E2SP. The Business Case of an Environmental Information System for Decision Support in ASP Mode

According to PSR (OECD) and DPSIR (EEA) models, Environmental Agencies are in charge of measuring the State and Pressure and evaluate the Impact in order to define the most suitable Responses; this implies data analysis and reporting activities, as one of their core responsibilities. Environmental Information Systems (EIS) support these activities by combining the advantages of first-rate consolidated technology (such asBusiness Intelligence and Data Warehouses) to specific technical architectures tailored to environmental management tasks. E2SP (Environmental Enterprise Service Provider) is a online reporting and forecasting platform, providing a cost effective, Internet based EIS and Decision Support System in ASP (Application Service Provider) mode. Tasks such as data integration, data analysis through OLAP (On Line Analytical Processing), impact analysis and forecasts through mathematical models, emission inventories, indices/indicators calculation, reporting, are supplied in an integrated environment as on line services to public authorities and private industries. E2SP project, funded by the eTEN program of the European Commission, allowed to deploy two service centres and to develop the business case study, described in this paper, to verify the viability of the ASP approach to EIS in a trans-national context, starting from the air quality theme

Minimum Cost Design of Cellular Networks in Rural Areas with UAVs, Optical Rings, Solar Panels and Batteries

Bringing the cellular connectivity in rural zones is a big challenge, due to the large installation costs that are incurred when a legacy cellular network based on fixed Base Stations (BSs) is deployed. To tackle this aspect, we consider an alternative architecture composed of UAV-based BSs to provide cellular coverage, ground sites to connect the UAVs with the rest of the network, Solar Panels (SPs) and batteries to recharge the UAVs and to power the ground sites, and a ring of optical fiber links to connect the installed sites. We then target the minimization of the installation costs for the considered UAV-based cellular architecture, by taking into account the constraints of UAVs coverage, SPs energy consumption, levels of the batteries and the deployment of the optical ring. After providing the problem formulation, we derive an innovative methodology to ensure that a single ring of installed optical fibers is deployed. Moreover, we propose a new algorithm, called DIARIZE, to practically tackle the problem. Our results, obtained over a set of representative rural scenarios, show that DIARIZE performs very close to the optimal solution, and in general outperforms a reference design based on fixed BSs

System modeling and dispatch schedule optimization of combined PV battery system using linear optimization

Master's thesis in Renewable energy (ENE500)Energy storage plays a vital role in paving the way for more renewable penetration. The technology is costly, but intelligent solutions regarding dispatch strategies and system design can help reduce the total cost over the projected lifetime of a system. For this thesis, a customizable linear programming algorithm is created within Python to optimize the battery energy scheduling based on generated PV power, electricity cost and load demand. The commercial system optimization tool HOMER is used to verify the code by running simulations based on historic data collected from Nord Pool and UiAs own photovoltaic system. One benefit of the custom made code is its ability to do day-ahead optimization utilizing data from APIs. To obtain forecasted irradiation and temperature data the Solcast API was used as the only paid service for the Python script to ensure market-leading accuracy

End-to-End V2X Latency Modeling and Analysis in 5G Networks

networks provide higher flexibility and improved performance compared to previous cellular technologies. This has raised expectations on the possibility to support advanced Vehicle to Everything (V2X) services using the cellular network via Vehicle-to-Network (V2N) and Vehicle-to-Network-to-Vehicle (V2N2V) connections. The possibility to support critical V2X services using 5G V2N2V or V2N connections depends on their end-to-end (E2E) latency. The E2E latency of V2N2V or V2N connections depends on the particular 5G network deployment, dimensioning and configuration, in addition to the network load. To date, few studies have analyzed the capabilities of V2N2V or V2N connections to support critical V2X services, and most of them focus on the 5G radio access network or consider dedicated 5G pilot deployments under controlled conditions. This paper progresses the state-of-the-art by introducing a novel E2E latency model to quantify the latency of 5G V2N and V2N2V communications. The model includes the latency introduced at the radio, transport, core, Internet, peering points and application server (AS) when vehicles are supported by a single mobile network operator (MNO) and when they are supported by multiple MNOs. The model can quantify the latency experienced when the V2X AS is deployed from the edge of the network (using MEC platforms) to the cloud. Using this model, this study estimates the E2E latency of 5G V2N2V connections for a large variety of possible 5G network deployments and configurations. The analysis helps identify which 5G network deployments and configurations are more suitable to meet V2X latency requirements. To this aim, we consider as case study the cooperative lane change service. The conducted analysis highlights the challenge for centralized network deployments that locate the V2X AS at the cloud to meet the latency requirements of advanced V2X services. Locating the V2X AS closer to the cell edge reduces the latency. However, it requires a higher number of ASs and also a careful dimensioning of the network and its configuration to ensure sufficient network and AS resources are dedicated to serve the V2X traffic

