Evaluation and Assessment of New Demand Response Products based on the use of Flexibility in Industrial Processes: Application to the Food Industry

En el marco de un mercado de la electricidad con precios cada vez más altos y donde la participación de fuentes renovables de generación está jugando un papel cada vez más importante, esta tesis supone un enfoque innovador hacia la participación de recursos de demanda en mercados de operación, prestando una atención especial a segmentos industriales como el sector alimentario con un consumo energético intensivo. En primer lugar, esta tesis describe detalladamente la situación actual de los programas de respuesta de la demanda que existen en diferentes partes del mundo. Este estudio permite concluir que los consumidores no han sido tenidos en cuenta suficientemente en la fase de diseño de los programas existentes, lo que ha provocado la infrautilización de recursos de demanda que, actualmente, permanecen sin explorar. Por otro lado, los consumidores no son conscientes del valor que su flexibilidad podría tener para el sistema eléctrico en su conjunto, ignorando que puedan existir otros agentes dispuestos a pagarles a cambio de reducir sus cargas en períodos determinados. Como resultado, esta tesis desarrolla una nueva metodología para explorar y valorar nuevos mecanismos de respuesta de la demanda donde el punto de vista de consumidores, operadores de red y cualquier otro agente interesado pueda ser tenido en cuenta. Esta metodología, basada en la evaluación y análisis detallado de los procesos, proporciona a los consumidores las herramientas adecuadas para evaluar su capacidad para reaccionar al precio de la electricidad, lo que permitiría al regulador poner en valor el beneficio social de dicha flexibilidad si pudiera ser utilizada en mercados de operación, ayudándole a definir los programas necesarios para utilizar de forma adecuada el potencial identificado por los consumidores. La metodología desarrollada en esta tesis ha sido aplicada satisfactoriamente al sub-segmento de la industria cárnica, por lo que varias fábricas pertenecientes a este segmento han sido estudiadas en detalle. En concreto, la factibilidad de las acciones propuestas ha sido probada y validada satisfactoriamente en una fábrica dedicada a la producción de jamón curado en España, en la que se han evaluado diferentes estrategias de flexibilidad. Finalmente, se ha realizado una evaluación económica de la rentabilidad de la aplicación de las acciones de flexibilidad propuestas tanto para el consumidor como para el sistema eléctrico en su conjunto, donde se han considerado los precios reales de los mercados de operación en España, aun cuando los consumidores no puedan participar realmente en dichos mercados en la actualidad.Alcázar Ortega, M. (2011). Evaluation and Assessment of New Demand Response Products based on the use of Flexibility in Industrial Processes: Application to the Food Industry [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/10078Palanci

Demand Response Applications for the Operation of Smart Natural Gas Systems

This chapter discusses different aspects related to the operation of natural gas systems in the framework of the new configuration of energy systems based on the smart grid concept. First of all, different experiences performed worldwide regarding the application of demand response principles to increase the efficiency and operability of natural gas networks are presented. Next, the characteristics of the natural gas system to be configured according to the smart grid architecture are discussed, including the necessary agents for the proper functioning of such infrastructure. After that, the current state of installation of gas smart meters in some European countries is presented, according to the massive rollout process promoted by the European Union. Barriers that prevent the full exploitation of demand response resources related to natural gas systems are presented in the next section. After that, technical constraints which may be solved by using demand response are presented. Finally, last tendencies related to the development of natural gas systems, such as the injection of hydrogen, are considered

Application of an energy management and control system to assess the potential of different control strategies in HVAC systems

[EN] The significant and continuous increment in the global electricity consumption is asking for energy saving strategies. Efficient control for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) is the most cost-effective way to minimize the use of energy in buildings. In this framework, an energy management and control system (EMCS) has been developed to schedule electricity end-uses in the campus of the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia (UPV), Spain. This paper presents an evaluation performed by using the EMCS of different control strategies for HVAC split systems. It analyzed the effect of different schedules for a common air-conditioning device and demand response strategies are tested in several situations. The economic saving is calculated taking into account the electricity contract clauses. Finally, a test is made for the control of a group of similar devices in order to reduce the maximum peak power in consumption and to obtain a flexible load shape with the HVAC loads. The studies are then extrapolated to a larger system, the whole University campus, for which energy and economic savings are quantified. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V.This research work has been possible with the support of Universidad Politecnica de Valencia (Spain) by the grant #CE 19990032.Escrivá-Escrivá, G.; Segura Heras, I.; Alcázar-Ortega, M. (2010). Application of an energy management and control system to assess the potential of different control strategies in HVAC systems. Energy and Buildings. 42(11):2258-2267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2010.07.023S22582267421

