A Survey on Optimization Techniques Applied to Magnetic Field Mitigation in Power Systems

With the continuous increase in the number and relevance of electric transmission lines and distribution networks, there is a higher exposure to the magnetic fields generated by them, leading to more cases of human electrosensitivity, which greatly necessitates the design and development of magnetic field mitigation procedures and, at the same time, the need to minimize both performance degradation and deterioration in the efficiency as well. During the last four decades, fruitful results have been reported about extremely low frequency magnetic field mitigation, giving a wide variety of solutions. This survey paper aims to give a comprehensive overview of cost-effective optimization techniques destined to magnetic field mitigation in power systems, with particular attention to the results reported in the last decade.Agencia Estatal de Investigación and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (AEI/FEDER, UE) project ENE2017-89669-RUniversidad de Sevilla (VI PPIT-US) grant 2018/0000074

Use of Automated Machine Guidance within the Transportation Industry

Automated machine guidance (AMG) links sophisticated design software with construction equipment to direct the operations of construction machinery with a high level of precision, and improve the speed and accuracy of the construction process. AMG technology has the potential to improve the overall quality, safety, and efficiency of transportation project construction. This research project was undertaken to study AMG implementation barriers and develop strategies for effective implementation of AMG technology in construction operations. Early in the research effort, an expert contact group was established to obtain perspectives from agencies, contractors, designers, and equipment manufacturers. An AMG workshop was conducted to develop a list of capabilities that must exist and obstacles that must be overcome to facilitate seamless electronic data transfer—from the initial surveying, to the development of digital terrain models (DTMs), through design and construction, to final inspection and verification. The synthesis from the workshop helped provide a framework and content for completing the research. Summarized here are some of the key findings from this research project.https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/landscapearchitecture_books/1000/thumbnail.jp

Rakennuskonevuokrauksen ympäristöystävällisyys, verrattuna omistamiseen

The climate change is a product of human activity, according to the fifth report of the IPCC. Shared use, such as rental, is suggested as a sustainable activity. The objective of this thesis is to prove whether the rental is sustainable or not. Due to the limitations in the data gathering, the answer to the hypothesis is inconclusive. Nevertheless, some indications of the relative sustainability of rental are found. Literature on sustainability of rental is non-existent. Instead, concepts of ‘sharing economy’ and ‘sustainable business models’ are reviewed. Rental is deemed to be included in both of the concepts. However, the sustainability of these concepts is found to be not generalizable. Sustainability of rental is modelled through a life cycle comparison of rental to owning. The global warming potential is considered as the studied environmental impact. From the construction equipment life cycle, the most important phases were chosen to this study, them being the manufacturing, the transportation and the usage phases. The example products in the study are boom lift, plate compactor and work site lights (LED and compact fluorescent). For the comparison, the data from Ramirent represents the rental. The data on owning was asked from the construction companies, but in the end not enough data was available. As such the main content of this thesis is the literature review and the methodology on assessing the comparative construction equipment life cycle emissions. Based on the methodology construction equipment carbon dioxide equivalent emissions calculation model was developed. For the boom lift, the results tell that all phases, the production, the transportation and the usage, are all important, with the relative shares of 30%, 20%, 50%. For plate compactor, and LED and compact fluorescent work site lights, the usage phase is the dominant emissions source (80%-90% of total GHG emissions). The most prominent indication for sustainability of rental derives from the optimization of equipment management of which rental companies with large fleets are well inclined. In addition, mass-to-power ratio of equipment was found to describe the relative importance of the transportation emissions compared to the usage emissions.Viidennen IPCC:n raportin mukaan ilmaston muutos on ihmisen aiheuttamaa. Jaettu käyttö, kuten vuokraaminen, on yksi ehdotettu ympäristöllisesti kestävämpi toimintamalli. Tämän työn tavoitteena on todistaa vuokraamisen ympäristöystävällisyys. Datan generoinnissa ilmenneiden haasteiden takia vastaus asetettuun tavoitteeseen on vaillinainen. Kuitenkin, väitettä tukevia havaintoja löydettiin. Aiempaa tutkimusta vuokraamisen ympäristöllisestä kestävyydestä, ei ole löytynyt tämän tutkimuksen puitteissa. Sen sijaan, viitekehystä on hahmotettu konseptien 'sharing economy' ja 'sustainable business models' kautta. Vuokraaminen todetaan olevan osa molempia konsepteja. Kuitenkaan, näiden konseptien ympäristöystävällisyys ei ole yleistettävissä. Vuokraamisen ympäristöystävällisyys on mallinnettu elinkaarianalyysillä rakennuskoneiden vuokraamisen ja omistamisen välillä. Tutkimuksessa tarkasteltu ympäristövaikutus on ilmaston lämpeneminen kasvihuonekaasupäästöjen myötä. Tarkastelu on tehty GWP-kertoimia (Global warming potential) käyttäen. Rakennuskoneiden elinkaaresta merkitsevimmät vaiheet on tunnistettu: valmistus, käyttö ja kuljetus. Tutkitut tuotteet ovat puominostin, levymaantiivistin ja työmaiden yleisvalaistus (LED ja pienoisloisteputki teknologioilla). Vertailun muodostamiseksi, Ramirentiltä kerätty data edustaa vuokraamista. Dataa omistamisesta on kerätty rakennusliikkeiltä, mutta lopulta datan määrä jäi hyvin rajalliseksi. Siitä johtuen tämän työn pääsisältöä ovat kirjallisuusselvitys ja kehitetty menetelmä rakennuskoneiden elinkaaripäästöjen arviointiin. Menetelmän pohjalta on kehitetty laskentamalli rakennuskoneiden hiilidioksidi-ekvivalentti päästöjen laskentaan. Puominostimen osalta tulokset kertovat, että kaikki vaiheet (valmistus, kuljetus ja käyttö) ovat tärkeitä: suhteelliset päästöosuudet samassa järjestyksessä ovat 30%, 20% ja 50%. Levymaantiivistimen sekä LED ja pienoisloisteputki valaistukselle käyttö dominoi päästöjä (80%-90% kaikista). Yleisin osoitus vuokraamiseen ympäristöedullisuudeksi omistamiseen verrattuna tulee vuokrausfirmojen suuresta kalustomäärästä. Suurta kalustomäärään voidaan hyvin optimoida, eli käyttää mahdollisimman tehokkaasti, mikä pääasiallisesti on myös ympäristön kannalta tehokasta. Lisähuomiona tutkimuksessa löydettiin, että rakennuskoneiden massa-teho -suhde edustaa hyvin kuljetuksen päästöjen suhteellista osuutta käytön päästöihin verrattuna