Dam deformation surveys with modern technology

Dam deformation surveys are repetitive surveys that must be undertaken periodically on high risk structures such as large earthfill dams. This dissertation is to examine and test the ability of the Leica Nova MS50 terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) and utilise these findings to develop a dam deformation survey procedure that can be amplified by the inclusion of TLS. The Leica Nova MS50 is an instrument that has only recently come onto the market. It provides the latest technology by combining a high precision total station technology with the capability of capturing highly accurate scanned data. The existing dam deformation survey methods require manually placing survey targets on predefined stations located across the surveyed surface, placing the surveyor in danger from slips, trips and falls on often steep and unstable ground. There is an identified need for an automated remote process to be developed, providing safety for the surveyor whilst not compromising the survey accuracy. It will be possible to determine the accuracy of the Leica Nova MS50 and its suitability to be utilised in dam deformation surveys by developing three separate testing scenarios: Angle of incidence test – determining the effect the angle of incidence has on a distance read; Difference in length detection – examine the accuracy of the instrument and determine the difference in length measurement capabilities at nominal lengths; and Laser Dot Size – to examine the size of the measuring laser at nominal lengths. This dissertation found the Leica Nova MS-50 to be a very accurate and capable machine. It was determined from the testing conducted that scanning at 1000 hertz for deformation scanning had to be limited to distances less than 100 metres (m). It was also verified that survey control pillars would need to be constructed in the most suitable location; ensuring scanning procedures are conducted from the same location for each epoch. This dissertation also found, the rabble rock surface that earthfill dam walls are covered by, creates exaggerated error when scanning due to the uneven surface. Therefore it was determined this survey method may be best suited to concrete structures are surfaces that are flat

Sporadic cloud-based mobile augmentation on the top of a virtualization layer: a case study of collaborative downloads in VANETs

Current approaches to Cloud-based Mobile Augmentation (CMA) leverage (cloud-based) resources to meet the requirements of rich mobile applications, so that a terminal (the so-called application node or AppN) can borrow resources lent by a set of collaborator nodes (CNs). In the most sophisticated approaches proposed for vehicular scenarios, the collaborators are nearby vehicles that must remain together near the application node because the augmentation service is interrupted when they move apart. This leads to disruption in the execution of the applications and consequently impoverishes the mobile users’ experience. This paper describes a CMA approach that is able to restore the augmentation service transparently when AppNs and CNs separate. The functioning is illustrated by a NaaS model where the AppNs access web contents that are collaboratively downloaded by a set of CNs, exploiting both roadside units and opportunistic networking. The performance of the resulting approach has been evaluated via simulations, achieving promising results in terms of number of downloads, average download times, and network overheadMinisterio de Educación y Ciencia | Ref. TIN2017-87604-

