Decentralised energy (DE), also known as distributed energy, refers to power generation and energy storage systems located at or near the point of use;and may also be connected to a local distribution network system o...Decentralised energy (DE), also known as distributed energy, refers to power generation and energy storage systems located at or near the point of use;and may also be connected to a local distribution network system or to a high voltage transmission system either directly or through a local distribution network system. It is generated or stored by a variety of small devices commonly referred to as distributed energy resources (DER);the definition also extends to include stand-alone systems completely isolated from the public networks. The contribution made by independent power producers (IPP’s) through deployment of DER in the African energy market is critical to fast-tracking the deployment of renewables, diversification of the energy mix and enhancing access to modern and clean energy. There is need to develop policy mechanisms aimed at enhancing the current positive drive in the energy market;and this has been observed to be a driving factor in countries which have developed appropriate policy strategies. This paper presents the concept of DE in detail and how it could complement efforts to addressing the current energy crises in Southern Africa;it also looks at policy developments in Africa and presents the scenarios in the two southern African countries of South Africa and Botswana. The research is based on an extensive review of literature on the subject matter, consultations with stakeholders as well as feedback from the Learning Network for Sustainable Energy Systems (LeNSes) workshops.展开更多
This review explores the research activities surrounding the development and integration of smart electricity grids in Burkina Faso, a landlocked and arid territory in West Africa and one of the poorest countries in t...This review explores the research activities surrounding the development and integration of smart electricity grids in Burkina Faso, a landlocked and arid territory in West Africa and one of the poorest countries in the world with significant energy challenges. It examines the current state of energy infrastructure in Burkina Faso, focusing on the integration of renewable energy sources, particularly solar photovoltaics. It highlights the role of smart grid technologies in enabling the efficient integration of renewable energy, improving grid stability and facilitating rural electrification. Additionally, the review addresses key challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, regulatory gaps and financial constraints that hinder the deployment of smart grids in the country. By analysing existing research and ongoing projects, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and barriers to implementing a smart electricity grid in Burkina Faso and offers recommendations for future development and policy frameworks.展开更多
The Bisq Trade Protocol and the Bisq DAO(decentralised autonomous organisation)are core components of Bisq,a decentralised cryptocurrency exchange.The Bisq Trade Protocol systematises the peer-to-peer trading of Bitco...The Bisq Trade Protocol and the Bisq DAO(decentralised autonomous organisation)are core components of Bisq,a decentralised cryptocurrency exchange.The Bisq Trade Protocol systematises the peer-to-peer trading of Bitcoin for other currencies and the Bisq DAO decentralises the governance and finance functions of the entire exchange.However,by following the Bisq Trade Protocol and interacting with the Bisq DAO,participants necessarily publish data to the Bitcoin blockchain and broadcast additional data to the Bisq peer-to-peer network.We examine the privacy cost to participants in sharing this data.Specifically,we use novel address clustering heuristics to construct the one-to-many mappings from participants to addresses on the Bitcoin blockchain and augment the address clusters with data stored within the Bisq peer-to-peer network.We describe address clustering heuristics for both the Bisq Trade Protocol and the Bisq DAO.We show that the heuristics aggregate activity performed by each participant:trading,voting,transfers,etc.We identify instances where participants are operating under multiple aliases,some of which are real-world names.We identify the dominant transactors and their role in a two-sided market.We conclude with suggestions to better protect the privacy of participants in the future.展开更多
A general class of non-linear large-scale interconnected systems is considered,wherein each subsystem is comprised of a nominal part in a general strict-feedback-like structure and a set of appended dynamics.Parametri...A general class of non-linear large-scale interconnected systems is considered,wherein each subsystem is comprised of a nominal part in a general strict-feedback-like structure and a set of appended dynamics.Parametric and functional uncertainties and time delays are allowed throughout the overall system structure including the nominal strictfeedback-like parts and appended dynamics of each subsystem as well as the non-linear subsystem interconnections.The controller design is based on the dual dynamic highgain scaling technique and provides a robust adaptive delay-independent globally stabilising decentralised output-feedback controller.The disturbance attenuation properties of the proposed output-feedback decentralised controller to an exogenous disturbance input are also analysed and specific conditions under which properties such as Input-toOutput-practical-Stability and asymptotic stabilisation are attained are also discussed.展开更多
Energy development concerns not only the development of renewable energies but also the shift from centralised to clean,decentralised power generation.The development of decentralised energy(DE)is a core part of the e...Energy development concerns not only the development of renewable energies but also the shift from centralised to clean,decentralised power generation.The development of decentralised energy(DE)is a core part of the energy and economic strategies being adopted around the world that drives the progress toward a highly sustainable future.This paper reviews the concepts,development status,trends,benefits and challenges of DE systems and analyses the existing models and methods for assessing the performance of these systems.A hierarchical decision model for evaluating the performance of DE systems is also constructed based on the framework of multiple criteria decision analysis,which considers the identification,definition and assessment grade of decision criteria.The evidential reasoning approach is applied to aggregate assessment information in a case study of the implementation of an intelligent decision system.Sensitivity and trade-off analyses are also conducted to show how the proposed model can be used to support decision making in DE systems.展开更多
