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Risk and Integrity Management of Energy Assets

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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "L: Energy Sources".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 October 2020) | Viewed by 20184

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Athanasios Kolios

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Guest Editor

Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean, and Marine Engineering, The University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0LZ, UK
Interests: quantitative methods in engineering, decision making, and risk management; performance-/risk -based design, analysis, and operational management of offshore/marine energy assets; reliability analysis using non-intrusive stochastic expansions; integrity assessment of ageing structures; development and optimisation of renewable energy technologies; development, application, and calibration of design standards

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the rapid progress in renewable energy, considering the upscaling of developed and emerging technologies, deployment in new and unexplored territories, and the fact that a number of assets are in the second half of their service life, there is a need to focus on the identification and mitigation of the underlying risks and qualification of methods that can enable more efficient operations. This Special Issue focuses on these topics, aiming to disseminate the results from state-of-the-art research.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

Risk assessment and technology qualification
Monitoring and inspection
Asset integrity management
Reliability, availability, and maintainability
O&M modelling
End of life scenarios (lifetime extension, repowering, and decommissioning)
Insurance and certification
Uncertainty modelling
Design standards and guidelines
Resilience engineering
Techno-economic analysis in risk management
Safety

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Best Regards,

Prof. Athanasios Kolios
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Keywords

Risk assessment and technology qualification
Monitoring and inspection
Asset integrity management
Reliability, availability, and maintainability
O&M modelling
End of life scenarios (lifetime extension, repowering, and decommissioning)
Insurance and certification
Uncertainty modelling
Design standards and guidelines
Resilience engineering
Techno-economic analysis in risk management
Safety

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 2292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Upholding Safety in Future Energy Systems: The Need for Systemic Risk Assessment

by Ben Riemersma, Rolf Künneke, Genserik Reniers and Aad Correljé

Energies 2020, 13(24), 6523; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13246523 - 10 Dec 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2296

Abstract

This paper argues that energy systems are becoming increasingly complex, and illustrates how new types of hazards emerge from an ongoing transition towards renewable energy sources. It shows that the energy sector relies heavily on risk assessment methods that are analytic, and that systemic methods provide important additional insights. A case study of the Dutch gas sector illustrates this by comparing the hazard and operability study (HAZOP, analytic) with the system-theoretic process analysis (STPA, systemic). The contribution is twofold. This paper illustrates how system hazards will remain underestimated by sustained use of only analytic methods, and it highlights the need to study the organization of safety in energy transitions. We conclude that appropriate risk assessment for future energy systems involves both analytic and systemic risk assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk and Integrity Management of Energy Assets)

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24 pages, 8028 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility for Damage Identification in Offshore Wind Jacket Structures through Monitoring of Global Structural Dynamics

by Mark Richmond, Ursula Smolka and Athanasios Kolios

Energies 2020, 13(21), 5791; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13215791 - 5 Nov 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1986

Abstract

The modal response of a four-legged jacket structure to damages are explored and resulting considerations for damage detection are discussed. A finite element model of the Wikinger (Iberdrola) jacket structure is used to investigate damage detection. Damages, such as cracks, scour, corrosion and more, are modelled in a simulation environment. The resulting modal parameters are calculated, these parameters are compared to those from an unaltered structure and metrics are calculated including frequency change, modal assurance criterion and modal flexibility. A highly detailed design-model is used to conduct a sensitivity study on modal parameters for a range of changes. By conducting this on the same structure, this acts as a useful reference for those interested in the dynamic response of offshore wind jacket structures. Additionally, this paper addresses the issue of changes in mode parameters resulting from turbine yaw. This paper also considers the challenge of mode-swapping in semi-symmetric structures and proposes several approaches for addressing this. Damage typically results in a reduction of frequency and change in mode shapes, but in ways which can be distinguished from other structural changes, given the extent of this model. These findings are important considerations for modal-based damage detection of offshore wind support structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk and Integrity Management of Energy Assets)