Impact of the throat sizing on the operating parameters in an experimental fixed bed gasifier: Analysis, evaluation and testing

The aim of this research is to contribute into the diffusion of biomass power systems by analyzing and testing the throat sizing influence on the operation of a gasification plant coupled with an internal combustion engine. In order to do this, the assessment of the proper operation range for some of the driving process parameters has been carried out. The analysis has been focused on such parameters as pressure drop of the fixed bed reactor, the inlet air flow, the syngas production, electrical power production and efficiency, looking for improving the performance and guaranteeing the proper system operation. Two different campaigns of tests have been carried out for figuring out the best design on the reactor. Based on this analysis, the most convenient throat diameter has been determined (in this case, around 10 cm), producing an increment in the production of syngas of about 31%. This modification has demonstrated also an increment of the electrical power produced by the gasification plant of about 40%, which means an increment in the motor generator efficiency of 35%.Montuori, L.; Vargas Salgado, CA.; Alcázar-Ortega, M. (2015). Impact of the throat sizing on the operating parameters in an experimental fixed bed gasifier: Analysis, evaluation and testing. Renewable Energy. 83:615-625. doi:10.1016/j.renene.2015.04.068S6156258

Evaluation in High Education Based On a Multi-Criteria Methodology: Application to a Course on Power Systems

[EN] After the adoption of the Bologna Plan by European Universities, the classical method used to evaluate students by traditional exams has changed, so that a wide typology of evaluation mechanisms haveappeared. By means of those mechanisms, students may be evaluated according to the specific and transversal competences they have acquired during their degree. In this contribution, the authors present a methodology, based on a multi-criteria procedure, which could be used to evaluate University students from different perspectives so as to obtain an objective assessment about the level of achievement of such competences. The proposed methodology has been applied during the last four years to the course onPower Systems that is taught in the Master Degree in Industrial Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain, whose results are also presented here.Alcázar-Ortega, M.; Montuori, L.; Vargas-Salgado, C.; Rodríguez-García, J. (2022). Evaluation in High Education Based On a Multi-Criteria Methodology: Application to a Course on Power Systems. Specialusis Ugdymas. 43(2):3486-3496. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/1912103486349643

Technical and economical tools to assess customer demand response in the commercial sector

[EN] The authors present a methodology to evaluate and quantify the economic parameters (costs and benefits) attached to customer electricity consumption by analyzing the service provided by the different "pieces" of absorbed electricity. The first step of this methodology is to perform a process oriented market segmentation to identify segments according to their flexibility potential. After that, a procedure based on comprehensive simulations to identify and quantify the actual demand that can be managed in the short term is presented and, finally, the required economic analysis is performed. The methodology, which is demonstrated with some applications to the commercial sector, not only helps the customers to integrate in flexible distribution systems but also offers the necessary economical parameters for them to integrate in electricity markets. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.This research work has been possible with the support of the European Commission through EU-DEEP Project, and through the support of the Spanish Government (Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia) under Reasearch Project ENE2007-67771-C02-01&02/CON and Red Electrica de Espana, S.A. (the Spanish System Operator) through the collaboration with the International Energy Agency Project on DSM.Álvarez, C.; Alcázar-Ortega, M.; Escrivá-Escrivá, G.; Gabaldón Marín, A. (2009). Technical and economical tools to assess customer demand response in the commercial sector. Energy Conversion and Management. 50(10):2605-2612. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2009.06.002S26052612501

Multi-Criteria Evaluation Method in the Field of University Education: Application to a Course on Energy Markets

[EN] The Bologna Plan adopted by European universities ended the hegemony of an evaluation system exclusively based on the performance of traditional examinations. In this area, with a view to revitalizing grading models in university education, a wide range of evaluation mechanisms has been developed in recent years. Using them, teachers may evaluate the learning levels of their students, including both the specific competences of the taught subject and the transversal competences that help students further develop their professional careers. This article presents a methodology based on a multi-criteria procedure through which students could be evaluated from different points of view, based on different types of evaluation mechanisms that are diversely weighted. Therefore, their levels of learning could be assessed more objectively. This article shows a practical case of applying this methodology, which has been used for the last five years in a course on energy markets taught as part of the Degree in Energy Engineering at the UPV.Alcázar-Ortega, M.; Montuori, L.; Rodríguez-García, J.; Vargas-Salgado, C. (2023). Multi-Criteria Evaluation Method in the Field of University Education: Application to a Course on Energy Markets. Knowledge. 3(1):40-52. https://doi.org/10.3390/knowledge301000340523