Rural areas are steadily being marginalised in a global economy where‘core/periphery’models of development are dominant.To overcome this,rural areas have experimented with decentralised governance.However,this proce...Rural areas are steadily being marginalised in a global economy where‘core/periphery’models of development are dominant.To overcome this,rural areas have experimented with decentralised governance.However,this process is fraught with political,fiscal,and institutional difficulties.These often revolve around transparency and accountability issues and low participation rates.Blockchain technology could act as a social innovation to overcome issues in decentralised governance,and rural areas could even prove to be a fertile environment for future innovation.In this conceptual paper,the potential of blockchain technology is theoretically positioned in regional development discourses.After exploring how blockchain could be applied to rural governance and the barriers it needs to overcome to reach mass adoption,a new distributed model of governance is suggested.展开更多
The world is experiencing a fourth industrial revolution.Rapid development of technologies is advancing smart infrastructure opportunities.Experts observe decarbonisation,digitalisation and decentralisation as the mai...The world is experiencing a fourth industrial revolution.Rapid development of technologies is advancing smart infrastructure opportunities.Experts observe decarbonisation,digitalisation and decentralisation as the main drivers for change.In electrical power systems a downturn of centralised conventional fossil fuel fired power plants and increased proportion of distributed power generation adds to the already troublesome outlook for op-erators of low-inertia energy systems.In the absence of reliable real-time demand forecasting measures,effective decentralised demand-side energy planning is often problematic.In this work we formulate a simple yet highly effective lumped model for forecasting the rate at which electricity is consumed.The methodology presented focuses on the potential adoption by a regional electricity network operator with inadequate real-time energy data who requires knowledge of the wider aggregated future rate of energy consumption.Thus,contributing to a reduction in the demand of state-owned generation power plants.The forecasting session is constructed initially through analysis of a chronological sequence of discrete observations.Historical demand data shows behaviour that allows the use of dimensionality reduction techniques.Combined with piecewise interpolation an electricity demand forecasting methodology is formulated.Solutions of short-term forecasting problems provide credible predictions for energy demand.Calculations for medium-term forecasts that extend beyond 6-months are also very promising.The forecasting method provides a way to advance a novel decentralised informatics,optimisa-tion and control framework for small island power systems or distributed grid-edge systems as part of an evolving demand response service.展开更多
In order to play a positive role of decentralised wind power on-grid for voltage stability improvement and loss reduction of distribution network,a multi-objective two-stage decentralised wind power planning method is...In order to play a positive role of decentralised wind power on-grid for voltage stability improvement and loss reduction of distribution network,a multi-objective two-stage decentralised wind power planning method is proposed in the paper,which takes into account the network loss correction for the extreme cold region.Firstly,an electro-thermal model is introduced to reflect the effect of temperature on conductor resistance and to correct the results of active network loss calculation;secondly,a two-stage multi-objective two-stage decentralised wind power siting and capacity allocation and reactive voltage optimisation control model is constructed to take account of the network loss correction,and the multi-objective multi-planning model is established in the first stage to consider the whole-life cycle investment cost of WTGs,the system operating cost and the voltage quality of power supply,and the multi-objective planning model is established in the second stage.planning model,and the second stage further develops the reactive voltage control strategy of WTGs on this basis,and obtains the distribution network loss reduction method based on WTG siting and capacity allocation and reactive power control strategy.Finally,the optimal configuration scheme is solved by the manta ray foraging optimisation(MRFO)algorithm,and the loss of each branch line and bus loss of the distribution network before and after the adoption of this loss reduction method is calculated by taking the IEEE33 distribution system as an example,which verifies the practicability and validity of the proposed method,and provides a reference introduction for decision-making for the distributed energy planning of the distribution network.展开更多
This study examines blockchain technologies and their pivotal role in the evolving Metaverse,shedding light on topics such as how to invest in cryptocurrency,the mechanics behind crypto mining,and strategies to effect...This study examines blockchain technologies and their pivotal role in the evolving Metaverse,shedding light on topics such as how to invest in cryptocurrency,the mechanics behind crypto mining,and strategies to effectively buy and trade cryptocurrencies.While it contextualises the common queries of"why is crypto crashing?"and"why is crypto down?",the research transcends beyond the frequent market fluctuations to unravel how cryptocurrencies fundamentally work and the step-by-step process on how to create a cryptocurrency.Contrasting existing literature,this comprehensive investigation encompasses both the economic and cybersecurity risks inherent in the blockchain and fintech spheres.Through an interdisciplinary approach,the research transitions from the fundamental principles of fintech investment strategies to the overarching implications of blockchain within the Metaverse.Alongside exploring machine learning potentials in financial sectors and risk assessment methodologies,the study critically assesses whether developed or developing nations are poised to reap greater benefits from these technologies.Moreover,it probes into both enduring and dubious crypto projects,drawing a distinct line between genuine blockchain applications and Ponzi-like schemes.The conclusion resolutely affirms the staying power of blockchain technologies,underlined by a profound exploration of their intrinsic value and a reflective commentary by the author on the potential risks confronting individual investors.展开更多
