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A comprehensive technique for the assessment of microwave circuit design variability through physical simulations
No full textWe propose a numerically efficient technique for the mixed-mode physics-based variability analysis of microwave circuits undergoing concurrent variations in the active device and in the external passive network, allowing for a direct link between the spread of nonlinear circuit performances and the variability of technological parameters. The new technique has been validated against repeated physical load-pull simulations of a class AB power amplifier with random variations of the active device gate length and of the external load, showing an excellent precision and a massive reduction of simulation time
INVESTIGATION OF INNOVATIVE AND CONVENTIONAL PYROLYSIS OF LIGNEOUS AND HERBACEOUS BIOMASSES FOR BIOCHAR PRODUCTION
No full textPyrolysis is a thermochemical process involving the thermolysis of carbon-based materials in absence of an oxidizing agent. Adjusting the operating conditions, in order to maximize the gaseous, liquid or solid products, may optimize pyrolysis process. This work investigates the performances of three laboratory-scale reactors on the grounds of the quantity and quality of the biochar obtained from different biomasses. Three types of biomass were fed to each reactor: two ligneous (rubberwood and eucalyptus) and one herbaceous (Phragmites australis). A novel reactor developed at ICFAR, the Jiggled Bed Reactor (JBR) was employed in slow pyrolysis mode. A Mechanically Fluidized Reactor (MFR) and a more conventional Bubbling Bed Reactor (BBR), which respectively run slow pyrolysis and fast pyrolysis, were also used. The 9 sets of samples of bio-chars obtained were then physically activated in the JBR. The first objective of this project was to investigate bio-char production utilizing two different pyrolysis processes (slow vs fast) and three different reactor designs (MFR vs BBR vs JBR). Secondly, the efficiency of physical bio-char activation processes (performed via the JBR) of the samples derived from the three reactors was studied. In summary, an evaluation of the JBR was carried out to determine whether it could offer a valid alternative to more conventional MFR and BBR, combined with the ability of activating the carbon. Finally, a comparison among bio-chars originated from distinct biomasses has been performed with the purpose of determining whether an herbaceous feedstock may be effective as ligneous biomasses for the production of pyrolytic bio-char. The results obtained in this work show a good validation of the performances of the JBR, meaning that it can be seen as a valid experimental alternative capable of simulating the performance of conventional reactors for the production and study of chars derived from ligneous and herbaceous feedstock. In detail, the two-step JBR process (bio-char production + activation) resulted in the highest yields (88-98%). Secondly, it returned analogous results about surface area (385 m2/g) and micro-pores area (283 m2/g), respectively compared to BBR and MFR. Thirdly, micro-pore volume (0.13 cm3/g) and pore size (21 Å) were similar to the values obtained with both the MFR and the BBR. Finally, the overall results obtained demonstrate that Phragmites australis can be employed for the production of bio-char and activated carbon, showing a behavior similar to ligneous biomasses
ARSENIC REMOVAL FROM DRINKING WATER BY MEANS OF LOW-COST BIOCHARS DERIVED FROM MISCANTHUS AND COCONUT SHELL
No full textArsenic is a toxic metalloid highly diffused in groundwater because of natural and anthropogenic factors (mainly deriving from mining activities and pesticides). Inorganic arsenic compounds are classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Group I (proven carcinogen). Groundwater concentration of As may vary from 0.5 to 5000 μg/L taking into account more than 70 Countries around the world. The most polluted groundwater of the planet was identified in late 1990s in Bengal delta (Bangladesh and Indian region West Bengal). Inorganic arsenic in natural water (pH 6-8) is mainly found as arsenite (H2AsO3−) and arsenate (HAsO42−), respectively species of As (III) and As (V). Due to the prevailing reducing conditions in deep aquifers of SE Asia, As mainly occurs there as oxyanion of As (III), which is also the most toxic form for humans. Quantitatively the most important human exposure route for As is ingestion. World Health Organization (WHO) set in 2003 a guideline value for maximum As concentration in drinking equal to 10 μg/L, while developing Countries refer to 50 μg/L, mainly because of the prohibitive remediation costs at lower concentrations. The use of biochar as sorbent for water depollution deserved a relevant