Scientific report for the 1.

255 Pages·2017·6.78 MB·English

by  Juris Aigars

Scientific report for the 1. – 4. Period

PART 1 – INFORMATION ON PROGRAM

1.1. Title of the programme:
Energy efficient and low-carbon solutions for a secure, sustainable and climate
variability reducing energy supply

1.2. Programme acronym
(LATENERGI)

1.3. Programme web page address:
http://latenergi.rtu.lv

1.4. Programme principal investigator (PI):
Leonīds Ribickis, [phone], [email protected]
(name, surname, phone, e-mail)

1.5. Contact person
Oskars Krievs, [phone], [email protected]
(name, surname, phone, e-mail)

1.6. Report for a period from August 1, 2014 till June 30, 2018.

1.7. The aim of the programme and objectives
The aim of the program is to carry out research on technologically innovative and cost
efficient solutions for sustainable energy production and consumption, for boosting
energy efficiency and for the development of environmentally friendly renewable
energy resources.
In the programme implementation period, the targets of the programme have been
achieved by carrying out a number of activities and fulfilling multiple tasks:
 Various technological solutions have been elaborated for deploying DC micro-
grids in industrial or household objects: power converters for integration of energy
storage and PV panels into DC micro-grid, interfacing the DC micro-grid to AC
distribution grid, as well as a DC grid emergency tripping device;
 A prototype of multi-channel measurement system for detailed monitoring of
electrical energy flow has been developed and approbated in two industrial sites;
 Technological solutions and power converter prototypes have been developed for
reactive power control in order to increase energy efficiency of industrial objects,
for charging and managing electrical vehicle batteries, for increasing energy
efficiency of electrical drive systems with braking energy recuperation, as well as
for harvesting wind energy;
 Long-term, medium-term and short-term forecasting methods, algorithms and
software of processes influencing power system operation has been developed;

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 Used for power system balancing a probabilistic assessment methodology and tool
of the economic potential from electricity end-user participation in explicit demand
response (DR) is developed;
 New design of synchronous reluctance motor with lowered electromagnetic torque
pulsations was developed;
 Based on the study performed: “Electricity Price and the Factors Impacting It”,
decree No. 530 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia has been
adopted in Riga, on September 22, 2017 (MOM No. 42, Article 56);
 The development of technologically innovative, efficient, cost-effective solutions
for sustainable energy production and consumption, and for energy efficiency
improvement;
 Ensuring in-depth research on environmentally friendly renewable energies, which
provides an opportunity to increase the share of renewable energy in energy use;
 The system dynamics model of the energy sector was created;
 The development strategy of a sustainable transport sector in Latvia was
elaborated, proposals for implementation of the Energy Efficiency Law for
increasing the energy efficiency of buildings were presented;
 Research was carried out on the gradual introduction of the 4th generation heat
supply system in Latvia, the development of low-carbon solutions and innovative
climate technology, the concept of climate adaptation was developed and the
resilience of the energy sector of the city was evaluated;
 The tendencies of development of energy planning of local governments of Latvia
are evaluated;
 An analysis of the technological solutions of the optimization of the industrial
sector and production companies and the improvement of the energy efficiency of
the Latvian industry;
 Eco-design concept and analysis of industrial symbiosis were developed;
 New technology to efficiently convert lignocellulosic biomass to liquid biofuel
(bioethanol, biobutanol);
 Process optimization to ensure efficient and simple conversion process, eg.,
biomass size evaluation, impact of resource types, membrane technology
processes, fermentation);
 New chemical and thermochemical technologies for biofuel (biodiesel and bio-oil)
production have been developed;
 Overview and performance analysis of biogas yield potential of different biomass
clarification have been estimated and anaerobic fermentation process optimization
has been studied;
 New technologies for using hydrogen in the energy sector have been developed;
 Research on efficient conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biofuel
(bioethanol, biobutanol) has been performed;
 It is created the new version of the Latvia energy-environment optimisation model
MARKAL-Latvia which comprises a number of new developments;
 In the new version of energy-environmental model MARKAL-Latvia it is put into
practice the elastic demand modelling methodology, namely, the demand for
energy service reacts on energy price change in the particular sub-sector;

