scholarly journals Dynamic simulation methodology for implementing circular economy: A new case study

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 850
Author(s):  
Edna Guevara-Rivera ◽  
Roberto Osorno-Hinojosa ◽  
Victor Zaldivar-Carrillo ◽  
Humberto Perez-Ortiz

Purpose: Circular economy (CE) principles have evolved in response to natural resource depletion as a set of guidelines for eliminating the linear take-use-dispose model of product consumption. The consequences of shifting from a linear to a circular supply chain are difficult to visualize in the long term. This study aims to design a methodology for building a simulation model to implement CE strategies in any small and medium-sized enterprise SME to prove policies before implementing them in the real world. This paper applied the methodology in a biological cycle case study: a confectionery factory in Mexico.Design/methodology/approach: This study evaluated service-dominant logic, ecosystem services, system dynamics, and agent-based modeling to design the proposed methodology. A series of interviews with stakeholders were performed to assess the simulation model during the development phase. The circular economy indicator prototype (CEIP) was used as a circular maturity measure of the confectionery factory. The simulator was executed in Netlogo software, implementing a four-scenario analysis based on two CE policies for the caramel recycling process. Five state variables were proposed in this analysis: confectionery waste, recycled glucose, recycling utilization, costs of recycled glucose, and profit.Findings: The CEIP score of the confectionery factory was 52%, rated as a “good” product. Regarding scenario analysis, the first scenario had the highest profit improvement.Practical implications: The simulator allowed stakeholders to understand the operation of the recycling process and visualize all variables involved in the system.Originality/value: In the CE literature, little attention has been paid to proposing a methodology for designing a simulation model to implement CE strategies in any industry. Thus, this study implements a nine-step methodology based on services context and dynamic simulation tools to design a platform to evaluate and visualize the consequences of CE strategies implementation in the long term.

2018 ◽  
Vol 203 ◽  
pp. 03005
Author(s):  
Idzham Fauzi Mohd Ariff ◽  
Mardhiyah Bakir

A dynamic simulation model was developed, calibrated and validated for a petrochemical plant in Terengganu, Malaysia. Calibration and validation of the model was conducted based on plant monitoring data spanning 3 years resulting in a model accuracy (RMSD) for effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) and total suspended solids (TSS) of ±11.7 mg/L, ±0.52 mg/L and ± 3.27 mg/L respectively. The simulation model has since been used for troubleshooting during plant upsets, planning of plant turnarounds and developing upgrade options. A case study is presented where the simulation model was used to assist in troubleshooting and rectification of a plant upset where ingress of a surfactant compound resulted in high effluent TSS and COD. The model was successfully used in the incident troubleshooting activities and provided critical insights that assisted the plant operators to quickly respond and bring back the system to normal, stable condition.


Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 5228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justyna Tomaszewska

Poland’s economy as the sixth largest economy in the EU is painfully experiencing the effects of natural resource depletion, which extend to increasing prices and the growing dependence on foreign suppliers. The situation is particularly unfavorable in the construction sector, which is among the most resource- and energy-consuming areas of the economy. This paper juxtaposes the situation of Polish construction industry in the context of the national economy with the context of the evolving EU policies promoting green solutions. The resulting changes in Polish legislation, industry and society are identified. The implementation of selected Circular Economy (CE) aspects, outcomes, emerging challenges and future directions are discussed. The social aspects related to this transformation were analyzed based on a survey carried out among construction industry consumers. The results clearly highlight that individuals are aware of the need to protect the environment, but also indicate a strong necessity to educate the populace about the consequences of the excessive exploitation of the environment and the long-term benefits of CE solutions.


Author(s):  
Andrew Hahn ◽  
Timothy Schriener ◽  
Mohamed S. El-Genk

Abstract Enabling transmission of state variables and controller command signals between physics-based model and physical or emulated PLC requires developing fast and synchronous communication interface. This research investigates four methods of interface communication: (a) reading/writing to text files, (b) serial communication, (c) TCP communication, and (d) shared memory. The shared memory interfacing method provides the best performance, reliability, and fidelity. It is validated by linking a representative PLC controller to a Simulink dynamic simulation model of a fully integrated space reactor power system with multiple closed Brayton cycle loops for energy conversion (DynMo-CBC). Transient performance results of the PLC controlled dynamic simulation model are identical to those obtained using the Simulink model with internal control.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 4146
Author(s):  
Jui-Che Tu ◽  
Hsiao-Ching Chan ◽  
Chi-Hsiung Chen

Upon the development of a linear economy, global enterprises are facing resource depletion, ecological collapse, and unsustainable economic growth, and the living environment is facing ordeals as well. Taiwan’s resources are extremely dependent on imports; hence the need for change in the thinking of economic development is arising. The purpose of this study is, based on the concept of circular economy, to discuss the business model and anticipated benefits of Chyhjiun Jewelry Co. Ltd., by using the method of expert interview, participant observation, and method of secondary data collection with the ReSOLVE framework. The results of the study found the developable ReSOLVE business model of the target company Chyhjiun Jewelry in our case study; the ReSOLVE business model includes the use of renewable energy, maintenance and repair services, modular product design, a recovery mechanism, a virtual online shopping platform, and 3D printing technologies. The model established enterprise recycling model as well as the benefits of green management, of which the research results could reduce costs, help the company in exercising its corporate social responsibility, add value to the brand, and generate anticipated benefits arising from other enterprises’ follow-up actions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 2049-2067
Author(s):  
Karmen L. Porter ◽  
Janna B. Oetting ◽  
Loretta Pecchioni

Purpose This study examined caregiver perceptions of their child's language and literacy disorder as influenced by communications with their speech-language pathologist. Method The participants were 12 caregivers of 10 school-aged children with language and literacy disorders. Employing qualitative methods, a collective case study approach was utilized in which the caregiver(s) of each child represented one case. The data came from semistructured interviews, codes emerged directly from the caregivers' responses during the interviews, and multiple coding passes using ATLAS.ti software were made until themes were evident. These themes were then further validated by conducting clinical file reviews and follow-up interviews with the caregivers. Results Caregivers' comments focused on the types of information received or not received, as well as the clarity of the information. This included information regarding their child's diagnosis, the long-term consequences of their child's disorder, and the connection between language and reading. Although caregivers were adept at describing their child's difficulties and therapy goals/objectives, their comments indicated that they struggled to understand their child's disorder in a way that was meaningful to them and their child. Conclusions The findings showed the value caregivers place on receiving clear and timely diagnostic information, as well as the complexity associated with caregivers' understanding of language and literacy disorders. The findings are discussed in terms of changes that could be made in clinical practice to better support children with language and literacy disorders and their families.


Author(s):  
Tamara Merkulova ◽  
Kateryna Kononova ◽  
Olena Titomir

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