scholarly journals An Optimization-Based System Dynamics Simulation for Sustainable Policy Design in WEEE Management Systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 11377
Author(s):  
Camilo Llerena-Riascos ◽  
Sebastián Jaén ◽  
Jairo Rafael Montoya-Torres ◽  
Juan G. Villegas

The increase in the use of electrical and electronic devices worldwide has created a rapid growth of waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The current paper presents an optimization-based simulation (OBS) approach that allows the design of sustainable WEEE management system policies. The proposed OBS approach integrates a system dynamics (SD) model and a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model to improve the representation and performance of the WEEE processes considering their operative and strategic interdependence. The SD component elicits the complexity of the WEEE generation process. Complementarily, the MINLP model periodically optimizes key variables of the WEEE management system. Computational results in a case study based on WEEE from Colombian mobile phones illustrates how an approach solely based on SD simulation is unable to capture the operative-strategic nature of the system and perform optimal parameter updates. By contrast, the OBS approach of this paper outperforms an exclusive SD analysis both in the economic and environmental performance of the system. It obtains 33% more profits and 65% more environmental benefits. Moreover, for this case study, the model suggests that the cornerstone of the WEEE management system for increasing its performance is the replacement rate.

Author(s):  
Asmeret Bier

Thermal water quality trading markets give point source thermal polluters the option to comply with effluent restrictions by paying nearby landowners to plant shade trees. The shade trees cool the water, offsetting thermal pollution emitted by the point source. Thermal trading has the potential to create greater environmental benefits at a lower cost than traditional regulation, however; only one such program has been implemented to date in the United States. In this regard, a shift in potential stakeholders’ perceptions of these markets could be useful in allowing the markets to spread. This paper explains why system dynamics modeling is a useful tool for creating such a shift in perception, and describes a method of teaching participants about thermal trading. The method begins with a classroom simulation exercise, uses lessons from that exercise to create a model of a thermal trading market, and uses that model to conduct policy design and uncertainty analyses.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Farimah Mokhatab Rafiei ◽  
Maryam Mofarrahi ◽  
Syed Ahmad Helmi ◽  
Masoud Rahiminezhad Galankashi

2010 ◽  
Vol 97-101 ◽  
pp. 2459-2464
Author(s):  
Zhang Yong Hu ◽  
Qiang Su ◽  
Jun Liu ◽  
Hai Xia Yang

A large-scale powder-painting scheduling problem is explored. The purpose is to find out the optimal sequence of a number of batches that dynamically arrive from upstream processes within a given scheduling horizon. The objective is to enhance the production efficiency and decrease the production cost as well. To solve this problem, a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model is constructed and an algorithm called greedy randomized adaptive search procedure (GRASP) is designed. Case studies demonstrate that the proposed approach can improve the production performance significantly.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 148-173
Author(s):  
Zihao Jiao ◽  
Lun Ran ◽  
Xin Liu ◽  
Yuli Zhang ◽  
Robin G. Qiu

Because electric vehicle sharing (EVS) offers the advantages of high flexibility and convenience, it has been receiving increasing attention worldwide as an effective approach to easing traffic congestion and environmental pollution. However, unbalanced electric vehicle distribution is an obstacle in the development of EVS. In this paper, we propose an integrated strategy to mitigate the imbalance issue and enhance customers’ adoption of EVS. We construct an integrated strategy that combines the price-incentive approach with the trip-selection policy and models uncertain travel demand in a continuous trip-adopting process based on our integrated strategy. Aiming to improve EVS operating profits, we apply spatiotemporal nonlinear mixed-integer programming to formulate the travel pricing and rebalancing plan. Additionally, we approximate the model in a tractable form after analyzing the optimal service adoption and develop an efficient exact algorithm to handle the nonlinear items. The computational results of a real-world car2go Amsterdam case study demonstrate several economic and environmental benefits generated by our integrated policy, including (i) higher profits for EVS operators, (ii) improved service satisfaction for consumers, and (iii) a higher level of carbon emissions reduction, from 381 grams per mile to 225 grams per mile, beneficial for the social environment. Moreover, according to the case study, an appropriate initial fleet size, high rebalancing frequency, low labor cost, high potential travel demands, and short charging time also benefit EVS operation.


Author(s):  
Xueping Dou ◽  
Xiucheng Guo

This paper proposes a schedule coordination method for last train service in an urban rail transit system. The method offsets and perturbs the original train schedule to reduce transfer failures across different lines, and it considers the effect of schedule adjustments. The proposed problem is formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model. The MINLP model is equivalently transformed into a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model that can be exactly solved by commercial optimization solvers. A case study based on the mass rapid transit system in Singapore was conducted. The results of the case study indicate that the train schedule that is coordinated by the developed model is capable of substantially improving operational connectivity. Therefore, the model proposed in this study can be employed as a viable tool to assist with the coordination of train schedules for public transport operators.


2004 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Karagiannidis ◽  
G. Perkoulidis ◽  
N. Moussiopoulos ◽  
M. Chrysochoou

The present paper addresses the problem of locating solid waste management facilities.Specifically, it studies and proposes optimal alternative solutions for the Greek Region of Peloponnese,by examining facilities for transferring, sorting, treating and landfilling of wastes. Quantitative and qualitative databases concerning the current solid waste management at the Region have been created and used by the model. A customized mixed-integer linear network model has been developed and solved for various evaluation criteria on a single-criterion basis by the use of a location-allocation modeling framework.The solutions resulting from the parametrical application of the multicriterial method ELECTRE III are then ranked for the entire criteria-spectrum. The best alternative scenario is presented for the Region in accordance with current legislation on waste management, which maximizes environmental benefits and promotes recycling, in the frame of sustainable waste management.


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