Institut für Ecopreneurship

Dauerhafte URI für die Sammlunghttps://irf.fhnw.ch/handle/11654/26

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  • Publikation
    Organic photovoltaics: Potential fate and effects in the environment
    (Elsevier, 2012) Zimmermann, Yannick-Serge; Schäffer, Andreas; Hugi, Christoph; Fent, Karl; Corvini, Philippe; Lenz, Markus
    In times of dwindling fossil fuels it is particularly crucial to develop novel “green” technologies in order to cover the increasing worldwide demand for energy. Organic photovoltaic solar cells (OPVs) are promising as a renewable energy source due to low energy requirement for production, low resource extraction, and no emission of greenhouse gasses during use. In contrast to silicium-based solar cells, OPVs offer the advantages of light-weight, semi-transparency and mechanical flexibility. As to a possible forthcoming large-scale production, the environmental impact of such OPVs should be assessed and compared to currently best available technologies. For the first time, this review compiles the existing knowledge and identifies gaps regarding the environmental impact of such OPVs in a systematic manner. In this regard, we discuss the components of a typical OPV layer by layer. We discuss the probability of enhanced release of OPV-borne components into the environment during use-phase (e.g. UV- and biodegradation) and end-of-life phase (e.g. incineration and waste disposal). For this purpose, we compiled available data on bioavailability, bioaccumulation, biodegradation, and ecotoxicity. Whereas considerable research has already been carried out concerning the ecotoxicity of certain OPV components (e.g. nanoparticles and fullerenes), others have not been investigated at all so far. In conclusion, there is a general lack of information about fate, behavior as well as potential ecotoxicity of most of the main OPV components and their degradation/transformation products. So far, there is no evidence for a worrying threat coming from OPVs, but since at present, no policy and procedures regarding recycling of OPVs are in action, in particular improper disposal upon end-of-life might result in an adverse effect of OPVs in the environment when applied in large-scale.
    01A - Beitrag in wissenschaftlicher Zeitschrift
  • Publikation
    Circularity and environmental sustainability of organic and printed electronics
    (Jenny Stanford Publishing, 2024) Le Blévennec, Kévin; Hengevoss, Dirk; Zimmermann, Yannick-Serge; Brun, Nadja; Hugi, Christoph; Lenz, Markus; Corvini, Philippe; Fent, Karl; Nisato, Giovanni; Lupo, Donald; Rudolf, Simone
    In this chapter, the possible role and impact of organic and printed electronics (OPE) in a transition toward a circular economy and more sustainable society will be discussed. The learning targets are twofold: first, understanding main environmental issues associated with the emerging field of OPE, and second, identifying, through a systemic perspective, the enabling potential of these technologies.
    04A - Beitrag Sammelband
  • Publikation
    Guidelines on pre- and co-processing of waste in cement production. Use of waste as alternative fuel and raw material
    (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, 2020) Hinkel, Michael; Blume, Steffen; Hinchliffe, Daniel; Mutz, Dieter; Hengevoss, Dirk
    The main objective of these Guidelines is to improve waste management by offering updated and objective information about pre- and co-processing of waste in the cement industry. They contain knowhow and practical experiences gained in implementing pre- and co-processing since the first edition that served as a reference document in international agreements (e.g. Basel Convention for Hazardous Waste Treatment) and adaptation of various national guidelines. The Guidelines follow common understanding that avoiding and reducing waste is the best way of dealing with current waste problems all over the world. The extension of waste collection to 100% of the population and of waste fractions is notably a prerequisite to manage waste effectively in many countries. However, the Guidelines promote an approach that aims to reduce existing waste problems and at the same time to encourage the use of waste as an alternative source for primary energy and virgin raw materials in cement production. Wherever possible, the concepts of resource efficiency, circular economy, recycling and reuse must be given first priority. Improving waste management will take time. Reaching the status of an effective waste management solution in Europe has taken place over a period of 20-30 years. It has been supported by stringent legislation to monitor quality and emissions. Developing pre- and co-processing as a suitable waste management option requires also time and investments. Rigorous permitting and quality assurance procedures need to be applied. Pre- and coprocessing respects the waste hierarchy and does not contradict it, when these Guidelines are followed. In this context, it can be classified as a technology for energy recovery and mineral recycling. The key for implementation of these Guidelines and to achieve the maximum benefit from pre- and co-processing of waste in cement production continues to be close collaboration and co-operation between the public and the private sectors. Innovative techniques and technical knowhow are available and will be further developed by the private ector, whereas the public sector should ensure that environmental standards are maintained and health and safety regulations are applied and enforced. In addition ethical business conduct, good governance and social responsibility remain prerequisites for successfully implementing the Guidelines.
