A Review on the Application of Natural Computing in Environmental Informatics

Natural computing offers new opportunities to understand, model and analyze the complexity of the physical and human-created environment. This paper examines the application of natural computing in environmental informatics, by investigating related work in this research field. Various nature-inspired techniques are presented, which have been employed to solve different relevant problems. Advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are discussed, together with analysis of how natural computing is generally used in environmental research.Comment: Proc. of EnviroInfo 201

Infrastructure systems modeling using data visualization and trend extraction

“Current infrastructure systems modeling literature lacks frameworks that integrate data visualization and trend extraction needed for complex systems decision making and planning. Critical infrastructures such as transportation and energy systems contain interdependencies that cannot be properly characterized without considering data visualization and trend extraction. This dissertation presents two case analyses to showcase the effectiveness and improvements that can be made using these techniques. Case one examines flood management and mitigation of disruption impacts using geospatial characteristics as part of data visualization. Case two incorporates trend analysis and sustainability assessment into energy portfolio transitions. Four distinct contributions are made in this work and divided equally across the two cases. The first contribution identifies trends and flood characteristics that must be included as part of model development. The second contribution uses trend extraction to create a traffic management data visualization system based on the flood influencing factors identified. The third contribution creates a data visualization framework for energy portfolio analysis using a genetic algorithm and fuzzy logic. The fourth contribution develops a sustainability assessment model using trend extraction and time series forecasting of state-level electricity generation in a proposed transition setting. The data visualization and trend extraction tools developed and validated in this research will improve strategic infrastructure planning effectiveness”--Abstract, page iv

Flood Management Deep Learning Model Inputs: A Review of Necessary Data and Predictive Tools

Current flood management models are often hampered by the lack of robust predictive analytics, as well as incomplete datasets for river basins prone to heavy flooding. This research uses a State-of-the-Art matrix (SAM) analysis and integrative literature review to categorize existing models by method and scope, then determines opportunities for integrating deep learning techniques to expand predictive capability. Trends in the SAM analysis are then used to determine geospatial characteristics of the region that can contribute to flash flood scenarios, as well as develop inputs for future modeling efforts. Preliminary progress on the selection of one urban and one rural test site are presented subject to available data and input from key stakeholders. The transportation safety or disaster planner can use these results to begin integrating deep learning methods in their planning strategies based on region-specific geospatial data and information

Solar Power System Plaing & Design

Photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) systems for the conversion of solar energy into electricity are technologically robust, scalable, and geographically dispersed, and they possess enormous potential as sustainable energy sources. Systematic planning and design considering various factors and constraints are necessary for the successful deployment of PV and CSP systems. This book on solar power system planning and design includes 14 publications from esteemed research groups worldwide. The research and review papers in this Special Issue fall within the following broad categories: resource assessments, site evaluations, system design, performance assessments, and feasibility studies

Utilizing Geographic Information Systems for Condition-Based Maintenance on the Energy Distribution Grid

The energy distribution grid is a critical infrastructure challenged with shifting requirements induced by the skyrocketing importance of green energy. Particularly, legacy assets—such as medium-voltage switchgear cabinets and circuit breakers—need to be maintained to prevent energy outages and reduce resource consumption. While related research has abundantly presented algorithms for condition-based maintenance, no design knowledge is available to prescribe how an information system for this purpose ought to be designed. In a design science research project, we develop an information system for condition-based maintenance of legacy assets in the medium voltage distribution grid that utilizes geospatial data. Our design integrates Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) functionality with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and a Machine Learning System (MLS) for predicting outages. We demonstrate a current proof-of-concept and conclude by presenting a set of theoretical hypotheses that can guide the evaluation once the system is available

Data Mining in Smart Grids

Effective smart grid operation requires rapid decisions in a data-rich, but information-limited, environment. In this context, grid sensor data-streaming cannot provide the system operators with the necessary information to act on in the time frames necessary to minimize the impact of the disturbances. Even if there are fast models that can convert the data into information, the smart grid operator must deal with the challenge of not having a full understanding of the context of the information, and, therefore, the information content cannot be used with any high degree of confidence. To address this issue, data mining has been recognized as the most promising enabling technology for improving decision-making processes, providing the right information at the right moment to the right decision-maker. This Special Issue is focused on emerging methodologies for data mining in smart grids. In this area, it addresses many relevant topics, ranging from methods for uncertainty management, to advanced dispatching. This Special Issue not only focuses on methodological breakthroughs and roadmaps in implementing the methodology, but also presents the much-needed sharing of the best practices. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following: Fuzziness in smart grids computing Emerging techniques for renewable energy forecasting Robust and proactive solution of optimal smart grids operation Fuzzy-based smart grids monitoring and control frameworks Granular computing for uncertainty management in smart grids Self-organizing and decentralized paradigms for information processin

Application of Machine Learning Methods for Asset Management on Power Distribution Networks

This study aims to study the different kinds of Machine Learning (ML) models and their working principles for asset management in power networks. Also, it investigates the challenges behind asset management and its maintenance activities. In this review article, Machine Learning (ML) models are analyzed to improve the lifespan of the electrical components based on the maintenance management and assessment planning policies. The articles are categorized according to their purpose: 1) classification, 2) machine learning, and 3) artificial intelligence mechanisms. Moreover, the importance of using ML models for proper decision making based on the asset management plan is illustrated in a detailed manner. In addition to this, a comparative analysis between the ML models is performed, identifying the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques. Then, the challenges and managing operations of the asset management strategies are discussed based on the technical and economic factors. The proper functioning, maintenance and controlling operations of the electric components are key challenging and demanding tasks in the power distribution systems. Typically, asset management plays an essential role in determining the quality and profitability of the elements in the power network. Based on this investigation, the most suitable and optimal machine learning technique can be identified and used for future work. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2022-06-04-017 Full Text: PD

Data Asset Management and Visualization Based on Intelligent Algorithm: Taking Power Equipment Data as An Example

Data asset management is adequate in solving the problem of data silence and data idleness for enterprises. Through intelligent algorithms such as neural network, in-depth learning and block chain, and guided by business needs, it extracts, analyzes and visualizes the existing business precipitation data, and forms scattered and disordered data into valuable information to support the development of the company, so as to activate data assets. Taking the management data of electric power equipment as an example, this paper proposes a method of fusion of multiple intelligent control algorithms. The specific modules include the fusion of heterogeneous data; feature extraction of equipment asset management data based on machine learning; intelligent control of multi-objective optimization environment based on energy consumption data; BIM data visualization based on data classification-energy extraction-neural network (SVM-CART-SAE-DNN) algorithm fusion. The algorithm can effectively improve the efficiency of equipment management and enhance the security and economy of power infrastructure through intelligent control of equipment management