Direct Calculation of Average and Marginal Costs From the Productive Structure of an Energy System

1995 ◽  
Vol 117 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Lazzaretto ◽  
A. Macor
Keyword(s):  
Unit Cost ◽  
Direct Calculation ◽  
Optimization Methods ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Marginal Costs ◽  
Unit Costs ◽  
Average Unit ◽  
Productive Structure ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Direct Inspection

Most of the thermoeconomic accounting and optimization methods for energy systems are based upon a definition of the productive purpose for each component. On the basis of this definition, a productive structure of the system can be defined in which the interactions among the components are described by their fuel product. The aim of this work is to calculate marginal and average unit costs of the exergy flows starting from their definitions by a direct inspection of the productive structure. As a main result, it is noticed that the only differences between marginal and average unit cost equations are located in the capital cost terms of input-output cost balance equations of the components.

A Tool for Thermoeconomic Analysis and Optimization of Gas, Steam, and Combined Plants

1997 ◽  
Vol 119 (4) ◽  
pp. 885-892 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Agazzani ◽  
A. F. Massardo
Keyword(s):  
Cost Model ◽  
Optimization Technique ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Physical Structure ◽  
Capital Cost ◽  
Marginal Costs ◽  
Electricity Cost ◽  
Combined Cycles ◽  
Thermodynamic Variables ◽  
Definition Of

The aim of this work is to demonstrate the capability of an original “modular” simulator tool for the thermoeconomic analysis of thermal-energy systems. The approach employed is based on the Thermoeconomic Functional Analysis (T.F.A.), which, through definition of the “functional productive diagram” and the establishment of the capital cost function of each component, allows the marginal costs and the unit product costs, i.e., the “internal economy,” of the functional exergy flows to be obtained in correspondence to the optimum point. The optimum design of the system is obtained utilizing a traditional optimization technique, which includes both physical structure of the energy system described in terms of thermodynamic variables and cost model (capital cost of the components, maintenance and amortization factors, unit fuel cost, unit electricity cost, etc.). As an application example to show the practicability of the tool, the thermoeconomic analysis of various complex multipressure combined cycles (with or without steam reheating) is carried out. The results are analyzed and discussed in depth.

Hotel and Dependency Costs of Residents in Old People's Homes

1978 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bleddyn Davies ◽  
Martin R. J. Knapp
Keyword(s):  
Residential Care ◽  
Capital Investment ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Marginal Costs ◽  
Unit Costs ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Average Unit ◽  
Short Run ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Old People's Homes

AbstractA comparison of costs to the organization of alternative forms of care requires estimates for similar types of client. The degree of dependency is the main characteristic in which comparability is necessary with regard to services for the aged. This paper presents estimates of the costs incurred in providing residential care for clients of four degrees of incapacity for self-care – the capacity implicit in Bevan's residential hotel model of the old people's home, and three progressively more severe states of dependency. The estimates are for two cost concepts – average (unit) costs and marginal costs (the cost of caring for an additional person). The paper also estimates both long-run costs (costs that it is appropriate to take into account in decisions in which capital investment in new plant is being considered), and short-run costs (costs that it is appropriate to consider when the issue is the allocation of existing capacity between client groups). It also examines the consequences of the size of the home with regard to costs. Inter alia the paper shows:(a) that the size of home beyond which costs do not fall with scale provides for as many as fifty places (equivalent to an average daily census of forty-six residents); and(b) that, although the dependency components of costs are much smaller than the hotel components, dependency costs are large enough for it to be important to base comparisons of alternative forms of care on estimates of costs for clients which are comparable with respect to dependency.

A Statistical Estimation of an Operating Cost Function for Municipal Refuse Collection

1976 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry M. Kitchen
Keyword(s):  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Unit Cost ◽  
Operating Cost ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Refuse Collection ◽  
Unit Costs ◽  
Average Unit ◽  
Municipal Refuse

This study is both an attempt to isolate those factors which contribute to the variation in average unit costs of collecting refuse and an attempt to examine the extent to which economies of scale exist. The model employed states that the average per capita cost to a municipality is a function of five categories of factors. Within the categories, a number of variables were postulated to have some significant effect on the per unit cost. However, the unavailability of some data and lack of variation in other data reduced the actual model so that in the final analysis ten variables were found to significantly affect costs. The results from the sample indicated that average costs increased in municipalities with populations of up to 324,000 and only began to fall when cities exceeded this size. A number of other variables exerted in one direction or another a significant effect on costs. A further statistical analysis of this sort may prove to be rather fruitless. What is perhaps needed is a more in-depth descriptive analysis of the institutional implications of the factors affecting the whole operation of refuse collection.