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 The instruments for GHG emissions reduction measures’ implementation in energy
sector are analysed and assessed identifying the main problem issues restricting
application of different instruments;
 The measures that are applicable and can be implemented in Latvia for emissions
reduction in the energy sector are described with algorithms in the MARKAL-
Latvia model. The measures are described pointing out their potential in emissions
reduction, the total costs for the measures implementation, including investments,
operational costs, etc.;
 The methodology for the evaluation of Latvia energy supply security has been
developed based on supply security indicators system. The numerical values of
selected indicators are calculated and compared in the base year and in modelled
scenarios;
 By applying MARKAL-Latvia model, the ex-post assessment, for the years 2000-
2015, of the energy policy impact upon Latvian energy system characterising
indicators and GHG emissions amount in energy sector is done;
 Modelling and analysis of Latvia energy system alternative development scenarios,
including the energy and climate policy targets in the scenarios’ definition, are
performed. As the results of modelling, the GHG emissions amount, specific costs
of GHG emissions reduction in energy sector, energy saved due to implementation
of energy efficiency measures, fuel structure and other indicators characterising
energy sector are evaluated;
 Innovative technologies for heating and cooling with solar energy use have been
developed;
 Renewable energy potential evaluation and RES for electricity production by 2025
have been evaluated;
 New technologies for biomass use were investigated: long-term biomass energy
potential and analysis of the optimal biomass resources used for energy production
have been estimated; different types of biomass emissions assessment in the
various biomass utilization processes for energy production have been researched;
the emission characteristics of fuel materials (RDF and SRF) from waste and their
comparison with wood chips in Latvian boiler houses was determinate;
 Improved PV solar cell production methodology;
 The analysis of the operation efficiency of wind power plants in Latvia has been
carried out;
 The improvements have been introduced in the methodology for switched
reluctance machine;
 Overview and performance analysis of Latvian biogas plant, biogas yield potential
of different biomass clarification have been estimated and anaerobic fermentation
process optimization have been studed;
 Events for public information on innovative technologies in the energy sector, have
been organized, raising the awareness about the sustainable development of the
energy sector in Latvia;
In general the objectives of the programme have been achieved. The performance
indicators set for the programme have been overachieved in the majority of the
positions, which shows the actuality of the topics researched within the programme.
The growing interest from various government organizations (including Ministry of

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Environmental Protection and Regional Development and Ministry of Economics) in
the results achieved within the research program should be highlighted as well.

1.8. Executive summary of the programme
(max. two A4 pages. Summary of scientific results achieved during reporting period,
their scientific and applicational significance)

The organizations and their departments joined under this program was divided into
projects in a way that through working together, they are able to meet the program
objectives.

