Exergoeconomic optimization of a 1000 MW light water reactor power generation system

A typical 1000 MW pressurized water reactor nuclear power plant is considered for optimization. The thermodynamic modeling is performed based on the energy and exergy analysis, while an economic model is developed according to the total revenue requirement method. The objective function based on the exergoeconomic analysis is obtained. The exergoeconomic optimization process with 10 decision variables is performed using a hybrid stochastic/deterministic search algorithm namely as genetic algorithm. The results that are obtained using optimization process are compared with the base case system and the discussion is presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Reference models and incentive regulation of electricity distribution networks: An evaluation of Sweden's Network Performance Assessment Model (NPAM)

Electricity sector reforms across the world have led to a search for innovative approaches to regulation that promote efficiency in the natural monopoly distribution networks and reduce their service charges. To this aim, a number of countries have adopted incentive regulation models based on efficiency benchmarking. While most regulators have used parametric and non-parametric frontier-based methods of benchmarking some have adopted engineering-designed “reference firm” or “norm” models. This paper examines the incentive properties and related aspects of the reference firm model—NPAM—as used in Sweden and compares this with frontier-based benchmarking methods. We identify a number of important differences between the two approaches that are not readily apparent and discuss their ramifications for the regulatory objectives and process. We conclude that, on balance, the reference models are less appropriate as benchmarks than real firms. Also, the implementation framework based on annual ex-post reviews exacerbates the regulatory problems mainly by increasing uncertainty and reducing the incentive for innovation.     

Machining stability in high speed drilling—Part 2: Time domain simulation of a bending–torsional model and experimental validations

In this paper, the torsional limits of stability in drilling are first obtained analytically based on Bayly's work [P.V. Bayly, S.A. Metzler, A.J. Schaut, K.A. Young, Theory of torsional chatter in twist drills: model, stability analysis and composition to test, Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, 123 (2001) 552–561]. Subsequently, a time domain simulation model of chatter in drilling is presented. The novel simulation model, developed in this work, combines the effects of both bending and torsion. The major challenge in this model is the tracking of the instantaneous cutting parameters along the lips while vibrating in both modes. This challenge was met here successfully and the simulation results agreed closely with the analytical solutions. Cutting experiments were also conducted to verify the developed chatter models. Two drills, one “short” and one “long” were used in drilling a large number of holes with different pilot-hole diameters. The agreement between the cutting tests and theoretical predictions was not very close for the “short” drill due to inaccuracies in representing the boundary conditions in the mathematical model. On the other hand, the cuttings tests agreed very closely with the analytical and numerical predictions for the “long” drill.     

Chemical and microbiological stability and sensorial properties of traditional Iranian butter incorporated with pomegranate peel extract

In this study, the antioxidant activity of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) and its potential effect on the chemical and microbiological stability of traditional butter was investigated. The PPE having total phenol content of 327.48 ± 1.43 mg gallic acid equivalent/g showed significantly greater (64.34 ± 0.32%) radical scavenging activity than butylated hydroxy toluene. Butter treated with PPE had significantly lower levels of peroxide value, free fatty acids, Totox, Schaal value and microbial population. The work concluded that PPE could be an excellent natural source of antimicrobial and antioxidant substances, which can be used for traditional butter preservation.     

Effect of Salvia officinalis L. extract on chemical,microbial, sensory and shelf life of rainbow trout fillet

Food Science and Biotechnology - The present study aimed at extending shelf life of rainbow trout fillet. Fish and seafoods are the most valuable nutrients, however, high levels of moisture, free...     

