Processing Risk In Asset Management: Exploring The Boundaries Of Risk Based Optimization Under Uncertainty For An Energy Infrastructure Asset Manager

In the liberalized energy market Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) are confronted with income reductions by the regulator. The common response to this challenge is the implementation of asset management, which can be regarded as systematically applying Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) to the risks in the networks. In short, this is Risk Based Optimization (RBO). However, application of RBO is mostly limited to interventions on individual assets like upgrades, replacements and maintenance. Whether RBO is feasible for higher levels of aggregation like the portfolio of interventions or even the whole system was not clear. The unavoidable subjectivity and uncertainty associated with risk decision making could threaten the acceptance of decision outcomes. The experiments conducted in this research reveal that there are no fundamental barriers to risk based optimization of the whole system. Embracing uncertainty and subjectivity allows for relatively simple tools, as the tools do not need to be more accurate than our knowledge of the future. The condition for this to work is that the rational RBO decisions are embedded in a well-designed sociotechnical process. A systematic implementation of RBO on all levels (individual assets, portfolios of interventions and the whole system) results in a reduction of the total costs of the system (expenditure plus residual risk) of about 20%.Engineering Systems and Services, Section Energy & IndustryTechnology, Policy and Managemen

Charging Stations for Urban Settings the design of a product platform for electric vehicle infrastructure in Dutch cities

This paper reflects the essential role of supportive infrastructure in the mass implementation of electric drive vehicle technology. A focus is placed on the development of comprehensive systems that provide efficient and diverse recharging solutions for vehicle drivers. Mass adoption of electric mobility will reflect advances in the vehicles themselves, their infrastructural networks, and their position in the automotive market. Progress in these areas is highly related, and mandates coordinated design efforts. This paper discusses current problem areas, ongoing developments, and future trends in the design and development of charging systems for battery electric vehicles. The application of infrastructures that are simple, familiar, and context-sensitive is essential to promote consumer confidence and thereby enable successful market penetration. Specific requirements and conditions for the design of infrastructure systems for electric mobility are presented.Design EngineeringIndustrial Design Engineerin