Author, Institution: Inna Pitak, Lithuanian Energy Institute
Dissertation title: Solid recovered fuel: extraction from municipal solid waste and use in industry
Science area, field of science: Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004
Defense of the dissertation: 2023-12-15, 10:00 a.m., Lithuanian Energy Institute, AK-202 auditorium, Breslaujos st. 3, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Scientific Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Gintaras Denafas (Lithuanian Energy Institute, Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004)
Dissertation Defense Board of Environmental Engineering Science Field:
The doctoral dissertation is available on the internet and at the library of Kaunas University of Technology (Gedimino st. 50, Kaunas).
Annotation
The main characteristics of the Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and the produced Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) were investigated in this work. A technological scheme has been developed to produce alternative fuels that can be used in energy-intensive industries, for example, as a replacement fuel during clinker firing. Also, the work proposed an innovative mechanism for extracting raw materials during landfill mining and its application in alternative fuel production. There was an exploration of the extraction of valuable materials from Landfill Mined Residues (LMRs) and their transformation into alternative fuel, thereby contributing to sustainable waste management practices and meeting the energy needs of intensive industries. The work also addresses the issues of waste disposal, which are by-products of combustion products. The environmental feasibility of using Bottom Ash as a substitute component in clay bricks production and the possibility of using ash generated during the gasification of biomass waste as a partial substitute for cement-based materials has been proven. The results of this research will contribute to the most efficient processing of waste and by-product waste, obtaining both environmental and economic benefits. Ultimately, this work can inform the development of strategies and policies to achieve circular economy goals.
9 June 2023 at 13:00 The Director of the Institute, Sigitas Rimkevičius, will present the LEI 2022 Activity Report to the staff at the Institute’s Conference Hall (Room 116-AK) on June 6, 2013. The report will provide an overview of the major events of the LEI in 2022, the achievements of the staff and research units, national and international project activities, cooperation with business, scientific activities and financial indicators.
Author, Institution: Lina Vorotinskienė, Lithuanian Energy Institute
Dissertation title: Analysis of Chipped Wood Moisture Loss in Biofuel Reactors
Science area, field of science: Technological Sciences, Energetics and Power Engineering, T006
Defense of the dissertation: 2023-06-01, 10:00 a.m., Lithuanian Energy Institute, AK-202 auditorium, Breslaujos st. 3, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Scientific Supervisor: Dr. Nerijus Striūgas (Lithuanian Energy Institute, Technological Sciences, Energetics and Power Engineering, T006)
Dissertation Defense Board of Energetics and Power Engineering Science Field:
The doctoral dissertation is available on the internet and at the library of Kaunas University of Technology (K. Donelaičio g. 20, Kaunas) and Lithuania Energy Institute (Breslaujos st. 3, Kaunas)
Annotation
Biofuel combustion is one of biomass’s most common heat and electrical energy production methods. However, it is a complicated process, and due to the constantly changing composition of supplied biofuel, various issues are faced, such as incomplete combustion and the formation of harmful byproducts. One of the most commonly variable properties of biofuel is its water content, varying in a wide range and occasionally reaching 60% by mass or more. High moisture content biofuel cannot undergo combustion in the furnace; instead, it takes much space on the fire-grate to dry. In order to improve the devices used for biofuel combustion, it is necessary, first, to determine the influence of drying factors and dependencies on drying agent temperature and stirring frequency. From this follows the study object of this work – moisture loss rate of high moisture content chipped wood biofuel in a biofuel combustion furnace. It is possible to design and integrate sensors to predict drying rate change based on obtained results and improve the efficiency of biofuel combustion equipment.
Author, Institution: Gintaras Adžgauskas, Lithuanian Energy Institute
Dissertation title: Projection of hydropower resources of Lithuanian rivers in the context of climate change
Science area, field of science: Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004
Defense of the dissertation: 2023-05-31, 1:00 p.m., Lithuanian Energy Institute, AK-202 auditorium, Breslaujos st. 3, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Scientific Supervisor: Dr. Darius Jakimavičius (Lithuanian Energy Institute, Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004)
Dissertation Defense Board of Environmental Engineering Field:
The doctoral dissertation is available on the internet and at the library of Kaunas University of Technology (K. Donelaičio g. 20, Kaunas) and Lithuania Energy Institute (Breslaujos st. 3, Kaunas)
Annotation
The dissertation analyses the hydropotential and hydrokinetic energy resources of Lithuanian rivers. Worldwide, hydropower from conventional hydropower plants represents the largest share of renewable electricity and contributes to climate change mitigation. It is therefore necessary to assess Lithuania’s hydropotential (pond) and hydrokinetic (non-pond) energy resources. Lithuania’s and other EU countries’ renewable energy commitments up to 2030 are set out in the National Energy and Climate Plan. Using different climate models and climate scenarios, a projection of river runoff, on which the hydropower resources of rivers directly depend, has been made. The impact of small hydropower plants on the hydrological regime of rivers was assessed using the IHA approach. This study shows that in the future, changes in river discharge due to climate change in Lithuania will lead to a decrease in both kinetic and potential river hydropower resources and to a seasonal change in these resources: an increase in winter and a decrease in spring. The kinetic resources of Lithuania’s rivers, taking into account technical constraints, are estimated at 1350 GWh of electricity per year. A recommendation has been made to the legislators that, since the development of hydropower plants has been legally suspended, it is appropriate to draw up legislation to regulate the use of kinetic energy from Lithuanian rivers. It is recommended that the owners of small hydropower plants, taking into account the changes in production conditions in the near future, should reconstruct their hydropower plants in order to adapt their operation to the reduced runoff conditions, ensuring sustainable use of water resources.
