RISE – Research Institutes of Sweden
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Wind Turbine Aerodynamics Simulation Using the Spectral/hp Element Framework Nektar++
No full textWind power plays an increasingly vital role in sustainable energy development. However, accurately simulating wind turbine aerodynamics, particularly in offshore wind farms, remains challenging due to complex environmental factors such as the marine atmospheric boundary layer. This study investigates the integration and assessment of the Actuator Line Model (ALM) within the high-order spectral/hp element framework, Nektar++, for wind turbine aerodynamic simulations. The primary objective is to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the ALM by analyzing aerodynamic loads, wake behavior, and computational demands. A three-bladed NREL-5MW turbine is modeled using the ALM in Nektar++, with results compared against established computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools, including SOWFA and AMR-Wind. The findings demonstrate that Nektar++ effectively captures velocity and vorticity fields in the turbine wake while providing aerodynamic load predictions that closely align with finite-volume CFD models. Furthermore, the spectral/hp element framework exhibits favorable scalability and computational efficiency, indicating that Nektar++ is a promising tool for high-fidelity wind turbine and wind farm aerodynamic research. This research was conducted within the framework of the VindEl program and received funding from the Swedish Energy Agency (Energimyndigheten) under the grant No. 2021-029520</p
Wood and Cellulose : the Most Sustainable Advanced Materials for Past, Present, and Future Civilizations
No full textWood, with its constituent building block cellulose, is by far the most common biomaterial on the planet and has been the most important material used by humans to establish civilization. If there is one single biomaterial that should be studied and used by materials scientists across disciplines to achieve a sustainable future, it is cellulose. This perspective provides insights for the general materials science community about the unique properties of wood and cellulose and how they may be used in advanced sustainable materials to make a substantial societal impact. The focus is on sawn wood or cellulose fibers produced at scale by industry and the more recent cellulosic nanomaterials, highlighting the areas where these cellulose-based materials can be valorized into higher-order functions. Numerous articles have comprehensively reviewed different areas where cellulose is currently used in advanced materials science. The objective here is to provide general insight for all material scientists and to provide the opinions about the areas in which cellulose and wood have the largest potential to make a significant societal impact, especially to realize next-generation sustainable materials for construction, food, water, energy, and information. Discussing key areas where future research is needed to open avenues toward a more sustainable future is ended. .B. acknowledges the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation for financial support through an individual grant (KAW 2021.0210). M.M.H. acknowledges Vinnova’s “digital cellulose center” (2022-03085), Energimyndigheten (48489-1).</p
Diversity of biomass usage pathways to achieve emissions targets in the European energy system
No full textBiomass is a versatile renewable energy source with applications across the energy system, but it is a limited resource and its usage needs prioritization. We use a sector-coupled European energy system model to explore near-optimal solutions for achieving emissions targets. We find that provision of biogenic carbon has higher value than bioenergy provision. Energy system costs increase by 20% if biomass is excluded at a net-negative (−110%) emissions target and by 14% at a net-zero target. Dispatchable bioelectricity covering 1% of total electricity generation strengthens supply reliability. Otherwise, it is not crucial in which sector biomass is used, if combined with carbon capture to enable negative emissions and feedstock for e-fuel production. A shortage of renewable electricity or hydrogen supply primarily increases the value of using biomass for fuel production. Results are sensitive to upstream emissions of biomass, carbon sequestration capacity and costs of direct air capture.We acknowledge funding from the Swedish Energy Agency, project numbers 2021-00067 (M.M., F.H., L.R.), 2023-00888 (RESILIENT, M.M.) and 2020-004542 (M.M., F.H., L.R.). This research was partially funded by CETPartnership, the Clean Energy Transition Partnership under the 2022 joint call for research proposals, co-funded by the European Commission (grant agreement number 101069750). This research was partially funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe esearch and innovation programme under the UPTAKE project (g.a. no. 101081521). The views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. The computations and data handling were enabled by resources provided by the National Academic Infrastructure for Supercomputing in Sweden (NAISS) and the Swedish National Infrastructure for Computing (SNIC) at Chalmers Centre for Computational Science and Engineering (C3SE), partially funded by the Swedish Research Council through grant agreement numbers 2022-06725 and 2018-05973.</p
