Stability and Transient Performance Assessment in a COTS-Module-Based Distributed DC/DC System

This paper introduces a method to analyze and predict stability and transient performance of a distributed system where COTS (Commercial-off-the-shelf) modules share an input filter. The presented procedure is based on the measured data from the input and output terminals of the power modules. The required information for the analysis is obtained by performing frequency response measurements for each converter. This attained data is utilized to compute special transfer functions, which partly determine the source and load interactions within the converters. The system level dynamic description is constructed based on the measured and computed transfer functions introducing cross-coupling mechanisms within the system. System stability can be studied based on the well-known impedance- related minor-loop gain at an arbitrary interface within the system.

Performance assessment of a kinetically-powered network for herd localization

Developing a herd localization system capable to operate unattended in communication-challenged areas arises from the necessity of improving current systems in terms of cost, autonomy or any other facilities that a certain target group (or overall users) may demand. A network architecture of herd localization is proposed with its corresponding hardware and a methodology to assess performance in different operating conditions. The system is designed taking into account an eventual environmental impact hence most nodes are simple, cheap and kinetically powered from animal movements-neither batteries nor sophisticated processor chips are needed. Other network elements integrating GPS and batteries operate with selectable duty cycles, thus reducing maintenance duties. Equipment has been tested on Scandinavian reindeer in Lapland and its element modeling is integrated into a simulator to analyze such localization network applicability for different use cases. Performance indicators (detection frequency, localization accuracy and delay) are fitted to assess the overall performance; system relative costs are enclosed also for a range of deployments.

Impedance-based stability and transient-performance assessment applying maximum peak criteria

The impedance-based stability-assessment method has turned out to be a very effective tool and its usage is rapidly growing in different applications ranging from the conventional interconnected dc/dc systems to the grid-connected renewable energy systems. The results are sometime given as a certain forbidden region in the complex plane out of which the impedance ratio--known as minor-loop gain--shall stay for ensuring robust stability. This letter discusses the circle-like forbidden region occupying minimum area in the complex plane, defined by applying maximum peak criteria, which is well-known theory in control engineering. The investigation shows that the circle-like forbidden region will ensure robust stability only if the impedance-based minor-loop gain is determined at the very input or output of each subsystem within the interconnected system. Experimental evidence is provided based on a small-scale dc/dc distributed system.

Performance assessment of an architecture with adaptative interfaces for people with special needs

People in industrial societies carry more and more portable electronic devices (e.g., smartphone or console) with some kind of wireles connectivity support. Interaction with auto-discovered target devices present in the environment (e.g., the air conditioning of a hotel) is not so easy since devices may provide inaccessible user interfaces (e.g., in a foreign language that the user cannot understand). Scalability for multiple concurrent users and response times are still problems in this domain. In this paper, we assess an interoperable architecture, which enables interaction between people with some kind of special need and their environment. The assessment, based on performance patterns and antipatterns, tries to detect performance issues and also tries to enhance the architecture design for improving system performance. As a result of the assessment, the initial design changed substantially. We refactorized the design according to the Fast Path pattern and The Ramp antipattern. Moreover, resources were correctly allocated. Finally, the required response time was fulfilled in all system scenarios. For a specific scenario, response time was reduced from 60 seconds to less than 6 seconds.

Design of a generalized tool for the performance assessment under sail based on analytical, numerical and empirical results : a global sailing yacht meta-model