A Tool for Thermoeconomic Analysis and Optimization of Gas, Steam and Combined Plants

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Agazzani ◽  
A. F. Massardo
Keyword(s):  
Cost Model ◽  
Optimization Technique ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Physical Structure ◽  
Capital Cost ◽  
Marginal Costs ◽  
Electricity Cost ◽  
Combined Cycles ◽  
Thermodynamic Variables ◽  
Definition Of

The aim of this work is to demonstrate the capability of an original “modular” simulator tool for the thermoeconomic analysis of thermal-energy systems. The approach employed is based on the Thermoeconomic Functional Analysis (T.F.A.) which, through definition of the “functional productive diagram“ and the establishment of the capital cost function of each component, allows the marginal costs and the unit product costs, i.e. the “internal economy“, of the functional exergy flows to be obtained in correspondence to the optimum point. The optimum design of the system is obtained utilizing a traditional optimization technique which includes both physical structure of the energy system described in terms of thermodynamic variables and cost model (capital cost of the components, maintenance and amortization factors, unit fuel cost, unit electricity cost, etc.). As an application example to show the practicability of the tool, the thermoeconomic analysis of various complex multi-pressure combined cycles (with or without steam reheating) is carried out. The results are analyzed and discussed in depth.

scholarly journals Extended Increasing Cost Tree Search for Non-Unit Cost Domains

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thayne T. Walker ◽  
Nathan R. Sturtevant ◽  
Ariel Felner
Keyword(s):  
Search Algorithm ◽  
Unit Cost ◽  
Tree Search ◽  
Optimal Solutions ◽  
Time Step ◽  
Unit Costs ◽  
Movement Models ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Tree Search Algorithm

Multi-agent pathfinding (MAPF) has applications in navigation, robotics, games and planning. Most work on search-based optimal algorithms for MAPF has focused on simple domains with unit cost actions and unit time steps. Although these constraints keep many aspects of the algorithms simple, they also severely limit the domains that can be used. In this paper we introduce a new definition of the MAPF problem for non-unit cost and non-unit time step domains along with new multiagent state successor generation schemes for these domains. Finally, we define an extended version of the increasing cost tree search algorithm (ICTS) for non-unit costs, with two new sub-optimal variants of ICTS: epsilon-ICTS and w-ICTS. Our experiments show that higher quality sub-optimal solutions are achievable in domains with finely discretized movement models in no more time than lower-quality, optimal solutions in domains with coarsely discretized movement models.

Analysis of unit costs at the Polish international truck freight transport companies in 2019 - eastern markets

2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-12
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Zysińska ◽  
Ewa Kamińska ◽  
Maciej Menes
Keyword(s):  
Cost Analysis ◽  
Freight Transport ◽  
Statistical Characteristics ◽  
Economic Research ◽  
Previous Period ◽  
Graphic Form ◽  
Unit Costs ◽  
Average Unit ◽  
Heavy Goods Vehicles

The article represents the next part of the periodical publications of the Department of Economic Research in the field of cost analysis of the Polish international freight transport companies. It summarises and makes comparative assessments of the average unit costs of these companies for the 2019 in relation to the results of the previous period. The survey involved carriers operating on the Eastern markets. The article presents the statistical characteristics of the entities surveyed, taking into account their size, determined based on the number of the fleet’s heavy goods vehicles operated. It also shows how, the average costs of one vehicle-kilometre (veh-km) of mileage for a truck above 12.0 Mg GVW, are shaped, according to the size of the companies and taking into account the destinations of transport. The generic costs structure of the companies examined, has also been analysed. Presented in the tabular and graphic form is the evolution of unit costs for both 2019 and the whole 2009-2019 period.

