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Techno-economic optimisation of gas compressor station location as a decision variable
Get PDFAn economical natural gas transportation will require the lowest possible capital and operating expenditures over its lifecycle. To attain these conditions, the designers and investors must estimate the number of compressor stations (CS) that are needed along the pipeline route. More so is the need to determine their optimised locations at various pipeline segments along the pipeline. This study considers the techno-economic optimisation of the compressor station and pipeline segments, making up the proposed Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project. The optimised lifecycle cost, CS locations and pipeline segments are evaluated with the main aim of minimising costs. A SIMULINK model is developed using the techno-economic and environmental risk analysis (TERA) framework. The model is incorporated with an optimiser that enables an economic analysis of the TERA framework. Including the optimiser affects the outcome of the TERA in terms of the lifecycle cost. The optimisation problems are formulated considering the compressor station location as the decision variable. The lifecycle cost of the compressor stations and pipeline system is the objective function. A scenarios-based techno-economic optimisation study is performed to mimic the standard compressor station and pipeline system network configurations in the real world. The baseline case consists of 18 compressor stations at fixed locations along the pipeline route.
The results show 12 compressor station locations along the pipeline route with a reduction in the lifecycle cost by 12.95% in one of the optimised scenarios compared to the baseline case. The net present value is $28.77 billion assuming a discount rate of 15%. The optimised compressor station locations are at 1, 38, 76, 113, 150, 186, 222, 260, 296, 332, 368, and 408 segments of the pipeline. The outcome of the analyses shows the importance of the two-level optimisation algorithm utilised by the SIMULINK model for the integrated TERA. Hence, this study shows the potential of the TERA modelling and CS location optimisation method utilised in this research in guiding decision-makers on the selection of compressor-turbine configurations. These configurations will give the optimal lifecycle cost at the optimised compressor station locations along the pipeline route.The authors are grateful to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund of Nigeria (PTDF/ED/PHD/OOB/1386/18), for funding the PhD research that has led to the publication of this paper.ASME Turbo Expo 2024: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Expositio
Investigation and analysis of two-layer spoke-type ferrite interior permanent magnet machine
Get PDFEconomou, John - Associate SupervisorA Novel two-layer spoke-type ferrite IPM design is presented based on a
commercial induction motor as a low-cost high-performance alternative for new
installation to meet efficiency requirements “greener” for various variable speed
applications. The proposed design improves PM flux by flux-focusing techniques
and maximises the reluctance torque with a two-layer structure. High torque
density and efficiency are achieved with comparable performance to a rare-earth
equivalent.
At first, two-Dimensional d-q frame analytical methods are developed based on
the magnetic circuit models. Then, FEA models of the ferrite and induction motors
are built and analysed. A comprehensive investigation is carried out focusing on
the performances in terms of torque profiles, losses, efficiency and power factor.
The influences of temperature variation and distribution on the performance of
novel two-layer spoke-type interior permanent magnet machines under different
operating conditions are analysed. The analysis is based on a developed thermal
circuit model. For benchmarking, a standard industrial IM is used.
“Comprehensive experimental tests are undertaken, and the results show the
proposed ferrite IPM machine has distinctive advantages over the IM in terms of
efficiency, power density and speed range. In addition, due to low cost ferrite
materials, it has a comparable price advantage.
Finally, A prototype machine with the proposed design is manufactured, and both
the two motors are tested under various operating conditions. The experimental
results confirm the FEA simulations and validate superior performance of the
proposed ferrite motor over its induction counterpart.PhD in Energy and Powe
Impact of carbon sources in airport de-icing compounds on the growth of Sphaerotilus natans
Get PDFAirport de-icing has been linked with the growth of undesirable river biofilms (URBs, formerly “sewage fungus”), a manifestation of organic pollution causing long-term ecological damage to watercourses. URBs are a polymicrobial community, with one key taxon standing out in literature: Sphaerotilus natans, a filamentous bacterium also found in sewage treatment and activated sludges. An industry often implicated in causing URBs is airport de-icing, with large biofilms often developing downstream of airport discharges in winter months. However, it is not yet clear which de-icers may cause URBs and how they influence growth. Therefore, specific objectives were to (i) determine which freeze-point depressants (FPDs) can be utilized by S. natans; (ii) examine differences in the growth kinetics between FPDs; and (iii) compare pure-FPDs to commercial airport de-icers (CADs) as carbon sources, to determine impacts of additives. This study employed a turbidimetric micro-batch culture design to conduct microbial growth experiments, using S. natans and a minimal medium supplemented with airport de-icer as the carbon source. Equimolar carbon concentrations were used to compare the effects of common FPDs and CADs – each containing a specific FPD. Growth was assessed via optical density (OD600) measurements, from which time-to-detection, maximum rate of change, and maximum optical density were derived and kinetics inferred. S. natans was found to grow effectively on all FPDs tested, although the microbial yield was heavily dependent on the carbon concentration for all FPDs and CADs. Sodium acetate generated the quickest growth, with the lowest TTD (lag-time) for all but the lowest concentrations tested. Propylene glycol produced the greatest maxOD (total growth), whereas ethylene glycol had a higher limiting concentration for maxROC (growth rate). The mixture of compounds and additives in commercial products did not significantly impact the growth of S. natans. This research provides evidence from controlled laboratory experiments that airport de-icers support the growth of S. natans. The differences in growth kinetics observed for the FPDs and CADs could inform improved mitigation or treatment to reduce the incidence and ecological impacts of URBs.Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)This work was supported by PhD studentship funding to B. Exton from Central England NERC Training Alliance (CENTA) (NE/L002493/1), Cranfield University through their industry partnership PhD scheme, and Heathrow Airport LTD.Frontiers in Microbiolog
Re-evaluating drought indicators: learning from small-scale farmers in South Africa
Get PDFEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Official Development AssistanceThe authors wish to acknowledge the support of UKRI-EPSRC GCRF and Newton Fund Consolidation Account block grant funding under grant number EP/X527919/1 in conducting the workshops.International Journal of Disaster Risk Reductio
Cavity impact on the base flow unsteadiness for a high-speed exhaust system
No full textFuture propulsion systems will be essential to enable sustainable high-speed flight and routine space access. Such concepts usually employ base-embedded, convergent-divergent nozzles and cavity regions to facilitate their mission, thus altering the flow dynamics at the base notably in comparison to contemporary launch vehicles. This paper presents a numerical investigation on the impact of a cavity region on the base flow unsteadiness for a sub-scale, high-speed exhaust system at over-expanded mode. The fully-installed model in the test section of a wind tunnel is employed to facilitate an ongoing experimental campaign. The Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation turbulence modeling approach is utilized to investigate the flow at the base. The configuration featuring the cavity is directly compared to a baseline apparatus, where the cavity has been removed, thus allowing for the impact of the cavity to be identified. Results show that the cavity region can reduce the base pressure fluctuations up to 20% and acts in a damping-like manner for the base flow unsteadiness. The total energy of the pressure fluctuations spectrum at the base can be reduced by as much as 38% compared to the baseline configuration. However, the impact of the cavity on the time-averaged pressure distribution at the base is negligible. Finally, the cavity is found to have a notable effect on the nozzle side loads, which are are reduced by an order of magnitude compared to the baseline case, and behave in an axisymmetric manner. This indicates that the cavity could act as a passive flow control mechanism for side loads reduction.The authors would like to express their gratitude to Reaction Engines Ltd. and the Cranfield Air and Space Propulsion Institute (CASPI) for funding this project and for granting permission to publish this researchASME Turbo Expo 2024: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Expositio
3D reconstruction of rail tracks based on fusion of RGB and infrared sensors
Get PDFRail tracks, an essential part of the rail system, have remarkably demanded thorough inspections amid rising passenger volumes and high-speed rail development. Non-destructive testing (NDT), without disrupting train operations, aims to mitigate risks by employing safe physical properties like sound, electromagnetic, and light. However, each NDT technique is sensitive to specific damage types, offering limited diagnostic perspectives and placing considerable requirements on operators, resulting in a high cognitive load. To improve the above situation, this study proposes an innovative approach for rail inspection by developing a 3D RGB-T model that combines Visual Testing (VT) and Thermal Inspection (TI) through image registration, 3D reconstruction, sensor fusion, and non-destructive testing (NDT). Their fusion facilities a complementary assessment of rail tracks by capturing both surface texture and thermal radiation to identify damages effectively. The introduction of a novel RGB and IR registration method enables the spatial alignment of images from both, reconstructing the 3D RGB-T model. This model broadens the detection scope beyond the limitations of singular NDT methods, utilizing complementary data to locate and assess the damage extent effectively and accurately. This integrated approach reduces training requirements, minimizes human errors, and provides a clear and interpretable visualization of track conditions.2024 29th International Conference on Automation and Computing (ICAC
Waste 4.0: transforming medical waste management through digitalization and automated segregation
Get PDFMedical waste management is a crucial issue due to its potential health risks to humans and harm to the environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises separating medical waste into seven groups based on its type. However, despite the implementation of color-coded bin bags, cases of missegregation still occur frequently, leading to injuries and spreading diseases. Infectious waste such as sharps, human tissue, and body parts are often found mixed in waste bins, posing a severe threat to waste employees. To address this issue, this paper proposes exploring the potential of digitalization in waste segregation. The literature on current segregation methods and technology applications is analysed and compared, and a framework for utilizing barcode tagging and scanning to ensure waste is correctly categorized is presented. The barcodes and scanner will be connected through a monitoring system, which can notify waste generators and collectors of misplacing or mixed waste. This digitalization system is expected to serve as a monitoring agent for segregating waste before it is collected from any health facilities. Additionally, the exchanged data from waste generator bins can inform collectors and other waste stakeholders about the waste's condition, potentially opening up opportunities for recycling companies to purchase used plastics or metals from hospital wastes. By implementing digitalization in medical waste management, waste segregation can improve, reduce the spread of diseases and injuries, and promote the recycling of hospital waste materials.Discover Sustainabilit