Author, Institution: Eimantas Neniškis, Lithuanian Energy Institute
Dissertation title: Integrated assessment of least-cost decarbonization pathways of transport and energy sectors
Science area, field of science: Social Sciences, Economics – S004
Defense of the dissertation: 2023-05-31, 10:00 a.m., Lithuanian Energy Institute, AK-202 auditorium, Breslaujos st. 3, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Scientific Supervisor: Dr. Arvydas Galinis (Lithuanian Energy Institute, Social Sciences, Economics, S004)
Dissertation Defense Board of Economics Science Field:
The doctoral dissertation is available on the internet and at the library of Kaunas University of Technology (K. Donelaičio g. 20, Kaunas) and Lithuania Energy Institute (Breslaujos st. 3, Kaunas)
Annotation
The decarbonization of the economies needs radical changes in all economic sectors that require massive investments. Therefore, decarbonization actions should be based on detailed analyses of the future development of various sectors and the cost-effectiveness of different emission abatement measures. Energy planning models that work based on minimizing total discounted costs are commonly used to determine how the energy sector should develop to reach various strategic targets, including emission reduction in a least-cost way. However, the cross-sectoral interrelations between the power and transport sectors are often neglected, even though they might have a substantial impact. This doctoral thesis presents a developed model within the MESSAGE modelling framework for assessing least-cost decarbonization pathways of power, district heating and transport sectors, considering the potential of sectoral interrelations in increasing power system flexibility. The developed model optimizes operation and investments in all modelled sectors using perfect foresight optimization. Also, the created model has two unique features: probabilistic wind speed representation for wind power plants and vehicle age distributions. Furthermore, to account for some of the transport sector’s behavioural aspects, travel time budget and inconvenience costs for electric vehicles were modelled. This doctoral thesis presents the results of an integrated least-cost decarbonization analysis of the electricity, district heating and transport sectors for the case of Lithuania that has been carried out using the developed model.
Lithuanian Energy Institute offers promising studies in the European Green Deal topics with great prospect of employment.
Lithuanian Energy Institute invites active students who have obtained a master’s degree in mathematics, physics, chemistry, energy, thermal engineering, materials engineering, electrical engineering, mechanics, environmental engineering, natural sciences, economics to contribute to the goals of the European Green Deal and apply to doctoral studies in the fields of
▶️ Energetics and Power Engineering,
▶️ Environmental Engineering,
▶️ Economics.
Doctoral research topics and admission procedure (2023):
https://lei.lt/phd-studies/admission-to-phd-studies/
➖➖
🔹 Who can apply for PhD studies?
Individuals with Master’s qualification degree or having graduated from one-level higher education system.
🔹 Financing:
The PhD studies can be financed by the budget of the Republic of Lithuania or a PhD student‘s personal finances.
🔹 Scholarships:
Doctoral students admitted to state-funded positions receive monthly scholarships: during the 1st year – 931 Euro/month, during the 2nd-4th years – 1078 Euro/month.
➖➖
IMPORTANT DATES:
✓ Submission of applications: 6 – 23 (till 3 p.m.) June, 2023
✓ Motivational interviews: 28-30 June, 2023
✓ Appeals: 3 July, 2023, from 8 to 10 a.m.
✓ Results of appeals: 3 July, 2023, 4 p.m.
✓ Notification of applicants about the competition results: 3 July, 2023, 4.30 p.m.
👉 We invite PhD and Master students to participate in the International Summer School on Advanced Gasification Solutions.