La evaluación de las prestaciones de las embarcaciones a vela ha constituido un objetivo para ingenieros navales y marinos desde los principios de la historia de la navegación. El conocimiento acerca de estas prestaciones, ha crecido desde la identificación de los factores clave relacionados con ellas(eslora, estabilidad, desplazamiento y superficie vélica), a una comprensión más completa de las complejas fuerzas y acoplamientos involucrados en el equilibrio. Junto con este conocimiento, la aparición de los ordenadores ha hecho posible llevar a cabo estas tareas de una forma sistemática. Esto incluye el cálculo detallado de fuerzas, pero también, el uso de estas fuerzas junto con la descripción de una embarcación a vela para la predicción de su comportamiento y, finalmente, sus prestaciones. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo proporcionar una definición global y abierta de un conjunto de modelos y reglas para describir y analizar este comportamiento. Esto se lleva a cabo sin aplicar restricciones en cuanto al tipo de barco o cálculo, sino de una forma generalizada, de modo que sea posible resolver cualquier situación, tanto estacionaria como en el dominio del tiempo. Para ello se comienza con una definición básica de los factores que condicionan el comportamiento de una embarcación a vela. A continuación se proporciona una metodología para gestionar el uso de datos de diferentes orígenes para el cálculo de fuerzas, siempre con el la solución del problema como objetivo. Esta última parte se plasma en un programa de ordenador, PASim, cuyo propósito es evaluar las prestaciones de diferentes ti pos de embarcaciones a vela en un amplio rango de condiciones. Varios ejemplos presentan diferentes usos de PASim con el objetivo de ilustrar algunos de los aspectos discutidos a lo largo de la definición del problema y su solución . Finalmente, se presenta una estructura global de cara a proporcionar una representación virtual de la embarcación real, en la cual, no solo e l comportamiento sino también su manejo, son cercanos a la experiencia de los navegantes en el mundo real. Esta estructura global se propone como el núcleo (un motor de software) de un simulador físico para el que se proporciona una especificación básica. ABSTRACT The assessment of the performance of sailing yachts, and ships in general, has been an objective for naval architects and sailors since the beginning of the history of navigation. The knowledge has grown from identifying the key factors that influence performance(length, stability, displacement and sail area), to a much more complete understanding of the complex forces and couplings involved in the equilibrium. Along with this knowledge, the advent of computers has made it possible to perform the associated tasks in a systematic way. This includes the detailed calculation of forces, but also the use of those forces, along with the description of a sailing yacht, to predict its behavior, and ultimately, its performance. The aim of this investigation is to provide a global and open definition of a set of models and rules to describe and analyze the behavior of a sailing yacht. This is done without applying any restriction to the type of yacht or calculation, but rather in a generalized way, capable of solving any possible situation, whether it is in a steady state or in the time domain. First, the basic definition of the factors that condition the behavior of a sailing yacht is given. Then, a methodology is provided to assist with the use of data from different origins for the calculation of forces, always aiming towards the solution of the problem. This last part is implemented as a computational tool, PASim, intended to assess the performance of different types of sailing yachts in a wide range of conditions. Several examples then present different uses of PASim, as a way to illustrate some of the aspects discussed throughout the definition of the problem and its solution. Finally, a global structure is presented to provide a general virtual representation of the real yacht, in which not only the behavior, but also its handling is close to the experience of the sailors in the real world. This global structure is proposed as the core (a software engine) of a physical yacht simulator, for which a basic specification is provided.

Specific skills assessment learned by students of building engineering and technical architecture in topics relating to durability and control of concrete structures

In many university courses such as Building Engineering or Technical Architectural, the high density of the contents included in the curriculum, make the student, after graduation, unable to develop the skills already acquired and evaluated in the disciplines of the first courses. From the Group of Educational Innovation at the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) "Teaching of Structural Concrete" (GIEHE) we have conducted a study in which are valued specific skills acquired by students after the first courses of career. We have worked with students from UPM fourth-year career and with Technical Architecture students who have completed their studies and also have completed the Adaptation Course of Technical Architecture to the Building Engineer. The work is part of the Educational Innovation Project funded by the UPM "Integration of training and assessment of generic and specific skills in structural concrete" We have evaluated specific skills learned in the areas of durability and control of structural concrete structures. The results show that overall, students are not able to fully develop the skills already acquired earlier, even being these essential to their professional development. Possibly, the large amount of content taught in these degrees together with a teaching and assessment of "flat profile", ie, which are presented and evaluated with the same intensity as the fundamental and the accessory, are causes enough to cause these results.