Syntheses of Fe-TiC nanocomposite from ilmenite concentrate via microwave heating

In this paper, the possibility of production of Fe-TiC nanocomposite as a useful ceramic, from ilmenite concentrate, aluminum powder and carbon black has been investigated. Different amounts of FeTiO₃, carbon black and Al powder were activated by a high-energy ball mill. Then the mixtures were synthesized by microwave heating at various times. The results of XRD investigation indicated that TiC has been synthesized within 5–10 min treatment microwave time. Moreover, it was found that by increasing the aluminum content, the Fe₂O₃ phase was replaced by SiC and Al₂O₃. In addition, from the broadening of the diffraction lines in the XRD patterns analysis, it was concluded that the TiC crystallites are nano-sized. Also, it was found that the existence of Al lead to increased grain size and decrease of the strain in the process.     

Neuro-Fuzzy Modeling of the Free Convection Heat Transfer From a Wavy Surface

In this paper an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is applied to model and predict the experimental results of free convection heat transfer from a vertical array of attached cylinders, which can be considered as a wavy surface, in the presence of a vertical wall. The effects of the wall–wavy surface spacing and Rayleigh number variation on average heat transfer from the wavy surface are considered via this prediction. The training data for optimizing the ANFIS structure are based on available experimental data. A hybrid learning algorithm consisting of gradient descends method and least-squares method is used for ANFIS training. The proposed ANFIS model is developed using MATLAB functions. For the best ANFIS structure obtained in this study, the mean relative errors of the train and test data were found to be 0.02% and 1.2%, respectively. The predicted results showed that ANFIS can predict the experimental results precisely.     

An experimental investigation on the free convection heat transfer in a horizontal cavity consisting of flow diverters

The free convection heat transfer in a horizontal cavity with adiabatic vertical and isothermally horizontal walls and adiabatic diverters has been studied experimentally in this paper. The experiments have been carried out using a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. The effects of the diverter angle ranging from 0 to 90$\circ$ and Rayleigh number based on the cavity side wall length, from 6 × 10³ to 1.2 × 10⁴ on the heat transfer from the heated wall, were studied. The results indicate that, at each Rayleigh number, the maximum and the minimum heat transfer occur at a diverter angle of 30 and 90$\circ$ , respectively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library ( wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj ). DOI 10.1002/htj.21014     

International benchmarking and regulation: an application to European electricity distribution utilities

Due to a shortage of data and increased international mergers, national energy regulators are looking to international benchmarking analyses for help in setting price controls within incentive regulation. We present an international benchmarking study of 63 regional electricity distribution utilities in six European countries that aims to illustrate the methodological and data issues encountered in the use of international benchmarking for utility regulation. The study examines the effect of the choice of benchmarking methods using DEA, COLS and SFA models. We discuss what problems of international benchmarking are highlighted by the study and how they can be overcome.     

Cell design methodology (CDM) for balanced Carry–InverseCarry circuits in hybrid-CMOS logic style

In this paper, we propose a systematic design methodology in the category of hybrid-CMOS logic style. A huge library of circuits appropriate for low-power and high-speed applications can be obtained by employing the proposed design methodology. The methodology is before used for designing XOR/XNOR and demonstrates the excellence of the new design features. The question of whether the method can be taken advantage to design the function of Carry and its complement (Carry and InverseCarry), as the third important module of a full adder, and what to extend the answer contributes to move towards the general systematic design. All the presented designs as before have high driving capability, balanced full-swing outputs with less glitches and small number of transistors. Also these only consist of one pass-transistor in the critical path, which causes low propagation delay and high drivability. As known, hybrid-CMOS full adders can be divided into three modules, e.g., SUM, Carry and XOR. Optimising these modules has reduced power consumption, delay and the number of transistors of full adders. Therefore by embedding the balanced full-swing circuits in carry module, it can be expected that 11 new full adder circuits will possess high performance. Simulation results show that the proposed circuits exhibit better performances compared to previously suggested circuits in the proposed realistic test bench. These circuits, outperform their counterparts, are showing 24–126% improvement in the power-delay product (PDP) and 57–82% improvement in the area. All simulations have been performed with TSMC 0.13-μm technology in new full adder test bench, using HSPISE to achieve the minimum PDP.