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The main results highlighted in this article underline the critical significance of hydrogen technologies in the move towards carbon neutrality. This research focuses on several key areas including the production, storage, safety, and usage of hydrogen, alongside innovative approaches for assessing hydrogen purity and production-related technologies. This study emphasizes the vital role of hydrogen storage technology for the future utilization of hydrogen as an energy carrier and the advancement of technologies that facilitate effective, safe, and cost-efficient hydrogen storage. Furthermore, bibliometric analysis has been instrumental in identifying primary research fields such as hydrogen storage, hydrogen production, efficient electrocatalysts, rotary engines utilizing hydrogen as fuel, and underground hydrogen storage. Each domain is essential for realizing a sustainable hydrogen economy, reflecting the significant research and development efforts in hydrogen technologies. Recent trends have shown an increased interest in underground hydrogen storage as a method to enhance energy security and assist in the transition towards sustainable energy systems. This research delves into the technical, economic, and environmental facets of employing geological formations for large-scale, seasonal, and long-term hydrogen storage. Ultimately, the development of hydrogen technologies is deemed crucial for meeting sustainable development goals, particularly in terms of addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen serves as an energy carrier that could substantially lessen reliance on fossil fuels while encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources, aiding in the decarbonization of transport, industry, and energy production sectors. This, in turn, supports worldwide efforts to curb global warming and achieve carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy sources, encompassing wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal options, are assuming an increasingly crucial role in the global energy landscape. They present a sustainable substitute for fossil fuels, effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and significantly contributing to the ongoing efforts against climate change. The widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies has undergone rapid expansion on a global scale, propelled by governmental policies, technological advancements, and decreasing costs. Despite their numerous advantages, renewable energy sources encounter challenges such as intermittent energy supply, storage solutions, and integration into existing power grids. Nevertheless, with sustained investment and innovation, renewable energy sources have the potential to become the predominant energy source of the future. This article conducts a bibliometric analysis of research on renewable energy sources in Poland and Germany. The analysis is grounded in publications catalogued in the Web of Science database, spanning the years from 1990 to 2023. The investigation delves into research topics related to renewable energy sources and scrutinizes the most frequently cited publications authored by individuals from these two countries. This bibliometric analysis stands out through its unique value proposition compared to other similar studies by placing a distinctive emphasis on critical research gaps, such as energy storage, smart grid technologies, and renewable energy in transportation. Additionally, the study's focus on the specific trajectories of Poland and Germany in renewable energy adoption, coupled with the identification of key institutions with the highest centrality index, provides unparalleled insights into the evolving landscape of sustainable energy research. The findings from this study can serve as a valuable source of information for policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders interested in promoting the advancement and utilization of renewable energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The operation of a water supply system (WSS) is inextricably linked with the possibility of different types of failure. It is very common for these failures to be random in nature. The results of reliability studies carried out in many water supply systems revealed, for example, the possibility of incidental water pollution, power supply issues, failure in machinery, damage to water plants, or natural disasters. As a result of the WSS failure, we deal with a state of threat to safety (TSS) or a state of loss of safety (LSS). Using Markov processes, we developed a failure model of the WSS to determine the possibility that the system may find itself in different states of safety. As a result, a mathematical model using Markov processes has been proposed for each of these distinct states of safety (complete safety state—CSS; threat to safety state—TSS; and loss of safety state—LSS). The proposed approach in the water supply system will limit emergency states by optimizing working and repair times. Reducing losses in the water supply system is crucial to reduce and optimize energy consumption for water production and distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic installations (PVs) are currently one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable energy. Expanded forms of financial support and higher electricity prices have resulted in a large increase in its installed capacity. PV installations are increasingly being ordered by industry and privates, often for installations capacity of several hundred kilowatts. In addition to the advantages, photovoltaic installations also have drawbacks. One of these is that the increase in the voltage in the power grid leads to the exclusion of individual installations from the grid. An important issue in the operation of photovoltaic installations is also their reliability during their lifetime. The reliability of photovoltaic installations depends on the random nature of the cloud cover as well as the material's mechanical degradations. This paper presents a literature analysis using Citespace software in terms of reliability. A