Project No.1. Innovative power electronic technologies for increasing energy
efficiency of industrial and household sectors in Latvia, future power supply grids
and harvesting of renewable resources.
The results achieved within the project are relevant to the stated objectives and are
targeted towards achieving the main and specific goals of the project. Various
technological solutions have been elaborated for deploying DC micro-grids in
industrial or household objects - power converters for integration of energy storage and
PV panels into DC micro-grid, interfacing the DC micro-grid to AC distribution grid,
as well as a DC grid emergency tripping device. A prototype of multi-channel
measurement system for detailed monitoring of electrical energy flow has been
developed and approbated in two industrial sites. Technological solutions and power
converter prototypes have been developed for reactive power control in order to
increase energy efficiency of industrial objects, for charging and managing electrical
vehicle batteries, for increasing energy efficiency of electrical drive systems with
braking energy recuperation, as well as for harvesting wind energy. The project results
have been published in scientific publications and presented in international scientific
conferences, as well as in popular science seminars. The scientific group of the project
has strengthened the collaboration with “Daimler AG” (Germany), as well as with
researchers from several foreign universities. Several developments of the project have
been demonstrated in industry exhibitions in Latvia and Germany. Technical
recommendations have been developed and handed in to industrial partners, as well as
to state and local government authorities. The performance indicators set for the project
have been achieved or overachieved in the majority of the positions. Within the second
and third period of the project implementation, the elaboration of various device
prototypes was encumbered by significant reduction in the allocated project budget in
respect to the budget prescribed in the project application, which was compensated for
within the last period, resulting in larger number of developments. Several journal
publications have been prepared using the experimental data from the latest
developments of the project and are expected to be published after the reviewing
process will be completed in year 2018 and 2019.
Project No. 2 Optimization of power system development planning, energy
production, selling and distribution.
The activities performed include a discussion and analysis of the methods for solving
power system mode optimization problem for formulating the tasks: optimal control of
the power supply process; synthesis and checking of control algorithms and software;

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development of an algorithm and software for the feasibility study; development of life
cycle estimation algorithms for powerful transformers; analysis and development of the
energy demand, generation and price forecasting methods and software tools.
 The number of publications considerably exceeds the planned amount.
 11 doctoral theses have been defended.
 Significant scientific and practical results have been achieved, which have
enabled the performance or submission of projects that are important for Latvia
and the European Union.
The attracted funds exceed the expenses of project No. 2 more than four times.
 The developed software is being used industrially. The results were used
Republic of Latvia.
 The developed software complex “Software for diminishing electricity prices in
the power system and simulation, control and development planning of the
power system” has been distinguished with a diploma from the Latvian
Academy of Sciences as the most important achievement in the science of
Latvia in 2017 in the field of applied science.

Project No. 3 Sustainable climate policy and innovative, energy efficient
technological solutions (KPIET).
The research carried out during the project, which was done in accordance with the
objectives of the program, contributes to the development of the Latvian energy sector
and its contribution to its growth, moving towards the development of a small-scale
carbon policy and solutions. Research results have been published in more than 150
scientific publications, incl. internationally highly quoted journals indexed in SCOPUS
and Web of Science databases, which highlight the scientific significance and
investment in promoting the program. Within the framework of the project, nine
scientific collective monographs have been published - "Modeling of Road Transport
Policies in Latvia", " Sustainable Energy Sources", "Energy Efficiency in Buildings:
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow", "Energy System Analysis and Modeling", "Climate
Engineering and Policy", "Energy Planning Development Trends in Local
Governments of Latvia","Analysis of Industrial Energy Policy", "Production
Efficiency. In the Place of Morning Coffee" and"Ecodesign Solutions for Climate
Technologies". The results of research included in the monographs are of great practical
importance as they provide new knowledge for a wide range of stakeholders - sectoral
specialists, production company employees, policy makers, local government
specialists, scientists, students, members of higher eduaction institutions, and others.
Within the framework of the project, research was carried out in 15 activities. A new
computer simulation model has been created for the planning of sustainable energy
sector development by 2050, which allows analyzing various policy instruments and
assessing their impact on the achievement of national energy and climate objectives. In
the transport sector, a new mathematical model of energy-economy simulation has been
developed for the analysis of a national carbon-reduction policy. Research in the field
of renewable energy sources has been carried out in three directions: technological
solutions for creating solar panel elements for energy efficiency have been developed;
the potential of exploiting algae in the production of biogas and other high value added
products has been assessed; gasification of biomass in the simultaneous production of
electricity and heat was studied. The analysis of the implementation of the fourth
generation heat supply system in the municipalities of Latvia was carried out in the