Taphonomic variation in vascular remains from Mesozoic non-avian dinosaurs
No full textThe identity and source of flexible, semi-transparent, vascular-like components recovered from non-avian dinosaur bone are debated, because: (1) such preservation is not predicted by degradation models; (2) taphonomic mechanisms for this type of preservation are not well defined; and (3) although support for molecular endogeneity has been demonstrated in select specimens, comparable data are lacking on a broader scale. Here, we use a suite of micromorphological and molecular techniques to examine vessel-like material recovered from the skeletal remains of six non-avian dinosaurs, representing different taxa, depositional environments and geological ages, and we compare the data obtained from our analyses against vessels liberated from extant ostrich bone. The results of this in-depth, multi-faceted study present strong support for endogeneity of the fossil-derived vessels, although we also detect evidence of invasive microorganisms.This work was performed in part at the Analytical Instrumentation Facility (AIF) at North Carolina State University, which is supported by the State of North Carolina and the National Science Foundation (#ECCS-2025064). The AIF is a member of the North Carolina Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network (RTNN), a site in the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI). L.A. Anderson contributed to attaining SEM images. Funding (to MHS) was provided by Lynn and Susan Orr, and Vance and Gayle Mullis (Mullis Analytics). Funding from the Swedish Research Council (contracts #2019-03731 and #2020-03542) is also gratefully acknowledged (to PS and JL).</p
A new method for protein extraction from sea lettuce (Ulva fenestrata) via surfactants and alkaline aqueous solutions
No full textAlternative protein sources such as seaweed can help relieve the pressure on land-based protein supply. This proof-of-concept study developed an extraction method to recover soluble and lipophilic proteins from the seaweed Ulva fenestrata. The method consisted of processing U. fenestrata with 0.1–0.5 % aqueous Triton X-114 solution and reprocessing the pellet with an alkaline aqueous solution. Then, the solubilized proteins were precipitated via acidification. The new method extracted 3.4-times more protein, measured as total amino acids, compared to the control with two alkaline aqueous extraction cycles. Triton disrupted the chloroplasts and likely solubilized lipophilic membrane proteins as supported by microstructure and polypeptide pattern analysis. Triton-derived protein extracts contained lipids inside the precipitates/aggregates and were richer in fatty acids typical of photosynthetic membranes. The higher extraction yields are proposed to result from membrane charge neutralization upon acidification, triggering interactions between the membrane lipids and their subsequent precipitation with the lipophilic membrane protein. The study was supported by Formas and conducted within the projects ‘CirkAlg’ (Grant no. 2018-01839) and ‘A manual for the use ofsustainable marine resources’ (Grant no. 2022–00331).</p
Deciphering the phenotypic, inflammatory, and endocrine disrupting impacts of e-waste plastic-associated chemicals
No full textAs the volume of plastic waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) continues to rise, a significant portion is disposed of in the environment, with only a small fraction being recycled. Both disposal and recycling pose unknown health risks that require immediate attention. Existing knowledge of WEEE plastic toxicity is limited and mostly relies on epidemiological data and association studies, with few insights into the underlying toxicity mechanisms. Therefore, this study aimed to perform comprehensive chemical screening and mechanistic toxicological assessment of WEEE plastic-associated chemicals. Chemical analysis, utilizing suspect screening based on high-resolution mass spectrometry, along with quantitative target chemical analysis, unveiled numerous hazardous compounds including polyaromatic compounds, organophosphate flame retardants, phthalates, benzotriazoles, etc. Toxicity endpoints included perturbation of morphological phenotypes using the Cell Painting assay, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and endocrine disruption. Results demonstrated that WEEE plastic chemicals altered the phenotypes of the cytoskeleton, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, WEEE chemicals induced inflammatory responses in resting macrophages and altered inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-primed