A socio-economic traffic demand prediction model based on a lumped system approach

The objective of this investigation was to devise a method for predicting transportation system demand based on socio-economic variables of certain physical areas. This pilot study was performed utilizing traffic flow, but minor mathematical alterations could change the transportation system to urban mass transit usage demand. An area of uniform socio-economic characteristics can be delineated and the socio-economic characteristics isolated. Each area will place a distinct demand on some existing transportation facility based on those characteristics. The physical demand can be approximated by a theoretical probability distribution. Once this internal flow generation has been approximated by the frequency distribution, it must pass through the system to the point of exit. Since flow does not occur instantaneously, it must be routed utilizing a traffic routing procedure. This procedure moves the flow through the system, altering the flow characteristics in both time and space, until the exit point is reached. The altered flow leaving the exit point represents the impact through time on the transportation facility in question --Abstract, page ii

Using Dedicated and Opportunistic Networks in Synergy for a Cost-effective Distributed Stream Processing Platform

This paper presents a case for exploiting the synergy of dedicated and opportunistic network resources in a distributed hosting platform for data stream processing applications. Our previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of combining dedicated reliable resources with opportunistic resources in case of high-throughput computing applications, where timely allocation of the processing units is the primary concern. Since distributed stream processing applications demand large volume of data transmission between the processing sites at a consistent rate, adequate control over the network resources is important here to assure a steady flow of processing. In this paper, we propose a system model for the hybrid hosting platform where stream processing servers installed at distributed sites are interconnected with a combination of dedicated links and public Internet. Decentralized algorithms have been developed for allocation of the two classes of network resources among the competing tasks with an objective towards higher task throughput and better utilization of expensive dedicated resources. Results from extensive simulation study show that with proper management, systems exploiting the synergy of dedicated and opportunistic resources yield considerably higher task throughput and thus, higher return on investment over the systems solely using expensive dedicated resources.Comment: 9 page

Expansion of an existing power system - a study

An existing paper mill is being expanded to increase its installed capacity. Concurrent expansions will be increasing the electrical demand by 40 - 50 MVA. The expansion also includes the addition of DC drives. The existing system has to be used effectively while additional equipment may be added to cater the load increase. Load flow study with various single line diagram configurations has been carried out to find the required solution. A harmonic analysis was also carried out on the suggested new system to install the required filters and capacitor blanks --Abstract, page ii

Effect of lead-time variations on the operations of supply chain networks.

This thesis focuses on analyzing the value of information sharing on supply chain network. A multi-stage, multi-period, multi-product, inventory-planning model with seasonal demand is used to study the impact of information sharing and lead-time variations on the operational costs of supply chain network. A mixed-integer programming model is used to integrate the production and distribution planning processes throughout the supply chain. The results of the model confirm that using updated demand information may cause a considerable reduction in the forecast errors which has an order-of-magnitude effect on overall cost reduction throughout the supply chain. Paremetric analysis is performed to study the impact of lead-time variations on the operational costs of the supply chain network which leads to the conclusion that lead-time variations have a significant effect on the inventory and safety stock levels, and as a result on the overall system cost in a supply chain network. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2005 .M346. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 44-01, page: 0508. Thesis (M.A.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2005

Evaluating microgrid effectiveness in transitioning energy portfolios

Microgrid energy systems have emerged as a potential solution to rising greenhouse gas emissions from dependence on fossil fuels. This research provides a framework for evaluating the utility of microgrids. Three key findings are presented: use of a state-of-the-art matrix (SAM) analysis to identify gaps in key research areas that inhibit wide-spread microgrid adoption, development of a system dynamics (SD) model, and a cost benefit analysis case study to evaluate microgrid feasibility in partially meeting the energy demand of a building. Governments play a central role in developing clean energy strategies. A SAM was developed to determine if key microgrid barriers to adoption defined by a state government were being addressed. The results of the study suggest that environmental and sustainability benefits had not been sufficiently addressed. Using the SAM findings, an SD model was used to evaluate the environmental and sustainability benefits of transitioning a state\u27s residential electricity portfolio. The SD model outputs suggest that fossil fuel depletion and greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced, but the financial investment would be significant. Lastly, a cost benefit analysis was conducted on a microgrid partially meeting the energy demand of a university campus building. The results demonstrated that selection of a proper discount factor and recognition of useful life are critical success factors for microgrid energy projects. Collectively, these findings provide the engineering manager with a method to evaluate the feasibility of proposed microgrid projects, the city planner with the system-level implications of a large-scale energy transition project, and the policy maker with the necessary information to develop policies that promote a clean energy future --Abstract, page iv