A New Statistical based Energetic-economic Methodology for Wind Turbine Systems Evaluation☆

Abstract The present paper deals with the implementation of a new statistical based methodology for energetic and economic evaluation of wind turbine systems without using anemometric measurements for specific installation sites. In particular, the procedure aims at the evaluation of single small wind turbine, as well as small wind turbine fields. The choice of using small wind turbines is due to the impact of the wind velocity measurements from both the cost and the time-needed point of view. Monte Carlo Method was used to study statistically the effects of wind velocity variability on wind turbines energy production and consequently on the economic performance of the system. Starting from the average wind velocity for the site, the type of the site (plain, hill, mountain, etc.), as well as the height of the turbine, the procedure analyses different wind velocity statistical distributions (based on Weibull distribution) to obtain energy production and then investment profitability. In order to test the methodology a case study was analysed using both classical (using one year of wind velocity measurements) and new procedure (using only the average value of the wind velocity for the same installation site). On the basis of the results it is possible to state that the new methodology is able to determine the Net Present Value of the investment showing small differences between new and classical procedure

A site selection model to identify optimal locations for microalgae biofuel production facilities in sicily (Italy)

The lack of sustainability and negative environmental impacts of using fossil fuel resources for energy production and their consequent increase in prices during last decades have led to an increasing interest in the development of renewable biofuels. Among possible biomass fuel sources, microalgae represent one of the most promising solutions. The present work is based on the implementation of a model that facilitates identification of optimal geographic locations for large-scale open ponds for microalgae cultivation for biofuels production. The combination of a biomass production model with specific site location parameters such as irradiance, geographical constraints, land use, topography, temperatures and CO2 for biofuels plants were identified in Sicily (Italy). A simulation of CO2 saved by using the theoretical biofuel produced in place of traditional fuel was implemented. Results indicate that the territory of Sicily offers a good prospective for these technologies and the results identify ideal locations for locating biomass fuel production facilities. Moreover, the research provides a robust method that can be tailored to the specific requirements and data availability of other territories. © Research India Publications

A physiological comparison of isopods in the transition from a marine to a terrestrial habitat : with notes on their morphology and behavior

This study is of five species of isopods common to the Dillon Beach area, each of which represents a different level in the transition toward land life. Cirolana harfordi was used as a completely marine form. Idothea (Pentidotea) wosnesenskii represents a step toward land life as it inhabits an area uncovered by most low tides. Ligia occidentalis is found in the splash zone, receiving spray from the action of the surf. This illustrates another, higher, level in the transition. Alloniscus perconvexus was the fourth species studied. It is commonly found burrowed in the sand in the area of the berm, which is the nearly level portion of the beach formed by high tidal wave action. Finally, the terrestrial form, Porcellio (Porcellion) scaber, was used to illustrate those isopods best adapted to land life. The physiological data presented in this paper includes salinity tolerances and humidity tolerances. Some information on acclimating one species to lowered salinities is also presented. The results of these experiments are used to illustrate the degrees of adaptation to land life shown by the isopods in different areas of the transition. A discussion of the adaptive morphology and behavioral characteristics is also related to the environmental situations in which each animal is found

Graduate Recital: Matt Brusca

Kemp Recital HallApril 20, 2012Friday Evening6:00 p.m

Measurement and Modeling of Ground-Level Ozone Concentration in Catania, Italy using Biophysical Remote Sensing and GIS

This experimental study examined spatial variation of ground level ozone (O3) in the city of Catania, Italy using thirty passive samplers deployed in a 500-m grid pattern. Significant spatial variation in ground level O3 concentrations (ranging from 12.8 to 41.7 g/m3) was detected across Catania’s urban core and periphery. Biophysical measures derived from satellite imagery and built environment characteristics from GIS were evaluated as correlates of O3 concentrations. A land use regression model based on four variables (land surface temperature, building area, residential street length, and distance to the coast) explained 74% of the variance (adjusted R2) in measured O3. The results of the study suggest that biophysical remote sensing variables are worth further investigation as predictors of ground level O3 (and potentially other air pollutants) because they provide objective measurements that can be tested across multiple locations and over time

Non-financial reporting in the public sector: alternatives, trends and opportunities

In recent years, different non-financial information models have arisen, both in the private and public sec-tors, trying to complete the traditional financial reports prepared by companies and public administrations.The fundamental objective of these models has been to satisfy the interest of the stakeholders, which goesbeyond the numbers included in the balance sheet and the income statement. In the case of the publicsector, this is coupled with the discontent and distrust of citizens towards politicians and administrators ofinstitutions, which makes it necessary to emphasize tools and strategies that can improve the transparencyand accountability of administrations and restore citizen trust. Therefore, this article highlights the differ-ent non-financial information alternatives that have emerged in the literature, their practical applicationin the public sector and the opportunities that these models offer for the future. Specifically, we refer tosustainability reporting, integrated reporting, the non-financial report recently regulated for the businesssector and, finally, popular reporting En los últimos años han irrumpido con fuerza distintos modelos de información no financiera, tanto en el sector privado como en el público, tratando de completar el tradicional informe financiero preparado por empresas y administraciones públicas. El objetivo fundamental de estos modelos ha sido satisfacer el interés del conjunto amplio de los stakeholders, que va más allá de los números recogidos en el balance de situación y la cuenta de resultados. En el caso del sector público, a esto se une el descontento generalizado y la desconfianza de los ciudadanos hacia los políticos y administradores de las instituciones, lo que hace necesario poner el acento en todas aquellas herramientas y estrategias que puedan perfeccionar la transparencia y responsabilidad de las administraciones y reintegrar la confianza de sus administrados. Por ello, en este artículo se ponen de relieve las distintas alternativas de información no financiera que han ido surgiendo en la literatura, su aplicación práctica en el ámbito del sector público y las oportunidades que estos modelos ofrecen para el futuro. En concreto nos referimos a la información sostenible, la información integrada, la información popular y por último, al informe no financiero regulado en nuestra normativa para el sector empresarial