The vendor location problem

The vendor location problem is the problem of locating a given number of vendors and determining the number of vehicles and the service zones necessary for each vendor to achieve at least a given profit. We consider two versions of the problem with different objectives: maximizing the total profit and maximizing the demand covered. The demand and profit generated by a demand point are functions of the distance to the vendor. We propose integer programming models for both versions of the vendor location problem. We then prove that both are strongly NP-hard and we derive several families of valid inequalities to strengthen our formulations. We report the outcomes of a computational study where we investigate the effect of valid inequalities in reducing the duality gaps and the solution times for the vendor location problem.     

Few-mode vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers for space-division multiplexing

In order to choose the proper radius of oxide aperture for few-mode vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), the influences of oxide aperture size on the multi-transverse-mode behaviors are investigated in detail. By establishing the effective refractive index model to simulate VCSELs with different radii of oxide apertures, the wavelength and corresponding order of different modes are obtained. VCSELs with three kinds of oxide apertures are manufactured. Then the multi-transverse-mode spectra and near-field are measured. It is found that when the radius is between 1.5 and 4.5 μm, few-mode VCSELs can be implemented. The 2.5 μm VCSEL manufactured in this paper only emits LP01 mode and LP21 mode. Since the space distance between the two modes is 2 μm, it is expected to realize direct-modulation few-mode VCSELs by channel etching or ion implantation between the two modes.     

Star p-hub median problem with modular arc capacities

We consider the hub location problem, where p hubs are chosen from a given set of nodes, each nonhub node is connected to exactly one hub and each hub is connected to a central hub. Links are installed on the arcs of the resulting network to route the traffic. The aim is to find the hub locations and the connections to minimize the link installation cost. We propose two formulations and a heuristic algorithm to solve this problem. The heuristic is based on Lagrangian relaxation and local search. We present computational results where formulations are compared and the quality of the heuristic solutions are tested.     

Plant-wide hierarchical optimization and control of an industrial hydrocracking process

Hydrocracking is a crucial refinery process in which heavy hydrocarbons are converted to more valuable, low-molecular weight products. Hydrocracking plants operate with large throughputs and varying feedstocks. In addition the product specifications change due to varying economic and market conditions. In such a dynamic operating environment, the potential gains of real-time optimization (RTO) and control are quite high. At the same time, real-time optimization of hydrocracking plants is a challenging task. A complex network of reactions, which are difficult to characterize, takes place in the hydrocracker. The reactor effluent affects the operation of the fractionator downstream and the properties of the final products. In this paper, a lumped first-principles reactor model and an empirical fractionation model are used to predict the product distribution and properties on-line. Both models have been built and validated using industrial data. A cascaded model predictive control (MPC) structure is developed in order to operate both the reactor and fractionation column at maximum profit. In this cascade structure, reactor and fractionation units are controlled by local decentralized MPC controllers whose set-points are manipulated by a supervisory MPC controller. The coordinating action of the supervisory MPC controller accomplishes the transition between different optimum operating conditions and helps to reject disturbances without violating any constraints. Simulations illustrate the applicability of the proposed method on the industrial process.     

A priori modelling of an adiabatic spouted bed catalytic reactor

An a priori reactor model for an adiabatic spouted bed reactor has been developed. This model uses first-principles mass and energy balances to predict the concentration and temperature profiles in the spout, annulus and fountain regions of the reactor. The particle circulation and voidage profiles in the spout are calculated using previously developed analytical techniques. Particle circulation patterns in the annulus are determined by a minimum path-length analysis. The spout and fountain are shown to contribute significantly to the overall conversion in the bed. Predicted and experimental conversions at flowrates up to 1.2U_ms show that extension of the fountain reaction zone and increased particle circulation with increasing inlet flow makes up for the higher average voidage in the spout and fountain. Experimental data confirm the calculated results for a stably spouting bed with CO oxidation over a Co₃O₄/αAl₂O₃ catalyst. The effects of flowrate and inlet reactant concentration are confirmed.     

Evaluation of bio-char as porous catalyst support in the pyrolysis of Brassica napus subsp. napus cake

Journal of Porous Materials - It is very important to produce carbonaceous porous material from sustainable biomass resource and to investigate its different application areas. In this study, it...     

The impact of hourly solar radiation model on building energy analysis in different climatic regions of Turkey

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of solar radiation models on the determination of energy performance of a single-family house assisted with renewable energy system including photovoltaic panels and solar water heater. An Angström-Prescott type solar radiation model was compared with Zhang and Huang model derived based on hourly meteorological data of 12 locations in Turkey. Since regression coefficients of the Zhang and Huang model are valid for China, new regression coefficients were derived by using local meteorological data. A clear distinction could not be observed in simulated annual heating load intensity for each model since the average relative deviation of the models’ results was 2.5%. However, the average deviation was 12.5% for space cooling load intensity. Primary energy ratings (PER) and the renewable energy ratio (RER) were determined for each location. For total PER, the highest deviation was 4.6% and 3.3% for Mersin and Mu?la, respectively. For the other locations, this parameter deviates between 0.02%–2.11%. The highest RER was 18.6% for Mersin.