Analyzing sustainable competitive advantage

In today%s dynamic business environment, a key challenge for all companies is to make adaptive adjustments to their manufacturing strategy. This study demonstrates the competitive priorities of manufacturing strategy in hydro-power case company to evaluate the level of sustainable competitive advantage and also to further analyze how business strategies are aligned with manufacturing strategies. This research is based on new holistic analytical evaluation of manufacturing strategy index, sense and respond, and sustainable competitive advantage models. These models help to describe, evaluate, and optimize resource allocation to meet the performance requirements in dynamic decision making. Furthermore, these models evaluate operational competitiveness for manufacturing strategies according to the multi-criteria priority. The results show that the adjustments of competitive priorities in manufacturing strategies by implementing the proposed holistic analytical models are helpful in strategically managing business operations. The discussion derives the most critical attributes in business operations while alignment of resource allocation with competitive priorities help to strategically focus those attributes. In conclusion, we argue that resource allocation and manufacturing strategies have become the most important capabilities in a business environment where companies focus to get a sustainable competitive advantage

Retrofit planes and strategic decision-making in existing industrial processes

V doktorski disertaciji obravnavamo tematiko s področja rekonstruiranja obstoječih industrijskih procesov. Pri tem podrobneje predstavljamo predlagan koncept za rekonstrukcijo, ki zajema ključne aktivnosti za doseganje izboljšav nerentabilnih kemijskih procesov. Aktivnosti so zajete v predvidenih korakih, kot so spoznavanje procesa, matematično modeliranje, optimiranje, generiranje alternativ in ocena ustreznosti generiranih alternativ. Kompleksna infrastruktura, veliko število nemerljivih podatkov in alternative, ki jih je potrebno v naprej preučiti, so omejitve, ki zahtevajo kompleksen pristop k rekonstrukcijskemu načrtovanju. Obrati v preteklosti niso bili prilagojeni tipičnim rekonstrukcijskim zahtevam, ki bi omogočale večjo energijsko učinkovitost, zadovoljivo produktivnost in rentabilnost. Z ustreznimi modifikacijami se lahko bistveno izboljšajo omenjeni dejavniki in podaljša življenjska doba obstoječih kemijskih procesov. Pri tem imajo ustrezno razviti rekonstrukcijski načrti pomembno vlogo za doseganje konkurenčnosti ob upoštevanju negotovosti, trendov prihodnjih cen in zanimanj po tržnih produktih. Znotraj koncepta sta v prvem delu generiranja alternativ predlagana preprosti in kompleksni sklop tehnoloških izboljšav, ki temeljita na rekonstrukciji obstoječega procesa v smeri novih produktov. Drugi del generiranja alternativ zajema modifikacije v smeri surovinskih, produktnih in tehnoloških izboljšav. Za preprosti in kompleksni sklop izboljšav smo razvili matematične modele na podlagi simulacij kemijskih procesov in matematičnega programiranja za vsako izmed predlaganih alternativ posebej. Sintezni pristop je omogočal hkratno optimiranje procesnih parametrov in koriščenje morebitnih interakcij med procesnimi podsistemi, ki so na videz ločeni. Za surovinske, produktne in z njimi povezane tehnološke izboljšave smo razvili drevesno in mrežno superstrukturo z matematičnimi modeli, ki predstavljajo ustrezno orodje za simultano iskanje najprimernejše procesne alternative glede na optimizacijski kriterij. Razviti koncept za rekonstrukcijsko načrtovanje in prenovo obstoječih kemijskih procesov ter ustvarjene matematične modele smo