Saving Fuel in Large-Bore Natural Gas Engines Using Cylinder-by-Cylinder Electronic Fuel Control: A Case Study

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
James J. McCoy
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Efficiency ◽  
Load Condition ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Fuel System ◽  
Efficient Manner ◽  
Natural Gas Engines ◽  
Modern Computer ◽  
Software Algorithms ◽  
Computer Controlled

This paper describes the method used to retrofit a modern, computer-controlled fuel system to older, large-bore pipeline engines in order to improve the reliability of the engine, while also improving the fuel efficiency of the engine. In cases where the engines run in off-load condition (and many do), it is possible to improve fuel efficiency by from five to twenty-five percent, and the engine runs much smoother, reducing the mechanical stress on the engine. This system does not require expensive fuel valves that can withstand the heat and pressure of the combustion chamber, and thus is much more cost effective. With the developed software algorithms, the computer decides when, and how many, cylinders to disable, and when to reactivate. Of the approximately eight thousand low-speed, non-turbocharged stationary engines in pipeline service in North America, approximately half could benefit from this system, and will enable these engines to run for many more years in a much more efficient manner.

Leveraging Objects for Mission-Critical Applications

1999 ◽  
pp. 224-234
Author(s):  
Mahesh S. Raisinghani ◽  
Bruce Adams
Keyword(s):  
Financial Services ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Distributed Objects ◽  
Efficient Manner ◽  
Client Server ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Major Metropolitan Area ◽  
Mission Critical ◽  
Object Oriented Systems

This case study is based on an enterprise-wide consulting project for a financial services firm in a major metropolitan area of the southwest United States. This case addresses the underlying principles (i.e., techniques and processes) and real-world practical application of object orientation (O-O). The objectives of this case study are to reinforce the student’s foundation in fundamental OO concepts, to provide an in-depth example of the application of O-O analysis and design techniques and formalisms and to enable the student to transfer this knowledge to the student’s actual work. The merit of the development process described here, Compass, is that it presents a repeatable process for delivery of client server architectures, object oriented systems, and distributed objects and components. It helps manage three interdependent variables common to most projects, i.e., deliverables, resources, and time, in a cost effective and efficient manner. The concept behind Compass is to integrate the best-proven solutions currently available, drawing upon several best-ofbreed approaches used within the Information Services industry.

scholarly journals Improving Business Performance by Employing Virtualization Technology: A Case Study in the Financial Sector

Computers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Georgios Lambropoulos ◽  
Sarandis Mitropoulos ◽  
Christos Douligeris
Keyword(s):  
Business Performance ◽  
Financial Institution ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Service Level ◽  
It Services ◽  
Efficient Manner ◽  
It Departments ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Modern Technologies

The financial crisis of the last decade has left many financial institutions with limited personnel and equipment resources. Thus, the IT departments of these institutions are being asked to explore novel approaches to resolve these constraints in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The goal of this paper is to measure the impact of modern enabling technologies, such as virtualization, in the process of replacing legacy infrastructures. This paper proposes an IT services upgrade plan approach for an organization by using modern technologies. For this purpose, research took place in an operating financial institution, which required a significant upgrade of both its service-level and its hardware infrastructure. A virtualization implementation and deployment assessment for the entire infrastructure was conducted and the resulting consolidated data are presented and analysed. The paper concludes with a five-year financial-based evaluation of the proposed approach with respect to the projection of expenditures, the return of investment and profitability.

Analysis of the Rotating Arc Spark Plug in a Natural Gas Engine

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Tassitano ◽  
James E. Parks
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Fuel Efficiency ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Combustion Stability ◽  
Engine Operation ◽  
Gas Engine ◽  
Natural Gas Engines ◽  
Natural Gas Engine ◽  
Spark Plug ◽  
Rotating Arc

Large natural gas engines are durable and cost-effective generators of power for distributed energy applications. Fuel efficiency is an important aspect of distributed generation since operating costs associated with fuel consumption are the major component of energy cost on a life-cycle basis; furthermore, higher fuel efficiency results in lower CO2 emissions. Leaner operation of natural gas engines can result in improved fuel efficiency; however, engine operation becomes challenging at leaner air-to-fuel ratios due to several factors. One factor in combustion control is ignition. At lean air-fuel mixtures, reliable and repeatable ignition is necessary to maintain consistent power production from the engine, and spark plug quality and durability play an important role in reliability of ignition. Here research of a novel spark plug design for lean natural gas engines is presented. The spark plug is an annular gap spark plug with a permanent magnet that produces a magnetic field that forces the spark to rotate during spark discharge. The rotating arc spark plug (RASP) has the potential to improve ignition system reliability and durability. In the study presented here, the RASP plug was operated in a small natural gas engine, and combustion stability (measured by the coefficient of variation of indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP)) was measured as a function of air-to-fuel ratio to characterize the ignition performance at lean mixtures. Comparisons were made to a standard J-plug spark plug.