attention in the recent years. In the specific case of Bangladesh the most critical aspects in order to choose the most efficient depollution method may be the following: high concentration of As (III), presence of numerous dissolved compounds in water and the necessity to find the cheapest and simplest solution considering the lack of instrumentation and technologies. Concerning these features, and also efficiency, cost and management complexity of the possible treatment technologies, adsorption could be considered as the most flexible and promising option for SE Asia. The aim of this work is the investigation of two biochars as low-cost sorbents to remove arsenic from drinking water. The performed laboratory tests involved As (III) and As (V), considering boundary conditions related to Bangladesh. Biochars were synthetized from Miscanthus and coconut shell, then characterized and compared as sorbents with a commercial Granular Activated Carbon (GAC). A novel reactor developed at ICFAR, the Jiggled Bed Reactor (JBR), was employed in slow pyrolysis mode to produce the biochars omitting the activation phase. Biochars deriving from Mischantus and coconut shell exhibited rather different features about surface area (respectively 428 m2/g and 208 m2/g), micro-pores volume (respectively 0.212 cm3/g and 0.098 cm3/g), and pore size (respectively 1.98 nm and 1.89 nm). Taking into account adsorption parameters, contact time, concentration of sorbent and of adsorbate were optimized. Particular attention was given to As (III), because of its higher abundance and toxicity. Isotherm and kinetic parameters in adsorption of As (III) were gathered. The best fitting of adsorption was observed with Freundlich model, while about kinetics with a pseudo-second order model, obtaining better results with Miscanthus biochar. A sensitive interference, due to the presence of sodium in aqueous phase, was quantified in As (III) adsorption (60% decrease). Miscanthus biochar, although un-activated, was found to have an adsorption capacity (0.112 mg/g) comparable to literature data about low-cost biosorbents and biochars already studied about arsenic adsorption. The tested substrates are not suitable for a quantitative removal of arsenic in the evaluated boundary conditions, although they may be considered a reliable option for the pre-treatment of heavily polluted water
Linking energy and transport models to support policy making
No full textEnergy is an essential input to the transport system and transport energy use is a major component of the overall energy demand. Transport currently accounts for nearly half of global oil consumption and is the only field to be almost exclusively based upon a sole primary energy source. A possible evolution might be based on more oil independent vehicles, on a higher use of energy efficient transport modes, on the integration of them through Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). The answer to this partially global problem can be found both in transport and energy planning as well as in the adoption of new industrial and ICT technologies. Both energy strategy makers and transport planners need supporting tools for a better assessment of the impact of possible alternative policies and to set realistic targets for the transport sector. The present paper presents a conceptual link between two families of models - energy and transport - and provides some preliminary results of integrated modelling exercises for the Italian case, which show the importance of accurate ICT based data exchange between the models and the relevance of the comparison of present and future policy implementations
Il disegno e le tecnologie nel processo di comunicazione delle informazioni/Drawing and technologies in the information communication process
No full textIl Disegno è tradizionalmente considerato lo strumento privilegiato di espressione e comunicazione in ambito urbano ed edilizio. La rivoluzione digitale resa possibile dall'evoluzione tecnologica in corso, deve diventare l'occasione per una vera e propria rivoluzione dell'informazione. Attraverso tecniche innovative di rappresentazione e visualizzazione sono possibili nuove modalità di interazione che consentono ad un numero di utenti sempre maggiore di accedere a contenuti tecnico-informativi. Da queste considerazioni di Città Aumentata si innesca una nuova concezione per il Catasto del Futuro. The Drawing is traditionally considered the preferred means of expression and communication in urban and construction sectors. The digital revolution made possible by the current technological evolution, has become an opportunity for a powerful information revolution. New interaction modes are possible by the use of innovative techniques of representation and visualization, enabling an increasing number of users to access technical-informative content. From these considerations about the Augmented City triggers a new concept for the Cadastre of the Future
