Energy access remains a critical challenge in rural South Sudan,with communities heavily relying on expensive and unfriendly environmental energy sources such as diesel generators and biomass.This study addresses the ...Energy access remains a critical challenge in rural South Sudan,with communities heavily relying on expensive and unfriendly environmental energy sources such as diesel generators and biomass.This study addresses the predicament by evaluating the feasibility of renewable energy-based decentralized electrification in the selected village ofDoleibHill,UpperNile,South Sudan.Using a demand assessment and theMulti-Tier Framework(MTF)approach,it categorizes households,public facilities,private sector,Non-GovernmentalOrganizations(NGOs)and business energy needs and designs an optimized hybrid energy system incorporating solar Photovoltaic(PV),wind turbines,batteries,and a generator.The proposed system,simulated in Hybrid Optimization Model Electric Renewable(HOMER)Pro,demonstrates strong economic viability,with a present worth of$292,145,an annual worth of$22,854,a return on investment(ROI)of 36.5%,and an internal rate of return(IRR)of 42.1%.The simple payback period is 2.31 years,and the discounted payback period is 2.62 years.The system achieves a levelized cost of energy(LCOE)of$0.276/kWh and significantly reduces dependence on diesel,producing 798,800 kWh annually fromwind energy.This research provides a replicable model for cost-effective,sustainable rural electrification,offering valuable insights for policymakers and energy planners seeking to expand electricity access in off-grid communities.展开更多
This article proposes a multi-tiered fault detection system for series-connected lithium-ion battery modules.Improper use of batteries can lead to electrolyte decomposition,resulting in the formation of lithium dendri...This article proposes a multi-tiered fault detection system for series-connected lithium-ion battery modules.Improper use of batteries can lead to electrolyte decomposition,resulting in the formation of lithium dendrites.These dendrites may pierce the separator,leading to the failure of the insulation layer between electrodes and causing micro short circuits.When a micro short circuit occurs,the electrolyte typically undergoes exothermic reactions,leading to thermal runaway and posing a safety risk to users.Relying solely on temperature-based judgment mechanisms within the battery management system often results in delayed intervention.To address this issue,the article develops a multi-tiered fault detection algorithm for series-connected lithium-ion batteries.This algorithm can effectively diagnose micro short circuits,aging,and normal batteries using minimal battery data,thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and enhancing the flexibility of fault detection.Simulations and experiments conducted under various levels of micro short circuits validate the effectiveness of the algorithm,demonstrating its ability to distinguish between short-circuited,aged,and normal batteries under different conditions.This technology can be applied to electric vehicles and energy storage systems,enabling early warnings to ensure safety and prevent thermal runaway.展开更多
Expenditure on wells constitute a significant part of the operational costs for a petroleum enterprise, where most of the cost results from drilling. This has prompted drilling departments to continuously look for wa...Expenditure on wells constitute a significant part of the operational costs for a petroleum enterprise, where most of the cost results from drilling. This has prompted drilling departments to continuously look for ways to reduce their drilling costs and be as efficient as possible. A system called the Drilling Comprehensive Information Management and Application System (DCIMAS) is developed and presented here, with an aim at collecting, storing and making full use of the valuable well data and information relating to all drilling activities and operations. The DCIMAS comprises three main parts, including a data collection and transmission system, a data warehouse (DW) management system, and an integrated platform of core applications. With the support of the application platform, the DW management system is introduced, whereby the operation data are captured at well sites and transmitted electronically to a data warehouse via transmission equipment and ETL (extract, transformation and load) tools. With the high quality of the data guaranteed, our central task is to make the best use of the operation data and information for drilling analysis and to provide further information to guide later production stages. Applications have been developed and integrated on a uniform platform to interface directly with different layers of the multi-tier DW. Now, engineers in every department spend less time on data handling and more time on applying technology in their real work with the system.展开更多
In this paper,we study a model on joint decisions of scheduling and subcontracting, in which jobs(orders) can be either processed by parallel machines at the manufacturer in-house or subcontracted to a subcontractor.T...In this paper,we study a model on joint decisions of scheduling and subcontracting, in which jobs(orders) can be either processed by parallel machines at the manufacturer in-house or subcontracted to a subcontractor.The manufacturer needs to determine which jobs should be produced in-house and which jobs should be subcontracted.Furthermore,it needs to determine a production schedule for jobs to be produced in-house.We discuss five classical scheduling objectives as production costs.For each problem with different objective functions,we give optimality conditions and propose dynamic programming algorithms.展开更多