detailed bibliometric analysis has been performed to outline the main drawbacks of the PV installations cited by researchers. This literature review forms the basis for further analysis. The paper also presents a new approach to implementing the Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method for assessing the risk of failure of PV panels. The obtained results showed the main interests of scientists in the field of failure analysis of photovoltaic installations and countries having the largest share in research on this issue. The applied Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) analysis enables supporting the process of managing photovoltaic installations by analyzing installation operations in terms of reliability as reliability impacts the profitability of investments and operating costs. The proposed method can be used by the operators of photovoltaic installations or farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The work detailed here has sought to analyse the effects of emergency states on water-supply pipelines. For this purpose, a model hydraulic pipe network was created in Epanet 2, on the basis of actual operational data. Using the model, pipeline failures were simulated, and their effects described. The research methodology entails the simulated closure (i.e. failure) of individual pipes in the supply network, as followed by comparative analysis of the distribution of pressure across that network, in failure-free conditions and during a failure. The effects of failure in individual sections could thus be determined, in relation to the area with pressure lowered below the required value, the duration of that pressure reduction, and the potential number of recipients affected by limitation of water supply. The areas most exposed to pressure fluctuations in the water supply as a consequence of pipe-failure are thus pinpointed, with simulation results also serving in in the calculation of indicators for the risk of failure. Highlights • Operating data of the water network functioning in the city are used. • The areas most exposed to pressure fluctuations in the water supply as a consequence of pipe-failure are thus pinpointed. • The method presented, and the results it has generated, provide a basis for quantitative risk testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the thesis failure analysis and assessment of water supply system in considered city was presented. The analysis was prepared on the basis of the exploitation data obtained from water company. The characteristic of water distribution system was presented. Indicators of failure rates were calculated. Data were presented in division to diameter, material, type, season and month of failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to analyse and assess the water supply network failure frequency in last ten years, with particular emphasis on the last year of the analysis. The analysis is based on actual data obtained from the water company. The study contains the analysis of the network failure with division into used material, the type of network and place of failure occurrence. Also the failure rate was calculated. Continuous changes in the age and material structure of the water network cause the need for conducting failure frequency research because data on failure rate are the key indicators for operational policy of water supply systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents issues related to risks associated with the operation of small water supply systems on the background of water consumer safety assessment made on the basis of risk analysis. Definition of water consumer safety loss as a risk associated with the water consumption of poor quality or water lack was proposed. For this purpose, a three-parameter matrix is implemented with the parameters of the probability of a representative accident scenario, the losses of the water consumers and their protection. Risk management, together with the implementation of protective barriers of small water supply system against threats is a fundamental condition for the continued operation of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the concept of safety in water distribution systems, which is an important issue connected with its functioning in crisis situations. The research undertaken is directed towards methods of safety assessment relating closely to current world trends, aiming to ensure safety of water supply and use. The paper pays special attention to water consumer safety. Safety levels were assumed on the basis of failure intensity, exposure of water consumers and a number of undesirable event groups. Individual values of the immediate risk index were presented and three categories were distinguished as permissible, tolerable, or unacceptable risk categories, according to presumed action. The risk index can characterize the safety of the functioning of technical systems. The risk index definition is considered as the product of threat ranking. The paper contains the original proposal for a new method of risk analysis and assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of this paper is a failure analysis of water supply failure frequency in one of the cities in Poland. Operating data on the failure rate of water supply pipelines in the city were used. The analysis of water pipes' failures, including pipes diameters, their age, the material they are made from and their function in the water supply subsystem in the city was made. There is a noticeable downward trend in both the number of failures as well as the failure rates of water pipes. The value of failure rate indexes corresponds to national and international trends. The average failure rate for the main pipelines is λ Mavg = 0.98 km − 1 a − 1 , the distribution pipelines λ Ravg = 0.42 km − 1 a − 1 and the water connections — λ Pavg = 0.35 km − 1 a − 1 . The majority of failures (45.62%) happen in the distribution pipelines, representing about 53% of the total length of the pipelines. Detailed analysis of the water network failure should be a main element of the managing system of the urban water networks, particularly in strategic