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES & THEIR ADOPTION ACROSS US DOT'S: A PURSUIT TO OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE IN HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT DELIVERY

In the transportation construction industry, emerging technologies have changed how state departments of transportation (DOTs) deliver highway construction projects. New and innovative technologies continue to be introduced, improved, and implemented for highway construction and their use has resulted in faster, more accurate, and more efficient planning, design, and construction. As the highway construction industry infuses more technologies into the process of project delivery, state DOTs have an opportunity to realize improved project performance regarding cost, schedule, and quality. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Every Day Counts (EDC) initiatives promote the use of various advanced and emerging technologies (e.g., automated machine guidance, unmanned aircraft systems, building information modeling, handheld instruments and devices, and work zone intrusion detection systems). The use and implementation of emerging technologies vary significantly across the United States. The variety of use and experience is attributed to challenges and barriers that DOT face to investigate, test, and implement a specific technology. The implementation of emerging technologies also depends on the support received from internal management, the state legislation, as well as the ability of the technology to solve a problem within the specific processes of a state DOT. As technologies continue to be introduced and improve, state DOTs continue to consider and explore various technologies for construction. The main objective of this thesis is to identify and document the state of practice, typical benefits and challenges, and trends in the use of select emerging technologies for highway construction delivery. This thesis utilized survey questionnaire, interviews and case study as research tools to fulfill the objective of the research. This five technology areas are: 1) visualization and modeling; 2) interconnected technologies; 3) safety technologies; 4) instrumentation and sensors; and 5) unmanned aircraft systems. Visualization and modeling technologies include building information modeling, virtual and augmented reality, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and 3D printing. Interconnected technologies for construction vehicles, equipment, and tools are used for delivery and haul vehicles, pavement and earthwork equipment, and handheld tools. The results show that each DOT uses a definitive approach from initiation to implementation of technology. Some technologies like visualization and modelling have matured more than others and hence are exploited to full potential. The major challenges faced by DOTs in technology implementation are lack of availability of standard documents and the reluctance from senior management towards change. Case study results showed that general contractors are more active in implementing the technologies and reaping the benefits from these technologies, have in house staff that is experienced on its use, and exploit the possible outputs. The results of this study will provide practitioners and professionals with proactive measures and guidance on successfully implementing technology at agency (DOT) and project level

