This book contains peer reviewed papers accepted for presentation at the National Conference on Advances in Environmental Science & Technology. Topics include environmental regulations, groundwater remediation technologies, waste to energy, climate change, economics, environmental justice, fate and transport of contaminants, food bio-processing, innovative environmental technologies, sustainable energy and water resources and waste management. Federal agencies, private agencies and university professors set the stage for the September 12, 2013 National Conference on Advances in Environmental Science and Technology. The purpose of the National Conference on Advances in Environmental Science and Technology which was held in Greensboro, North Carolina, was to provide a forum for agencies to address advances in environmental science and technology including problems, solutions and research needs.
Advanced Analytic Control Techniques for Thermal Systems with Heat Exchangers presents the latest research on sophisticated analytic and control techniques specific for Heat Exchangers (HXs) and heat Exchanger Networks (HXNs), such as Stability Analysis, Efficiency of HXs, Fouling Effect, Delay Phenomenon, Robust Control, Algebraic Control, Geometric Control, Optimal Control, Fuzzy Control and Artificial Intelligence techniques. Editor Libor Pekar and his team of global expert contributors combine their knowledge and experience of investigated and applied systems and processes in this thorough review of the most advanced networks, analyzing their dynamics, efficiency, transient features, physical properties, performance, feasibility, flexibility and controllability. The structural and dynamic analyses and control approaches of HXNs, as well as energy efficient manipulation techniques are discussed, in addition to the design of the control systems through the full life cycle. This equips the reader with an understanding of the relevant theory in a variety of settings and scenarios and the confidence to apply that knowledge to solve problems in an academic or professional setting.Graduate students and early-mid career professionals require a robust understanding of how to suitably design thermal systems with HXs and HXNs to achieve required performance levels, which this book offers in one consolidated reference. All examples and solved problems included have been tried and tested, and these combined with the research driven theory provides professionals, researchers and students with the most recent techniques to maximize the energy efficiency and sustainability of existing and new thermal power systems. - Analyses several advanced techniques, the theoretical background of these techniques and includes models, examples and results throughout - Focusses on advanced analytic and control techniques which have been investigated or applied to thermal systems with HXs and HXNs - Includes practical applications and advanced ideas from leading experts in the field, as well as case studies and tested problems and solutions
The two volume set LNCS 5506 and LNCS 5507 constitutes the thoroughly refereed post-conference proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Neural Information Processing, ICONIP 2008, held in Auckland, New Zealand, in November 2008. The 260 revised full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from numerous ordinary paper submissions and 15 special organized sessions. 116 papers are published in the first volume and 112 in the second volume. The contributions deal with topics in the areas of data mining methods for cybersecurity, computational models and their applications to machine learning and pattern recognition, lifelong incremental learning for intelligent systems, application of intelligent methods in ecological informatics, pattern recognition from real-world information by svm and other sophisticated techniques, dynamics of neural networks, recent advances in brain-inspired technologies for robotics, neural information processing in cooperative multi-robot systems.
Energy Systems Engineering is one of the most exciting and fastest growing fields in engineering. Modeling and simulation plays a key role in Energy Systems Engineering because it is the primary basis on which energy system design, control, optimization, and analysis are based. This book contains a specially curated collection of recent research articles on the modeling and simulation of energy systems written by top experts around the world from universities and research labs, such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, National Energy Technology Laboratory of the US Department of Energy, University of Technology Sydney, McMaster University, Queens University, Purdue University, the University of Connecticut, Technical University of Denmark, the University of Toronto, Technische Universität Berlin, Texas A&M, the University of Pennsylvania, and many more. The key research themes covered include energy systems design, control systems, flexible operations, operational strategies, and systems analysis. The addressed areas of application include electric power generation, refrigeration cycles, natural gas liquefaction, shale gas treatment, concentrated solar power, waste-to-energy systems, micro-gas turbines, carbon dioxide capture systems, energy storage, petroleum refinery unit operations, Brayton cycles, to name but a few.