modernization plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The important and crucial issue concerning water supply functioning in terms of conducting failure analysis were discussed. In the work failure indicators, water losses and availability of water services, that define standards of quality water services and their values were determined based on data from exploitation. In order to understand the current situation of water supply infrastructure it is necessary to perform periodic analyzes of water supply network failure, which was proposed in this paper. A detailed analysis of the failure and the water loss of the water supply network should be the main element of the urban management water supply network, particularly in the strategic plans for its modernization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present the novel approach to risk assessment in combination with failure and consequence analysis, depending on two parameters defined by the fuzzy functions: the repair time of water pipe and the cost of water pipe repair, what allow to determine particular risk levels. The presented methodology can be used to describe the functioning of the public water supply in terms of its renewal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing restrictions on the emission of greenhouse gases by the standards and the European Union's policy aims at increasing the share of renewable energy sources in the energy mix of the Member States. Subsequently, we observe a rapid increase in the installed capacity of the renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources are currently the fastest growing sectors of energy generation, specifically the photovoltaic sector. In 2005, the total installed capacity in photovoltaic installations in the European Union was about 2.17 GW, while in 2019 it was already over 130 GW. Currently, due to many forms of incentive governmental measures the construction of photovoltaic installations is rapidly increasing with installations mounted on private houses and buildings. The article presents selected issues concerning the failure modes of photovoltaic installations and a comparative assessment of the estimated and the real measured electrical production of an operational photovoltaic installation. The Solar-PV power plant design approach proposed in the paper considers the failure modes to enhance the plant's reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initiated by a case study to assess the effectiveness of the modernisation actions undertaken in a water supply system, some R&D activities were conducted to construct a global predictive model, based on the available operational failure and recovery data. The available operational data, regarding the water supply system, are the pipes' diameter, failure modes, materials, functional conditions, seasonality, and the number of failures and time-to-recover intervals. The operational data are provided by the water company responsible of the supply system. A predictive global model is proposed based on the output of the operational data statistical assessment. It should assess the expected effectiveness of decisions taken in support of the modernisation and the extension plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the frame of upgrading and modernisation of the Water Supply System (WSS), our work is focussing on the safety systems/devices implemented or that should be implemented in the WSS. The implementation of safety systems is supposed to reduce hazard occurrence and hazardous consequences in case of a WSS unsafe disruption. To assess this reduction, we preconise the use of the safety integrity levels standards. The implementation of the safety systems/devices is undertaken on the ground of the multi-barriers safeguard approach. The "Water Contamination Hazard" is considered in the paper. A case study is presented, assessed and conclusions are drawn. The methodology presented in the paper and the results of the case study assessment will contribute to the decision-making regarding the upgrading of the safety and the performance of the WSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuity of gas-supply service is a major concern for all gas-supply operators. A safety review of a gas-supply system could help to mitigate the potential repercussions of supply disruptions. Disruptions occur at random due to systemic failures in gas distribution networks. Assessing the operational safety of gas distribution networks is challenging and complex, especially when operational data are limited or associated with high uncertainty. This paper focuses on gas leak incidents. Natural gas leaks disrupt the production process and endanger the ecosystem. Mechanically originated damage in pipelines is found to be the major cause of leaks, according to our investigations. This paper proposes a three-parameter risk matrix to be used in the safety analysis of gas-supply systems. This paper then raises the possibility of using grey-system theory. Grey-system theory has been used to overcome the limitations of the conventional matrix method. This choice is motivated by two facts: our data are heterogeneous with a high level of uncertainty, and some of the data are based on experts' judgement and maintenance reports using qualitative metrics. It is underlined how GST provides insight for the decision-making process, even in the absence of complete information sets. The method developed here is advocated in the context of procedures ensuring the safety and the supply continuity of gas-supply systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper first presents the results of polling on the subject of potable water in crisis situations, with respondents from south-eastern Poland's Subcarpathian region asked for their opinions on the level of nuisance associated with water supply interruptions and water quality, levels of consumption and water companies' quality of service. Among the respondents 53% regard the quality of the water they receive as satisfactory, while a quarter see it as only average. However, respondents are relatively satisfied with the corporate response when supplies are