Standard genetic algorithms （SGAs） are investigated to optimise discrete-time proportional-integral-derivative （PID） con- troller parameters, by three tuning approaches, for a multivariable glass furnace process w...Standard genetic algorithms （SGAs） are investigated to optimise discrete-time proportional-integral-derivative （PID） con- troller parameters, by three tuning approaches, for a multivariable glass furnace process with loop interaction. Initially, standard genetic algorithms （SGAs） are used to identify control oriented models of the plant which are subsequently used for controller optimisa- tion. An individual tuning approach without loop interaction is considered first to categorise the genetic operators, cost functions and improve searching boundaries to attain the desired performance criteria. The second tuning approach considers controller parameters optimisation with loop interaction and individual cost functions. While, the third tuning approach utilises a modified cost function which includes the total effect of both controlled variables, glass temperature and excess oxygen. This modified cost function is shown to exhibit improved control robustness and disturbance rejection under loop interaction.展开更多
Static “self-optimising” control is an important concept, which provides a link between static optimisation and control. According to the concept, a dynamic control system could be configured in such a way that when...Static “self-optimising” control is an important concept, which provides a link between static optimisation and control. According to the concept, a dynamic control system could be configured in such a way that when a set of certain variables are maintained at their setpoints, the overall process operation is automatically optimal or near optimal at steady-state in the presence of disturbances. A novel approach using constrained gradient control to achieve “self-optimisation” has been proposed by Cao. However, for most process plants, the information required to get the gradient measure may not be available in real-time. In such cases, controlled variable selection has to be carried out based on measurable candidates. In this work, the idea of direct gradient control has been extended to controlled variable selection based on gradient sensitivity analysis (indirect gradient control). New criteria, which indicate the sensitivity of the gradient function to disturbances and implementation errors, have been derived for selection. The particular case study shows that the controlled variables selected by gradient sensitivity measures are able to achieve near optimal performance.展开更多
Software development skills are only partially trained with traditional programming languages and software engineering courses. To achieve practical skills needed in software industry, complex examples are necessary w...Software development skills are only partially trained with traditional programming languages and software engineering courses. To achieve practical skills needed in software industry, complex examples are necessary which have to be generated in a project-like setting. This includes common solution finding, intensive communication and structured programming tasks. Here, a case study from the domain of eCommerce is presented, showing the complexity needed for these learning processes.展开更多
Smart living labs such as the one located in Fribourg(Switzerland) focus on improving wellbeing and furthering knowledge related to building the district of the future on a technical and social level. Therefore, smart...Smart living labs such as the one located in Fribourg(Switzerland) focus on improving wellbeing and furthering knowledge related to building the district of the future on a technical and social level. Therefore, smart living labs represent an experimental platform/space where sustainable production and consumption strategies can be tested in a protected environment. A significant change in the socioeconomic production and consumption sphere can be expected by the rise of the so-called energy prosumer. Accordingly, this article presents an interactive model for the experimental investigation of energy prosumer behavior. In this context, two potential experiments on investment and trade decisions are briefly outlined. Since(behavioral and economic) experiments are usually conducted under controlled conditions in experimental labs involving mainly undergraduate students, the presented interactive model is flexible and mobile, providing the advantage to conduct experiments nearly everywhere involving everyday citizens.展开更多
This work proposes a new simulation algorithm to improve message handling in discrete event formalism. We present an approach to minimize simulation execution time. To do this, we propose to reduce the number of excha...This work proposes a new simulation algorithm to improve message handling in discrete event formalism. We present an approach to minimize simulation execution time. To do this, we propose to reduce the number of exchanged messages between Parallel DEVS (PDEVS) components (simulators and coordinators). We propose three changes from PDEVS: direct coupling, flat structure and local schedule. The goal is the decentralisation of a number of tasks to make the simulators more autonomous and simplify the coordinators to achieve a greater speedup. We propose to compare the simulation results of several models to demonstrate the benefits of our approach.展开更多