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study of district heating. In the field of building energy efficiency, new technological
solutions for insulation of buildings have been developed and new financing schemes
for the reconstruction of residential buildings have been proposed, proposals and
recommendations for improvement of legislation (including the Law on Energy
Efficiency), professional and public awareness campaigns and campaigns have been
developed. In the context of regional development planning, mapping of carbon small-
scale solutions and assessing the availability of bio-resources are made. In the context
of sustainable development, the system dynamics model analyzes the adaptation of
innovative technologies in the energy sector and, as an example, created an innovative
climate technology for electricity production. A methodology for assessing the critical
infrastructure's resilience was developed to fully prepare for and adapt to climate
change. In energy planning of local government has been developed a methodology for
assessing the potential for the transition to a small-scale carbon economy by introducing
energy management. To analyze energy efficiency potential in the industry by
introducing energy management, a system dynamics modeling tool has been created,
the practical application of which has been demonstrated during the development of
regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia. An analysis of the
aspects of the efficient use of bio-resources has also been carried out in order to move
towards a circular economy and produce high added value products; an eco-design
concept has been developed, evaluated from two points of view - product and company,
and developed a methodology for evaluating industrial symbiosis, obstacles to the
introduction of intermediate- driving forces and incentive mechanisms.
Throughout the project, information flow feedback was provided to the public through
participation in seminars, summer schools, conferences, lectures, exhibitions, and
more. in the events related to informing the public, during which every interested
person could find out the information of interest to him, thereby gaining a better
understanding of the topic. It should be noted that the program was popularized as such.

Project No. 4 The innovative technologies of hydrogen and bio-fuel production,
storage, quality control, quality providing and use in Latvia.
The research has been done on the synthesis of biodiesel using low quality vegetable
oils containing fatty acids in the presence of a new acid heterogeneous catalyst, on the
synthesis of biodiesel without synthesis of glycerol through the intresterification of
rapeseed oil, on the development of high added value products from glycerol by
catalytic oxidation with oxygen or air and on the catalytic pyrolysis of biomass in order
to obtain high quality bio-oil. The influence of structure of monoesters on the
proceeding the interesterifications reactions and the influence of various catalysts on
the interesterification and pyrolysis process of biomass was studied. In order to increase
liquid biofuel production yields from lignocellulosic biomass, accordant biochemical
and thermochemical technologies development and assessment was performed. Several
activities were related to assessment of the most effective mechanical pre-treatment,
product purification and concentration and product analysis. The results include the
development of new methodologies for biodiesel synthesis, new catalysts and new
methodologies for the selective oxidation of glycerol. Assessment of lignocellulosic
biomass has allowed estimating the optimal biomass size and designing a technology
for efficient application of membranes for product purification and concentration. The
extraction of hydrogen in dark fermentation from corn silage, which was pre-treated
with microorganisms, is done. It was found that the Trichoderma fungus increase

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hydrogen release. The studies are done on biohydrogen binding ability in metal
hydrides without and with a polymeric shell, and it is found that hydride-forming metals
activate the release of hydrogen in the dark fermentation process, and from tested
metals and alloys most hydrogen binds to the palladium. Research has been carried out
on biohydrogen enrichment in fermentation reactor using a metal hydride modified
porous ceramic tube. New anode materials for photocatalytic splitting of water (TiO2
nanotubes, TiO2 with sulfur and nitrogen as impurities, Fe2O3, Y: Fe2O3 and TiO2-
NiFe2O4 composite system) were studied. New materials with increased light
absorption in visible light and increased photocurrent and photocatalytic activity were
obtained. Based on the first principles, it is calculated how the TiO2 nanotubes'
photocatalytic activity is affected by sulfur and nitrogen atomic impurities. It has been
shown that the energetic parameters of electrons (the width of the forbiden gap) are
rapidly changing as Ti co-ordination change, and the narrower gap is in the coordination
sphere 2. The planar electrochemical cell was constructed for the determination of the
thermoelectric effect in a mutually insoluble system of two liquids and the results for
the water/diethyl ether system were obtained at a temperature difference of 0-50
degrees. Prepared reports on autonomous energy supply systems for the storage of solar
and / or wind energy with hydrogen as energy carrier, on hydrogen safety and methods
of hydrogen storage, and on public perceptions of hydrogen technologies. An analysis
of policy documents and standards for filling stations for gaseous fuels was carried out.
The obtained results are published in several scientific articles and presentation of the
results in mass media is done. Summarized information on gaseous hydrogen detectors,
materials and principles used for the determination of hydrogen in an environment.
The planned results have been achieved.