Modelo integral de aprovechamiento de la energía solar fotovoltaica en riego

Irrigated agriculture makes possible to increase the productivity of the cropped area, becoming a key activity to meet the growing food demand resulting from the increase of global population. The transformation of arable land from rain-fed to irrigated raises in turn the water demand by the agricultural sector, which currently accounts for 70% of total extractions, on a global scale. The modernization of the irrigation sector led a substantial improvement in the efficiency of water use, although, in parallel, the replacement of systems based on open channels to pressurized networks resulted in a significant increase in energy demand. The main drawbacks of this growing demand are the higher farm operating costs and environmental impact linked to agriculture. In this context, there is a need to look for alternative energy sources with low greenhouse gas emissions, maintaining and even increasing the profitability of the agricultural activity. This thesis is structured in 6 chapters and an annex, focused on the integration of photovoltaic technology in irrigation as energy supply source. Thus, the different chapters contemplate this integration from the point of view of irrigation management and schedule to the dimensioning of the system, taking into account economic, environmental and operational aspects. The first chapter contextualizes the reason of this thesis, which objectives are set out in chapter 2, in which the structure of the rest of the document is also detailed. Chapter 3 presents a model for the management of photovoltaic irrigation. This model integrates crop, climatic, hydraulic and energy variables, accomplishing a real time synchronization of the photovoltaic power generated and the power and irrigation times demanded by the network which supplies. The application of this model to a real case study (experimental olive orchard of the Rabanales Campus of the University of Córdoba) has achieved excellent results, being able to satisfy, automatically, more than 96% of the irrigation requirements of the crop during the irrigation season analysed. In addition, the substitution of the conventional electrical supply by photovoltaic energy avoided the emission of 1.2 t of CO2 eq. corresponding to 602 h of irrigation (during a season), in the olive orchard field of the case study analysed. In chapter 4 an analysis of the life cycle of the photovoltaic technology used as energy source in irrigation is carried out. In addition, it is also compared with the life cycle linked to the energy supply with traditional options, diesel generators and the electricity grid. Subsequently, a comparative analysis is carried out between the different supply options, establishing two possible scenarios: with and without grid connection. The results derived from this work, expressed in relation to the unit of energy in kWh, showed the importance linked to the percentage of photovoltaic energy produced that is actually used, thus having a great repercussion the seasonality of irrigation and the possibility of taking advantage of the surplus energy generated when irrigation is not required. This work was also complemented with an analysis of the life cycle cost for the different technologies. Thus, the photovoltaic option has the lowest total costs (63% and 36% lower than the diesel generator and electricity grid options, respectively, for a useful life of the project of 30 years), despite requiring a higher initial investment. Chapter 5 presents a model for the optimal dimensioning of photovoltaic irrigation systems, which determines hydrants grouping in irrigation sectors, the pipe diameters for each section of the network and the dimensioning of the photovoltaic plant. This model, based on evolutionary algorithms (specifically the genetic algorithm NSGAII) also integrates the first of the models presented, with which the operation of each generated sizing option is verified. The possible solutions are evaluated to select those that best fit the established objective functions. Therefore, the results provided by the model are those combinations of hydrant grouping, pipe sizes and PV plant dimensioning that minimize the investment costs while ensuring the proper operation of the system. Once the model was developed, it was simulated to carry out the dimensioning of the PV irrigation system of the experimental olive orchard field of the University of Córdoba. The results showed design solutions with investment cost reductions between 24 and 39%, compared to the original design of the installation, with an irrigation satisfaction equal or greater than the current 96% in all options. Finally, chapter 6 synthesizes the main conclusions obtained after the development of this thesis, as well as the possible future avenues of research. This thesis highlights the importance of the integration of photovoltaic energy in agriculture as energy supply source, with low environmental impact, alternative to traditional energy sources. Therefore, it presents innovative tools for photovoltaic irrigation management and jointly dimensioning of the system irrigation networkphotovoltaic plant, taking into account the energy, hydraulic, economic, environmental and operational aspects of the system. Therefore, the purpose of providing the incorporation of this technology in the sector is combined with the objectives of reducing the environmental impact of this activity and improving the profitability of the farmer.La agricultura de regadío permite aumentar la productividad de la superficie agrícola, convirtiéndose en una actividad clave para satisfacer la creciente demanda de alimentos derivada del aumento de la población mundial. La conversión de superficie