The energy system of the future will transform from the current centralised fossil based to a decentralised, clean, highly efficient, and intelligent network. This transformation will require innovative technologies a...The energy system of the future will transform from the current centralised fossil based to a decentralised, clean, highly efficient, and intelligent network. This transformation will require innovative technologies and ideas like trigeneration and the crowd energy concept to pave the way ahead. Even though trigeneration systems are extremely energy efficient and can play a vital role in the energy system, turning around their deployment is hindered by various barriers. These barriers are theoretically analysed in a multiperspective approach and the role decentralised trigeneration systems can play in the crowd energy concept is highlighted. It is derived from an initial literature research that a multiperspective （technological, energy-economic, and user） analysis is necessary for realising the potential of trigeneration systems in a decentralised grid. And to experimentally quantify these issues we are setting up a microseale trigeneration lab at our institute and the motivation for this lab is also briefly introduced.展开更多
The purpose of this article is to raise the question of how important decentralisation and local governments are for the successful transition and eventually for sustainable human development of a state. The paper foc...The purpose of this article is to raise the question of how important decentralisation and local governments are for the successful transition and eventually for sustainable human development of a state. The paper focuses on the gap between development or transition and decentralisation within academic and international policy discourse. In article, the author tries to answer such questions as how local government can contribute to SHD （sustainable human development）. And how should the international community contribute to and support the transition and development process of the developing countries？ Article shows that local self-government can be a school of democracy and responsibility for the wealth of the state and citizens. By sharing the Polish decentralisation experience, the author shows how important decentralisation might be for successful transition, democratization and sustainable development. The paper also includes a short introduction to the European Charter, recent African efforts like AMCOD or UCLGA and European Union development assistance policy. The purpose of this is to show how little attention is paid to local governments and decentralisation within international policy and how huge is the gap between Europe＇s （developed） states and Africa＇s （developing） states related to their decentralisation policy, law and practice.展开更多
Decentralisation of infrastructure delivery to sub-national governments has become commonplace in governments worldwide especially in developing countries such as Ghana. This is due to the benefits of decentralisation...Decentralisation of infrastructure delivery to sub-national governments has become commonplace in governments worldwide especially in developing countries such as Ghana. This is due to the benefits of decentralisation in improving public service delivery. However, decentralised infrastructure delivery is marred with numerous challenges that render most local governments incapable of providing infrastructure within their localities. This paper explored the bureaucratic factors that impede infrastructure delivery at the MMDAs in Ghana. A questionnaire survey with 121 construction professionals in the Departments of Works (DoWs) of the MMDAs within the Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions of Ghana was conducted. The results indicated six (6) major components of the bureaucratic factors that impede the delivery of infrastructure at the MMDAs: Central government bureaucracy;Minimal control of MMDAs;Political influence;MMDA project funding;Lack of capacity of MMDAs;and Political interference. This paper calls for a more committed central government to the establishment of adequate decentralised structures and implementation of major reforms that would remove the bureaucratic obstacles in the delivery of infrastructure at the MMDAs, to ensure effective infrastructure delivery at the MMDAs.展开更多
The aim of this paper is to challenge the traditional or standard view of the current processes of decentralisation within institutions and administrations, in order to reconstruct the dynamic of such processes in ter...The aim of this paper is to challenge the traditional or standard view of the current processes of decentralisation within institutions and administrations, in order to reconstruct the dynamic of such processes in terms of new values and new rights. Therefore, this paper censures the ＂reductionist＂ vision of decentralisation that envisages it merely as an administrative and institutional event and, in contrast, develops a concept of decentralisation as a social, political, and legal process linked to new constitutional values and new fundamental rights, whereby, it might be included within the sphere of a general theory of rights and take on an important role within this area. This work vindicates the idea that contemporary decentralization must form a part of the historical processes of the generalisation and specification of rights where in the goal is the fulfilment of the following maxim： rights for all and not merely for a few. To achieve this goal, decentralisation can incorporate the instrument of ＂positive discrimination＂ as a ＂strategy for equality＂, which can employ to create ＂specific rights＂ aims primarily at the members of the most vulnerable groups.展开更多
Insufficient fresh air supply due to the increased air tightness of building envelopes after building renovations and window upgrades is a major concern of HVAC engineering today.The paper demonstrates the application...Insufficient fresh air supply due to the increased air tightness of building envelopes after building renovations and window upgrades is a major concern of HVAC engineering today.The paper demonstrates the application of CFD simulations in the development of a compact decentralised ventilation unit with integrated heat recovery system for local ventilation of rooms,targeting this common issue.The device houses an innovative cyclically rotating recuperative heat exchanger,allowing effective condensate removal and de-icing in winter for its independent operation throughout the year.The paper introduces the ventilation unit,describes preparation of its numerical models,and conducts CFD simulation using Ansys Fluent software.The initial design of the device was improved following the findings of the numerical analysis,and the proposed adjustments were tested through follow-up CFD simulations,confirming that the desired outcomes were achieved.A separate CFD analysis was performed to assess the use of different air supply elements at the air outlet to the room,recommending the use of adjustable nozzles.A prototype ventilation unit was manufactured and the volume flow rate under different operating conditions was measured to be compared with the simulation results.The outcome of the research is a new type of compact local ventilation unit.An increase in device energy efficiency was achieved,with the aid of simulations,while maintaining its compact size.In addition to presenting the potential of using variant CFD analysis in the development of new HVAC equipment,the paper also indicates the drawbacks of using the Multiple Reference Frame(MRF)method to approximate the rotation of radial fan impellers in CFD simulations.展开更多