La evaluación del aprendizaje de los deportes colectivos en educación física a través del modelo de enseñanza comprensivo

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo evaluar el aprendizaje de los deportes colectivos en el alumnado de segundo ciclo de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) utilizando una herramienta denominada Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI). Para ello se ha realizado una revisión de dos modelos de enseñanza existentes: el modelo técnico y el modelo comprensivo. Así mismo hemos revisado dos tipos de procesos de evaluación; por un lado la evaluación sumativa, más relacionada con el modelo técnico; por otro lado la evaluación formativa, más próxima al modelo comprensivo. A continuación se ha llevado a cabo una intervención didáctica aplicando el modelo de enseñanza comprensivo (TGfU) y el instrumento mencionado anteriormente (GPAI). Los resultados obtenidos han sido utilizados para proponer un sistema de evaluación basado en el modelo comprensivo con la utilización del GPAI y a través de la coevaluación como forma de asentar el aprendizaje en el alumnado. Se concluye que el modelo de enseñanza comprensivo (TGfU) con el GPAI y una evaluación entre iguales es bastante óptimo para favorecer el proceso de enseñanzaaprendizaje de los deportes colectivos en el alumnado de segundo ciclo de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO). ABSTRACT The present work has the aim to assess the learning of collective sports in Secondary Education students using a tool called Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI). For that we have used to revision of two teaching models: the technical model and Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU). At the same time, we have reviewed two kinds of assessment process; on one hand summative assessment which is related to technical model; on the other hand formative assessment nearest to Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU). Next it has been done a didactic intervention using the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) and that instrument mentioned beforehand. The results obtained have been used to suggest an assessment system based on Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) using the GPAI through the peer assessment as a way of teaching.

Diffuse Soil Co2 Flux To Assess The Reliability Of Co2 Storage In The Mazarrón-Gañuelas Tertiary Basin (Spain)

Geological storage of CO2 is nowadays internationally considered as the most effective method for greenhouse gas emission mitigation, in order to minimize its effects on the global climatology. One of the main options is to store the CO2 in deep saline aquifers at more than 800 m depth, because it achieves its supercritical state. Among the most important aspects concerning the performance assessment of a deep CO2 geological repository is the evaluation of the CO2 leakage rate from the chosen storage geological formation. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to increase the knowledge on the interaction among CO2, storage and sealing formations, as well as on the flow paths for CO2 and the physico-mechanical resistance of the sealing formation. Furthermore, the quantification of the CO2 leakage rate is essential to evaluate its effects on the environment. One way to achieve this objective is to study of CO2 leakage on natural analogue systems, because they can provide useful information about the natural performance of the CO2, which can be applied to an artificial CO2 geological storage. This work is focused on the retention capacity of the cap-rock by measuring the diffuse soil CO2 flux in a site selected based on: i) the presence of a natural and deep CO2 accumulation; ii) its structural geological characteristics; and iii) the nature of the cap-rocks. This site is located in the so-called Mazarrón-Gañuelas Tertiary Basin, in the Guadalentin Valley, province of Murcia (Spain) Therefore the main objective of this investigation has been to detect the possible leakages of CO2 from a deep saline aquifer to the surface in order to understand the capability of this area as a natural analogue for Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS). The results obtained allow to conclude that the geological sealing formation of the basin seems to be appropriate to avoid CO2 leakages from the storage formation.

Applying Problem-Based Project-Organized Learning in a traditional system

Nowadays, PBL is considered a suitable methodology for engineering education. But making the most of this methodology requires some features, such as multidisciplinary, illstructured teamwork and autonomous research that sometimes are not easy to achieve. In fact, traditional university systems, including curricula, teaching methodologies, assessment and regulation, do not help the implementation of these features. Firstly, we look through the main differences found between a traditional system and the Aalborg model, considered a reference point in PBL. Then, this work is aimed at detecting the main obstacles that a standing traditional system presents to PBL implementation. A multifaceted PBL experience, covering three different disciplines, brings us to analyse these difficulties, order them according to its importance and decide which should be the first changes. Finally, we propose a straightforward introduction of generic competences in the curricula aimed at supporting the use of Problem-Based Project-Organized Learning