    05 - Forschungs- oder Arbeitsbericht
  • Publikation
    Progress in sensor technology - progress in process control? Part I: Sensor property investigation and classification
    (IWA Publishing, 2003) Rieger, Leiv; Alex, Jens; Winkler, S.; Boehler, Marc; Thomann, Michael; Siegrist, H.
    To ensure correctly operating control systems, the measurement and control equipment in WWTPs must be mutually consistent. The dynamic simulation of activated sludge systems could offer a suitable tool for designing and optimising control strategies. Ideal or simplified sensor models represent a limiting factor for comparability with field applications. More realistic sensor models are therefore required. Two groups of sensor models are proposed on the basis of field and laboratory tests: one for specific sensors and another for a classification of sensor types to be used with the COST simulation benchmark environment. This should lead to a more realistic test environment and allow control engineers to define the requirements of the measuring equipment as a function of the selected control strategy.
    01A - Beitrag in wissenschaftlicher Zeitschrift
  • Publikation
    Spectral in-situ analysis of NO2, NO3, COD, DOC and TSS in the effluent of a WWTP
    (IWA Publishing, 2004) Rieger, Leiv; Langergraber, Günter; Thomann, Michael; Fleischmann, Nikolaus; Siegrist, Hansruedi
    An in-situ UV spectrometer was applied to the effluent of a WWTP in Switzerland and calibrated using a multivariate calibration algorithm based on PLS regression. Except for nitrite, the calibration was based on comparative measurements of the effluent in the plant laboratory. Samples made of stock solution added to three different matrices prepared in the EAWAG laboratory were used for the nitrite calibration because the effluent concentrations were always in the range of 0.06–0.26 mg/l. The results show very good precision for nitrite and nitrate. The measuring range for COD and DOC was not completely covered by the measurements, so the meaningfulness of the results is limited. Nevertheless the precision obtained for soluble COD is high enough for most applications at WWTPs. The accuracy of the TSS measurement is unsatisfactory as regards effluent limits since the spectrometer used does not cover the wavelength region up to 700 nm, which gives better signals for TSS calibration due to its strong correlation with turbidity.
    01A - Beitrag in wissenschaftlicher Zeitschrift
  • Publikation
    Computer-aided monitoring and operation of continuous measuring devices
    (IWA Publishing, 2004) Rieger, Leiv; Thomann, Michael; Joss, Adriano; Gujer, Willi; Siegrist, Hansruedi
    Extended studies of measuring and control systems in activated sludge plants at EAWAG revealed that the measuring devices remain the weakest point in control applications. To overcome this problem, a software package was developed which analyses and evaluates the residuals between a reference measurement and the sensor and collects the information in a database. The underlying monitoring concept is based on a two-step evaluation of the residuals by means of statistical evaluations using control charts with two different sets of criteria. The first step is a warning phase in which hints on probable errors trigger an increase in the monitoring frequency. In the second step, the alarm phase, the error hypothesis has to be validated and should allow immediate and targeted reactions from the operator. This procedure enables an optimized and flexible monitoring effort combined with an increased probability of early detection of systematic measuring errors. Beside the monitoring concept, information about the measuring device, the performed servicing actions and the responsibilities is stored. Statistical values for the quantitative characterization of the measuring system during operation will be given. They are needed to parameterise controllers or to guarantee the accuracy of the instrument in order to allow reliable calculations of effluent tax. In contrast to other concepts, not only is the measuring device examined under standard conditions, but so is the entire measuring chain from the liquid to be analysed to the value stored in the database of the supervisory system. The knowledge of the response time of the measuring system is then required in order to allow a comparison of the corresponding values.