In recent years,a wide variety of centralised and decentralised algorithms have been proposed for residential charging of electric vehicles(EVs).In this paper,we present a mathematical framework which casts the EV cha...In recent years,a wide variety of centralised and decentralised algorithms have been proposed for residential charging of electric vehicles(EVs).In this paper,we present a mathematical framework which casts the EV charging scenarios addressed by these algorithms as optimisation problems having either temporal or instantaneous optimisation objectives with respect to the different actors in the power system.Using this framework and a realistic distribution network simulation testbed,we provide a comparative evaluation of a range of different residential EV charging strategies,highlighting in each case positive and negative characteristics.展开更多
文摘Decentralised energy (DE), also known as distributed energy, refers to power generation and energy storage systems located at or near the point of use;and may also be connected to a local distribution network system or to a high voltage transmission system either directly or through a local distribution network system. It is generated or stored by a variety of small devices commonly referred to as distributed energy resources (DER);the definition also extends to include stand-alone systems completely isolated from the public networks. The contribution made by independent power producers (IPP’s) through deployment of DER in the African energy market is critical to fast-tracking the deployment of renewables, diversification of the energy mix and enhancing access to modern and clean energy. There is need to develop policy mechanisms aimed at enhancing the current positive drive in the energy market;and this has been observed to be a driving factor in countries which have developed appropriate policy strategies. This paper presents the concept of DE in detail and how it could complement efforts to addressing the current energy crises in Southern Africa;it also looks at policy developments in Africa and presents the scenarios in the two southern African countries of South Africa and Botswana. The research is based on an extensive review of literature on the subject matter, consultations with stakeholders as well as feedback from the Learning Network for Sustainable Energy Systems (LeNSes) workshops.
文摘This review explores the research activities surrounding the development and integration of smart electricity grids in Burkina Faso, a landlocked and arid territory in West Africa and one of the poorest countries in the world with significant energy challenges. It examines the current state of energy infrastructure in Burkina Faso, focusing on the integration of renewable energy sources, particularly solar photovoltaics. It highlights the role of smart grid technologies in enabling the efficient integration of renewable energy, improving grid stability and facilitating rural electrification. Additionally, the review addresses key challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, regulatory gaps and financial constraints that hinder the deployment of smart grids in the country. By analysing existing research and ongoing projects, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and barriers to implementing a smart electricity grid in Burkina Faso and offers recommendations for future development and policy frameworks.
文摘The Bisq Trade Protocol and the Bisq DAO(decentralised autonomous organisation)are core components of Bisq,a decentralised cryptocurrency exchange.The Bisq Trade Protocol systematises the peer-to-peer trading of Bitcoin for other currencies and the Bisq DAO decentralises the governance and finance functions of the entire exchange.However,by following the Bisq Trade Protocol and interacting with the Bisq DAO,participants necessarily publish data to the Bitcoin blockchain and broadcast additional data to the Bisq peer-to-peer network.We examine the privacy cost to participants in sharing this data.Specifically,we use novel address clustering heuristics to construct the one-to-many mappings from participants to addresses on the Bitcoin blockchain and augment the address clusters with data stored within the Bisq peer-to-peer network.We describe address clustering heuristics for both the Bisq Trade Protocol and the Bisq DAO.We show that the heuristics aggregate activity performed by each participant:trading,voting,transfers,etc.We identify instances where participants are operating under multiple aliases,some of which are real-world names.We identify the dominant transactors and their role in a two-sided market.We conclude with suggestions to better protect the privacy of participants in the future.
基金This work was supported in part by the NSF[grant number ECS-0501539].
文摘A general class of non-linear large-scale interconnected systems is considered,wherein each subsystem is comprised of a nominal part in a general strict-feedback-like structure and a set of appended dynamics.Parametric and functional uncertainties and time delays are allowed throughout the overall system structure including the nominal strictfeedback-like parts and appended dynamics of each subsystem as well as the non-linear subsystem interconnections.The controller design is based on the dual dynamic highgain scaling technique and provides a robust adaptive delay-independent globally stabilising decentralised output-feedback controller.The disturbance attenuation properties of the proposed output-feedback decentralised controller to an exogenous disturbance input are also analysed and specific conditions under which properties such as Input-toOutput-practical-Stability and asymptotic stabilisation are attained are also discussed.
