Cost-Effective and Stable Policy Optimization Algorithm for Uplift Modeling with Multiple Treatments

Effective utilization of low-enthalpy energy resources in heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) of sustainable buildings require a careful optimization to assure the most economical coupling of HVAC systems with low-enthalpy energy resources. In one of the two separate prior studies an optimization algorithm for the optimal coupling of heat pumps and radiant panel heating and cooling systems was developed. In the second prior study an optimization algorithm for driving ground source heat pumps with wind turbines was developed. In this study these two algorithms were combined for a compound utilization of alternative energy resources. This paper describes the optimization algorithms, emphasizes their importance in achieving a cost effective combined application, and discusses the results obtained from the examples given.

Download Full-text

A Thrust Allocation Method for Efficient Dynamic Positioning of a Semisubmersible Drilling Rig Based on the Hybrid Optimization Algorithm

Mathematical Problems in Engineering ◽

10.1155/2015/183705 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Luman Zhao ◽

Myung-Il Roh

Keyword(s):

Optimization Algorithm ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Hybrid Optimization ◽

Total Power ◽

Drilling Rig ◽

Hybrid Optimization Algorithm ◽

Allocation Method ◽

Design Variables ◽

Total Power Consumption ◽

Thrust Allocation

A thrust allocation method was proposed based on a hybrid optimization algorithm to efficiently and dynamically position a semisubmersible drilling rig. That is, the thrust allocation was optimized to produce the generalized forces and moment required while at the same time minimizing the total power consumption under the premise that forbidden zones should be taken into account. An optimization problem was mathematically formulated to provide the optimal thrust allocation by introducing the corresponding design variables, objective function, and constraints. A hybrid optimization algorithm consisting of a genetic algorithm and a sequential quadratic programming (SQP) algorithm was selected and used to solve this problem. The proposed method was evaluated by applying it to a thrust allocation problem for a semisubmersible drilling rig. The results indicate that the proposed method can be used as part of a cost-effective strategy for thrust allocation of the rig.

Download Full-text

Biotechnology for the Treatment of Pesticide Waste

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.31.4.699c ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

pp. 699c-699

Author(s):

Jeffrey S. Karns

Keyword(s):

Complex Mixture ◽

Cost Effective ◽

High Volume ◽

Organophosphate Insecticide ◽

The Past ◽

Different Types ◽

Number Of Microorganisms ◽

Parathion Hydrolase ◽

Multiple Treatments ◽

The Many

The use of microbes and/or microbial processes for the bioremediation of soils contaminated with pesticides is an idea that has enjoyed considerable interest over the past several years. Many microbes with specific pathways for the degradation of particular pesticides, or classes of pesticide, have been isolated and characterized. Unfortunately, most sites that are heavily contaminated with pesticides contain a mixture of the many different types of pesticides that have been used over the last 5 decades. This complex mixture of compounds may inhibit microbial degradation or may require multiple treatments to assure that all the chemicals are degraded. Treatment of wastes before they contaminate the environment is one way to avoid the problems associated with mixed wastes. We have isolated a number of microorganisms that detoxify insecticides, such as carbaryl of parathion via the action of hydrolase enzymes. These enzymes can be used to treat waste pesticide solutions before disposal. A system was developed for the disposal of one high-volume organophosphate insecticide waste by treatment with parathion hydrolase, followed by ozonation to yield harmless products that were readily degraded by other soil microorganisms. A second method for disposal of this waste involves altering the environmental conditions in the waste to stimulate the growth of microorganisms naturally present in the material utilizing the pesticide as a carbon source. This accomplishes degradation of the material over a 2-week period. Many, if not all, pesticides are degradable to some degree by microorganisms, and this fact can be exploited to provide cost-effective methods for the safe disposal of pesticide wastes.

Download Full-text

Responding to the Wrong-Way Driving Problem with Limited Resources by Optimizing the Placement of Wrong-Way Driving Countermeasure Technologies on Limited Access Facilities

Transportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board ◽

10.1177/0361198119845890 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2673 (7) ◽

pp. 38-49

Author(s):

Adrian Sandt ◽

Haitham Al-Deek ◽

Md Imrul Kayes

Keyword(s):

Optimization Algorithm ◽

Road Network ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Crash Risk ◽

New Approach ◽

Central Florida ◽

Lone Wolf ◽

Limited Access ◽

Toll Road ◽

Reduction Approach

It can be expensive for agencies to deploy wrong-way driving (WWD) countermeasure technologies on limited access facilities. This paper discusses a WWD crash risk (WWCR) reduction approach to help agencies determine the most cost-effective deployment locations. First, a directional WWCR model identifies roadway segments with high WWCR (WWD hotspots), then two optimization algorithms identify individual exits and mainline sections with high WWCR for priority deployment of WWD countermeasure technologies. This new approach was applied to the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) toll road network to determine priority deployment locations for “Wrong Way” signs with Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RFBs). After modeling each direction of the CFX roadways separately, fifteen WWD hotspot segments were identified. WWCR reduction values were calculated for each exit by determining how far wrong-way vehicles travel based on WWD 911 call data. The exit ramp optimization algorithm was then tested for four investment levels using actual RFB deployment costs and real-world constraints. These optimization results could help CFX better utilize its investment by between 9% and 28% compared with only deploying RFBs at exits in the WWD hotspot segments. The mainline optimization algorithm, which considered the WWCR reduction caused by RFBs already deployed at CFX exit ramps, showed that State Road (SR) 408, SR 417, and SR 528 have mainline sections with high WWCR. These results show how the WWCR reduction approach can help agencies identify WWD hotspot segments and high-WWCR exits not in these segments (lone wolf exits), better utilize their investment, and determine mainline sections with high WWCR.

Download Full-text