A seismic assessment of two multi-tier pagodas by numerical analysis is presented herein.The Changu Narayan temple and the Kumbeshwar temple in Nepal are used as the case studies.Both pagodas are built of brick masonr...A seismic assessment of two multi-tier pagodas by numerical analysis is presented herein.The Changu Narayan temple and the Kumbeshwar temple in Nepal are used as the case studies.Both pagodas are built of brick masonry in earthen mortar,with timber columns and crossbeams.The Changu Narayan temple is a two-tier pagoda,and was seriously damaged during the 2015 Gorkha earthquake.The Kumbeshwar temple is a five-tier pagoda,and its top-tier collapsed due to the Gorkha earthquake.A seismic assessment was carried out using finite element(FE)analysis.The FE models were prepared,and dynamic identification tests and penetrometer tests were conducted.Pushover analysis and nonlinear dynamic analysis were performed as part of the seismic assessment.The main shock of the 2015 Gorkha earthquake was considered as the input accelerograms.The behavior between the two pagodas was compared with the collapse mechanisms and damage patterns observed in the actual structures.The comparison suggested common structural features of multi-tier pagodas.This study is dedicated to providing a better understanding of the seismic behavior of multi-tier pagoda-type structures and provides suggestions for their effective analysis.展开更多
The current mathematical models for the storage assignment problem are generally established based on the traveling salesman problem（TSP）,which has been widely applied in the conventional automated storage and retri...The current mathematical models for the storage assignment problem are generally established based on the traveling salesman problem（TSP）,which has been widely applied in the conventional automated storage and retrieval system（AS/RS）.However,the previous mathematical models in conventional AS/RS do not match multi-tier shuttle warehousing systems（MSWS） because the characteristics of parallel retrieval in multiple tiers and progressive vertical movement destroy the foundation of TSP.In this study,a two-stage open queuing network model in which shuttles and a lift are regarded as servers at different stages is proposed to analyze system performance in the terms of shuttle waiting period（SWP） and lift idle period（LIP） during transaction cycle time.A mean arrival time difference matrix for pairwise stock keeping units（SKUs） is presented to determine the mean waiting time and queue length to optimize the storage assignment problem on the basis of SKU correlation.The decomposition method is applied to analyze the interactions among outbound task time,SWP,and LIP.The ant colony clustering algorithm is designed to determine storage partitions using clustering items.In addition,goods are assigned for storage according to the rearranging permutation and the combination of storage partitions in a 2D plane.This combination is derived based on the analysis results of the queuing network model and on three basic principles.The storage assignment method and its entire optimization algorithm method as applied in a MSWS are verified through a practical engineering project conducted in the tobacco industry.The applying results show that the total SWP and LIP can be reduced effectively to improve the utilization rates of all devices and to increase the throughput of the distribution center.展开更多
Low Pressure Carburizing (LPC) was introduced in the 90’s in the western Europe Heat Treatment business, mainly for in-house applications where it was especially appreciated for Carburizing of transmission parts. How...Low Pressure Carburizing (LPC) was introduced in the 90’s in the western Europe Heat Treatment business, mainly for in-house applications where it was especially appreciated for Carburizing of transmission parts. However the success of the LPC units installed for gears Carburizing in the automotive industry has hindered the development of the process in other fields - like subcontracting business -, where its advantages deserve to be enlightened. After a brief review of the principle of the process, the interest of its classical application to transmission parts is described, underlining peculiarly the reduction of the distortion observed when LPC is associated with high pressure gas quenching. Then the less-known advantages of the LPC process, like the high accuracy and reproducibility of the results, the modeling possibility and the simulation easiness, the case-depth uniformity and the full flexibility of the units are considered, showing how they can be beneficial to subcontracting business.展开更多
Complex multi-tier applications deployed in cloud computing environments can experience rapid changes in their workloads. To ensure market readiness of such applications, adequate resources need to be provisioned so t...Complex multi-tier applications deployed in cloud computing environments can experience rapid changes in their workloads. To ensure market readiness of such applications, adequate resources need to be provisioned so that the applications can meet the demands of specified workload levels and at the same time ensure that service level agreements are met. Multi-tier cloud applications can have complex deployment configurations with load balancers, web servers, application servers and database servers. Complex dependencies may exist between servers in various tiers. To support provisioning and capacity planning decisions, performance testing approaches with synthetic workloads are used. Accuracy of a performance testing approach is determined by how closely the generated synthetic workloads mimic the realistic workloads. Since multi-tier applications can have varied deployment configurations and characteristic workloads, there is a need for a generic performance testing methodology that allows accurately modeling the performance of applications. We propose a methodology for performance testing of complex multi-tier applications. The workloads of multi-tier cloud applications are captured in two different models-benchmark application and workload models. An architecture model captures the deployment configurations of multi-tier applications. We propose a rapid deployment prototyping methodology that can help in choosing the best and most cost effective deployments for multi-tier applications that meet the specified performance requirements. We also describe a system bottleneck detection approach based on experimental evaluation of multi-tier applications.展开更多