The ever-increasing need for higher efficiency, smaller size, and lower cost make the analysis, understanding, and design of energy conversion systems extremely important, interesting, and even imperative. One of the most neglected features in the study of such systems is the effect of the inherent nonlinearities on the stability of the system. Due to these nonlinearities, these devices may exhibit undesirable and complex dynamics, which are the focus of many researchers. Even though a lot of research has taken place in this area during the last 20 years, it is still an active research topic for mainstream power engineers. This research has demonstrated that these systems can become unstable with a direct result in increased losses, extra subharmonics, and even uncontrollability/unobservability. The detailed study of these systems can help in the design of smaller, lighter, and less expensive converters that are particularly important in emerging areas of research like electric vehicles, smart grids, renewable energy sources, and others. The aim of this Special Issue is to cover control and nonlinear aspects of instabilities in different energy conversion systems: theoretical, analysis modelling, and practical solutions for such emerging applications. In this Special Issue, we present novel research works in different areas of the control and nonlinear dynamics of energy conversion systems.
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry has long been pivotal in ensuring indoor comfort and air quality in various environments, from residential homes to large commercial buildings. As energy efficiency and sustainability become increasingly important, innovations within the HVAC field continue to evolve to meet these demands. One such innovation is the implementation of Variable Speed Drives (VSD) in HVAC systems. Variable Speed Drives, also known as Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), are electronic devices that control the rotational speed of electric motors by adjusting the frequency and voltage of the power supplied to them. In the context of HVAC systems, VSDs can be used to regulate the speed of compressors, fans, and pumps, which are essential components in heating and cooling applications. The integration of VSDs in HVAC systems offers numerous advantages. Firstly, they enhance energy efficiency by allowing motors to operate only at the speed required for the current load, rather than running at full speed continuously. This not only reduces energy consumption but also lowers operating costs. Additionally, VSDs improve the system's reliability and longevity by reducing mechanical stress on the components, as the motors are not subjected to frequent start-stop cycles. Beyond energy efficiency and cost savings, VSDs contribute to improved environmental sustainability. By minimizing energy waste, they help reduce the carbon footprint of HVAC systems, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change. Moreover, the precise control offered by VSDs ensures optimal indoor air quality and comfort, adapting to varying occupancy levels and environmental conditions. This preface aims to provide an overview of the significance of VSDs in modern HVAC systems, emphasizing their role in driving efficiency, sustainability, and enhanced performance. As the HVAC industry continues to advance, the adoption of technologies like VSDs will be crucial in meeting the challenges of energy conservation and environmental protection, ensuring that future generations inherit a more sustainable world.
Building energy design is currently going through a period of major changes. One key factor of this is the adoption of net-zero energy as a long term goal for new buildings in most developed countries. To achieve this goal a lot of research is needed to accumulate knowledge and to utilize it in practical applications. In this book, accomplished international experts present advanced modeling techniques as well as in-depth case studies in order to aid designers in optimally using simulation tools for net-zero energy building design. The strategies and technologies discussed in this book are, however, also applicable for the design of energy-plus buildings. This book was facilitated by International Energy Agency's Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC) Programs and the Energy in Buildings and Communities (EBC) Programs through the joint SHC Task 40/EBC Annex 52: Towards Net Zero Energy Solar Buildings R&D collaboration. After presenting the fundamental concepts, design strategies, and technologies required to achieve net-zero energy in buildings, the book discusses different design processes and tools to support the design of net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs). A substantial chapter reports on four diverse NZEBs that have been operating for at least two years. These case studies are extremely high quality because they all have high resolution measured data and the authors were intimately involved in all of them from conception to operating. By comparing the projections made using the respective design tools with the actual performance data, successful (and unsuccessful) design techniques and processes, design and simulation tools, and technologies are identified. Written by both academics and practitioners (building designers) and by North Americans as well as Europeans, this book provides a very broad perspective. It includes a detailed description of design processes and a list of appropriate tools for each design phase, plus methods for parametric analysis and mathematical optimization. It is a guideline for building designers that draws from both the profound theoretical background and the vast practical experience of the authors.