Propuesta metodológica de aplicación sectorial de Análisis de Ciclo de Vida (ACV) para la evaluación ambiental de la edificación en España

La aplicación de criterios de sostenibilidad ha de entenderse como el procedimiento esencial para la necesaria reconversión del sector de la construcción, que movilizando el 10% de la economía mundial, representa más de la tercera parte del consumo mundial de recursos, en torno al 30-40% del consumo energético y emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, 30-40% de la generación de residuos y el 12% de todo el gasto en agua dulce del planeta. La presente investigación se enmarca en una estrategia general de promover la evaluación de la sostenibilidad en la edificación en el contexto español, dando un primer paso centrado en la evaluación del comportamiento ambiental. El hilo conductor de la investigación parte de la necesidad de establecer un marco teórico de sostenibilidad, que permita clarificar conceptos y definir criterios de valoración adecuados. Como siguiente paso, la investigación se dirige a la revisión del panorama internacional de normativa e instrumentos voluntarios, con el objetivo de clarificar el difuso panorama que caracteriza a la sostenibilidad en el sector de la edificación en la actualidad y enmarcar la investigación en un contexto de políticas y programaciones ya existentes. El objetivo principal reside en el planteamiento de una metodología de evaluación de los aspectos o impactos ambientales asociados al ciclo de vida de la edificación, aplicable al contexto español, como una de las tres dimensiones que constituyen los pilares básicos de la sostenibilidad. Los ámbitos de evaluación de los aspectos sociales y económicos, para los que no existe actualmente un grado de definición metodológico suficientemente congruente, son adicionalmente examinados, de cara a ofrecer una visión holística de la evaluación. Previo al desarrollo de la propuesta, se aborda, en primer lugar, la descripción de las características básicas y limitaciones de la metodología de Análisis de Ciclo de Vida (ACV), para posteriormente proceder a profundizar en el estado del arte de aplicación de ACV a la edificación, realizando una revisión crítica de los trabajos de investigación que han sido desarrollados en los últimos años. Esta revisión permite extraer conclusiones sobre su grado de coherencia con el futuro entorno normativo e identificar dos necesidades prioritarias de actuación: -La necesidad de armonización, dadas las fuertes inconsistencias metodológicas detectadas, que imposibilitan la comparación de los resultados obtenidos en los trabajos de evaluación. -La necesidad de simplificación, dada la complejidad inherente a la evaluación, de modo que, manteniendo el máximo rigor, sea viable su aplicación práctica en el contexto español. A raíz de la participación en los trabajos de desarrollo normativo a nivel europeo, se ha adquirido una visión crítica sobre las implicaciones metodológicas de la normativa en definición, que permite identificar la hoja de ruta que marcará el escenario europeo en los próximos años. La definición de la propuesta metodológica integra los principios generales de aplicación de ACV con el protocolo metodológico establecido en la norma europea, considerando adicionalmente las referencias normativas de las prácticas constructivas en el contexto español. En el planteamiento de la propuesta se han analizado las posibles simplificaciones aplicables, con el objetivo de hacer viable su implementación, centrando los esfuerzos en la sistematización del concepto de equivalente funcional, el establecimiento de recomendaciones sobre el tipo de datos en función de su disponibilidad y la revisión crítica de los modelos de cálculo de los impactos ambientales. Las implicaciones metodológicas de la propuesta se describen a través de una serie de casos de estudio, que ilustran su viabilidad y las características básicas de aplicación. Finalmente, se realiza un recorrido por los aspectos que han sido identificados como prioritarios en la conformación del escenario de perspectivas futuras, líneas de investigación y líneas de acción. Abstract Sustainability criteria application must be understood as the essential procedure for the necessary restructuring of the construction sector, which mobilizes 10% of the world economy, accounting for more than one third of the consumption of the world's resources, around 30 - 40% of energy consumption and emissions of greenhouse gases, 30-40% of waste generation and 12% of all the fresh water use in the world. This research is in line with an overall strategy to promote the sustainability assessment of building in the Spanish context, taking a first step focused on the environmental performance assessment. The thread of the present research sets out from the need to establish a theoretical framework of sustainability which clarifies concepts and defines appropriate endpoints. As a next step, the research focuses on the review of the international panorama regulations and voluntary instruments, with the aim of clarifying the fuzzy picture that characterizes sustainability in the building sector at present while framing the research in the context of existing policies and programming. The main objective lies in the approach of a methodology for the assessment of the environmental impacts associated with the life cycle of building, applicable to the Spanish context, as one of the three dimensions that constitute the pillars of sustainability. The areas of assessment of social and economic issues, for which there is currently a degree of methodological definition consistent enough, are further examined, in order to provide a holistic view of the assessment. The description of the basic features and limitations of the methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) are previously addressed, later proceeding to deepen the state of the art of LCA applied to the building sector, conducting a critical review of the research works that have been developed in recent years. This review allows to establish conclusions about the degree of consistency with the future regulatory environment and to identify two priority needs for action: - The need for harmonization, given the strong methodological inconsistencies detected that prevent the comparison of results obtained in assessment works. - The need for simplification, given the inherent complexity of the assessment, so that, while maintaining the utmost rigor, make the practical application feasible in the Spanish context. The participation in the work of policy development at European level has helped to achieve a critical view of the methodological implications of the rules under debate, identifying the roadmap that will mark the European scene in the coming years. The definition of the proposed methodology integrates the general principles of LCA methodology with the protocol established in the European standard, also considering the regulatory standards to construction practices in the Spanish context. In the proposed approach, possible simplifications applicable have been analyzed, in order to make its implementation possible, focusing efforts in systematizing the functional equivalent concept, establishing recommendations on the type of data based on their availability and critical review of the calculation models of environmental impacts. The methodological implications of the proposal are described through a series of case studies, which illustrate the feasibility and the basic characteristics of its application. Finally, the main aspects related to future prospects, research lines and lines of action that have been identified as priorities are outlined.