Electrification of the boat fleet of the Albufera Natural Park of Valencia: methodology, economic and environmental assessments

[EN] This article presents a methodology for calculating the energy needs to propose the electrification of a fleet of small boats. A technical, economic and environmental analysis of the transition to electric mobility of the fleet of boats in the wetland of the Albufera Natural Park of Valencia (Spain) is presented and analysed. The environmental benefits of this transition are explored and an economic assessment is done, including the evaluation of the necessary public incentives to capture all the benefits related to this transition and make it feasible.This work was supported in part by the Spanish public administration under the grant FPU2016/00962 and by the Cátedra de Transición Energética Urbana (Las Naves-UPV).Bejarano-Cáceres, DS.; Ribó-Pérez, DG.; Alcázar-Ortega, M. (2020). Electrification of the boat fleet of the Albufera Natural Park of Valencia: methodology, economic and environmental assessments. Renewable Energy and Power Quality Journal. 18:144-149. https://doi.org/10.24084/repqj18.254S1441491

Methodology for the implementation of e-learning class during the COVID-19

[EN] The serious situation caused by the coronavirus has forced Authorities to take drastic decisions that have affected the normal functioning of the entire society. One of the most impactful measures taken has been the self-discipline of the social distancing as the entire society has been obliged to stay at home. At the education level, restrictions ordered by the Authorities have limited the access to all professors and students at the academic centers. In Spain, the state of alarm decreed by the Government has affected the entire Academic course and therefore, in order to be able to preserve the public service, the Polytechnic University of Valencia, in just a week, has been asked to revise the entire programs and settle on-line courses for more than 35.000 students in multiples disciplines. Within this framework, a methodology has been developed for the implementation of on-line learning courses in a period of crisis within a short time. On-line learning has been demonstrated to be effective as face-to-face education, becoming one of the most popular higher education alternatives. However, students engaged in on-line classes result to be less engaged in collaborative learning, student-faculty interactions, and discussions with their classmates if compared to the traditional system. In this context, the barriers of on-line teaching classes have been investigated and tools to overcome them have been proposed. Finally, a real application to the Polytechnic University of Valencia is presented.This work was supported in part by the regional public administration of Valencia under the grant ACIF/2018/106.Montuori, L.; Alcázar-Ortega, M.; Vargas Salgado, CA.; Bastida Molina, P. (2021). Methodology for the implementation of e-learning class during the COVID-19. En Proceedings INNODOCT/20. International Conference on Innovation, Documentation and Education. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 155-163. https://doi.org/10.4995/INN2020.2020.11877OCS15516

Application of Artificial intelligence to high education: empowerment of flipped classroom with just-in-time teaching

[EN] In the so-called society 4.0, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being widely used in many areas of life. Machine learning uses mathematical algorithms based on "training data", which are able to make predictions or take decisions with the ability to change their behavior through a self-training approach. Furthermore, thanks to AI, a large volume of data can be now processed with the overall goal to extract patterns and transform the information into a comprehensible structure for further utilization, which manually done by humans would easily take several years. In this framework, this article explores the potential of AI and machine learning to empower flipped classroom with just-in-time teaching (JiTT). JiTT is a pedagogical method that can be easily combined with the reverse teaching. It allows professors to receive feedback from students before class, so they may be able to adapt the lesson flow, as well as preparing strategies and activities focused on the student deficiencies. This research explores the application of AI in high education as a tool to analyze the key variables involved in the learning process of students and to integrate JiTT within the flipped classroom. Finally, a case of application of this methodology is presented, applied to the course of Energy Markets taught at the Polytechnic University of Valencia.This work was supported in part by the regional public administration of Valencia under the grant ACIF/2018/106.Montuori, L.; Alcázar Ortega, M.; Bastida Molina, P.; Vargas Salgado, CA. (2021). Application of Artificial intelligence to high education: empowerment of flipped classroom with just-in-time teaching. En Proceedings INNODOCT/20. International Conference on Innovation, Documentation and Education. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 223-231. https://doi.org/10.4995/INN2020.2020.11896OCS22323