Archive for category: General News

Algorithmic breakthrough unlocks path to sustainable technologies

New research by the University of Liverpool could signal a step change in the quest to design the new materials that are needed to meet the challenge of net zero and a sustainable future.

Published in the journal Nature, the Liverpool researchers have shown that a mathematical algorithm can guarantee to predict the structure of any material just based on knowledge of the atoms that make it up.

Developed by an interdisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Liverpool’s Departments of Chemistry and Computer Science, the algorithm systematically evaluates entire sets of possible structures at once, rather than considering them one at a time, to accelerate identification of the correct solution.

This breakthrough makes it possible to identify those materials that can be made and, in many cases, to predict their properties. The new method was demonstrated on quantum computers that have the potential to solve many problems faster than classical computers and can therefore speed up the calculations even further.

Our way of life depends on materials – “everything is made of something”. New materials are needed to meet the challenge of net zero, from batteries and solar absorbers for clean power to providing low-energy computing and the catalysts that will make the clean polymers and chemicals for our sustainable future.

This search is slow and difficult because there are so many ways that atoms could be combined to make materials, and in particular so many structures that could form. In addition, materials with transformative properties are likely to have structures that are different from those that are known today, and predicting a structure that nothing is known about is a tremendous scientific challenge.

Professor Matt Rosseinsky, from the University’s Department of Chemistry and Materials Innovation Factory, said:

“Having certainty in the prediction of crystal structures now offers the opportunity to identify from the whole of the space of chemistry exactly which materials can be synthesised and the structures that they will adopt, giving us for the first time the ability to define the platform for future technologies.

“With this new tool, we will be able to define how to use those chemical elements that are widely available and begin to create materials to replace those based on scarce or toxic elements, as well as to find materials that outperform those we rely on today, meeting the future challenges of a sustainable society.”

Professor Paul Spirakis, from the University’s Department of Computer Science, said:

“We managed to provide a general algorithm for crystal structure prediction that can be applied to a diversity of structures. Coupling local minimization to integer programming allowed us to explore the unknown atomic positions in the continuous space using strong optimization methods in a discrete space.

“Our aim is to explore and use more algorithmic ideas in the nice adventure of discovering new and useful materials. Joining efforts of chemists and computer scientists was the key to this success.”

The paper ‘Optimality Guarantees for Crystal Structure Prediction’ (doi:10.1038/s41586-023-06071-y) is published in the journal Nature.

The research team includes researchers from the University of Liverpool’s Departments of Computer Science and Chemistry, the Materials Innovation Factory and the Leverhulme Research Centre for Functional Materials Design, which was established to develop new approaches to the design of functional materials at the atomic scale through interdisciplinary research.

This project has received funding from the Leverhulme Trust and the Royal Society.

 The Cross River Rail project aimed to alleviate congestion in Brisbane’s metro transport system and improve transportation for the growing population. However, the project faced numerous obstacles due to limited space – the site is incredibly confined and congested, the construction sequencing was complex with the need for precision, efficiency, and safety.

Kenny Constructions, the civil engineering contractor, needed to install 59 concrete trusses, weighing up to 70 tonnes each, deep within the underground station cavern. Overcoming challenges such as restricted headroom and a few millimetres of clearance on either side of the trusses was critical, all while  completing the process in the shortest possible time and with minimum disruptions for the wider site.

The use of cranes was not feasible, so Mammoet embraced the challenge by devising an ingenious solution. They proposed a custom packing structure positioned on Self-propelled Modular Trailers (SPMTs), which enabled the transportation and installation of up to four trusses simultaneously, significantly accelerating the overall process.

To validate the solution, the team assembled the packing structure and transport configuration in their nearby yard, conducting a series of dry runs. After thorough preparation and on-site rehearsals, the actual operations commenced.

The customer’s tower crane lowered the trusses onto the packing structure, before they were delicately maneuvered through the confined cavern. The hydraulic suspension and electrical multi-steering system of the SPMTs enabled them to carefully position the trusses on their designated positions.