Developments in data acquisition technologies, digital information and analysis, automated construction processes, and advanced materials and products have finally started to move the construction industry - traditionally reluctant to innovation and slow in adopting new technologies - toward a new era. Massive changes are occurring because of the possibilities created by Building information modeling, Extended reality, Internet of Things, Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning, Big data, Nanotechnology, 3D printing, and other advanced technologies, which are strongly interconnected and are driving the capabilities for much more efficient construction at scale. Construction 4.0: Advanced Technology, Tools and Materials for the Digital Transformation of the Construction Industry provides readers with a state-of-the-art review of the ongoing digital transformation of the sector within the new 4.0 framework, presenting a thorough investigation of the emerging trends, technologies, and strategies in the fields of smart building design, construction, and operation and providing a comprehensive guideline on how to exploit the new possibilities offered by the digital revolution. It will be an essential reference resource for academic researchers, material scientists and civil engineers, undergraduate and graduate students, and other professionals working in the field of smart ecoefficient construction and cutting-edge technologies applied to construction. - Provides an overview of the Construction 4.0 framework to address the global challenges of the buildingsector in the 21st century and an in-depth analysis of the most advanced digital technologies and systems forthe operation and maintenance of infrastructure, real estate, and other built assets - Covers major innovations across the value chain, including building design, fabrication, construction, operationand maintenance, and end-of-life - Illustrates the most advanced digital tools and methods to support the building design activity, includinggenerative design, virtual reality, and digital fabrication - Presents a thorough review of the most advanced construction materials, building methods, and techniquesfor a new connected and automated construction model - Explores the digital transformation for smart energy buildings and their integration with emerging smartgrids and smart cities - Reflects upon major findings and identifies emerging market opportunities for the whole AECO sector
This book provides an overview of how efficient building energy management can be done, considering the increasing importance of renewable energy integration. It also includes the grid-interactive building, their control, energy management, and optimization techniques to promote better understanding among researchers and business professionals in the utility sector and across industries. This book is written and edited by leading specialists active in concurrent developments in smart building management, renewable energy research, and application-driven R&D. The experiences and research work shared help the readers in enhancing their knowledge in the field of renewable energy, power engineering, building energy management, demand, and supply management and learn the technical analysis of the same in an insightful manner. Additionally, established and emerging applications related to applied areas like smart cities, the Internet of things, machine learning, artificial intelligence, etc., are developed and utilized to demonstrate recent innovations in smart building energy management.
An up-close look at the theory behind and application of extremum seeking Originally developed as a method of adaptive control for hard-to-model systems, extremum seeking solves some of the same problems as today's neural network techniques, but in a more rigorous and practical way. Following the resurgence in popularity of extremum-seeking control in aerospace and automotive engineering, Real-Time Optimization by Extremum-Seeking Control presents the theoretical foundations and selected applications of this method of real-time optimization. Written by authorities in the field and pioneers in adaptive nonlinear control systems, this book presents both significant theoretic value and important practical potential. Filled with in-depth insight and expert advice, Real-Time Optimization by Extremum-Seeking Control: * Develops optimization theory from the points of dynamic feedback and adaptation * Builds a solid bridge between the classical optimization theory and modern feedback and adaptation techniques * Provides a collection of useful tools for problems in this complex area * Presents numerous applications of this powerful methodology * Demonstrates the immense potential of this methodology for future theory development and applications Real-Time Optimization by Extremum-Seeking Control is an important resource for both students and professionals in all areas of engineering-electrical, mechanical, aerospace, chemical, biomedical-and is also a valuable reference for practicing control engineers.
