Full AC analysis of value of DER to the grid and optimal DER scheduling

This paper presents part of the work ComEd and Quanta Technology have performed to quantify the locational and temporal value of DER to avoid distribution grid upgrade investments. It focuses on the formulation of a robust and efficient algorithm for DER optimal dispatch on a distribution feeder to mitigate the violation of current and voltage limits using the allocated cost of capacity and locational marginal value of real and reactive DER injection/withdrawal.     

A case study on the object-oriented framework for modeling product families with the dominant variation of the topology in the one-of-a-kind production

Traditional configuration-based product family modeling techniques do not yield favorable solutions for modeling the product families with the dominant product topology variations. This paper presents the case study for the modeling of variations of the product configuration, parameters, and topologies in mass production of custom windows and doors in a one-of-a-kind production (OKP) company. The case study is based on the object-oriented product family modeling framework we developed for OKP which is characterized by the dominant product variation by topology. The problem of variation in topology in our framework is solved by the manual model transformation in the computer-aided design module which creates a new metamodel of products with the desired topology and which is the basis for a further, automatic model transformation. Usage of our framework has a positive effect on the level of the product customizations and shortening of the leading time which helps OKP companies in obtaining a better position at the market. Our software solution for the designing and manufacturing of custom windows and doors based on our framework is implemented in more than 300 mostly small- and medium-sized enterprises. It proves our concept which can be used for the realization of the information systems for computer-aided one-of-a-kind production in the companies with a different production plan.     

Multiphysics Modelling of Stone Wool Fire Resistance

Fire Technology - In fire resistance tests, stone wool’s organic matter undergoes exothermic oxidative reactions sustained by external heat, causing mass transfer in the structure. The...     

Dynamic modeling of a multiple hearth furnace for kaolin calcination

A dynamic model of a multiple hearth kaolin calciner has been developed and is presented in this article. This model describes the physical‐chemical phenomena taking place in the six furnace parts: the solid phase, gas phase, walls, cooling air, rabble arms, and the central shaft. The solid phase movement, in particular, is described by a novel mixing model. The mixing model divides the solid bed in a hearth into volumes and the distribution of their contents, after one full central shaft rotation, is identified by the pilot experiments. First, the model is validated by the industrial data, and then the dynamics of the multiple hearth furnace is studied by introducing step changes to the three manipulated variables: the feed rate, and the gas, and air flows supplied. The responses of the gas phase temperature and solid bed component profiles are analysed and the results are discussed. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 3683–3698, 2015     

Latency, activation, and binding proteins of TGF-beta

The TGF-beta superfamily of growth factors consists of an increasing number of different polypeptide modulators of cell growth, differentiation, and morphogenesis. Three mammalian isoforms have been molecularly cloned. Numerous ways to regulate the expression of the TGF-beta genes have been identified. TGF-betas are, for example, subject to regulation by retinoids, steroid hormones, and vitamin D. A characteristic feature in the biology of TGF-betas is that they are usually secreted from cells in latent forms. The large latent complex consists of the small latent complex (TGF-beta and its propeptide) and a high molecular weight protease resistant binding protein, latent TGF-beta binding protein (LTBP). LTBPs are required for the proper folding and secretion of TGF-beta. TGF-beta is not just secreted from cultured cells but is deposited via LTBPs to the pericellular space, namely to the extracellular matrix. Release of these complexes and activation by proteases is under tight regulation and provides a means to rapidly increase local concentrations of TGF-beta. Biological events, where enhanced or focal proteolysis and activation of latent TGF-beta takes place, include cell invasion, tissue remodeling, and wound healing.     

Intelligent transport systems and effects on road traffic accidents: state of the art

The results from several reviews have been presented and the aspects of road safety associated with intelligent transport systems (ITS) applications have been addressed. The attempt is to make a state-of-the-art regarding effects on accidents by categorising systems according to levels of evaluations methods that have been applied. These categories are effects on behaviour, effects on accidents by proxy/surrogate methods, accident studies from real traffic, effects on accident types and finally by meta-analysis where weighted estimates of effects on accidents can be calculated. Thirty-three IT systems including driver assistance systems/advanced driver assistance systems, in-vehicle information systems, in-vehicle data-collection systems and road telematics have been listed. Effects based on meta-analysis are estimated for 11 systems, and single accident studies are found for an additional 2 systems. For the remaining 20 systems, no studies from real road traffic have been identified. Effects on accidents of antilocking brake systems and electronic stability control (ESC) are presented in more detail according to their effects on certain accident types. ESC appears to be very efficient in reducing the number of accidents. Behavioural adaptations to ITS are considered and discussed, especially in terms of compensation mechanisms. Four hypotheses regarding prediction of effects on accidents are stated according to whether systems increase or decrease 'windows of opportunities' by calling upon a driver behaviour model where emotions play a central role