scholarly journals Heterogeneity in Average Cost per Patient with type 2 Diabetes at Primary Health Facilities in Mexico: Comparing Comprehensive Diabetes Management Medical Offices with General Practice

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Arantxa Colchero ◽  
Rousellinne Gómez ◽  
Ruy López-Ridaura ◽  
Daniel López-Hernández ◽  
Iyari Sánchez-Díaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Diabetes Care ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Unit Cost ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Patient Knowledge ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Unit Costs ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Primary Health Facilities

Abstract Background. Despite the high health and financial burden imposed by diabetes in Mexico, few studies have estimated the cost per patient treated. The objective of this study was to estimate the average annual cost per patient (unit cost) with diabetes among 60 primary health facilities in Mexico comparing comprehensive diabetes management medical offices (MIDE) and those from general practice (Non-MIDE). Methods. We described the variation in unit costs across these two types of medical offices and explored factors associated. Unit costs were the sum of staff, medications, laboratory tests, and equipment. We show descriptive statistics to analyze the heterogeneity of unit costs, and the distribution of total costs by input and the distribution of staff costs by personnel all by medical office. We estimated a multivariate linear regression model to explore factors associated with the unit costs. Results. Unit costs vary from $267.2 USD in Non-MIDE offices to $410.6 for MIDE. Unit costs were negatively associated with scale, Non-MIDE offices, medical competence, patient knowledge of diabetes and positively associated with comorbidities. Conclusions. Results from this study might help design more efficient programs for diabetes care in primary health facilities to reduce the burden of diabetes in the system. Investing in staff training and educational interventions to increase patient knowledge of diabetes could be promising interventions to reduce diabetes care costs in primary care settings.

Simulation und Optimierung kombiniert/A simulation-based framework for operational optimization of industrial energy systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 110 (01-02) ◽  
pp. 12-17
Author(s):  
Niklas Panten ◽  
Heiko Ranzau ◽  
Thomas Kohne ◽  
Daniel Moog ◽  
Eberhard Abele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Data ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Decisive Role ◽  
Optimization Methods ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Significant Cost ◽  
Operational Optimization ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Industrial Energy

Die optimierte Betriebsweise von industriellen Energiesystemen ist eine Schlüsseltechnologie, um signifikante Kosteneinsparpotenziale durch Steigerung der Energieeffizienz und -flexibilität zu heben. Weil dabei eine Vielzahl dynamischer und stochastischer Einflüsse berücksichtigt werden müssen, spielt die Simulation des Energiesystems eine entscheidende Rolle. Zur Evaluierung unterschiedlicher Betriebsoptimierungsverfahren wird ein simulationsgestütztes Framework vorgestellt, welches bei KI (Künstliche Intelligenz)-Algorithmen unter anderem für das Anlernen mit synthetischen Daten verwendet werden kann.   The optimized operation of industrial energy systems is a key technology to unlock significant cost savings by increasing energy efficiency and flexibility. Since a variety of dynamic and stochastic influences must be considered, the simulation of the energy system plays a decisive role. A simulation-based framework is presented for evaluating various operational optimization methods, which can also be used for learning based on synthetic data with AI (artificial intelligence) algorithms.

scholarly journals Reply to Nicholson's comment on "Consistent calculation of aquatic gross production from oxygen triple isotope measurements" by Kaiser (2011)

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2921-2933 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Kaiser ◽  
O. Abe
Keyword(s):  
Isotope Fractionation ◽  
Direct Calculation ◽  
Original Data ◽  
Delta Method ◽  
Base Case ◽  
Calculation Methods ◽  
Input Parameters ◽  
Net To Gross ◽  
Number Of Publications ◽  
Definition Of