Authoritarianism and anonymity

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 19-27
Author(s):  
Michael Heron ◽  
Pauline Belford
Keyword(s):  
Computer Ethics ◽  
Teaching Tool ◽  
Academic Context ◽  
Modern Computer ◽  
Culture Of Fear ◽  
Multiple Groups ◽  
The University ◽  
Witch Hunts

The Scandal in Academia [32] [33] [34] [35] is an extended fictional case-study intended for use as a teaching and discussion aid for educational practitioners looking to introduce elements of computer ethics into their curricula. Inspired by Epstein [17] [18] it is a full-cycle scenario involving many individuals which touches upon the complexity and interrelations of modern computer ethics. It has been trailed and evaluated as a teaching tool by the authors [36] and with multiple groups since then. However its utility as a general resource is limited without the academic context that supports deeper investigation of the material. It is to address this issue that the authors offer this commentary on the Scandal, with a focus on the ninth and tenth newspaper items presented within. Specifically these are Culture of Fear and Nepotism at University and Witch-Hunts at the University - IT Crackdown Causes Criticisms.

scholarly journals Design Optimization of Explosion-Resistant System Consisting of Steel Slab and CFRP Frame

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 2589
Author(s):  
Jung J. Kim
Keyword(s):  
Hybrid System ◽  
Impact Load ◽  
Load Condition ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Dynamic Responses ◽  
Elastoplastic Behavior ◽  
Reinforced Polymer ◽  
Steel Slab ◽  
Strength Material

This study presents an explosion-resistant hybrid system containing a steel slab and a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) frame. CFRP, which is a high-strength material, acts as an impact reflection part. Steel slab, which is a high-ductility material, plays a role as an impact energy absorption part. Based on the elastoplastic behavior of steel, a numerical model is proposed to simulate the dynamic responses of the hybrid system under the air pressure from an explosion. Based on this, a case study is conducted to analyze and identify the optimal design of the proposed hybrid system, which is subjected to an impact load condition. The observations from the case study show the optimal thicknesses of 8.2 and 7 mm for a steel slab and a ϕ100 mm CFRP pipe for the hybrid system, respectively. In addition, the ability of the proposed hybrid system to resist an uncertain explosion is demonstrated in the case study based on the reliability methodology.

The socio-spatial politics of royalties and their distribution: A case study of the Surat Basin, Queensland

2021 ◽  
pp. 0308518X2110266
Author(s):  
Neil Argent ◽  
Sean Markey ◽  
Greg Halseth ◽  
Laura Ryser ◽  
Fiona Haslam-McKenzie
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Energy Extraction ◽  
Grant Application ◽  
Coal Seam Gas ◽  
Spatial Politics ◽  
Developmental Needs ◽  
Development Fund ◽  
Effective Use

This paper is concerned with the socio-spatial and ethical politics of redistribution, specifically the allocation of natural resources rents from political and economic cores to the economic and geographical peripheries whence the resource originated. Based on a case study of the coal seam gas sector in Queensland's Surat Basin, this paper focuses on the operation of the Queensland State Government's regional development fund for mining and energy extraction-affected regions. Employing an environmental justice framework, we critically explore the operation of these funds in ostensibly helping constituent communities in becoming resilient to the worst effects of the ‘staples trap’. Drawing on secondary demographic and housing data for the region, as well as primary information collected from key respondents from mid-2018 to early 2019, we show that funds were distributed across all of the local government areas, and allocated to projects and places primarily on a perceived economic needs basis. However, concerns were raised with the probity of the funds’ administration. In terms of recognition justice, the participation of smaller and more remote towns and local Indigenous communities was hampered by their structural marginalisation. Procedurally, the funds were criticised for the lack of local consultation taken in the development and approval of projects. While spatially concentrated expenditure may be the most cost-effective use of public monies, we argue that grant application processes should be open, transparent and inclusive, and the outcomes cognisant of the developmental needs of smaller communities, together with the need to foster regional solidarity and coherence.