Empleo de materiales reciclados para centros educativos en Chile

Los objetivos de este proyecto son dobles. El primero a conseguir es el acondicionamiento acústico de un centro educativo para alcanzar un mayor rendimiento docente; lo que se pretende lograr mejorando la inteligibilidad de la palabra y reduciendo el ruido en los diferentes recintos. El segundo objetivo, es la reducción de los costos económicos y medioambientales del proyecto empleando en el acondicionamiento acústico materiales procedentes del reciclado o existentes en el entorno local, reduciendo lo mayor posible la importación de estos materiales. Desde la investigación de las exigencias acústicas de un centro educativo, se determinarán los parámetros adecuados para su diseño óptimo. En general los mayores problemas acústicos existentes en estos establecimientos, son debidos a la transferencia de ruido entre los diferentes recintos y su excesiva reverberación, lo que provoca dificultades en la transmisión de la palabra y por ende también en las actividades docentes y los objetivos educativos. Asimismo, los parámetros y exigencias acústicas planteadas y desarrolladas, serán estudiados a partir de un contexto real y específico. El lugar elegido para el caso de estudio, será la ciudad de Santiago de Chile. Es importante, aclarar que en este país no existe una normativa aplicable a este tipo de establecimientos, por tanto se planteará el aislamiento acústico y posterior acondicionamiento a partir de normas y requisitos internacionales. Además, las soluciones acústicas planteadas serán de materiales reciclados existentes en el mercado nacional. Esta decisión tiene como finalidad reducir la afección al medio ambiente fomentando el desarrollo ecológico y sostenible como respuesta al crecimiento económico y la conservación de recursos en un país que se encuentra en vías de desarrollo. Por último, se plantea el acondicionamiento acústico de los diferentes recintos del colegio en proyecto, mediante simulación acústica en el programa EASE (Enhanced Acoustic Simulator for Engineers), lo que nos permite conocer el comportamiento de los recintos antes y después del acondicionamiento acústico. SUMMARY The objective of this Project is twofold. On the one hand, the acoustic conditioning of a school is developed in order to achieve a better teaching performance. For this purpose, the speech intelligibility is enhanced and the noise in the different rooms is reduced. On the other hand, the economic costs and environmental impact are reduced by using recycled materials or materials found in the local area, reducing as much as possible the use of imported materials. The appropriate acoustic parameters will be determined from the evaluation of the acoustic demands of the school. The main problems in these environments are the noise transmission between rooms as well as a high reverberation time. These will cause problems with the speech transmission, which is of great importance for educational purposes. Furthermore, the acoustic parameters and requirements are taken from a real and specific context. The place chosen for the research is Santiago, Chile. It is remarkable that in this country there is no national legislation that can be applied to such places, therefore International Standards are considered to evaluate the acoustic insulation and conditioning. The acoustic solutions considered in this project come from recycled materials existing on the domestic market. The decision aims to reduce the environmental impact, promoting environmentally sustainable development as a response to the economic growth and the maintenance of resources in a developing country. Finally, a simulation at some different areas of the school is carried out, comparing the behaviour before and after the proposed acoustic solutions. The software used for the simulations is EASE (Enhanced Acoustic Simulator for Engineers).