Project No. 5 Development of tools and assessment of energy and climate policy
impact.
During the project it was created the new version of the MARKAL-Latvia optimisation
model which includes following new developments: (1) improved within the model the
description of electricity consumption and supply patterns to provide comprehensive
analysis of consumption-supply pattern in different time periods in annual terms, (2)
improved algorithm for modelling electricity import-export flows to provide the
inclusion of the impact of international power networks in energy sector development
scenarios, (3) further development of the technological-economical data base of the
model which describe both existing Latvian energy supply-consumption system and
available in future energy production and consumption technologies.
To describe the electricity flows between the different price areas within the model
adequately, for each annual fraction distribution the Nord Pool Spot electricity
weighted average price is calculated. The specific procedure/algorithm has been
developed for the determination of differences in annual distribution of imported
electricity price.
In order to further model the complex development scenario of the Latvian energy
supply - demand system by taking into account the targets of the EU and Latvia 2030
policy framework for energy and climate, the measures that are applicable and can be
implemented in Latvia for emissions reduction in the energy sector were defined and
described with algorithms in the model. The measures are described pointing out their
potential in emissions reduction and the total costs for the measures implementation,
including investments in launching new technologies, operational costs, etc. The model

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defines the more than 30 emissions reduction measures in transport, manufacturing,
residential and service and energy transformation sectors.
Important for Latvia GHG emissions reduction instruments in the energy sector to reach
the 2030 targets in Latvian climate policy have been analysed. The following
instruments applied for GHG emissions reduction in the energy sector both in Latvia
and EU member states were analysed: normative regulatory instruments; fiscal and
economic instruments; instruments for ensuring communication with the target groups.
In each of the above, specific instruments and their basic principles of application were
identified. A longlist of instruments was developed on the basis of experience in the
EU countries.
The main problems and obstacles that limit the application of different instruments in
Latvia and their impact upon the GHG emissions amount were analysed.
Ex-post assessment of the energy sector policy impact upon Latvian climate policy and
Final energy consumption has been carried out for two cases by using the MARKAL-
Latvia model.
Within the framework of the project, based on the analyses of academic and applied
research literature about the theme, a methodology was developed for the evaluation of
the security of Latvian energy supply system and a proposal for the energy supply
security indicator system and particular indicators it should comprise was prepared. In
accordance with the overall concept of the research, it was evaluated and compared the
values of the particular security indicators in the base year and in modelled scenarios
for the year 2030. Thus, the security evaluation may serve as one of the arguments of
the grounds for implementing a definite scenario.
Modelling and analysis of Latvia energy system alternative development scenarios
(2015 – 2050), including the energy and climate policy targets in the scenarios’
definition, are performed. As the results of modelling, the GHG emissions amount,
specific costs of GHG emissions reduction in energy sector, energy saved due to
implementation of energy efficiency measures, fuel distribution by types and other
indicators characterising energy sector are evaluated.
Concluding, the modelling of scenarios set has proved scientific relevance of the
improvement and application of MARKAL-Latvia modelling tool, as it provides wide
perspectives of application of modelling methodology for both academic research and
elaboration and evaluation of Latvia energy and climate policies.