Disposable versus reusable ware: Cost evaluation model development

The ever growing problem of solid waste, stricter environmental regulations, diminishing landfill space and escalating recycling costs have forced the foodservice operations using disposable ware to find economical alternatives to the solid waste generated. A computerized model was developed that enables foodservice operators to evaluate the cost differences between the use of disposable ware and reusable ware and further make a decision as to which ware is suitable, economically and environmentally, for their operation. The cost evaluation model was based on the 1969 Laventhol & Horwath model developed for the Permanent Ware Institute Chicago, Illinois. The model consists of three components: 1) The cost evaluation model (Spreadsheet), 2) The questionnaire, and 3) The user manual. The model was developed in four phases: 1) Identification and modification of key variables, 2) Spreadsheet design and development, 3) Questionnaire design and development and 4) User manual design and development. Default values and measures for the variables were established on the basis of the data from the foodservice operations, utility companies, refuse disposable agencies and foodservice machinery and equipment manufacturers. The spreadsheet program was computerized using Lotus 1-2-3 and later compiled with the Baler compiler to enhance the versatility and compatibility of the spreadsheet program. The validity and the accuracy of the final evaluations are directly dependent on how valid and accurate the data entered in the worksheet. To facilitate valid and accurate data collection the questionnaire was designed with self-explanatory instructions and appropriate default values as suggested if the respondent has difficulty in gathering the data. A user manual was developed to help the operators of the program to input data with ease and accuracy. The model was tested by analyzing data from a commercial and a non commercial operation. The model will be used by the Foodservice Coalition for Better Environment (FCBE) to assist the foodservice operators in evaluating the cost differences between disposable ware and reusable ware. On the basis of this evaluation they can decide which service ware would be appropriate for their operation

Virtual Operator Modeling Method for Excavator Trenching

This research investigated how machine operator expertise, strategies, and decision-making can be integrated into operator models that simulate authentic human behavior in construction machine operations. Physical prototype tests of construction machines require significant time and cost. However, computer-based simulation is often limited by the fidelity in which human operators are modeled. A greater understanding of how highly skilled operators obtain high machine performance and productivity can inform machine development and advance construction automation technology. Operator interviews were conducted to build a framework of tasks, strategies, and cues commonly used while controlling an excavator through repeating work cycles. A closed loop simulation demonstrated that an operator model could simulate the trenching work cycle with multiple operator strategies, and adapt to different vehicle and work site settings. A Virtual Operator Model that captures human expert behaviors can be used to assess vehicle characteristics and efficiency, and inform the design of automation systems

Hand-arm vibration management: an operational health and safety strategy framework

Purpose: Human vibration exposure from hand-operated equipment emissions can lead to irreparable and debilitating hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). While work-place health and well-being (H&WB) policies, strategies and procedures have been extensively researched and documented, little has been done to develop a specific strategic framework tailored to the management of hand-arm vibration (HAV). This study fills that gap. Methodology: A mixed philosophical approach of interpretivism and critical realism is adopted within a case study of a utilities contractor. Within this overarching epistemological design, action research approach is implemented via a three-stage investigation viz: relevant company H&WB documents and procedures were examined, leading to the formulation of semi-structured interview questioning of the H&WB team. Their responses informed the next line of questions, delivered to middle-management responsible for overseeing H&S. Findings: The findings are instructive in revealing that while substantial documentation management (augmented with protocols and checks) was in place, the system fell short of implementation within the workforce and thus failed to preserve worker H&WB. The investigation generated recommendations for shoring up H&WB deficiencies observed and developed a theoretical model to represent these. Though these recommendations were developed in response to a specific case, they form the core of a HAV operational H&WB strategy framework with applicability over a broader context. Originality: This research provides unique insight into contemporary industry practices employed to manage HAV in the workplace and represents an invaluable opportunity to learn from prevailing practices and rectify deficiencies observed

North Slope Borough water study: a background for planning

The Planning and Research Section of Alaska Dept. of Natural Resources initiated this pilot water study with the North Slope Borough and the University of Alaska's Arctic Environmental Information and Data Center and Institute of Water Resources. Traditional and present water uses in the eight North Slope Borough villages are examined to assist in evaluating and planning for present and future water use, treatment, and disposal requirements.Prepared for Alaska Department of Natural Resources Planning and Research Sectio