The operation’s most challenging aspect was the limited clearance. Each of the trusses had a span of 17.6m, leaving just 100mm on either side – a little more than the width of a credit card. Yet the first set of trusses, with a combined weight of 193t, had to travel to the very far end of the station cavern, a distance of 150m – the length of three Olympic sized swimming pools.

In the first phase, 55 trusses, weighing 48.3t each, were installed, followed by four extra-large trusses weighing 70t each in the second phase. Yet, as part of operation pre-planning Mammoet ensured that the same configuration could be used for both phases, bringing further time savings. With each journey transporting and installing up to four trusses, totalling approximately 15 iterations.

Thanks to the meticulous planning, specialized equipment, and expert execution, the entire operation proceeded smoothly. Fergus McHugh, Project Manager at Kenny Constructions, praised Mammoet, stating,

“This was a challenging scope of works, yet everything went according to plan. Working with the Mammoet team was a pleasure. We made the right choice.”

The safe and efficient completion of the scope has made a significant contribution to the AUS$5.4 billion Cross River Rail project. The addition of four new underground stations, more than 10km of new rail line and 5.9km of twin tunnels beneath the Brisbane River and the central business district will reduce peak hour travel times by 24% and accommodate 9,000 additional passengers daily.

By employing its expertise and innovative solutions, Mammoet helped unlock a bottleneck in the city’s transport network and contributed to the region’s economic growth. This infrastructure development supports the projected 40% population growth in South East Queensland, providing a substantial boost to the regional economy.

Hundreds of new electricity pylons and thousands of miles of overhead cables are to be built across the UK, bypassing the local planning system, according to reports. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero says the new infrastructure is needed so the UK can reduce its carbon footprint to net zero by 2035, reports the Telegraph.

The structures and cables will be used to carry electricity generated by wind farms – as they increase from generating 14GW of power to 50GW. The National Grid will face increased demand as new petrol and diesel cars are banned – meaning everyone has to charge their cars at home. It is estimated the country’s electricity use will increase by 50%.

Grant Shapps, the Energy Security Secretary, is said to be in support of plans submitted by National Grid that would shortcut the current planning system for installing new pylons and cables. That can currently take seven years.

The National Grid plans include a new 112 miles power line between Norfolk and Suffolk and 55 miles of line between North Humber and Nottinghamshire.

A spokesman for the department said:

“Since 2010, we have increased the amount of renewable energy capacity connected to the grid by 500 per cent – the second highest amount connected in Europe. We want to go further as part of our plans to power up Britain with cleaner, cheaper and more secure homegrown energy.

“That is why we’re working to cut the time it takes to connect projects, building upon work already under way by network operators and Ofgem.”

Source: Wales Online

A Middlesbrough-based construction firm has won a three-year contract to support development in the South Bank area of the Teesside Freeport.

Applebridge Construction landed the reactive maintenance framework contract from South Tees Development Corporation.

Included in the framework is maintenance to existing infrastructure, as well as planned works for the upkeep of the existing buildings.

It will also cover repairs to substations and metal clad buildings, including the replacement of roof and wall sheeting, repairs to existing roads and Armco barriers and repairs to external perimeter fencing.

Group operations director Andy Ray said:

“This contract reflects the enhanced reputation our company is forging across the North East. The development of the UK’s largest brownfield site represents a huge economic opportunity for our region and so it is great to have been selected by a regional partner in Teesworks to ensure that economic improvement is felt throughout the supply chain too.

“As a group we are constantly developing and enhancing our offering, and we are proud to have recently picked up our first contract with new clients, STDC. This new partnership is a testament to our hard work and dedication, and we are confident that they will help us to further establish ourselves as a leader in the industry in the region.”

Julie Gilhespie, chief executive of the Tees Valley Combined Authority, added:

“The South Tees Development Corporation is delighted to have awarded Applebridge the contract for the Teesworks Reactive Maintenance Framework. Applebridge is a recognised key player in the North East construction industry, with a proven track record of successful delivery across a wide array of projects.

“We are confident they will provide a high-quality asset maintenance service to the benefit of the Teesworks estate. STDC is committed to growing local supply chain involvement in the delivery of the Teesworks programme; this contract is a further example of how we are doing this. We are excited to be working with Applebridge on this project, and we look forward to a long and successful relationship.”