Project No. 6 Complexes research on renewable energy production and utilization
for innovative technologies use and investigation of biogas production potential in
the waste recycling sector.
The activities carried out include innovative technology investigations for solar energy
use for cooling and heating, the assessment of renewable energy potential for electricity
production by 2025, and RES potential evaluation, the research on long-term biomass
energy potential estimation and analysis of the optimal biomass resources used for
energy production, the research on different types of biomass emissions assessment in
the various biomass utilization processes for energy production, the determination of
the emission characteristics of fuel materials (RDF and SRF) from waste and their
comparison with wood chips in Latvian boiler houses, the improvements on the
production methodology of PV solar cell, analysis of wind parks operational
effectiveness in Latvia, the development of optimization methodology for switched
reluctance machine, the performance analysis of biogas plant in Latvia, the assessment

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of the potential of biogas production from suitable biomass, optimization studies of
anaerobic fermentation process, efficiency of various additives (microelements,
enzymes). The main results are published in 40 scientific articles, participation in 26
international conferences and workshops, organized 2 workshops, participation in the
exhibition. Registered 2 LV patents. In the framework of the program defended 4
master's thesis and 2 doctoral thesis. The IPE researchers participated in the results
achieved within the framework of the study by the Ministry of Economics. The study
was approved by the Ministry of Economics and successfully submitted to the EC. NRP
6.1 project scientists developed and submitted to the Ministry of Environmental
Protection and Regional Development an addendum contained in the Cabinet of
Ministers regulations on the use of EU Structural Funds for the development of waste
incineration requirements. In accordance with the plan all the required tasks have been
completed. Complex research on innovative technologies for energy production and
utilization from renewables could be used for optimal selection of equipment for fuel
and energy use in the future, for development of well-balanced energy production and
consumption systems. Results of investigations and their continuation in the future will
make a significant contribution not only to the energy sector, especially for
development of RES, but also to Latvian national economy.

1.9. Results of the programme *

Results
Performance indicator
Planned** Achieved
Scientific performance indicators
1. Scientific publications: 232 430
number of original scientific articles 64 78
(SCOPUS)(SNIP>1)
number of original scientific articles 69 138
(SCOPUS)(SNIP<1)
number of original scientific articles 81 183
SCOPUS and other proceedings of
conferences included in international data
bases
number of original scientific articles in 17 28
journals of the database ERIH (A and B)
or in proceedings of conferences
number of reviewed scientific 10 10
monographs
2. In the framework of the program: 184 227
number of defended doctoral thesis 29 40
number of defended master's thesis 124 157
number of defended bachelor’s thesis 31 30
3. Elaborated methods for - -
establishment of epigenetic effects of
selected species under certain biotic
and abiotic conditions
4. Developed in vitro system for - -
cultures in order to conserve protected
species

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Results
Performance indicator
Planned** Achieved
Scientific performance indicators
5.Number of projects submitted to 11 16
Horizon 2020
6. Reports to authorities executing 50 35
policies
Performance indicators of the promotion of the programme
1. Interactive events to promote the 320 494
process and results of the programme.
Target groups should include students
and the number of:
conferences 86 189
seminars 44 56
organized seminars 53 72
popular-science publications 52 71
public lectures 13 14
events at schools 36 44
exhibitions 36 48
2. Press releases - -
3. Number of events to inform industry, 49 31
state and municipal organizations,
involved in achieving objectives of the
program
4.Public understanding on the field of 86 63
the program and support to public
investment for implementation of the
program (number of target groups
involved)
5.Publicly accessible data at home - http://latenergi.rtu.lv/
pages of program implementers index.html

At specific part of RTU’s home page
dedicated to the program, information
will be updated at least once in three
months. Implementers of the program
will ensure information and publicity
events of separate projects according to
publicity plans of each project.
Economic performance indicators
1. Amount of private funding attracted 202 000 EUR 2 128 632 EUR
to the scientific institution in the
framework of the programme,
including:
1.1. co-funding from the private sector - -
to implement the projects of the
programme

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