Implementation of the Natural Flow Paradigm to Protect Dwarf Wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) in the Upper Delaware River
No full textThis paper demonstrates the use of a multiplex habitat model for flow management criteria development compliant with the natural flow paradigm using the Upper Delaware River (NY/PA—USA) as an example. The goal of this study was to identify strategies to protect and support the recovery of the dwarf wedgemussel populations in the mainstem Delaware River. We quantified potential habitat, developed instreamflow recovery scenarios and modelled the scenario outcomes. Mesohabitat simulation model and River2D have been used to allow the transfer of suitability criteria between scales. Habitat time series were investigated with the help of the uniform continuous under threshold technique to establish natural habitat stressor thresholds. Exceedance of persistent and catastrophic durations results in habitat stress days (HSD). HSD served as a metric for the comparison of four flow and two habitat management scenarios. The greatest habitat improvements were accomplished through increasing the boundary Reynolds number, hence increasing the river bed diversity. The introduction of naturalized flows into the model did not cause any significant reduction of HSD, demonstrating that optimizing suitable habitat for dwarf wedgemussel may not be achieved without including morphological improvements. Both minimum and pulsed flow augmentation strategies were found to nullify rare stress days in our models. Our study found that, at a minimum, a pulsed flow regime would need to be created to promote the development of populations beyond the current mussel beds. To accomplish protection and enhancement of habitat fully, channel improvements that reduce boundary Reynolds number appear necessary. These recommendations are intended to create a starting point in the adaptive flow management process for the Upper Delaware River. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The Lunar Space Tug in the Future Space Exploration Scenario
No full textThe Lunar Space Tug (LST) is a sustainable transportation system able to rendezvous with a target body in the Low Earth Orbits (LEO) environment, assess its current position, attitude and operational status, capture the target and move it to the Cislunar space where a new Deep Space Habitat will be settled. Thanks to the adoption of an Electric Propulsion Subsystem based of Hall Effect Thruster (HET) clusters, the LST can save fuel to the detriment of much longer transfer time to deliver the unmanned cargo to the DSH. The LST is designed to accomplish several applications, from cargo transfer, to on-orbit assembly and samples return. Being a reusable transportation system, one of the main issue is related to the on-orbit refueling to sustain the LST during its operational lifetime. Each mission scenario must consider the effects related to refueling operations according to mission requirements and constraints. From a system point of view, considering the whole mission scenario in which the LST will operate, this paper focuses on the interface requirements with respect to the other mission elements involved, e.g. Launch Vehicles, DSH, Re-entry Vehicle. On the other hand, the most critical Subsystems (S/Ss) have been analyzed into the details, focusing on those affected by the adoption of the Electric Propulsion, i.e. the Electrical Power S/S (EPS), the Thermal Control S/S (TCS), and the Attitude and Orbital Control S/S (AOCS). In this work, different mission scenarios and system configurations have been considered and analyzed and the main results have been compared through a multi-level trade-off analysis, in order to define the best mission strategy and system design with respect to the stakeholders' expectations, requirements and constraints. Main results are presented and discussed, and main conclusions are drawn
End-to-end service orchestration across SDN and cloud computing domains
No full textThis paper presents an open-source orchestration framework that deploys end-to-end services across OpenStack-managed data centers and SDN networks controlled either by ONOS or OpenDaylight. The proposed framework improves existing software in two directions. First, it exploits SDN domains not only to implement traffic steering, but also to execute selected network functions (e.g., NAT). Second, it can deploy a service by partitioning the original service graph into multiple subgraphs, each one instantiated in a different domain, dynamically connected by means of traffic steering rules and parameters (e.g. VLAN IDs) negotiated at run-time