Learning and Assessing Competencies: New challenges for Mathematics in Engineering Degrees in Spain.

The introduction of new degrees adapted to the European Area of Higher Education (EAHE) has involved a radically different approach to the curriculum. The new programs are structured around competencies that should be acquired. Considering the competencies, teachers must define and develop learning objectives, design teaching methods and establish appropriate evaluation systems. While most Spanish universities have incorporated methodological innovations and evaluation systems different from traditional exams, there is enough confusion about how to teach and assess competencies and learning outcomes, as traditionally the teaching and assessment have focused on knowledge. In this paper we analyze the state-of-the-art in the mathematical courses of the new engineering degrees in some Spanish universities.

Despliegues de femtoceldas LTE en interiores comparación con otras tecnologías inalámbricas

Long Term Evolution (LTE) has appeared with the aim of improving the performance of 3G networks, increasing spectral efficiency and peak rates both at downlink and uplink, reducing latency and increasing flexibility of frequency allocation. Therefore, LTE is expected to have a key role in the development of wireless networks and services in the next years, and, of course, in specific dedicated in-building solutions. Due to that fact, an analysis of LTE performance in indoor scenarios in terms of capacity and grade of service is essential, as well as its comparison with other indoor solutions, pointing out the technical challenges derived, and describing and proposing performance assessment rules to be used in LTE deployments.

Compact duplexing for a 680-GHz radar using a waveguide orthomode transducer

A compact 680-GHz waveguide orthomode transducer (OMT) and circular horn combination has been designed, tested, and characterized in a radar transceiver's duplexer. The duplexing capability is implemented by a hybrid waveguide quasi optical solution, combining a linear polarization OMT and an external grating polarizer. Isolation between the OMT's orthogonal ports' flanges was measured with a vector network analyzer to exceed 33 dB over a >10% bandwidth between 630 and 710 GHz. Calibrated Y-factor measurements using a mixer attached to the OMT ports reveal losses through the transmit and receive paths that sum to an average of 4.7 dB of two-way loss over 660-690 GHz. This is consistent with radar sensitivity measurements comparing the new OMT/horn with a quasi-optical wire grid beam splitter. Moreover, the radar performance assessment validates the OMT as a suitable compact substitute of the wire grid for the JPL's short-range 680-GHz imaging radar.

Tratamientos avanzados de agua potable para eliminación de materia orgánica disuelta : aplicación del BAC