aplicirali na realnem industrijskem procesu proizvodnje metanola. Rezultati kažejo, da je predlagani rekonstrukcijski koncept na podlagi matematičnih modelov privedel do izboljšav v primeru proizvodne novega produkta dimetil etra z neposredno potjo sinteze iz zemeljskega plina in višjo tržno ceno novega produkta. Prispevek raziskav lahko umestimo na področje rekonstrukcijskega načrtovanja v procesni sistemski tehniki. Načrtovanje zajema veliko količino podatkov na podlagi realnih kemijskih procesov, simulacij, hevrističnih pravil in spoznanj dobljenih tekom generiranja procesnih alternativ. Disertacija ne temelji na strateškem odločanju, temveč na razvoju orodij in tehnik za rekonstruiranje obstoječih procesov in procesnih linij v kemičnih in procesnih industrijah.This doctoral dissertation deals with the topic in the field of reconstruction of the existing industrial processes. It represents in details the proposed concept for the retrofit, which includes key activities for achieving improvements for non-profitable chemical processes. Activities are included within several steps, which are obtaining the knowledge about the process, mathematical modelling, optimization, generation of alternatives and the assessment of the appropriateness of generated alternatives. A complex infrastructure, a large number of non-measurable data and alternatives, which need to be studied in advance, are restrictions that require a complex approach to reconstruction. In the past, chemical plants were not adapted to typical reconstruction requirements that would lead to greater energy efficiency, satisfactory productivity and profitability. By suitable modifications these factors could be significantly improved and the lifetime of chemical processes could be prolonged. Taking into account uncertainty, future price trends and interests for commercial products, suitably developed reconstruction plans play an important role in achieving competitiveness. The first part of generating alternatives proposes simple and complex set of technological improvements. Both sets are based on reconstruction of the existing process so to produce the new products. The second part of generation of alternatives includes modifications in the direction of improvements in raw materials, products and technologies. For simple and complex set of improvements, mathematical models were developed on the basis of simulations of chemical processes and mathematical programming for each proposed alternative separately. Synthesis approach enables simultaneous optimization of process parameters and utilization of potential interactions between those process subsystems that seem to be separated. For improvements in raw materials, products and related technological improvements, a superstructure-based model was developed as a tool for simultaneously determining the most suitable alternative with regard to optimization criterion. The developed concept for reconstruction planning and retrofit of existing chemical processes, and developed mathematical model were applied to an industrial process of methanol production. The results show that the proposed concept of retrofit on the basis of mathematical models led to improvements in the case of production of a new product that has higher price in the market. The contribution of this research may be placed on the field of reconstruction planning in process system engineering. Planning includes a large amount of data on the basis of realistic chemical processes, simulations, heuristic rules and knowledge during generation of alternatives. This dissertation is not based on strategic decision-making, but on the development of tools and techniques for retrofitting of industrial processes