Using horizon scanning to build policy resilience: case of waste crime
Get PDFWaste crime is a pressing concern for the waste and resource industry as it is undermining investment, growth and jobs within the industry and threatening the natural environment. However, there is little knowledge of the scale of the problem, the types of criminality and motivations involved, and the precise nature of crime. Environmental regulators are building foresight capabilities to better understand the effect of current and future changes in markets, in technology and in the legislative environment on waste crime and associated behaviours. At the heart of this paper is the question: how can horizon scanning be adopted by environmental regulators to shape decision processes and build resilience to waste crime? We report our efforts to build a toolkit and guidance for conducting horizon scanning, aimed at supporting environmental regulators, investigators and intelligence analysts to build an understanding of—and interpretation of the consequences of—behavioural, market, technological and pollution trends in the waste sector. A review of the academic and grey literature provided insights to organisational approaches and design principles for public sector horizon scanning. Outputs guided discussion at a stakeholder workshop with waste regulators, criminal intelligence and industry professionals to explore institutional challenges and to agree broad design principles for a horizon scanning process. The toolkit supports environmental regulators in applying horizon scanning to policy and wider operational and delivery‐focused challenges; learning how to: (1) spot weak signals and emerging trends quickly, (2) examine the evidence around potential threats and opportunities for the future, and (3) take action on strategically important issues to minimise the impact of crime on the environment, society and business. The paper sets out further research needed to integrate horizon scanning with data analytics (e.g., predictive and hotspot analyses) to challenge assumptions about the patterns of change, based largely on historical trends, and to better manage these so there is greater adaptability to current and future trends.This research was commissioned and funded by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) as part of the Smarter Regulation of Waste in Europe, LIFE SMART Waste project, (LIFE13 ENV‐UK‐000549).Futures & Foresight Scienc
Unlocking the potential of robot manipulators: seamless integration framework
Get PDFThe source code, testing results and videos are available in IFRA-Cranfield’s GitHubThis study introduces a groundbreaking framework designed to enhance the adaptability and efficiency of robot manipulators in manufacturing, leveraging ROS 2 and a modular middleware to transcend traditional robotic constraints. The framework's efficacy is exemplified through a pick-and-place task, serving not merely as a demonstration but as robust evidence of the framework's ability to enable complex object manipulation tasks far beyond repetitive activities. By integrating advanced perception capabilities with a YOLOv8-based object detection model and an OpenCV-based pose estimation module, the framework showcases a seamless interaction between sophisticated software tools and robotic hardware. This integration not only simplifies the incorporation of intelligent components into robotic systems but also significantly broadens their applicability and enhances efficiency across diverse tasks and applications. The use-case, therefore, stands as compelling evidence of the framework's potential to revolutionize industrial and collaborative robotics, providing a unified and adaptable platform for the development, testing, and deployment of robotic solutions in modern manufacturing settings. The research aims to simplify the integration of intelligent components into robotic systems, thereby extending their utility and efficiency across a broader range of tasks and applications, ultimately advancing the capabilities of industrial and collaborative robotics for modern manufacturing needs.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research CouncilThis research is supported by EPSRC grant (EP/V051180/1) for the Reconfigurable Robotics for Responsive Manufacture - R3M Project2024 IEEE 20th International Conference on Automation Science and Engineering (CASE
Enhancing e-grocery order fulfillment: improving product availability, cost, and emissions in last-mile delivery
Get PDFThis paper studies e-grocery order fulfillment policies by leveraging both customer and e-grocery-based data. Through the utilization of historical purchase data, product popularity trends, and delivery patterns, allocation strategies are informed to optimize performance metrics such as fill rate, carbon emissions, and cost per order. The study aims to conduct a sensitivity analysis to identify key drivers influencing these performance metrics. The results highlight that fulfillment policies optimized with the utilization of the mentioned data metrics demonstrate superior performance compared to policies not informed by data. These findings underscore the critical role of integrating data-driven models in e-grocery order fulfillment. Based on the outcomes, a grocery allocation policy, considering both proximity and product availability, emerges as promising for simultaneous improvements in several performance metrics. The study recommends that e-grocery companies leverage customer data to design and optimize delivery-oriented policies and strategies. To ensure adaptability to new trends or changes in delivery patterns, continual evaluation and improvement of e-grocery fulfillment policies are emphasized.Electronic Commerce Researc