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14 pages, 16508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Tensile Strength of Dry and Saturated Hard Coal under Impact Loading

by Xianlei Zhu, Qing Li, Guihua Wei and Shizheng Fang

Energies 2020, 13(5), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13051273 - 10 Mar 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2246

Abstract

To evaluate the influence of water content on the hard coal dynamic behavior, the dynamic tensile properties of saturated coal Brazilian disk (BD) samples were studied using a split Hopkinson pressure bar system, and dry samples were also tested as a control group. In the range of impact speeds studied, the tensile strength of the saturated coal is lower than that of the dry specimen. A synchronized triggering high-speed camera was used to monitor the deformation and failure process of dry and saturated coal samples, allowing analysis of the failure stages and mechanism of dynamic BD test, the broken mode was classified into three types, which can be classified into unilateral tensile failure, bilateral or multilateral tensile failure, and shear failure. Finally, fragments smaller than 5 mm in diameter were statistically analyzed. There is less debris in range of 0–5.0 mm for the saturated coal sample than for the dry coal. This study provides some information about the dynamic response of the hard coal for the relevant practical engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk and Integrity Management of Energy Assets)

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25 pages, 2807 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Process to Implement an Artificial Neural Network and Association Rules Techniques to Improve Asset Performance and Energy Efficiency

by Adolfo Crespo Márquez, Antonio de la Fuente Carmona and Sara Antomarioni

Energies 2019, 12(18), 3454; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12183454 - 6 Sep 2019

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 4437

Abstract

In this paper, we address the problem of asset performance monitoring, with the intention of both detecting any potential reliability problem and predicting any loss of energy consumption efficiency. This is an important concern for many industries and utilities with very intensive capitalization in very long-lasting assets. To overcome this problem, in this paper we propose an approach to combine an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) with Data Mining (DM) tools, specifically with Association Rule (AR) Mining. The combination of these two techniques can now be done using software which can handle large volumes of data (big data), but the process still needs to ensure that the required amount of data will be available during the assets’ life cycle and that its quality is acceptable. The combination of these two techniques in the proposed sequence differs from previous works found in the literature, giving researchers new options to face the problem. Practical implementation of the proposed approach may lead to novel predictive maintenance models (emerging predictive analytics) that may detect with unprecedented precision any asset’s lack of performance and help manage assets’ O&M accordingly. The approach is illustrated using specific examples where asset performance monitoring is rather complex under normal operational conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk and Integrity Management of Energy Assets)

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13 pages, 1430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Safety of Functioning Gas Pipelines in Terms of the Occurrence of Failures

by Marek Urbanik, Barbara Tchórzewska-Cieślak and Katarzyna Pietrucha-Urbanik

Energies 2019, 12(17), 3228; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12173228 - 22 Aug 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2630

Abstract

The development of appropriate methods by which to assess the functioning of gas pipelines helps limits the consequences of disasters, in that way protecting users better. Assessment methods of this kind are presented in this paper, which advocates the integrated risk area identification method. The risk taken account of is understood to be a function of the probability or frequency of occurrence of undesirable events, and comes with parameters defining the consequences of these events, should they arise, in terms of their magnitude. The level of system vulnerability to events of these types is a factor considered, and the risk calculation is of a kind that encompasses both quantitative and qualitative aspects. The approach taken is regarded as a quick and simple risk-assessment tool applicable to the daily operation of gas networks for a gas company. Specifically, the framework of the research carried out extends to: (1) Estimation of the average cost of failure of gas pipelines in the case of an urban agglomeration in SE Poland; (2) assessment of the level of integrated risk facing the gas-supply subsystem, by reference to the risk area identification method; (3) failure forecasting by way of regressions with delay; and (4) conclusions regarding failure risk assessment in a gas-supply network, as well as a consideration of prospects. The framework referred here, thus constitutes the basis for both analysis and assessment of the safety of a gas-supply system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk and Integrity Management of Energy Assets)

