Volume 3 Issue 1

Authors: Tobias Teich; Marek Kretzschmar; Daniel Kretz; Tim Neumann

Abstract: Networking and automation are fundamental for the implementation of intelligent and energy saving systems in home environments as well as comprehensive smart grids. An enormous variety of available technologies, devices and bus systems create a heterogeneous landscape that is causing a great challenge for the development of versatile and secure software solutions. This article presents our general virtualization approach as a basis for the development of reusable and flexible software components.

Keywords: Building Automation; Virtualization Architecture; Virtual Devices; Energy Efficiency

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Authors: K. Edukondalu; D. M. Vinod Kumar; J. Vijaya Kumar

Abstract: This paper presents a novel methodology based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for the preparation of optimal bidding strategies by power suppliers in a competitive electricity market. The gaming by participants in a competitive electricity market causes electricity market more an oligopoly than a competitive market. In general, Competition implies the opportunities for Generation Companies (Gencos) to get more profit and, in the mean time, the risk of not being dispatched. In this paper each participant can increase their own profit by optimally selecting the bidding parameters using PSO. The proposed method is numerically verified through computer simulations on IEEE 30-bus system consist of six suppliers and two large consumers. The results are compared with Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Monte Carlo method. The Test results indicate that the proposed algorithm maximize profit, converge much faster and more reliable than GA and Monte Carlo method.

Keywords: Market Clearing Price; Optimal Bidding Strategy; Fuzzy Inference; Risk Analysis; Particle Swarm Optimization

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Authors: Ilkka Ruostetsaari

Abstract: Finnish energy policy is characterized by special characteristics in international comparison. Even though the construction of nuclear power plants had almost ceased abroad, here the construction of a new plant was licensed by Parliament in 2002, which was followed by licenses for two reactors in 2010. The purpose of the present study is to discuss, whether Finn’s attitudes on energy-policy have engendered conditions for “big” energy policy decisions which in most countries have been very difficult to make. The empirical analysis of the present study is composed of three parts: citizens’ views on their possibilities to influence energy policy-making through representative democracy and political consumerism; their trust in the energy information produced by various actors, and their normative views on the role of experts and political decision-makers in energy policy-making. The study is based on a postal survey conducted among a random sample (N=4000) representing 18-75-year old Finns in 2007. Finns prefer experts rather than politicians to be in charge of energy policy-making. Research institutions representing scientific expertise were seen by the citizenry the most reliable sources of energy information. On the other hand, individual consumption choices were rated to be more useful than, for instance, voting in elections or contacts with MPs, contacts with authorities and energy-producing companies. Hence, it is evident that the Finnish attitudinal climate has created a fruitful soil for decisions concerning energy policy, especially nuclear power.

Keywords: Energy Policy; Power; Expertise; Political Consumerism; Finland

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Authors: Tanshu Yang; Lei Hu

Abstract: As exterior thermal insulation system in China has been widely employed in energy conservation in buildings, fire disasters have arisen in some places due to the improper use of the exterior insulation materials, which caused serious consequences of injuries, mortality and economic losses. Based on several typical cases of fires caused by external thermal insulation materials, this paper is intended to analyze the safety of external thermal insulation system and explore with great detail the countermeasures of fire prevention in exterior thermal insulation system.

Keywords: Energy Conservation; Fire Prevention; External Thermal Insulating Composite System (ETICS); Fire Safety; Countermeasures

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Authors: Kary Thanapalan; Stephen Carr; Fan Zhang; Giuliano Premier; Alan Guwy

Abstract: This paper considers the design and implementation of hydrogen vehicles and hydrogen storage along with hydrogen infrastructure development around the world, and in particular in the United Kingdom with reference to the work of the University of Glamorgan’s (UoG) Sustainable Environment Research Centre (SERC). This work proposed a road map for hydrogen as an energy carrier for vehicle fuel by investigating current developments and future proposals relating to hydrogen energy and a hydrogen economy.

Keywords: Hydrogen Vehicles; Energy Storage; Hydrogen Economy; Energy Management; Hydrogen Infrastructure

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Authors: A.S. Silitonga; S. Mekhilef; R. Saidur; A. E. Atabani

Abstract: It is believed that energy issue is one of the most sensitive and complicated issues in the globe. Industrial energy consumption varies from 30% to 70% of total energy used in some selected countries and the global average stands at 37%. As a result of the successful implementation of the industrialization plan in 1985; Malaysia has changed from an agricultural economy into industrial based economy. The industrial sector represents the highest consuming sector and accounts for about 48% of all total energy demand. The improvement of energy efficiency is a very important factor in industry to improve the environmental performance, emissions reduction and increase its profitability. This study is concerned with an energy saving, economic and environmental analysis of industrial boilers in Malaysia. The principle of installation of heat recovery systems in these boilers has been investigated. The implementation of economizer has proven its viability and shows that 2,529,779 kWh of energy, RM 238,573, 2,150 ton of CO2, 6,324 kg of SO2, 41,488 kg of NOx and 506 kg of CO could be saved per annum.

Keywords: Industrial Boilers; Economizers; Techno-Economic Analysis; Emissions Reduction

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