Author, Institution: Gediminas Skarbalius, Lithuanian Energy Institute
Dissertation title: Molecular dynamics study of energetic characteristics of evaporating, condensing and reflecting molecules at the liquid-vapour interface
Science area, field of science: Technological Sciences, Energetics and Power Engineering, T006.
Defense of the dissertation: 2024-04-18, 10:00 a.m., Lithuanian Energy Institute, AK-202 auditorium, Breslaujos st. 3, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Scientific Supervisor: Dr. Algis Džiugys (Lithuanian Energy Institute, Technological Sciences, Energetics and Power Engineering T 006).
Dissertation Defense Board of Energetics and Power Engineering Science Field:
The doctoral dissertation is available on the www.ktu.edu and at the library of Kaunas University of Technology (K. Donelaičio g. 20, Kaunas) and at Lithuanian Energy Institute (Breslaujos g. 3, Kaunas).
Annotation
Understanding evaporation/condensation processes at the nanoscale is crucial for the development of micro- and nanoflow technologies. However, experimental assessment of these processes remains challenging due to the difficulty in measuring the specific process conditions in the Knudsen layer adjacent to the evaporating/condensing liquid surface. In this thesis, the evaporation/condensation processes in the Knudsen layer were studied using the molecular dynamics simulation method, which allows to evaluate these processes at the molecular level and to calculate the process coefficients directly from the molecular fluxes crossing the liquid-vapor interface. From the molecular dynamics simulations, the dependence of the water condensation coefficient on the energy of the condensing vapour molecules was evaluated and the energy characteristics of the water molecules crossing the interface layer were determined. Also, in order to specify the molecular dynamics modelling methodology of evaporation/condensation processes, a study of the impact of the temperature control strategy in steady-state virtual vacuum simulation on the spontaneous evaporation rate and corresponding evaporation coefficient was performed.
Background
A central aim of the energy transition is not only to achieve climate-neutrality, but also that the future energy system is sustainable. Today, energy systems models (ESMs) are the dominant tool used for the model-based construction of energy scenarios aimed at providing policy advice to achieve climate-neutrality typically by the middle of the century. However, in most cases the models used minimise total system costs under different decarbonisation constraints and, more generally, focus on techno-economic aspects, i.e. they fall short in considering sustainability aspects in a wider sense. A comprehensive sustainability assessment of the resulting scenarios and energy systems is typically missing and, in the few cases where it is carried out, the scenarios typically perform poorly with respect to sustainability criteria beyond global warming potential since these criteria are not taken into account in the scenario construction. As a result, the produced scenarios and systems lack practical feasibility.
Objectives
This one-day workshop is aimed at discussing the methodological challenges and possible solutions to provide the required pre-conditions to develop sustainable energy systems and transition scenarios from a holistic perspective. Therefore, the focus will be on multidisciplinary approaches, which are suitable for considering environmental, economic and social aspects as well as their cross-impacts and for dealing with the target conflicts that arise inevitably. The aim is to summarise the possible solutions and research requirements discussed in a white paper.
Format
This is a roll-up-your-sleeves workshop. Participants are encouraged to present a poster at lunchtime, which should focus on possible contributions to the topic of the workshop (solutions for constructing transition scenarios towards sustainable energy systems more holistically). Potential posters should ideally address at least two of the following topics:
Posters presentation
Participants interested to present a poster should send a poster title to m.menon@eera-set.eu and g.botton@eera-set.eu by April 30th 2024 at the latest.
Author, Institution: Serhii Nazarenko, Lithuanian Energy Institute
Dissertation title: Patterns of low flow and hydrological drought risk assessment in Lithuanian rivers under climate change
Science area, field of science: Technological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, T004
Defense of the dissertation: 2024-02-21, 10:00 a.m., Lithuanian Energy Institute, AK-202 auditorium, Breslaujos st. 3, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Scientific Supervisor: Dr. Jūratė Kriaučiūnienė (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
With climate change, the question of human impact on rivers and their usage becomes acute, making the determination of minimum river flow essential for addressing technical or environmental challenges. However, depending on the purpose, this can be done through the identification of hydrological drought, low flow, or even river intermittency. This study investigates changes in rivers’ low flow, including river intermittency and hydrological drought in Lithuania, and assesses their interoperability. Despite extensive research at regional and global levels, there is often a lack of understanding at the local level, especially regarding hydrological drought forecasting and the hydrological drought risk assessment. Within the scope of the work, a historical analysis of changes in low flow in Lithuanian rivers was conducted, with a separate analysis on river intermittency. The investigation of hydrological drought was carried out for the 1961-2020 period using the Streamflow Drought Index (SDI) and the Standardized Water Level Index (SWLI). Additionally, hydrological drought forecasting was performed for 6 Lithuanian rivers using the HBV software. Finally, GIS software was utilized to analyze Lithuania’s catchments and identify territories with the highest risk of hydrological drought. Given the limited studies on hydrological drought in Lithuania, this research aims to fill critical gaps, offering insights into intermittent rivers, changes in low flow due to climate change, and a comprehensive hydrological drought risk assessment. The results provide valuable information for policymakers, water resource managers, and stakeholders, aiding sustainable river management and guiding adaptation strategies.
Registration to the conference is now open. We encourage prospective attendees and guests to subscribe to the event CYSENI 2024 for the latest updates.
REGISTRATION: https://cyseni.com/registration/
FACEBOOK EVENT: https://www.facebook.com/events/167106509729132
DESCRIPTION
Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI) and Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC) invite you to participate in the 20th International Conference of Young Scientists on Energy and Natural Sciences Issues (CYSENI 2023). The conference will be held in Kaunas, Lithuania, from May 21 to 23, 2024. We are delighted that this year’s CYSENI conference marks a significant milestone as we celebrate its 20th edition!
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!
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.
CONFERENCE TOPICS AND IMPORTANT DATES: www.cyseni.com/topics-and-deadlines/
INSTRUCTIONS FOR AUTHORS: https://cyseni.com/instructions-for-authors/
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES
📍 06 December 2023 – 02 February 2024 – registration and abstracts submission
📍 08 March 2024 – author notification on abstract acceptance
📍 08 May 2024 – announcement of the Conference program
📍 21–23 May 2024 – Conference event
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/
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🔹 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.
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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.