scholarly journals The DWQ-EMR Embedded Tool to Enhance the Family Physician-Caregiver Connection: A Pilot Case Study

Geriatrics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Kristina Marie Kokorelias ◽  
Einat Danieli ◽  
Sheila Dunn ◽  
Sid Feldman ◽  
David Patrick Ryan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Efficient Manner ◽  
Efficient Access ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
To Receive

The number of family caregivers to individuals with dementia is increasing. Family physicians are often the first point of access to the health care system for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Caregivers are at an increased risk of developing negative physical, cognitive and affective health problems themselves. Caregivers also describe having unmet needs to help them sustain care in the community. Family physicians are in a unique position to help support caregivers and individuals with dementia, but often struggle with keeping up with best practice dementia service knowledge. The Dementia Wellness Questionnaire was designed to serve as a starting point for discussions between caregivers and family physicians by empowering caregivers to communicate their needs and concerns and to enhance family physicians’ access to specific dementia support information. The DWQ aims to alert physicians of caregiver and patient needs. This pilot study aimed to explore the experiences of physicians and caregivers of people using the Questionnaire in two family medicine clinics in Ontario, Canada. Interviews with physicians and caregivers collected data on their experiences using the DWQ following a 10-month data gathering period. Data was analyzed using content analysis. Results indicated that family physicians may have an improved efficacy in managing dementia by having dementia care case specific guidelines integrated within electronic medical records. By having time-efficient access to tailored supports, family physicians can better address the needs of the caregiver–patient dyad and help support family caregivers in their caregiving role. Caregivers expressed that the Questionnaire helped them remember concerns to bring up with physicians, in order to receive help in a more efficient manner.

scholarly journals Toward Decentralised Sanitary Sewage Collection Systems: A Multiobjective Approach for Cost-Effective and Resilient Designs

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 1886
Author(s):  
Arezoo Zahediasl ◽  
Amin E. Bakhshipour ◽  
Ulrich Dittmer ◽  
Ali Haghighi
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Optimization Approach ◽  
Hydraulic Design ◽  
Multiobjective Approach ◽  
Layout Generation ◽  
Plant Allocation ◽  
Problem Solving Process

In recent years, the concept of a centralized drainage system that connect an entire city to one single treatment plant is increasingly being questioned in terms of the costs, reliability, and environmental impacts. This study introduces an optimization approach based on decentralization in order to develop a cost-effective and sustainable sewage collection system. For this purpose, a new algorithm based on the growing spanning tree algorithm is developed for decentralized layout generation and treatment plant allocation. The trade-off between construction and operation costs, resilience, and the degree of centralization is a multiobjective problem that consists of two subproblems: the layout of the networks and the hydraulic design. The innovative characteristics of the proposed framework are that layout and hydraulic designs are solved simultaneously, three objectives are optimized together, and the entire problem solving process is self-adaptive. The model is then applied to a real case study. The results show that finding an optimum degree of centralization could reduce not only the network’s costs by 17.3%, but could also increase its structural resilience significantly compared to fully centralized networks.

An application of Austrian legal requirements for CSO emissions

2011 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 1081-1088 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manfred Kleidorfer ◽  
Wolfgang Rauch
Keyword(s):  
Model Calibration ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Combined Sewer Overflows ◽  
Sewer System ◽  
Legal Requirements ◽  
Innovative Methods ◽  
Combined Sewer

The Austrian standard for designing combined sewer overflow (CSO) detention basins introduces the efficiency of the combined sewer overflows as an indicator for CSO pollution. Additionally criteria for the ambient water quality are defined, which comprehend six kinds of impacts. In this paper, the Austrian legal requirements are described and discussed by means of hydrological modelling. This is exemplified with the case study Innsbruck (Austria) including a description for model building and model calibration. Furthermore an example is shown in order to demonstrate how – in this case – the overall system performance could be improved by implementing a cost-effective rearrangement of the storage tanks already available at the inflow of the wastewater treatment plant. However, this guideline also allows more innovative methods for reducing CSO emissions as measures for better usage of storage volume or de-centralised treatment of stormwater runoff because it is based on a sewer system simulation.

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