The summer school is jointly hosted by the Lithuanian Energy Institute (Lithuania), Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), Technical University of Munich (Germany), Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden), WIP Renewable Energies (Germany) and it is part of the dissemination activities of an European project TWIN-PEAKS – https://www.twinpeaks-h2020.eu/
Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQ-aOUfwno1wKXB0wTKjNlADoHNvGrg8CIf8WjpN9FExe8iA/viewform
📣 Registration is open! | https://cyseni.com/registration/
19th International Conference of Young Scientists on Energy and Natural Sciences Issue (CYSENI) will be held in Kaunas from May 23 to 26, 2023.
CYSENI main goal is to discuss issues and perspectives of Natural Sciences and Energy Sector worldwide. Also, this conference allows young scientists, such as undergraduates, MSc, PhD students, postdocs, entrant engineers to develop their skills, make new contacts and forge durable scientific relationships.
If you-re seeking new knowledge and want to share your research, this is the event to attend. Participation in the conference is free of charge!
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES
📍 9 January – 12 March 2023 – registration and abstracts submission
📍 31 March 2023 – author notification on abstract acceptance
📍 8 May 2023 – announcement of the Conference program
📍 23–26 May 2023 – Conference event
For more information: https://cyseni.com/
Author, Institution: Andrius Zuoza, Lithuanian Energy Institute
Dissertation title: Evaluation of industry competitiveness dimension of energy efficiency
Science area, field of science: Social Sciences, Economics – S004
Defense of the dissertation: 2022-06-10, 10:00 a.m., Lithuanian Energy Institute (remotely), Breslaujos st. 3, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Scientific Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Vaida Pilinkienė (Kaunas University of Technology, Social Sciences, Economics – S004)
Scientific Advisor: Dr. Inga Konstantinavičiūtė (Lithuanian Energy Institute, Social Sciences, Economics – S004)
Dissertation Defense Board of Economics Science Field:
The dissertation defence will take place online:
https://liedm.zoom.us/j/84552240688#success
The doctoral dissertation is available online, at the library of Kaunas University of Technology (K. Donelaičio st. 20, Kaunas) and Lithuania Energy Institute (Breslaujos st. 3, Kaunas)
Annotation
Setting ambitious environmental targets has been a hallmark of European Union (EU) policy for decades. The European Commission’s strategy “A European Green Deal” aims to make the EU a climate-neutral continent by 2050. It also seeks to decouple the EU’s economic growth from the use of energy resources and restructure the economy so that net greenhouse gas emissions are zero. To achieve this vision and maintain the competitiveness of the EU industry, improving energy efficiency must become a priority for industrial policy in every EU State. To make this vision a reality, the EU plans to invest in environmentally friendly technologies, support innovative industry, reduce the energy sector’s dependence on fossil fuels and improve energy efficiency, among other measures.
In the context of the complex interrelationship between energy efficiency, environmental protection and industrial competitiveness, the question arises whether the competitiveness of energy-intensive industries in European countries can be reasonably assessed and compared. Therefore, the research aims to develop a conceptual model for the assessment of industrial competitiveness, including energy efficiency and climate change mitigation components, to develop an energy efficiency index for the assessment of industrial competitiveness based on this model and to apply it empirically to energy-intensive industries.
The empirical study carried out in this dissertation investigated the competitiveness of energy-intensive industries in 19 European countries, divided the countries studied into groups and identified the factors determining the competitiveness of the industries.
Lithuanian Energy Institute offers promising studies in the European Green Deal topics with great prospect of employment.
Lithuanian Energy Institute invites active students who have obtained a master’s degree in mathematics, physics, chemistry, energy, thermal engineering, materials engineering, electrical engineering, mechanics, environmental engineering, natural sciences, economics to contribute to the goals of the European Green Deal and apply to doctoral studies in the fields of
▶️ Energetics and Power Engineering,
▶️ Environmental Engineering,
▶️ Economics.
Doctoral research topics and admission procedure (2022): https://lei.lt/phd-studies/admission-to-phd-studies/
➖➖
🔹 Who can apply for PhD studies?
Individuals with Master’s qualification degree or having graduated from one-level higher education system.
🔹 Financing:
The PhD studies can be financed by the budget of the Republic of Lithuania or a PhD student‘s personal finances.
🔹 Scholarships:
Doctoral students admitted to state-funded positions receive monthly scholarships: during the 1st year – 798 Euro/month, during the 2nd-4th years – 924 Euro/month.
➖➖
IMPORTANT DATES:
✓ Submission of applications: 6 – 20 (till 3 P. M.) June, 2022
✓ Motivational interviews: 28-30 June, 2022
✓ Appeals: 1 July, 2022, from 8 to 10 A. M.
✓ Results of appeals: 1 July, 2022, 4 P. M.
✓ Notification of applicants about the competition results: 1 July, 2022, 4.30 P. M.