macrophages. Furthermore, WEEE chemicals activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, indicating oxidative stress, and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Endocrine disruption was also observed through the activation of estrogenic receptor-α (ER-α) and the induction of anti-androgenic activity. The findings show that WEEE plastic-associated chemicals exert effects in multiple subcellular sites, via different receptors and mechanisms. Thus, an integrated approach employing both chemical and toxicological methods is essential for comprehensive assessment of the toxicity mechanisms and cumulative chemical burden of WEEE plastic-associated chemicals. This work was supported by the Swedish Knowledge Foundation[Grants No. 20160019; 20220122; 20230020], Vinnova, the SwedishAgency for Innovation Systems, [Grant No. 2021-03968], and AFAForsakring [Grant No. 230039]. We acknowledge scientific support fromthe Exploring Inflammation in Health and Disease (X-HiDE) Consortium,which is a strategic research profile at Orebro ¨ University funded by theKnowledge Foundation [Grant No. 20200017]. The data handling waspartially enabled by resources provided by the National AcademicInfrastructure for Supercomputing in Sweden (NAISS) and the SwedishNational Infrastructure for Computing (SNIC) partially funded by theSwedish Research Council [Grant No. 2022-06725 and 2018-05973],projects SNIC 2022/5–535 and SNIC 2022/6–306.</p
Svensk sjömatskonsumtion 2023
No full textSwedish seafood consumption 2023 Knowledge of how much seafood is consumed in Sweden is important for understanding the current situation and being able to follow developments over time, especially in relation to national goals and dietary recommendations for increasing production and consumption. This report presents a calculation of Swedish seafood consumption, where trade data (import-export) and production from Swedish fisheries and aquaculture have been compiled to estimate the total volumes of seafood consumed nationally. This approach provides a picture of the theoretical self-sufficiency rate and an overview of species and production systems that are important. The report is the fourth from RISE on Swedish seafood consumption and is based on data for 2023. The results show that there were 108,661 tonnes of seafood in edible form available for Swedish consumption in 2023, which corresponds to 1.6 portions per person per week. In 2019, consumption was 1.9 portions/week, which means that we have come further away from reaching the Swedish National Food Agency’s recommended intake of 2-3 portions/week. Swedish consumption was dominated (77%) by ten species/species groups, in line with previous years. The species that continue to be most important for consumption were (in descending order) salmon, herring, shrimp and cod. 73% of the total volume was imported and 27% from Swedish production, which shows a marginal decrease in import share compared to 2019, when it was 74%. However, in terms of total volume, both imports and Swedish production have decreased. Swedish production consisted mainly of commercial fishing at sea (66%), followed by aquaculture (15%), recreational fishing (14%) and commercial fishing in freshwater (2%). However, statistics for aquaculture are uncertain due to insufficient information in public production data. Interpreting and using parts of the public statistics has proven challenging in various ways in all calculations of Swedish seafood consumption, especially available data on herring and sprat, but also for Swedish aquaculture. This fourth compilation revealed further ambiguities and changes in public data compilations that complicate the overall picture of production, trade flows and consumption. This underline the importance of a review and quality assurance of public statistics, in order for more robust results and compilations to be achieved in the long term. The fact that Sweden’s seafood consumption is decreasing is in line with other surveys based on other data, such as the Norwegian Seafood Council’s consumer survey, where price of seafood is pointed out as a decisive factor. However, the same survey shows that 7 out of 10 Swedes want to increase their consumption of seafood, which is a potential that should be taken advantage of to align with dietary recommendations. However, it requires concerted efforts on several levels within the food system, not least increased domestic seafood production in line with the vision for the Swedish food strategy until 2020.Rapporten har tagits fram av RISE på uppdrag av och i samarbete med Jordbruksverket, med finansiering från Europeiska unionen. Syftet med rapporten är att följa upp de tre liknande rapporter som tidigare tagits fram av RISE (publicerade 2017, 2019 och 2021), för ge en kontinuerlig översikt kring utvecklingen av svensk sjömatskonsumtion.</p
BETCRETE 3.0 - Alternativa bindemedel: utveckling, verifiering och tillämpning