OPTIMIZATION AND MODELING OF MERCURY REMOVAL FROM FLUE GASES

Približno 46 % vseh svetovnih emisij Hg je posledica izgorevanja fosilnih goriv v namene pridobivanja električne in toplotne energije. Zaradi visokih koncentracij onesnaževala v dimnih plinih si strokovnjaki prizadevajo razviti ustrezno tehnologijo, ki bi omejila izpuste Hg že na viru. Tako bi se izognili problematiki povečanega biogeokemijskega kroženja Hg, ki predstavlja prehod iz fosilnih goriv v zrak, vodo, tla in se akumulira v živih organizmih. Na podlagi podatkov o kemijskem ravnotežju in kinetiki smo razvili enostaven matematično-kemijski model, kot začetno stopnjo, za preverjanje realnega obnašanja prisotnih ionov v raztopini pri razžveplanju dimnih plinov (RDP). Z demonstracijo uporabe modela smo ocenili stopnjo odstranitve Hg iz naprave ter dimenzionirali velikost potrebne opreme pri razvoju sodobne tehnologije. Čiščenje emisij sicer poteka po dveh principih, ki smo jih preučili v laboratoriju ter s pomočjo literature. Prva rešitev je temeljila na odstranitvi elementarnega Hg iz dimnih plinov v mokrem postopku RDP sistema z oksidacijo, kjer se konstantno ruši ravnotežje, ki ga opisuje Henry-ev zakon. Oksidacijo smo izvedli z vrsto oksidantov - tudi s kisikom, ki se uvaja v vodno fazo z dispergiranjem zraka. Na spontanost reakcij oksidacije so kazale negativne Gibbs-ove entalpije. Druga možnost je temeljila na odstranitvi večjega števila onesnaževal v postopku RDP, ki je ekonomsko in tehnološko primerljiv ali boljši od postopkov, ki so komercialno že uveljavljeni ali v fazi razvoja. Preučili smo objavljene tehnologije na principu: homogene oksidacije s halogenidi (Br2, Cl2) pred razžveplanjem dimnih plinov, adsorpcije na aktivnem oglju ter dodajanja kemijskih oksidantov, kot sta NaClO2 in H2O2, v mešalni pretočni reaktor za pospešitev katalizirane reakcije. Alternativne tehnologije smo ocenili na podlagi porabe materialov, energentov, dela ter obratovalnih stroškov. Ekonomske parametre smo uporabili v ekonomskem kriteriju, ki omogoča izbiro tržno najustreznejše tehnologije ter pregledom okoljskih kriterijev, ki podajajo sugestijo za izbiro okoljsko najustreznejšega načina odstranjevanja Hg.Approximately 46 % of all global emissions of Hg result from the combustion of fossil fuels for the purposes of acquiring electricity and heat. Due to high concentrations of pollutants in the flue gases, professionals are striving to develop appropriate technology that would limit the emissions of mercury already in the source. This would avoid the problem of increased biogeochemical cycling of Hg, which represents the transition from fossil fuels into air, water, soil, and accumulates in living organisms. Based on the chemical equilibrium and kinetics, we developed a simple mathematical-chemical model, as an initial step for verifying the real behavior of ions present in solution at flue gas desulphurization (FGD). With the demonstration of the usage of the model we estimated the level of mercury removal from the device and dimensioned the size of the equipment, necessary in the development of modern technology. Cleaning of the emissions is guided by two principles that we have studied in the laboratory and through literature. The first solution is based on the removal of elemental mercury from flue gases in the wet procedure of the FGD system with oxidation, where the equilibrium, described by the Henry’s law, is constantly destroyed. Oxidation was performed by a series of oxidizing agents - even with oxygen, which is being introduced in the aqueous phase by air dispersion. Negative Gibbs\u27s enthalpies, indicated the spontaneity of oxidation reactions. Another possibility is based on the removal of a large number of pollutants in the FGD process, which is economically and technologically comparable to or better than the procedures that are commercially already established or under development. Published technologies have been examined on the principle of: the homogeneous oxidation with halides (Br2, Cl2) before the flue gas desulphurization, the adsorption on activated carbon, and the addition of chemical oxidants such as NaClO2 and H2O2, in the mixing flow reactor to accelerate the catalyzed reaction. Alternative technologies were evaluated on the basis of material consumption, energents, labor and operating costs. Economic parameters were used in the economic criterion, which allows the selection of the market’s most appropriate technology and the review of environmental criteria, which give a suggestion for selecting the environmentally most appropriate method of the disposal of Hg

Matematično modeliranje in programiranje hidro sistema

Naš namen je razviti generični model na podlagi mešano-celoštevilskega nelinearnega programiranja (MINLP) za optimizacijo sistema ob morebitni izgradnji postrojenja s hidro elektrarno. Sistem temelji na modelu poljubno razvejanega vodnega omrežjaz različnim številom volumskih pretokov, idealnimnaklonom pobočja analizirane pokrajine ter spremenljivimi vodnimi padci ob stičiščih tokov. Z modelom želimo napovedati optimalno lego postavitve vodnega zajetja hidroelektrarne, ki z inštaliranim vodnim pretokom na turbino daje maksimalen ekonomski dobiček od proizvedene in prodane električne energije. Prikazati želimo rezultate osnovnih fizikalnih in ekonomskih veličin za oceno izrabe vodnega potenciala ter podati sugestijo o izboru tehnološko najustreznejšega gonilnika vodne turbine za proizvodnjo električne energije.The purpose of this article was to develop a generic model based on mixed-integer, nonlinear programming (MINLP) for system optimisation regardingthe possible construction of a hydropower plant. The system is based on the model of an arbitrary branched water networkwith a varying number of volume flows, ideal slope inclination of the analysed landscape and variable water-head at the flow intersections. Using this model we wanted to predict the optimal installation location of water capture within a hydropower plant, that would gives the maximum economic profit from produced and sold electricity using installed water-flow to the turbine. We wanted to present the results of basic physical and economic variables to assess the use of water potential and to provide suggestions on the selection of the most technologically appropriate water turbine driver for electricity generation. Modelling and optimisation of the set problem were implemented using advanced GAMS computer software