文摘Energy development concerns not only the development of renewable energies but also the shift from centralised to clean,decentralised power generation.The development of decentralised energy(DE)is a core part of the energy and economic strategies being adopted around the world that drives the progress toward a highly sustainable future.This paper reviews the concepts,development status,trends,benefits and challenges of DE systems and analyses the existing models and methods for assessing the performance of these systems.A hierarchical decision model for evaluating the performance of DE systems is also constructed based on the framework of multiple criteria decision analysis,which considers the identification,definition and assessment grade of decision criteria.The evidential reasoning approach is applied to aggregate assessment information in a case study of the implementation of an intelligent decision system.Sensitivity and trade-off analyses are also conducted to show how the proposed model can be used to support decision making in DE systems.
基金This work was supported by the Economic and Social Research Council[grant number ES/J500082/1]and Research England.
文摘Rural areas are steadily being marginalised in a global economy where‘core/periphery’models of development are dominant.To overcome this,rural areas have experimented with decentralised governance.However,this process is fraught with political,fiscal,and institutional difficulties.These often revolve around transparency and accountability issues and low participation rates.Blockchain technology could act as a social innovation to overcome issues in decentralised governance,and rural areas could even prove to be a fertile environment for future innovation.In this conceptual paper,the potential of blockchain technology is theoretically positioned in regional development discourses.After exploring how blockchain could be applied to rural governance and the barriers it needs to overcome to reach mass adoption,a new distributed model of governance is suggested.
基金The first author wishes to acknowledge the financial support pro-vided by Teesside University and the Doctoral Training Alliance(DTA)scheme in Energy.The authors also acknowledge elements of the work was carried out as part of the REACT project(01/01/2019-31/12/2022)which is co-funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation under Grant Agreement No.824395.
文摘The world is experiencing a fourth industrial revolution.Rapid development of technologies is advancing smart infrastructure opportunities.Experts observe decarbonisation,digitalisation and decentralisation as the main drivers for change.In electrical power systems a downturn of centralised conventional fossil fuel fired power plants and increased proportion of distributed power generation adds to the already troublesome outlook for op-erators of low-inertia energy systems.In the absence of reliable real-time demand forecasting measures,effective decentralised demand-side energy planning is often problematic.In this work we formulate a simple yet highly effective lumped model for forecasting the rate at which electricity is consumed.The methodology presented focuses on the potential adoption by a regional electricity network operator with inadequate real-time energy data who requires knowledge of the wider aggregated future rate of energy consumption.Thus,contributing to a reduction in the demand of state-owned generation power plants.The forecasting session is constructed initially through analysis of a chronological sequence of discrete observations.Historical demand data shows behaviour that allows the use of dimensionality reduction techniques.Combined with piecewise interpolation an electricity demand forecasting methodology is formulated.Solutions of short-term forecasting problems provide credible predictions for energy demand.Calculations for medium-term forecasts that extend beyond 6-months are also very promising.The forecasting method provides a way to advance a novel decentralised informatics,optimisa-tion and control framework for small island power systems or distributed grid-edge systems as part of an evolving demand response service.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52177081).
文摘In order to play a positive role of decentralised wind power on-grid for voltage stability improvement and loss reduction of distribution network,a multi-objective two-stage decentralised wind power planning method is proposed in the paper,which takes into account the network loss correction for the extreme cold region.Firstly,an electro-thermal model is introduced to reflect the effect of temperature on conductor resistance and to correct the results of active network loss calculation;secondly,a two-stage multi-objective two-stage decentralised wind power siting and capacity allocation and reactive voltage optimisation control model is constructed to take account of the network loss correction,and the multi-objective multi-planning model is established in the first stage to consider the whole-life cycle investment cost of WTGs,the system operating cost and the voltage quality of power supply,and the multi-objective planning model is established in the second stage.planning model,and the second stage further develops the reactive voltage control strategy of WTGs on this basis,and obtains the distribution network loss reduction method based on WTG siting and capacity allocation and reactive power control strategy.Finally,the optimal configuration scheme is solved by the manta ray foraging optimisation(MRFO)algorithm,and the loss of each branch line and bus loss of the distribution network before and after the adoption of this loss reduction method is calculated by taking the IEEE33 distribution system as an example,which verifies the practicability and validity of the proposed method,and provides a reference introduction for decision-making for the distributed energy planning of the distribution network.
基金supported by the PETRAS National Centre of Excellence for IoT Systems Cybersecurity,which has been funded by the UK EPSRC[under grant number EP/S035362/1]the Software Sustainability Institute[grant number:EP/S021779/1]by the Cisco Research Centre[grant number CG1525381].
