This work investigates different scenarios for electric vehicle (EV) deployment in China and explores the implications thereof with regard to energy portfolio, economics and the environment. Specifically, we investigate how to better deliver the value of EVs by improving designs in the power system and charging strategies, given expected developments by 2030 in both the power system and EV penetration levels. The impact of EV charging is quantified by applying an integrated transportation-power system model on a set of scenarios which represent uncertainties in charging strategies. We find that deploying EVs essentially shifts the use of gasoline to coal-fired power generation in China, thus leading to more coal consumption and CO2 emissions of the power system. Economically, EVs outperform gasoline-powered vehicles in terms of average fueling costs. However, the impact of EVs in terms of CO2 emissions at the national level largely depends on the charging strategy. Specifically, controlled charging results in more CO2 emissions associated with EVs than uncontrolled charging, as it tends to feed EVs with electricity produced by cheap yet low-efficiency coal power plants located in regions where coal prices are low. Still, compared with uncontrolled charging, controlled charging shows absolute advantages in: (1) mitigating the peak load arising from EV charging; (2) facilitating RES generation; and (3) reducing generation costs and EV charging costs. Hence, in light of this trade-off of controlled charging with the goals of energy security, economic efficiency and reducing environmental impacts, policy interventions in the Chinese power system should opt for controlled charging strategies in order to best realize the benefits of EVs. Accordingly, this paper proposes that increasing the use of cleaner forms of electricity generation, such as RES power and gas power, and establishing energy efficiency and CO2 emission regulations in power dispatch are critical for China. Lastly, this work illustrates what the optimized charging profiles from the power system perspective look like for different regions. These results can inform Chinese policy makers in creating a better integration of the transportation and the power system.@en

The global energy system is undergoing a major transition, and in energy planning and decision-making across governments, industry and academia, models play a crucial role. Because of their policy relevance and contested nature, the transparency and open availability of energy models and data are of particular importance. Here we provide a practical how-to guide based on the collective experience of members of the Open Energy Modelling Initiative (Openmod). We discuss key steps to consider when opening code and data, including determining intellectual property ownership, choosing a licence and appropriate modelling languages, distributing code and data, and providing support and building communities. After illustrating these decisions with examples and lessons learned from the community, we conclude that even though individual researchers’ choices are important, institutional changes are still also necessary for more openness and transparency in energy research.@en

Embedded load-bearing laminated glass connections have gained popularity in recent years due to their mechanical performance and aesthetic appeal. However, there is a paucity of data on their structural behaviour across a range of temperatures that may arise in building applications and there is also no simplified mechanics-based model for predicting their load–displacement response. This study addresses these gaps directly through experimental pull-out tests on steel inserts encapsulated in resin-laminated glass performed at various temperatures. The experimental results confirm that the response of the resin interlayer is time / temperature-dependent which therefore significantly affects the connection behaviour. In particular, both the stiffness and strength of the connection decrease with increasing temperature. Similarly, temperature also governs the failure mechanism of the connection. Specifically, temperatures at or below ambient indoor temperature (-10 °C and + 22 ± 2 °C) result in glass fracture whereas at + 50 °C the connection fails due to insert delamination. The numerical (FE) simulations of these tests show that a complex stress/strain state is set up in the vicinity of the embedded insert which correlates well with the experimentally observed failure mechanisms at different working temperatures. Finally, the insights gained along with the data generated from the experimental and numerical work were used to develop a simple analytical tool that predicts the pull-out load–displacement response of the embedded connection at different temperatures and load durations.@en