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16 pages, 4041 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Acetone and Sodium Chloride Additives on Cooling Efficiency of Water Droplets Impinging onto Hot Metal Surfaces

by Joachim Søreng Bjørge, Svein Arne Bjørkheim, Maria-Monika Metallinou, Torgrim Log and Øyvind Frette

Energies 2019, 12(12), 2358; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12122358 - 19 Jun 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3255

Abstract

In the present work, the cooling efficiency of water droplets falling onto hot aluminum and stainless steel discs from heights of 12.5 cm, 25 cm, 50 cm and 100 cm, corresponding to speeds of 1.5 m/s, 2.2 m/s, 3.1 m/s and 4.4 m/s, respectively, were studied. The discs were aligned at 0° (horizontal), 30° and 60° inclination. The water application rate was 0.022 g/s and the droplet diameters studied were 2.5 mm, 3.2 mm and 3.7 mm. Acetone solutions (300 ppm and 700 ppm) as well as a NaCl (35 g/kg) solution, emulating seawater, were tested to evaluate the influence of an active surfactant on the recorded cooling efficiency. The droplets with higher impact speed resulted in lower cooling efficiency, especially at disc temperatures above the Leidenfrost temperature, likely due to more vigorous droplets bouncing. Larger inclination did, as expected, result in lower cooling efficiency. At temperatures associated with nucleate boiling, the water droplets with NaCl conspicuously displayed higher cooling efficiency at about 110 °C. However, at temperatures between 120 °C and the Leidenfrost temperature, acetone and NaCl additives did not significantly alter the cooling efficiency of the water droplets. Above the Leidenfrost temperature, a minor increase in cooling efficiency was observed for the acetone solutions. Overall, the additives only marginally changed the water droplet cooling efficiency. The standard industrial water application rate (i.e., 10 L/min∙m²) is shown to be insufficient compared to the heat fluxes expected in pool and jet fires (i.e., 250 kW/m² and 350 kW/m², respectively). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk and Integrity Management of Energy Assets)

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14 pages, 3301 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Analysis of a High-Voltage Room Quasi-Smoke Gas Explosion

by Marit Sigfrid Bakka, Erling Kristian Handal and Torgrim Log

Energies 2020, 13(3), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13030601 - 29 Jan 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2549

Abstract

During an air separation unit shut-down in a methanol production plant, a stop signal was sent to the control cabinet of a synchronous motor for a booster compressor. The control cabinet stopped magnetizing the rotor, while the system logic ensured that the power circuit breakers for the start reactor coils were opened, in order to be ready for the next start-up. Unintentionally, the circuit breaker was still connected (i.e., power was let through the reactors for a prolonged time period), which led to extensive overheating. Subsequently, the central control room received an unaddressed sub-station smoke alarm, and plant operators were sent out to locate the possible source of smoke. The accessible rooms were searched, and traces of smoke were confirmed. The Emergency Response Organization (ERO) was mustered and, through inspection, the Emergency Response Team (ERT) realized that the smoke originated from a ground floor high-voltage room. Fire hoses were arranged for fire extinguishing, and the ERT withdrew to wait for the room to be electrically isolated. About one minute after briefly opening the only set of doors to the high-voltage room, flames were observed, and a quasi-smoke gas explosion violently forced both door blades open and released a substantial fire ball. Personnel had been in the risk zone shortly before the explosion, but luckily no personnel were hit by the slamming door blades or the emerging flames. The incident revealed several learning points related to improper maintenance, ambiguous smoke alarm, lack of flame detectors in the high-voltage room, insufficient risk understanding and training regarding electrically related fire incidents, and the absence of an automatic fire suppression system. In plants processing hydrocarbons, the safety focus regarding hydrocarbon fire and explosion risk is paramount. However, risks related to electrical accidents and compartment fire dynamics (e.g., backdraft and smoke gas explosion) should also be given proper attention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk and Integrity Management of Energy Assets)

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