Practical applications of multi-agent systems in electric power systems

The transformation of energy networks from passive to active systems requires the embedding of intelligence within the network. One suitable approach to integrating distributed intelligent systems is multi-agent systems technology, where components of functionality run as autonomous agents capable of interaction through messaging. This provides loose coupling between components that can benefit the complex systems envisioned for the smart grid. This paper reviews the key milestones of demonstrated agent systems in the power industry and considers which aspects of agent design must still be addressed for widespread application of agent technology to occur

ECUT (Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies Program). Biocatalysis Project

Presented are the FY 1985 accomplishments, activities, and planned research efforts of the Biocatalysis Project of the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies (ECUT) Program. The Project's technical activities were organized as follows: In the Molecular Modeling and Applied Genetics work element, research focused on (1) modeling and simulation studies to establish the physiological basis of high temperature tolerance in a selected enzyme and the catalytic mechanisms of three species of another enzyme, and (2) determining the degree of plasmid amplification and stability of several DNA bacterial strains. In the Bioprocess Engineering work element, research focused on (1) studies of plasmid propagation and the generation of models, (2) developing methods for preparing immobilized biocatalyst beads, and (3) developing an enzyme encapsulation method. In the Process Design and Analysis work element, research focused on (1) further refinement of a test case simulation of the economics and energy efficiency of alternative biocatalyzed production processes, (2) developing a candidate bioprocess to determine the potential for reduced energy consumption and facility/operating costs, and (3) a techno-economic assessment of potential advancements in microbial ammonia production

The characterisation of ultrafiltration membranes used in water purification

The increase of urbanisation has caused water scarcity concerns in developed nations. Natural sources of freshwater (ground water, river water, rain fall) are becoming insufficient, requiring man-made technologies for the purification of water. Ultrafiltration membranes are currently becoming more relied upon for water purification due to their selectivity and applicability in different environments. Fabrication of some ultrafiltration membranes require the mixing of two (binary blend) or three (ternary blend) synthetic polymers to form an amphiphilic polymer blend. Overall properties of the blend are dependent on the chemical nature of the precursors; however, chemical incompatibilities between polymers causes incomplete mixing, thereby forming a partially miscible system. The presence of different domains of varying miscibility creates a complex matrix where minimal changes in local chemical composition can drastically change the membranes properties. The material becomes increasingly complex with a ternary blend. Hence, the understanding of function and composition relationship is important to the development of design and functionality. This project aims to characterise a number of properties of ultrafiltration membranes at various stages, from fabrication to production. In this work, industrial membranes (both binary and ternary) and their respective precursors were studied. Difference in end groups within the system affects solubility of the precursor leading. This can lead to undissolved poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) affecting the properties of the membrane produced. Free solution Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) was employed for the separation of PVP via end groups. Representative electrophoretic mobility distributions of different PVP samples were obtained showing the presence of different populations. The membranes were characterised through solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, providing a means to determine the molecular structure and molecular mobility within the membranes. NMR measurements identified that polymer A is extracted out of the membrane during production and the ternary membrane is a miscible system. Deductions made contributed to interpretations on functionality Relationships between the surface composition and the functionality of the membrane were established. Functional properties were determined through tensile strength tests and tensiometry tests. The surface composition was determined through Scanning electron microscopy / energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Surface localisation of polymer A and polymer C affected the hydrophilicity of the membranes. It was also found the formation of macrovoids affect the tensile strength of the membrane. In conclusion, methods were developed to determine the chemical structures of the membrane, at various stages of production, and relating it to functionality. Analysis of structure-function relationships allowed for the improvement of design to optimise membrane properties. The AB membrane was determined to have better functional properties than the ABC membrane; however, the chemical stability of the ABC membrane makes it a promising system to be used for future design. Future design proposals can incorporate different polymerisations yielding PVP with end groups that are soluble. These improved designs will not only increase performance but also allow for cost-efficient measures of membrane production

A Review of Building Information Modeling and Simulation as Virtual Representations Under the Digital Twin Concept

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a highly promising technique for achieving digitalization in the construction industry, widely used in modern construction projects for digitally representing facilities. Nevertheless, retains limitations in terms of representing construction operations. The digital twin concept may potentially overcome these limitations and initiate advanced digital transformation in the construction industry as it has revolutionized the product lifecycle management in the manufacturing industry. This research provides a critical review of applying digital twin in the construction industry. Altogether, 140 papers from related journals and databases were reviewed. The digital aspect of twinning consists of BIM and simulation modeling. These two techniques have been used to create virtual or digital representations of actual buildings and real-world construction processes. However, integrating and applying BIM and simulation modeling according to the digital twin concept remains to be fully studied. Comprehensive evaluations of BIM, simulation modeling, and digital twin will provide a well-defined framework for this research, to identify direction and potential for digital twin in the construction industry, thereby progressing to the next level of digitalization and improvement in construction management practice