No full textBETCRETE 3.0 - Alternative binders: development, verification and application This report provides an overview of the development, verification, and potential application of alternative binders for concrete within the BETCRETE 3.0 framework. A range of natural and industrial by-products have been investigated, focusing on their ability to replace Portland cement clinker and reduce the environmental impact of concrete production. Heidelberg Materials Cement Sverige AB evaluated a volcanic pozzolan with high amorphous content. SCHWENK Sverige AB explored the use of a natural sedimentary pozzolan (Opoka) from Lithuania, characterized by high reactivity (high SiO2 content) and local availability. Strängbetong AB (Consolis) tested bio-ashes derived from rice husks. Ragn-Sells contributed with residual ash from waste processing (Ash2Salt), showing latent hydraulic or pozzolanic properties. Boliden AB investigated an industrial by-product from mining and metallurgical processes as potential low-carbon pozzolanic cement constituent. Swecem AB continued the implementation and testing of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). The findings demonstrate promising fresh and hardened concrete properties, satisfactory durability performance regarding chloride resistance and alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and highlight the need for careful curing when using pozzolanic materials. The work also identifies future challenges in ensuring material availability, standardization, and optimization for broader industrial adoption
Energy poverty, power and capital : Moving beyond descriptive theories through the Swedish institutional case
No full textSwedish multifamily housing is dominated by warm-rent apartments, where heating is included in the rent. This, together with low inequality and an extensive social security system, has been argued to protect a large part of the Swedish population from energy poverty. However, during the energy crisis of 2021–2023, energy poverty quickly rose on the public agenda. In this paper, we challenge the dominating “high-cost”-“low-income” understanding of energy poverty, and trace underlying causes rather than descriptions of what characterizes energy poor households in an attempt to learn from, and not just about, energy poverty. Based on a deductive analysis of oral histories of heating, we show that the absence of heating costs does not necessarily protect from energy poverty and that energy poverty can exist even when heating is provided through non-market institutions. Moreover, we use the Swedish case to argue for a new conceptualization of energy poverty, where rather than seeing energy poverty as being caused by high energy costs or needs, low incomes, or poor housing standards, it is a consequence of capital inequality. Thus, energy poverty should be seen as caused by the power households have over their indoor environment, and the mechanisms that distribute this power. This work was supported by The Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning (Formas) [grantnumber: 2022-01903] within the project Adaptation of Urban Spacethrough Sustainable Regeneration (ASSURE).This research has also been conducted as part of the project Looking Back to Move Forwards: a Social and Cultural History of Heating (JustHeat), supported by Forte (Grant Number 202101626), Sweden, under CHANSE ERA-NET Co-fund programme, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research andInnovation Programme, under Grant Agreement no. 101004509.</p
Ultra-Wideband Analog Radio-over-Fiber Communication System Employing Pulse-Position Modulation
No full textThis research presents a novel approach to 28 (Formula presented.) impulse radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) transmission using pulse position modulation (PPM) over an analog radio-over-fiber (ARoF) link, investigating the impact of fiber-based fronthaul on the overall performance of the communication system. In this setup, an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) is employed for PPM signal generation, while demodulation is performed with a commercial time-to-digital converter (TDC) based on an event timer. To enhance the reliability of transmitted reference PPM (TR-PPM) signals, the transmission system integrates Gray coding and Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS)-standard-compliant Reed-Solomon (RS) error correcting code (ECC). System performance was evaluated by transmitting pseudorandom binary sequences (PRBSs) and measuring the bit error ratio (BER) across a 5-m wireless link between two 20 (Formula presented.) gain horn (Ka-band) antennas, with and without a 20 (Formula presented.) single-mode optical fiber (SMF) link in transmitter side and ECC at the receiver side. The system achieved a BER of less than 8.17 × 10−7, using a time bin duration of 200 (Formula presented.) and a pulse duration of 100 (Formula presented.), demonstrating robust performance and significant potential for space-to-ground telecommunication applications. This research was funded by the Latvian Council of Science grant No. lzp-2021/1-0475</p