In recent years, the subcontracting production for foreign trade of the Xi’an Aviation Engine Company (XAEC), a foreign trade production base of China, has achieved rapid development. In 1994, the company’s export e...In recent years, the subcontracting production for foreign trade of the Xi’an Aviation Engine Company (XAEC), a foreign trade production base of China, has achieved rapid development. In 1994, the company’s export earnings from foreign trade made a breakthrough at US$11 million, and it was commended by the State Economic展开更多
文摘Energy access remains a critical challenge in rural South Sudan,with communities heavily relying on expensive and unfriendly environmental energy sources such as diesel generators and biomass.This study addresses the predicament by evaluating the feasibility of renewable energy-based decentralized electrification in the selected village ofDoleibHill,UpperNile,South Sudan.Using a demand assessment and theMulti-Tier Framework(MTF)approach,it categorizes households,public facilities,private sector,Non-GovernmentalOrganizations(NGOs)and business energy needs and designs an optimized hybrid energy system incorporating solar Photovoltaic(PV),wind turbines,batteries,and a generator.The proposed system,simulated in Hybrid Optimization Model Electric Renewable(HOMER)Pro,demonstrates strong economic viability,with a present worth of$292,145,an annual worth of$22,854,a return on investment(ROI)of 36.5%,and an internal rate of return(IRR)of 42.1%.The simple payback period is 2.31 years,and the discounted payback period is 2.62 years.The system achieves a levelized cost of energy(LCOE)of$0.276/kWh and significantly reduces dependence on diesel,producing 798,800 kWh annually fromwind energy.This research provides a replicable model for cost-effective,sustainable rural electrification,offering valuable insights for policymakers and energy planners seeking to expand electricity access in off-grid communities.
文摘This article proposes a multi-tiered fault detection system for series-connected lithium-ion battery modules.Improper use of batteries can lead to electrolyte decomposition,resulting in the formation of lithium dendrites.These dendrites may pierce the separator,leading to the failure of the insulation layer between electrodes and causing micro short circuits.When a micro short circuit occurs,the electrolyte typically undergoes exothermic reactions,leading to thermal runaway and posing a safety risk to users.Relying solely on temperature-based judgment mechanisms within the battery management system often results in delayed intervention.To address this issue,the article develops a multi-tiered fault detection algorithm for series-connected lithium-ion batteries.This algorithm can effectively diagnose micro short circuits,aging,and normal batteries using minimal battery data,thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and enhancing the flexibility of fault detection.Simulations and experiments conducted under various levels of micro short circuits validate the effectiveness of the algorithm,demonstrating its ability to distinguish between short-circuited,aged,and normal batteries under different conditions.This technology can be applied to electric vehicles and energy storage systems,enabling early warnings to ensure safety and prevent thermal runaway.
文摘Expenditure on wells constitute a significant part of the operational costs for a petroleum enterprise, where most of the cost results from drilling. This has prompted drilling departments to continuously look for ways to reduce their drilling costs and be as efficient as possible. A system called the Drilling Comprehensive Information Management and Application System (DCIMAS) is developed and presented here, with an aim at collecting, storing and making full use of the valuable well data and information relating to all drilling activities and operations. The DCIMAS comprises three main parts, including a data collection and transmission system, a data warehouse (DW) management system, and an integrated platform of core applications. With the support of the application platform, the DW management system is introduced, whereby the operation data are captured at well sites and transmitted electronically to a data warehouse via transmission equipment and ETL (extract, transformation and load) tools. With the high quality of the data guaranteed, our central task is to make the best use of the operation data and information for drilling analysis and to provide further information to guide later production stages. Applications have been developed and integrated on a uniform platform to interface directly with different layers of the multi-tier DW. Now, engineers in every department spend less time on data handling and more time on applying technology in their real work with the system.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(70731160015)Supported the National Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(yw06037)
文摘In this paper,we study a model on joint decisions of scheduling and subcontracting, in which jobs(orders) can be either processed by parallel machines at the manufacturer in-house or subcontracted to a subcontractor.The manufacturer needs to determine which jobs should be produced in-house and which jobs should be subcontracted.Furthermore,it needs to determine a production schedule for jobs to be produced in-house.We discuss five classical scheduling objectives as production costs.For each problem with different objective functions,we give optimality conditions and propose dynamic programming algorithms.