cultivable del secano al regadío a su vez incrementa la demanda de agua por parte del sector agrícola, la cual representa en la actualidad un 70% de las extracciones totales, a escala global. La modernización del regadío ha permitido una mejora sustancial en la eficiencia del uso del agua, aunque, de forma paralela, la sustitución de los sistemas basados en canales abiertos por redes a presión ha dado lugar a un aumento significativo en la demanda de energía. Los principales inconvenientes derivados de esta creciente demanda se traducen en un mayor coste de operación en las explotaciones e impacto ambiental vinculado a la agricultura. En este contexto surge la necesidad de buscar fuentes de energía alternativas de baja emisión de gases efecto invernadero que permitan, además, mantener e incluso aumentar la rentabilidad de la actividad agrícola. Esta tesis se estructura en 6 capítulos y un anexo, enfocados todos ellos a la integración de la tecnología fotovoltaica en el riego, como fuente de suministro energético. Así, los distintos capítulos contemplan esta integración desde el punto de vista de la gestión y programación del riego hasta el dimensionamiento del sistema, teniendo en cuenta aspectos económicos, ambientales y de operatividad. El primero de los capítulos contextualiza el porqué de esta tesis, estando los objetivos de la misma recogidos en el capítulo 2, donde además se detalla la estructura del resto del documento. En el capítulo 3 se presenta un modelo para la gestión del riego fotovoltaico. Este modelo integra variables del cultivo, climáticas, hidráulicas y energéticas, llevando a cabo una sincronización en tiempo real de la potencia fotovoltaica generada y la potencia y tiempos de riego demandados por la red a la que abastece. La aplicación de este modelo a un caso de estudio real (parcela experimental de olivar del Campus de Rabanales de la Universidad de Córdoba) ha conseguido resultados excelentes, siendo capaz de satisfacer, de forma automática, más del 96% de los requerimientos de riego del cultivo durante la campaña de riego analizada. Además, la sustitución del suministro eléctrico convencional por energía fotovoltaica evitó la emisión de 1.2 t de CO2 eq. correspondientes a 602 h de riego (durante una campaña), en el cultivo de olivar del caso de estudio analizado. En el capítulo 4 se lleva a cabo un análisis del ciclo de vida de la tecnología fotovoltaica empleada como fuente de energía en el regadío. Además, también se compara con el ciclo de vida vinculado al suministro energético mediante las alternativas tradicionales, generadores diésel y la red eléctrica. Posteriormente, se lleva a cabo un análisis comparativo entre las distintas opciones de suministro, estableciendo para ello dos posibles escenarios: con y sin conexión a red. Los resultados derivados de este trabajo, expresados en relación a la unidad de energía en kWh, mostraron la importancia vinculada al porcentaje de energía fotovoltaica producida que es realmente aprovechado, teniendo por ello una gran repercusión la estacionalidad del riego y la posibilidad de aprovechar el excedente de energía producida en los momentos en los que no es necesario regar el cultivo. Este trabajo fue además complementado con un análisis del coste asociado al ciclo de vida de las distintas tecnologías. Así, la opción fotovoltaica presenta el menor de los costes totales (63% y 36% inferior a la opción de generador diésel y red eléctrica, respectivamente, para una vida útil de proyecto de 30 años), a pesar de requerir una mayor inversión inicial. En el capítulo 5 se presenta un modelo para el dimensionamiento óptimo de sistemas de riego fotovoltaico, el cual determina el agrupamiento de hidrantes en sectores de riego, el diámetro de tubería para cada tramo de la red y el dimensionamiento de la planta fotovoltaica. Este modelo, basado en algoritmos evolutivos (en concreto el algoritmo genético NSGAII) integra así mismo el primero de los modelos presentados, con el que se comprueba el funcionamiento de cada una de las opciones de dimensionamiento generadas. Las posibles soluciones son evaluadas con el fin de seleccionar aquellas que cumplen mejor las funciones objetivo establecidas. Por ello, los resultados facilitados por el modelo son aquellas combinaciones de agrupamiento de hidrantes, dimensiones de tuberías y tamaño de la planta FV que minimizan los costes de inversión y garantizan al mismo tiempo el correcto funcionamiento del sistema. Una vez desarrollado el modelo, éste fue simulado para llevar a cabo el dimensionamiento del sistema de riego FV de la parcela de olivar experimental de la Universidad de Córdoba. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron soluciones de diseño con ahorros en el coste de inversión de entre el 24 y el 39%, en comparación con el diseño original de la instalación, con una satisfacción del riego igual o superior al 96% actual en todas las opciones. Finalmente, el capítulo 6 sintetiza las principales conclusiones obtenidas tras el desarrollo de esta tesis, así como las posibles futuras vías de investigación. Esta tesis destaca la importancia de la integración de la energía fotovoltaica en la agricultura como medio de suministro energético, de bajo impacto ambiental, alternativo a las fuentes de energía tradicionales. Por ello, en ella se presentan herramientas innovadoras de gestión del riego fotovoltaico y dimensionamiento conjunto del sistema red de riego-planta fotovoltaica, teniendo en cuenta los aspectos energéticos, hidráulicos, económicos, ambientales y de operatividad del sistema. Por tanto, el propósito de facilitar la incorporación de esta tecnología en el sector queda acompañado de los objetivos de disminuir el impacto ambiental de esta actividad y mejorar la rentabilidad del agricultor