Abstract. The comment by Nicholson (2011a) questions the "consistency" of the "definition" of the "biological end-member" used by Kaiser (2011a) in the calculation of oxygen gross production. "Biological end-member" refers to the relative oxygen isotope ratio difference between photosynthetic oxygen and Air-O2 (abbreviated 17δP and 18δP for 17O/16O and 18O/16O, respectively). The comment claims that this leads to an overestimate of the discrepancy between previous studies and that the resulting gross production rates are "30% too high". Nicholson recognises the improved accuracy of Kaiser's direct calculation ("dual-delta") method compared to previous approximate approaches based on 17O excess (17Δ) and its simplicity compared to previous iterative calculation methods. Although he correctly points out that differences in the normalised gross production rate (g) are largely due to different input parameters used in Kaiser's "base case" and previous studies, he does not acknowledge Kaiser's observation that iterative and dual-delta calculation methods give exactly the same g for the same input parameters (disregarding kinetic isotope fractionation during air-sea exchange). The comment is based on misunderstandings with respect to the "base case" 17δP and 18δP values. Since direct measurements of 17δP and 18δPdo not exist or have been lost, Kaiser constructed the "base case" in a way that was consistent and compatible with literature data. Nicholson showed that an alternative reconstruction of 17δP gives g values closer to previous studies. However, unlike Nicholson, we refrain from interpreting either reconstruction as a benchmark for the accuracy of g. A number of publications over the last 12 months have tried to establish which of these two reconstructions is more accurate. Nicholson draws on recently revised measurements of the relative 17O/16O difference between VSMOW and Air-O2 (17δVSMOW; Barkan and Luz, 2011), together with new measurements of photosynthetic isotope fractionation, to support his comment. However, our own measurements disagree with these revised 17δVSMOW values. If scaled for differences in 18δVSMOW, they are actually in good agreement with the original data (Barkan and Luz, 2005) and support Kaiser's "base case" g values. The statement that Kaiser's g values are "30% too high" can therefore not be accepted, pending future work to reconcile different 17δVSMOW measurements. Nicholson also suggests that approximated calculations of gross production should be performed with a triple isotope excess defined as 17Δ#≡ ln (1+17δ)–λ ln(1+18δ), with λ = θR = ln(1+17ϵR ) / ln(1+18ϵR). However, this only improves the approximation for certain 17δP and 18δP values, for certain net to gross production ratios (f) and for certain ratios of gross production to gross Air-O2 invasion (g). In other cases, the approximated calculation based on 17Δ† ≡17δ – κ 18δ with κ = γR = 17ϵR/18ϵR (Kaiser, 2011a) gives more accurate results.

scholarly journals Financial Analysis of 18kW Solar Photovoltaic Baidi Microgrid at Baidi, Tanahun, Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 229-236
Author(s):  
Sanjaya Neupane ◽  
Ajay Kumar Jha ◽  
Anirudh Prasad Sah
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Financial Analysis ◽  
Unit Cost ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Solar Photovoltaic ◽  
Cost Of Electricity ◽  
Average Unit ◽  
Micro Grid

 This study presents financial evaluation of 18 kW solar photovoltaic powered Baidi Micro Grid implemented by Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC) in Dubung village, Rising Gaupalika, Tanahun district of Nepal. The grid is built and is operational under Baidi Micro Grid Pvt. Ltd, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established under “Pro-Poor Public Private Partnership (5P)” concept supported by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) & International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). It is pilot project under 5P concept in Nepal. People from Dubung and Mauribas village as well as Saral Urja Nepal Pvt Ltd (SUN) jointly owns the SPV strengthening not only technical, managerial and financial support but also the community participation and engagement in all decision making process. The total cost of the project is NPR 13,395,000.00 at 2015 AD. The grant for the project was of value NPR 11,295,000.00 from AEPC, IFAD and UNESCAP and remaining was equity of SUN. The net present value of NPR -10,978,605.76 is obtained at 3% discount rate due to unavoidable replacement cost of batteries, charge controllers, inverters and high initial investment without the consideration of the grant amount. Whereas, with 84.32% utilization of available grant, the NPV worth of NPR 384,394.22 is obtained for the project. In breakeven analysis, a breakeven point of the project is obtained at 81.87% utilization of the grant. Without grant, project like Baidi Micro Grid will not sustain. In addition, average unit cost of electricity is found to be NPR 37.08 but it varied from NPR 16.67 to NPR 80.81. Household consuming more electricity has to pay less unit cost of electricity whereas household consuming less electricity had to pay higher unit cost of electricity.

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