati delle attività di monitoraggio ambientale condotte presso la Stazione Mario Zucchelli (MZS) in Antartide nel corso di quattro spedizioni consecutive (dalla 35a alla 38a). Ciascuna campagna è stata svolta durante l’estate australe, che generalmente va da ottobre a febbraio; pertanto, i dati si riferiscono alle estati tra il 2019 e il 2023. Le attività descritte hanno riguardato il campionamento di particolato atmosferico (PM10) e la determinazione analitica del contenuto totale di elementi inorganici in traccia presenti nel particolato stesso. Il materiale particolato è stato raccolto su filtri in fibra di quarzo utilizzando campionatori ad alto volume a flusso costante, posizionati sia presso MZS sia in un sito, Campo Icaro, situato a circa 3 km a sud di MZS. Quest’ultimo sito è stato scelto perché non influenzato da attività antropiche e quindi è considerato un “bianco”, vale a dire un sito analogo a quello di MZS, ma privo di sorgenti di emissione di origine antropica. Per entrambi i siti monitorati, analizzando i dati raccolti nel corso degli anni, si osserva che alcuni elementi presentano valori di concentrazione nel particolato atmosferico che non differiscono in modo significativo tra una spedizione e quella successiva, suggerendo una loro possibile origine naturale, geogenica. Al contrario, altri elementi mostrano una tendenza a un aumento progressivo delle loro concentrazioni nel particolato campionato nel tempo. Per questi ultimi, si può ipotizzare che la loro presenza sia maggiormente correlata alle attività umane. Sebbene le concentrazioni misurate per questi elementi di origine antropica siano ampiamente al di sotto dei limiti stabiliti dalla normativa europea riguardante la qualità dell’aria, i risultati mostrati in questo report indicano l’importanza di continuare le attività di monitoraggio del particolato atmosferico per garantire una costante tutela dell’ambiente nell’area in cui è ubicata MZS.This report presents the results of the environmental monitoring activities conducted at the Mario Zucchelli Station (MZS) in Antarctica during four consecutive expeditions (from the 35th to the 38th expedition). Each campaign was carried out during the austral summer, which generally coincides with the period from October to February, and the results refer to the austral summers between 2019 and 2023. The activities described herein involved sampling of atmospheric particulate matter (PM10) and the analytical determinations of the total content of trace inorganic elements in the samples. Particulate matter was collected on quartz fiber filters using high-volume, constant-flow samplers, positioned at the MZS and at Campo Icaro, a site about 3 km south of the base, not influenced by anthropogenic activities and considered as “blank”, i.e., a site similar to MZS, but without anthropogenic emission sources. For both monitored sites, data collected over the years show that some elements exhibit concentrations that do not vary significantly from one expedition to the next, suggesting a likely natural, geogenic origin. In contrast, other elements show a trend of progressively increasing concentrations over time. For these latter elements, it can be hypothesized that their presence is more closely linked to human activities. Moreover, although the measured concentrations for the elements of possible anthropogenic origin are well below the limits set by air quality European legislation, the results presented in this report highlight the importance of continuing the monitoring activities to ensure the ongoing protection of the environment in the area surrounding MZS