基金Funding of Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(A)Provided by the Japan Society for the Promotion of the Science under Grant No.16H01825。
文摘A seismic assessment of two multi-tier pagodas by numerical analysis is presented herein.The Changu Narayan temple and the Kumbeshwar temple in Nepal are used as the case studies.Both pagodas are built of brick masonry in earthen mortar,with timber columns and crossbeams.The Changu Narayan temple is a two-tier pagoda,and was seriously damaged during the 2015 Gorkha earthquake.The Kumbeshwar temple is a five-tier pagoda,and its top-tier collapsed due to the Gorkha earthquake.A seismic assessment was carried out using finite element(FE)analysis.The FE models were prepared,and dynamic identification tests and penetrometer tests were conducted.Pushover analysis and nonlinear dynamic analysis were performed as part of the seismic assessment.The main shock of the 2015 Gorkha earthquake was considered as the input accelerograms.The behavior between the two pagodas was compared with the collapse mechanisms and damage patterns observed in the actual structures.The comparison suggested common structural features of multi-tier pagodas.This study is dedicated to providing a better understanding of the seismic behavior of multi-tier pagoda-type structures and provides suggestions for their effective analysis.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.661403234)Shandong Provincial Science and Techhnology Development Plan of China(Grant No.2014GGX106009)
文摘The current mathematical models for the storage assignment problem are generally established based on the traveling salesman problem（TSP）,which has been widely applied in the conventional automated storage and retrieval system（AS/RS）.However,the previous mathematical models in conventional AS/RS do not match multi-tier shuttle warehousing systems（MSWS） because the characteristics of parallel retrieval in multiple tiers and progressive vertical movement destroy the foundation of TSP.In this study,a two-stage open queuing network model in which shuttles and a lift are regarded as servers at different stages is proposed to analyze system performance in the terms of shuttle waiting period（SWP） and lift idle period（LIP） during transaction cycle time.A mean arrival time difference matrix for pairwise stock keeping units（SKUs） is presented to determine the mean waiting time and queue length to optimize the storage assignment problem on the basis of SKU correlation.The decomposition method is applied to analyze the interactions among outbound task time,SWP,and LIP.The ant colony clustering algorithm is designed to determine storage partitions using clustering items.In addition,goods are assigned for storage according to the rearranging permutation and the combination of storage partitions in a 2D plane.This combination is derived based on the analysis results of the queuing network model and on three basic principles.The storage assignment method and its entire optimization algorithm method as applied in a MSWS are verified through a practical engineering project conducted in the tobacco industry.The applying results show that the total SWP and LIP can be reduced effectively to improve the utilization rates of all devices and to increase the throughput of the distribution center.
文摘Low Pressure Carburizing (LPC) was introduced in the 90’s in the western Europe Heat Treatment business, mainly for in-house applications where it was especially appreciated for Carburizing of transmission parts. However the success of the LPC units installed for gears Carburizing in the automotive industry has hindered the development of the process in other fields - like subcontracting business -, where its advantages deserve to be enlightened. After a brief review of the principle of the process, the interest of its classical application to transmission parts is described, underlining peculiarly the reduction of the distortion observed when LPC is associated with high pressure gas quenching. Then the less-known advantages of the LPC process, like the high accuracy and reproducibility of the results, the modeling possibility and the simulation easiness, the case-depth uniformity and the full flexibility of the units are considered, showing how they can be beneficial to subcontracting business.
文摘Complex multi-tier applications deployed in cloud computing environments can experience rapid changes in their workloads. To ensure market readiness of such applications, adequate resources need to be provisioned so that the applications can meet the demands of specified workload levels and at the same time ensure that service level agreements are met. Multi-tier cloud applications can have complex deployment configurations with load balancers, web servers, application servers and database servers. Complex dependencies may exist between servers in various tiers. To support provisioning and capacity planning decisions, performance testing approaches with synthetic workloads are used. Accuracy of a performance testing approach is determined by how closely the generated synthetic workloads mimic the realistic workloads. Since multi-tier applications can have varied deployment configurations and characteristic workloads, there is a need for a generic performance testing methodology that allows accurately modeling the performance of applications. We propose a methodology for performance testing of complex multi-tier applications. The workloads of multi-tier cloud applications are captured in two different models-benchmark application and workload models. An architecture model captures the deployment configurations of multi-tier applications. We propose a rapid deployment prototyping methodology that can help in choosing the best and most cost effective deployments for multi-tier applications that meet the specified performance requirements. We also describe a system bottleneck detection approach based on experimental evaluation of multi-tier applications.
文摘In recent years, the subcontracting production for foreign trade of the Xi’an Aviation Engine Company (XAEC), a foreign trade production base of China, has achieved rapid development. In 1994, the company’s export earnings from foreign trade made a breakthrough at US$11 million, and it was commended by the State Economic