interrupted, as methods and means of notification are judged effective by 60%. Continuing with work to assess possibilities for water companies to improve their performance in crisis situations, the present study generates an Analytical Hierarchy Process allowing recipients to determine importance criteria where quality of service is concerned. This could facilitate management by water companies, providing for centralised control and comparison that help secure services of appropriate quality. The process can also help protect different groups of recipients, as safety is evaluated through analysis of functioning, and of failures and losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water-supply system is one of the basic and most important critical infrastructures. Water supply service disruption (water quality or quantity) may have serious consequences in modern societies. Water supply service is subject to various failure modes. Failure modes are specified by their degradation mechanisms, criticality, occurrence frequency and intensity. These failure modes have a random nature that impacts on the network disruption indicators, such as disruption frequency, network downtime, network repair time and network back-to-service time, i.e., the network resilience. This paper focuses on the water leakage failure mode. The water leakage failure mode assessment considers the unavoidable annual real water losses and the infrastructure leakage index recommended by the International Water Association's Water Loss Task Force specialist group. Probabilistic statistical modelling was implemented to assess the seasonal index, the failure rates and the expectation value of the "mean time between failures." The assessment is based on real operational data of the network. Specific attention is paid to the sensitivity of failures to seasonal variations. The presented methodology of the analysis of the water leakage failure mode is extendable to other failure modes and can help in developing new strategies in the management of the water-supply system in normal operation and crisis situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis and assessment of the reliability and safety of a gas-supply system is a key issue, given its status as critical infrastructure. A gas-supply system is characterised by continuous operation and a consequent need to achieve a high level of operating reliability and safety. Such a system has its unique aspects, with particular elements having their different functions while also simultaneously interacting in the context of the integral whole. In such circumstances, risk analysis can prove useful in planning activity to prevent damage, and also in the devising of rescue scenarios. Thus, the purpose of the analysis presented here has been to supply the information that is necessary in decision-making relating to risk reduction. One of the most comprehensive assessment methods is based on the expected value of gas shortage. Basic formulae with which to determine a generalised indicator of system reliability are also presented, with risk viewed as synonymous with the unreliability of gas supply. This paper then proposes a method by which an indicator of the expected efficiency of operation may also be determined as the quotient of chance and absolute risk. The thinking in this article has been developed on the basis of data from a real gas-supply system, while the computational methods deployed allowed applications to draw conclusions regarding possible modification of the expected gas shortages method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate identification of groundwater potential areas in arid regions is an important task for groundwater management and sustainability. As a result, this study used the innovative integration of remote sensing (RS), geographic information system (GIS), watershed modeling system (WMS), geophysical survey, and water mass balance equation to identify potential groundwater areas in the W. Dara, Eastern Desert, Egypt. A weighted spatial probability model (WSPM) of groundwater potential based on eight regulatory factors was implemented within ArcGIS software. Drainage density (DD), precipitation (P), net groundwater recharge (NGR), terrain slope (TS), lineament density (LD), lithologic group (LG), water quality (TDS), and depth to groundwater level (DGW) are the aspects considered. The Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to assign weights to these parameters, and their accuracy was estimated using the consistency ratio (CR). The resulting groundwater potential map classified W. Dara study area into five categories, ranging from very low to very high potential. A geophysical survey, in the form of Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and Transient Electromagnetic (TEM), was conducted along W. Dara to validate the results of the WSPM, which identified areas of high groundwater potential. The 1D inversion of VES/TEM shows that the central and western parts of W. Dara are considered the most promising areas for groundwater occurrence, and are located in areas of high and very high potential classes derived from WSPM. Moreover, the results of VES and TEM surveys showed that the proposed aquifers (Nubian Sandstone, Miocene, and Quaternary) in the study area are horizontally and vertically connected through a set of normal faults traversing NW-SE. Ten sites have been proposed for drilling additional exploitative wells in W. Dara area based on the WSPM and geophysical survey with the aim of sustainable development. Thus, the integrated techniques applied in this study proved effective in accurately determining the development strategy for arid and semi-arid coastal areas, especially those that suffer from scarcity of rainfall and increased agricultural reclamation requirements in remote areas. [Display omitted] • RS, GIS, WMS, and geophysical surveys crucial for arid groundwater sustainability. • Recommended drilling of 10 wells in high-potential areas. • Proposed rock dams enhance groundwater recharge from floodwaters. • Integrated tools boost water resource management in arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]