OPTIMIZING TOWERS POSITIONS USING EVOLUTIONARY ALGORITHMS IN TOWER DEFENSE COMPUTER GAME

Glavna naloga igralca pri računalniški igri Obrani ozemlje je poiskati dobro postavitev, ki bo uničila vse ali večino napadalnih enot. Za iskanje dobre postavitve lahko posegamo po raznih algoritmih, ki igranje olajšajo in naredijo igro še bolj zanimivo. Med te algoritme spadajo tudi evolucijski algoritmi, ki so se v preteklosti izkazali za zelo uspešne na področju reševanja zapletenih optimizacijskih problemov. Cilj diplomske naloge je izvesti evolucijski algoritem, ki bo optimiziral postavitve stolpov pri igri Obrani ozemlje, sočasno pa implementirati inteligentnega pomočnika, ki bo igralcu s pomočjo algoritma prikazoval namige za dobre postavitve stolpov.The main task of a player in the game Tower defense is to find a good layout of the towers that will destroy all or at least most of the offensive units. A good formation can be achieved using a variety of algorithms, which facilitate the game and make it even more interesting. Among these algorithms there are also the evolutionary algorithms, which have proved in the past to be very successful in solving complex optimization problems. The objective of the diploma thesis is to implement an evolutionary algorithm, which would optimize the layout of the towers in the game Tower defense and at the same time implement also an intelligent assistant that would, with the help of the algorithm, show to the player good hints for towers placement

Potencial energético de los residuos de la cadena de valor del cacao (Theobroma Cacao) en la Región Madre de Dios

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo evaluar el potencial energético de los residuos lignocelulósicos generados en la actividad productiva de la cadena de valor del cacao en la Región Madre de Dios. Se determinó y cuantificó la producción de biomasa de cacao, su distribución y la disponibilidad de sus residuos. Además, se caracterizó la composición física, química y energética de los residuos (cáscara de cosecha anterior, cáscara de cosecha actual y residuos de podas). El muestreo se basó en la norma UNE- EN 14778 (2013). En base al contenido de humedad, los residuos estudiados son considerados secos (<60%) y pueden ser usados energéticamente mediante procesos térmicos. Se estimó el potencial energético de los residuos para los años (2017-2021), tomando como base el pronóstico de producción del grano de cacao, también se evaluó la oferta y demanda energética de la población rural. Se concluyó que la Región Madre de Dios cuenta con el potencial energético basado en los residuos del cacao.TesisUniversidad Nacional Agraria La Molina. Facultad de Ciencias Forestales. Departamento Académico de Industrias Forestale

Stabilization mechanism of γ-Mg 17 Al 12 and β-Mg 2 Al 3 complex metallic alloys

Large-unit-cell complex metallic alloys (CMAs) frequently achieve stability by lowering the kinetic energy of the electron system through formation of a pseudogap in the electronic density of states (DOS) across the Fermi energy εF. By employing experimental techniques that are sensitive to the electronic DOS in the vicinity of εF, we have studied the stabilization mechanism of two binary CMA phases from the Al–Mg system: the γ-Mg17Al12 phase with 58 atoms in the unit cell and the β-Mg2Al3 phase with 1178 atoms in the unit cell. Since the investigated alloys are free from transition metal elements, orbital hybridization effects must be small and we were able to test whether the alloys obey the Hume-Rothery stabilization mechanism, where a pseudogap in the DOS is produced by the Fermi surface–Brillouin zone interactions. The results have shown that the DOS of the γ-Mg17Al12 phase exhibits a pronounced pseudogap centered almost exactly at εF, which is compatible with the theoretical prediction that this phase is stabilized by the Hume-Rothery mechanism. The disordered cubic β-Mg2Al3 phase is most likely entropically stabilized at high temperatures, whereas at lower temperatures stability is achieved by undergoing a structural phase transition to more ordered rhombohedral β' phase at 214 ° C, where all atomic sites become fully occupied. No pseudogap in the vicinity of εF was detected for the β' phase on the energy scale of a few 100 meV as determined by the 'thermal observation window' of the Fermi–Dirac function, so that the Hume-Rothery stabilization mechanism is not confirmed for this compound. However, the existence of a much broader shallow pseudogap due to several critical reciprocal lattice vectors \buildrel{\rightharpoonup}\over{G} that simultaneously satisfy the Hume-Rothery interference condition remains the most plausible stabilization mechanism of this phase. At Tc = 0.85 K, the β' phase undergoes a superconducting transition, which slightly increases the cohesive energy and may contribute to relative stability of this phase against competing neighboring phases