Los procesos de biofiltración por carbón activo biológico se han utilizado desde hace décadas, primeramente en Europa y después en Norte América, sin embargo no hay parámetros de diseño y operación específicos que se puedan utilizar de guía para la biofiltración. Además, el factor coste a la hora de elegir el carbón activo como medio de filtración impacta en el presupuesto, debido al elevado coste de inversión y de regeneración. A la hora de diseñar y operar filtros de carbón activo los requisitos que comúnmente se buscan son eliminar materia orgánica, olor, y sabor de agua. Dentro de la eliminación de materia orgánica se precisa la eliminación necesaria para evitar subproductos en la desinfección no deseados, y reducir los niveles de carbono orgánico disuelto biodegradable y asimilable a valores que consigan la bioestabilidad del agua producto, a fin de evitar recrecimiento de biofilm en las redes de distribución. El ozono se ha utilizado durante años como un oxidante previo a la biofiltración para reducir el olor, sabor, y color del agua, oxidando la materia orgánica convirtiendo los compuestos no biodegradables y lentamente biodegradables en biodegradables, consiguiendo que puedan ser posteriormente eliminados biológicamente en los filtros de carbón activo. Sin embargo la inestabilidad del ozono en el agua hace que se produzcan ácidos carboxilos, alcoholes y aldehídos, conocidos como subproductos de la desinfección. Con esta tesis se pretende dar respuesta principalmente a los siguientes objetivos: análisis de parámetros requeridos para el diseño de los filtros de carbón activo biológicos, necesidades de ozonización previa a la filtración, y comportamiento de la biofiltración en un sistema compuesto de coagulación sobre un filtro de carbón activo biológico. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que la biofiltración es un proceso que encaja perfectamente con los parámetros de diseño de plantas con filtración convencional. Aunque la capacidad de eliminación de materia orgánica se reduce a medida que el filtro se satura y entra en la fase biológica, la biodegradación en esta fase se mantienen estable y perdura a lo lago de los meses sin preocupaciones por la regeneración del carbón. Los valores de carbono orgánico disuelto biodegradable se mantienen por debajo de los marcados en la literatura existente para agua bioestable, lo que hace innecesaria la dosificación de ozono previa a la biofiltración. La adición de la coagulación con la corrección de pH sobre el carbón activo consigue una mejora en la reducción de la materia orgánica, sin afectar a la biodegradación del carbón activo, cumpliendo también con los requerimientos de turbidez a la salida de filtración. Lo que plantea importantes ventajas para el proceso. Granular activated carbon filters have been used for many years to treat and produce drinking water using the adsorption capacity of carbon, replacing it once the carbon lost its adsorption capacity and became saturated. On the other hand, biological activated carbon filters have been studied for decades, firstly in Europe and subsequently in North America, nevertheless are no generally accepted design and operational parameters documented to be used as design guidance for biofiltration. Perhaps this is because of the cost factor; to choose activated carbon as a filtration media requires a significant investment due to the high capital and regeneration costs. When activated carbon filters are typically required it is for the reduction of an organic load, removal of colour, taste and / or odour. In terms of organic matter reduction, the primary aim is to achieve as much removal as possible to reduce or avoid the introduction of disinfection by products, the required removal in biodegradable dissolved organic carbon and assimilable organic carbon to produce a biologically stable potable water which prohibits the regrowth of biofilm in the distribution systems. The ozone has historically been used as an oxidant to reduce colour, taste and odour by oxidizing the organic matter and increasing the biodegradability of the organic matter, enhancing the effectiveness of organic removal in downstream biological activated carbon filters. Unfortunately, ozone is unstable in water and reacts with organic matter producing carboxylic acids, alcohols, and aldehydes, known as disinfection by products. This thesis has the following objectives: determination of the required parameters for the design of the biological activated filters, the requirement of ozonization as a pre-treatment for the biological activated filters, and a performance assessment of biofiltration when coagulation is applied as a pretreatment for biological activated carbon filters. The results show that the process design parameters of biofiltration are compatible with those of conventional filtration. The organic matter removal reduces its effectiveness as soon as the filter is saturated and the biological stage starts, but the biodegradation continues steadily and lasts for a long period of time without the need of carbon regeneration. The removal of the biodegradable dissolved organic carbon is enough to produce a biostable water according to the values shown on the existing literature; therefore ozone is not required prior to the filtration. Furthermore, the addition of coagulant and pH control before the biological activated carbon filter achieves a additional removal of organic matter, without affecting the biodegradation that occurs in the activated carbon whilst also complying with the required turbidity removal.