    01A - Beitrag in wissenschaftlicher Zeitschrift
  • Publikation
    Quantifying the uncertainty of on-line sensors at WWTPs during field operation
    (Elsevier, 12/2005) Rieger, Leiv; Thomann, Michael; Gujer, Willi; Siegrist, Hansruedi
    It remains an ongoing task to quantify the uncertainty of continuous measuring systems at WWTPs during field operation. The commonly used methods are based on lab experiments under standardized conditions and are only suitable for characterizing the measuring device itself. For measuring devices under field conditions, a knowledge of the response time, trueness and precision is equally important. A method is proposed which can be used to characterize newly installed on-line sensors or to evaluate monitoring data which may contain systematic errors. The concept is based on comparative measurements between the sensor and a reference. A linear regression is used to differentiate between trueness and precision. Various statistical tests are conducted to validate the preconditions of linear regression. The information about the trueness and precision of the measuring system under field conditions helps to adapt control strategies more effectively to the relevant processes and permits sophisticated control concepts. Moreover, the concept can help to define guidelines for evaluating the uncertainties of effluent quality monitoring to overcome the concerns about on-line sensors, improve the trust in these systems and to allow the use of continuously measuring systems for legislative purposes. The approach is discussed in detail in this paper and all statistical tests and formulas are listed in the Appendix.
    01A - Beitrag in wissenschaftlicher Zeitschrift
  • Publikation
    Quality evaluation methods for wastewater treatment plant data
    (IWA Publishing, 2008) Thomann, Michael
    Non identified systematic errors in data sets can cause severe problems inducing wrong decisions in function control, process modelling or planning of new treatment infrastructure. In this paper statistical methods are shown to identify systematic errors in full-scale WWTP data sets. With a redundant mass balance approach analyzing five different mass balances, systematic errors of about 10%–20% compared to the input fluxes can be identified at a 5%-significance level. A Shewhart control-chart approach to survey the data quality of on-line-sensors allows a statistical as well as a fast graphical analysis of the measurement process. A 19 month data set indicates that NO3−, PO4− and NH4− on-line analyzers in the filter effluent and MLSS sensors in the aeration tanks were not disturbed by any systematic error for 85–95% of the measuring time. The in-control-interval (±3·standard deviation) has a width of ±12–17% (NO3-N), ±35–40% (PO4-P), ±83% (NH4-N) and ±12–15% (TS) of the measured reference value.
    01A - Beitrag in wissenschaftlicher Zeitschrift
  • Publikation
    An efficient monitoring concept with control charts for on-line sensors
    (IWA Publishing, 2002) Thomann, Michael; Rieger, Leiv; Frommhold, Sabine; Siegrist, Hansruedi; Gujer, Willi
    A monitoring concept for on-line sensors will be discussed which helps the WWTP staff to detect drift-, shift- and outlier effects as well as unsatisfactory calibration curves. The approach is based on the analysis of comparative measurements between the sensor and a reference method. It combines statistical analysis such as control charts and regression analysis with decision support rules. The combination of two different detection levels in the selected Shewhart control charts with additional criteria allows one to detect ‘out-of-control’ situations early with an optimized measurement effort. Beside the statistical analysis the concept supports the operator with a graphical analysis to monitor the accuracy of on-line measurements efficiently. The widely applicable monitoring concept will be illustrated with examples for an ion-sensitive NH4+- and a MLSS-sensor.
    01A - Beitrag in wissenschaftlicher Zeitschrift