文摘This study examines blockchain technologies and their pivotal role in the evolving Metaverse,shedding light on topics such as how to invest in cryptocurrency,the mechanics behind crypto mining,and strategies to effectively buy and trade cryptocurrencies.While it contextualises the common queries of"why is crypto crashing?"and"why is crypto down?",the research transcends beyond the frequent market fluctuations to unravel how cryptocurrencies fundamentally work and the step-by-step process on how to create a cryptocurrency.Contrasting existing literature,this comprehensive investigation encompasses both the economic and cybersecurity risks inherent in the blockchain and fintech spheres.Through an interdisciplinary approach,the research transitions from the fundamental principles of fintech investment strategies to the overarching implications of blockchain within the Metaverse.Alongside exploring machine learning potentials in financial sectors and risk assessment methodologies,the study critically assesses whether developed or developing nations are poised to reap greater benefits from these technologies.Moreover,it probes into both enduring and dubious crypto projects,drawing a distinct line between genuine blockchain applications and Ponzi-like schemes.The conclusion resolutely affirms the staying power of blockchain technologies,underlined by a profound exploration of their intrinsic value and a reflective commentary by the author on the potential risks confronting individual investors.
文摘Standard genetic algorithms （SGAs） are investigated to optimise discrete-time proportional-integral-derivative （PID） con- troller parameters, by three tuning approaches, for a multivariable glass furnace process with loop interaction. Initially, standard genetic algorithms （SGAs） are used to identify control oriented models of the plant which are subsequently used for controller optimisa- tion. An individual tuning approach without loop interaction is considered first to categorise the genetic operators, cost functions and improve searching boundaries to attain the desired performance criteria. The second tuning approach considers controller parameters optimisation with loop interaction and individual cost functions. While, the third tuning approach utilises a modified cost function which includes the total effect of both controlled variables, glass temperature and excess oxygen. This modified cost function is shown to exhibit improved control robustness and disturbance rejection under loop interaction.
基金supported by the EPSRC UK under grant GR/R57324.
文摘Static “self-optimising” control is an important concept, which provides a link between static optimisation and control. According to the concept, a dynamic control system could be configured in such a way that when a set of certain variables are maintained at their setpoints, the overall process operation is automatically optimal or near optimal at steady-state in the presence of disturbances. A novel approach using constrained gradient control to achieve “self-optimisation” has been proposed by Cao. However, for most process plants, the information required to get the gradient measure may not be available in real-time. In such cases, controlled variable selection has to be carried out based on measurable candidates. In this work, the idea of direct gradient control has been extended to controlled variable selection based on gradient sensitivity analysis (indirect gradient control). New criteria, which indicate the sensitivity of the gradient function to disturbances and implementation errors, have been derived for selection. The particular case study shows that the controlled variables selected by gradient sensitivity measures are able to achieve near optimal performance.
文摘Software development skills are only partially trained with traditional programming languages and software engineering courses. To achieve practical skills needed in software industry, complex examples are necessary which have to be generated in a project-like setting. This includes common solution finding, intensive communication and structured programming tasks. Here, a case study from the domain of eCommerce is presented, showing the complexity needed for these learning processes.
基金the Canton of Fribourg, Switzerland, for the support through the smart living lab project at the University of Fribourg
文摘Smart living labs such as the one located in Fribourg(Switzerland) focus on improving wellbeing and furthering knowledge related to building the district of the future on a technical and social level. Therefore, smart living labs represent an experimental platform/space where sustainable production and consumption strategies can be tested in a protected environment. A significant change in the socioeconomic production and consumption sphere can be expected by the rise of the so-called energy prosumer. Accordingly, this article presents an interactive model for the experimental investigation of energy prosumer behavior. In this context, two potential experiments on investment and trade decisions are briefly outlined. Since(behavioral and economic) experiments are usually conducted under controlled conditions in experimental labs involving mainly undergraduate students, the presented interactive model is flexible and mobile, providing the advantage to conduct experiments nearly everywhere involving everyday citizens.
文摘This work proposes a new simulation algorithm to improve message handling in discrete event formalism. We present an approach to minimize simulation execution time. To do this, we propose to reduce the number of exchanged messages between Parallel DEVS (PDEVS) components (simulators and coordinators). We propose three changes from PDEVS: direct coupling, flat structure and local schedule. The goal is the decentralisation of a number of tasks to make the simulators more autonomous and simplify the coordinators to achieve a greater speedup. We propose to compare the simulation results of several models to demonstrate the benefits of our approach.
基金supported by the "Industry on Campus" at HS Offenburg and by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science,Research and Arts(MWK) under the "DENE" Project
文摘The energy system of the future will transform from the current centralised fossil based to a decentralised, clean, highly efficient, and intelligent network. This transformation will require innovative technologies and ideas like trigeneration and the crowd energy concept to pave the way ahead. Even though trigeneration systems are extremely energy efficient and can play a vital role in the energy system, turning around their deployment is hindered by various barriers. These barriers are theoretically analysed in a multiperspective approach and the role decentralised trigeneration systems can play in the crowd energy concept is highlighted. It is derived from an initial literature research that a multiperspective （technological, energy-economic, and user） analysis is necessary for realising the potential of trigeneration systems in a decentralised grid. And to experimentally quantify these issues we are setting up a microseale trigeneration lab at our institute and the motivation for this lab is also briefly introduced.
