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Publications

2023

Two-Stage Co-Optimization for Utility-Social Systems With Social-Aware P2P Trading

Authors
Zhao P.; Li S.; Hu P.J.H.; Cao Z.; Gu C.; Yan X.; Huo D.; Hernando-Gil I.;

Publication
IEEE Transactions on Computational Social Systems

Abstract
Effective utility system management is fundamental and critical for ensuring the normal activities, operations, and services in cities and urban areas. In that regard, the advanced information and communication technologies underpinning smart cities enable close linkages and coordination of different subutility systems, which is now attracting research attention. To increase operational efficiency, we propose a two-stage optimal co-management model for an integrated urban utility system comprised of water, power, gas, and heating systems, namely, integrated water-energy hubs (IWEHs). The proposed IWEH facilitates coordination between multienergy and water sectors via close energy conversion and can enhance the operational efficiency of an integrated urban utility system. In particular, we incorporate social-aware peer-to-peer (P2P) resource trading in the optimization model, in which operators of an IWEH can trade energy and water with other interconnected IWEHs. To cope with renewable generation and load uncertainties and mitigate their negative impacts, a two-stage distributionally robust optimization (DRO) is developed to capture the uncertainties, using a semidefinite programming reformulation. To demonstrate our model's effectiveness and practical values, we design representative case studies that simulate four interconnected IWEH communities. The results show that DRO is more effective than robust optimization (RO) and stochastic optimization (SO) for avoiding excessive conservativeness and rendering practical utilities, without requiring enormous data samples. This work reveals a desirable methodological approach to optimize the water-energy-social nexus for increased economic and system-usage efficiency for the entire (integrated) urban utility system. Furthermore, the proposed model incorporates social participations by citizens to engage in urban utility management for increased operation efficiency of cities and urban areas.

2023

A Review of Energy and Sustainability KPI-Based Monitoring and Control Methodologies on WWTPs

Authors
de Matos, B; Salles, R; Mendes, J; Gouveia, JR; Baptista, AJ; Moura, P;

Publication
MATHEMATICS

Abstract
Humanity faces serious problems related to water supply, which will be aggravated by population growth. The water used in human activities must be treated to make it available again without posing risks to human health and the environment. In this context, Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) have gained importance. The treatment process in WWTPs is complex, consisting of several stages, which consume considerable amounts of resources, mainly electrical energy. Minimizing such energy consumption while satisfying quality and environmental requirements is essential, but it is a challenging task due to the complexity of the processes carried out in WWTPs. One form of evaluating the performance of WWTPs is through the well-known Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The KPIs are numerical indicators of process performance, being a simple and common way to assess the efficiency and eco-efficiency of a process. By applying KPIs to WWTPs, techniques for monitoring, predicting, controlling, and optimizing the efficiency and eco-efficiency of WWTPs can be created or improved. However, the use of computational methodologies that use KPIs (KPIs-based methodologies) is still limited. This paper provides a literature review of the current state-of-the-art of KPI-based methodologies to monitor, control and optimize energy efficiency and eco-efficiency in WWTPs. In this paper, studies presented on 21 papers are identified, assessed and synthesized, 12 being related to monitoring and predicting problems, and 9 related to control and optimization problems. Future research directions relating to unresolved problems are also identified and discussed.

2023

Collaborative Network Model to Reduce Logistics Costs in a Competition Environment

Authors
Vazquez-Noguerol, M; Comesaña-Benavides, JA; Prado-Prado, JC; Amorim, P;

Publication
COLLABORATIVE NETWORKS IN DIGITALIZATION AND SOCIETY 5.0, PRO-VE 2023

Abstract
In the current competition environment, transportation costs continue to rise, causing a reduction in the profit margins of companies. There are several tools in the literature to support the planning of logistics activities, but individualised solutions are not yet effective. In this study, a linear programming model is proposed to jointly plan the demand fulfilment of two competing companies by encouraging the search for synergies that enhance collaboration in the use of existing resources. To demonstrate the validity of the proposed mode, a case study is carried out and the results obtained with the initiation of the collaboration are evaluated. In conclusion, the proposed model reduces the logistics costs by up to 13%, as well as decreases the carbon footprint by 37%. By focusing on optimising economic and environmental aspects, this approach serves as a guide for companies to promote collaborations and to facilitate decision making at a managerial level.

