The Potential of RES in the Reduction of Air Pollution: The SWOT Analysis of Smart Energy Management Solutions for Krakow Functional Area (KrOF)

Reduction of Fractionation of Lightweight Slurry to Geothermal Boreholes

When designing the cement slurry for casing string cementing in geothermal boreholes, the appropriate thermal conductivity is selected. In the zone of geothermal water, where thermal energy is collected, cement slurry is used, from which the cement sheath has high thermal conductivity. On the other hand, the remaining part of the opening is sealed with slurry, from which the cement sheath will reduce thermal energy losses through appropriate thermal insulation. Cement slurry with appropriate thermal insulation includes light insulating materials. However, the use of such additives is very problematic as they are fractionated due to their low density. Therefore, measures should be taken to prevent fractionation of the cement slurry for sealing geothermal boreholes. This article presents the results of research on fractionation of cement slurries for sealing geothermal boreholes. 12 slurries were used for the tests. Six of them are based on class A cement, and six based on class G cement. This action shows the differences in fractionation depending on the binder used. However, the main area of research is determining the effectiveness of counteracting fractionation by the means used for this purpose. As a result of the conducted works, a very good improvement of the cement slurry stability is obtained after the introduction of xanthan gum, as well as filtration perlite. These measures prevent fractionation, so that the cement slurry has a homogeneous structure, and the cement sheath provides the required thermal insulation in the geothermal well.

Assessment of the Variability of Air Pollutant Concentrations at Industrial, Traffic and Urban Background Stations in Krakow (Poland) Using Statistical Methods

In cities with an extensive air quality monitoring (AQM) system, the results of pollutant concentration measurements obtained in this system can be used not only for current assessments of air pollution, but also for analyzes aimed at better identification of factors influencing the air quality and for tracking trends in changes taking place in this regard. This can be achieved with the use of statistical methods that allow for the assessment of the variability of measurement data observed at stations of various types and for the determination of possible interdependencies between these data. In this article, an analysis of this type was carried out for traffic, urban background and industrial AQM stations in Krakow (Southern Poland) operating in the years 2017–2018 with the use of, i.a., cluster analyzes, as well as dependent samples t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, taking into account the concentrations of air pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), benzene (C6H6) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). On the basis of the conducted analyzes, similarities and differences were shown between the data observed at individual types of stations, and the possibilities of using them to identify the causes of the observed changes and the effects of remedial actions to improve air quality undertaken recently and planned in the future were indicated. It was found that the air concentrations of some substances measured at these stations can be used to assess the emission abatement effects in road transport (NO2, PM10 or C6H6), residential heating (PM10 or SO2), and selective industrial plants (SO2, NO2 or C6H6).

Utility Method as an Instrument of the Quality of Life Assessment Using the Examples of Selected European Cities

Improving quality of life still remains the main goal of strategic documents and is promoted by leaders on the global, national, regional, and local levels. Moreover, this ambitious challenge should be consistent with the principles of sustainable development, including the social, economic, and environmental aspects. The ISO 37120 indicators within the World Council on City Data (WCCD) database may be used to monitor the urban performance over time. However, the interpretation of the results is not always easy and sometimes requires a complex analysis. The aim of this paper was to investigate the possibility of illustrating in a transparent way the urban quality of life using the utility method. This study also presents that this method may facilitate making data-driven decisions on urban management, planning and investment. Thus, it may be useful for decision makers and help cities and communities of all sizes to become more sustainable, safe and resilient, prosperous, inclusive, and smart. The analysis has been carried out using the examples of selected European cities: Amsterdam, Gdynia, London, and Zagreb. The hypothesis reads as follows: it is possible to use the total and partial utility method in order to assess the level of urban quality of life with regard to the three dimensions of sustainable development in order to monitor progress and results and prioritize and implement the changes within urban policy. Research results indicate that there are significant differences between the compared cities within the economic, social, and ecological aspects. This analysis may constitute an introduction to the development of more complex models in the future.

Turkmenistan’s Gas Sector Development Scenarios Based on Econometric and SWOT Analysis

Turkmenistan is currently one of the key suppliers in the global natural gas market, and it is important to examine its competitive position in the world. The aim of this article is to forecast the development strategy of its gas sector. To achieve this aim, the authors first examined: (1) Turkmenistan’s position in the global gas market and the structure of its oil and gas sector; (2) the share of gas in Turkmenistan’s exports. They then conducted an analysis of the causal relationship between FDI and GDP. The above research made it possible to conduct a comprehensive SWOT analysis. Based on the SWOT analysis, three sector development scenarios were developed: pessimistic, realistic, and optimistic. On their basis, the gas sector in Turkmenistan can build strategies for its development, considering the impact of market and non-market factors.

Analysis of the Potential for Gas Micro-Cogeneration Development in Poland Using the Monte Carlo Method

Micro-cogeneration (mCHP) is a promising solution for the generation of heat and electricity in households, it contributes to reducing carbon dioxide emissions in countries where the production of electricity is mainly based on fossil fuels. Its dissemination in Poland faces barriers in the form of high purchase prices in relation to electricity productivity. In this work 1% of the household population in Poland was analyzed using the Monte Carlo method. It was found that for mCHP to become economically profitable for a group of at least 10,000 households, its price should fall from around 18,000 euros (711.5 euros/kWth and 18,000 euros/kWe) to 4800 euros (189.7 euros/kWth and 4800 euros/kWe) and for 100,000 households to 4100 euros (162.1 euros/kWth and 4100 euros/kWe). These calculations were made for fixed gas and electricity prices. The analysis also included cases of various changes in gas and energy prices. Faster growth of electricity prices than gas prices reduce the profitability barrier. In addition, a building located in Lesser Poland region was analyzed, with an above average demand for electricity and heat. Gas micro-cogeneration becomes profitable for this household at a price of 3700 euros (146.2 euros/kWth and 3700 euros/kWe) at fixed gas and electricity prices.