Automated advanced calibration and optimization of thermochemical models applied to biomass gasification and pyrolysis

This paper presents a methodology that combines physicochemical modeling with advanced statistical analysis algorithms as an efficient workflow, which is then applied to the optimization and design of biomass pyrolysis and gasification processes. The goal was to develop an automated flexible approach for the analyses and optimization of such processes. The approach presented here can also be directly applied to other biomass conversion processes and, in general, to all those processes for which a parametrized model is available. A flexible physicochemical model of the process is initially formulated. Within this model, a hierarchy of sensitive model parameters and input variables (process conditions) is identified, which are then automatically adjusted to calibrate the model and to optimize the process. Through the numerical solution of the underlying mathematical model of the process, we can understand how species concentrations and the thermodynamic conditions within the reactor evolve for the two processes studied. The flexibility offered by the ability to control any model parameter is critical in enabling optimization of both efficiency of the process as well as its emissions. It allows users to design and operate feedstock-flexible pyrolysis and gasification processes, accurately control product characteristics, and minimize the formation of unwanted byproducts (e.g., tar in biomass gasification processes) by exploiting various productivity-enhancing simulation techniques, such as parameter estimation, computational surrogate (reduced order model) generation, uncertainty propagation, and multi-response optimization

How exactly do networking Investments pay off? Analyzing the impact of nascent Entrepreneurs networking Investments on Access to Start-Up Resources

It is widely recognized that networks provide access to the resources necessary for founding a business. Up until now, however, the relationship between networking investments and the availability of resources has not been analyzed in depth. Using a sample of 416 nascent entrepreneurs, we address this issue, and provide evidence that networking investments lead to diminishing marginal resource returns in terms of financial, informational, emotional and contact support. Our results also show that resource returns strongly vary with resource type. While emotional support is quite easy to get, many more networking investments are needed to achieve financial support

Formaldehyde and Hydroxyl Radicals in an HCCI Engine - Calculations and LIF-Measurements

Concentrations of hydroxyl radicals and formaldehyde were calculated using homogeneous (HRM) and stochastic reactor models (SRM), and the result was compared to LIF measurements from an optically accessed iso-octane/n-heptane-fuelled homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine. The comparison was at first conducted from averaged total concentrations/signal strengths over the entire combustion volume, which showed a good qualitative agreement between experiments and calculations. Time- and the calculation-inlet-temperature-resolved concentrations of formaldehyde and hydroxyl radicals obtained through HRM are presented. Probability density plots (PDPs) through SRM calculations and LIF measurements are presented and compared, showing a very good agreement considering their delicate and sensitive nature. Thus it is concluded that SRM is a valid model for these purposes, justifying the use of SRM in order to extend the evaluated concentration ranges of the analyzed species beyond the detection/separation level. It is shown that formaldehyde concentration increases slowly, contrary to hydroxyl which is fast developed. Formaldehyde is locally fast consumed once high temperature chemistry has started, and the highest maximum concentrations of formaldehyde are found in cases where low-temperature chemistry was never transitioned to high-temperature ignition. The PDP's from SRM calculations give increased insight of the occurrence and development of autoignition. During the onset of ignition, the regions with the highest formaldehyde concentrations also have the highest concentrations of hydroxyl radicals. The low-temperature heat release (LTHR) maximum occurs before maximum of formaldehyde, and the regions of (for the LTHR regime relatively) high hydroxyl concentrations gradually becomes fewer until they cease to exist; this occurs after the LTHR peak but before formaldehyde maximum. During the transition state all regions have similar formaldehyde concentrations but varying concentrations of hydroxyl

The conundrum in smart city governance: Interoperability and compatibility in an ever-growing ecosystem of digital twins

Today, technological developments are ever-growing yet fragmented. Alongside inconsistent digital approaches and attitudes across city administrations, such developments have made it difficult to reap the benefits of city digital twins. Bringing together experiences from five research projects, this paper discusses these digital twins based on two digital integration methodologies—systems and semantic integration. We revisit the nature of the underlying technologies, and their implications for interoperability and compatibility in the context of planning processes and smart urbanism. Semantic approaches present a new opportunity for bidirectional data flows that can inform both governance processes and technological systems to co-create, cross-pollinate, and support optimal outcomes. Building on this opportunity, we suggest that considering the technological dimension as a new addition to the trifecta of economic, environmental, and social sustainability goals that guide planning processes, can aid governments to address this conundrum of fragmentation, interoperability, and compatibility.ISSN:2632-324