文摘The purpose of this article is to raise the question of how important decentralisation and local governments are for the successful transition and eventually for sustainable human development of a state. The paper focuses on the gap between development or transition and decentralisation within academic and international policy discourse. In article, the author tries to answer such questions as how local government can contribute to SHD （sustainable human development）. And how should the international community contribute to and support the transition and development process of the developing countries？ Article shows that local self-government can be a school of democracy and responsibility for the wealth of the state and citizens. By sharing the Polish decentralisation experience, the author shows how important decentralisation might be for successful transition, democratization and sustainable development. The paper also includes a short introduction to the European Charter, recent African efforts like AMCOD or UCLGA and European Union development assistance policy. The purpose of this is to show how little attention is paid to local governments and decentralisation within international policy and how huge is the gap between Europe＇s （developed） states and Africa＇s （developing） states related to their decentralisation policy, law and practice.
文摘Decentralisation of infrastructure delivery to sub-national governments has become commonplace in governments worldwide especially in developing countries such as Ghana. This is due to the benefits of decentralisation in improving public service delivery. However, decentralised infrastructure delivery is marred with numerous challenges that render most local governments incapable of providing infrastructure within their localities. This paper explored the bureaucratic factors that impede infrastructure delivery at the MMDAs in Ghana. A questionnaire survey with 121 construction professionals in the Departments of Works (DoWs) of the MMDAs within the Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions of Ghana was conducted. The results indicated six (6) major components of the bureaucratic factors that impede the delivery of infrastructure at the MMDAs: Central government bureaucracy;Minimal control of MMDAs;Political influence;MMDA project funding;Lack of capacity of MMDAs;and Political interference. This paper calls for a more committed central government to the establishment of adequate decentralised structures and implementation of major reforms that would remove the bureaucratic obstacles in the delivery of infrastructure at the MMDAs, to ensure effective infrastructure delivery at the MMDAs.
文摘The aim of this paper is to challenge the traditional or standard view of the current processes of decentralisation within institutions and administrations, in order to reconstruct the dynamic of such processes in terms of new values and new rights. Therefore, this paper censures the ＂reductionist＂ vision of decentralisation that envisages it merely as an administrative and institutional event and, in contrast, develops a concept of decentralisation as a social, political, and legal process linked to new constitutional values and new fundamental rights, whereby, it might be included within the sphere of a general theory of rights and take on an important role within this area. This work vindicates the idea that contemporary decentralization must form a part of the historical processes of the generalisation and specification of rights where in the goal is the fulfilment of the following maxim： rights for all and not merely for a few. To achieve this goal, decentralisation can incorporate the instrument of ＂positive discrimination＂ as a ＂strategy for equality＂, which can employ to create ＂specific rights＂ aims primarily at the members of the most vulnerable groups.
文摘Insufficient fresh air supply due to the increased air tightness of building envelopes after building renovations and window upgrades is a major concern of HVAC engineering today.The paper demonstrates the application of CFD simulations in the development of a compact decentralised ventilation unit with integrated heat recovery system for local ventilation of rooms,targeting this common issue.The device houses an innovative cyclically rotating recuperative heat exchanger,allowing effective condensate removal and de-icing in winter for its independent operation throughout the year.The paper introduces the ventilation unit,describes preparation of its numerical models,and conducts CFD simulation using Ansys Fluent software.The initial design of the device was improved following the findings of the numerical analysis,and the proposed adjustments were tested through follow-up CFD simulations,confirming that the desired outcomes were achieved.A separate CFD analysis was performed to assess the use of different air supply elements at the air outlet to the room,recommending the use of adjustable nozzles.A prototype ventilation unit was manufactured and the volume flow rate under different operating conditions was measured to be compared with the simulation results.The outcome of the research is a new type of compact local ventilation unit.An increase in device energy efficiency was achieved,with the aid of simulations,while maintaining its compact size.In addition to presenting the potential of using variant CFD analysis in the development of new HVAC equipment,the paper also indicates the drawbacks of using the Multiple Reference Frame(MRF)method to approximate the rotation of radial fan impellers in CFD simulations.
基金The authors would like to thank the Irish Social Science Data Archive(ISSDA)for providing access to the CER Smart Metering Project data.The authors also gratefully acknowledge funding for this research provided by Science Foundation Ireland(Grant 11/PI/1177 and Grant 09/SRC/E1780).
文摘In recent years,a wide variety of centralised and decentralised algorithms have been proposed for residential charging of electric vehicles(EVs).In this paper,we present a mathematical framework which casts the EV charging scenarios addressed by these algorithms as optimisation problems having either temporal or instantaneous optimisation objectives with respect to the different actors in the power system.Using this framework and a realistic distribution network simulation testbed,we provide a comparative evaluation of a range of different residential EV charging strategies,highlighting in each case positive and negative characteristics.
