A generic persistence model for CLP systems (and two useful implementations)

This paper describes a model of persistence in (C)LP languages and two different and practically very useful ways to implement this model in current systems. The fundamental idea is that persistence is a characteristic of certain dynamic predicates (Le., those which encapsulate state). The main effect of declaring a predicate persistent is that the dynamic changes made to such predicates persist from one execution to the next one. After proposing a syntax for declaring persistent predicates, a simple, file-based implementation of the concept is presented and some examples shown. An additional implementation is presented which stores persistent predicates in an external datábase. The abstraction of the concept of persistence from its implementation allows developing applications which can store their persistent predicates alternatively in files or databases with only a few simple changes to a declaration stating the location and modality used for persistent storage. The paper presents the model, the implementation approach in both the cases of using files and relational databases, a number of optimizations of the process (using information obtained from static global analysis and goal clustering), and performance results from an implementation of these ideas

Multi-state techno-economic model for optimal dispatch of grid connected hydrogen electrolysis systems operating under dynamic conditions

The production of hydrogen through water electrolysis is a promising pathway to decarbonize the energy sector. This paper presents a techno-economic model of electrolysis plants based on multiple states of operation: production, hot standby and idle. The model enables the calculation of the optimal hourly dispatch of electrolyzers to produce hydrogen for different end uses. This model has been tested with real data from an existing installation and compared with a simpler electrolyzer model that is based on two states. The results indicate that an operational strategy that considers the multi-state model leads to a decrease in final hydrogen production costs. These reduced costs will benefit businesses, especially while electrolysis plants grow in size to accommodate further increases in demand

On the (lack of) representativeness of quasi-static variational fracture models for unstable crack propagation

The present work is devoted to prove that unstable crack propagation events do not comply with quasi-static hypotheses and thus should be modelled by dynamic approaches. Comprehensive supporting evidence is provided on the basis of three different analyses conducted on multi-ligament unstable fracture conditions, including a simplified Spring-Mass model, detailed quasi-static and dynamic Phase Field fracture models, and bespoke experiments with 3D printed specimens. The obtained results unequivocally show that neglecting the inertial effects can lead to unsafe predictions in the presence of energetic barriers for the development of fracture. Likewise, quasi-static Phase Field fracture models are proven to yield crack patterns that disagree with the experimental evidence because they overlook the progressive diffusion of the mechanical information within the continuum. Moreover, the inability of quasi-static approaches to follow unstable crack propagation is shown to weaken the crucial irreversibility condition of fracture. Overall, these experimentally backed insights should be gravely reckoned with, for they are not exclusive to Phase Field fracture models but common to (almost) any variational approach to fracture, inter alia Cohesive Zone Models or Continuum Damage Mechanics