2023

Roadmap on artificial intelligence and big data techniques for superconductivity

Authors
Yazdani-Asrami, M; Song, WJ; Morandi, A; De Carne, G; Murta-Pina, J; Pronto, A; Oliveira, R; Grilli, F; Pardo, E; Parizh, M; Shen, BY; Coombs, T; Salmi, T; Wu, D; Coatanea, E; Moseley, DA; Badcock, RA; Zhang, MJ; Marinozzi, V; Tran, N; Wielgosz, M; Skoczen, A; Tzelepis, D; Meliopoulos, S; Vilhena, N; Sotelo, G; Jiang, ZA; Grosse, V; Bagni, T; Mauro, D; Senatore, C; Mankevich, A; Amelichev, V; Samoilenkov, S; Yoon, TL; Wang, Y; Camata, RP; Chen, CC; Madureira, AM; Abraham, A;

Publication
SUPERCONDUCTOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Abstract
This paper presents a roadmap to the application of AI techniques and big data (BD) for different modelling, design, monitoring, manufacturing and operation purposes of different superconducting applications. To help superconductivity researchers, engineers, and manufacturers understand the viability of using AI and BD techniques as future solutions for challenges in superconductivity, a series of short articles are presented to outline some of the potential applications and solutions. These potential futuristic routes and their materials/technologies are considered for a 10-20 yr time-frame.

2023

Research Agenda 2030: The Great Questions of Immersive Learning Research

Authors
Dengel, A; Steinmaurer, A; Müller, LM; Platz, M; Wang, M; Gütl, C; Pester, A; Morgado, L;

Publication
iLRN

Abstract
The research areas of the Immersive Learning community cover many different interests and perspectives on teaching and learning with immersive technologies. Based on existing efforts to map the field of research, we gathered 35 participants at the iLRN 2022 conference during an open hybrid workshop. These volunteers formed expert groups focusing on five possible perspectives on Immersive Learning. The expert groups gathered and summarized possible research questions with regards to an “Agenda 2030”, meaning the most intriguing questions that should be addressed during the years to come. We let all participants vote on these research endeavors regarding their academic value and importance for the community. As a results, we gathered a total of 23 ranked questions. These questions were subsumed into ten topics forming a Research Agenda for Immersive Learning 2030 (RAIL.2030).

2023

Airflow-Driven Triboelectric-Electromagnetic Hybridized Nanogenerator for Biomechanical Energy Harvesting

Authors
Alves, T; Rodrigues, C; Callaty, C; Duarte, C; Ventura, J;

Publication
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract
The increasing use of wearable electronics calls for sustainable energy solutions. Biomechanical energy harvesting appears as an attractive solution to replace the use of batteries in wearables, as the body generates sufficient power to drive small electronics. In particular, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as a promising approach due to its lightweight and high power density. In this work, a TENG is hybridized with an electromagnetic generator (EMG) to harvest energy from the foot strike. An enclosed radial-flow turbine is optimized and used to convert the foot-strike low-frequency linear movement into a higher-frequency rotational motion (by a factor of & AP;12). Besides increasing the motion frequency, the employed mechanism is physically robust and enables a continuous operation from irregular mechanical excitations. A single TENG unit operating in the freestanding mode generated an optimal power of 4.72 & mu;W and transferred a short-circuit charge of 2.3 nC. The TENG+EMG hybridization allows to power a digital pedometer even after the mechanical input stopped. Finally, the energy harvester is incorporated into a commercial shoe to power the same pedometer from foot walking. The obtained results validate the developed prototype ability to serve as a portable power source that can drive sensors and wearable electronics.

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