Energy consumption and energy efficiency in olive oil mills: case studies in Portugal and Spain in the frame of TESLA project

TESLA project (Transfering Energy Save Laid on Agroindustry) financed by the European Commission, had the main goals of evaluating the energy consumption and to identify the best available practices to improve energy efficiency in key agro-food sectors, such as the olive oil mills. A general analysis of energy consumptions allowed identifying the partition between electrical and thermal energy (approximately 50%) and the production processes responsible for the higher energy consumptions, as being the in the mill and paste preparation and the phases separation. Some measures for reducing energy waste and for improving energy efficiency were identified and the impact was evaluated by using the TESLA tool developed by Circe and available at the TESLA website.

Redes elétricas inteligentes: desenvolvimento de modelos computacionais e aplicações para a gestão do lado da procura

Esta tese incide sobre o desenvolvimento de modelos computacionais e de aplicações para a gestão do lado da procura, no âmbito das redes elétricas inteligentes. É estudado o desempenho dos intervenientes da rede elétrica inteligente, sendo apresentado um modelo do produtor-consumidor doméstico. O problema de despacho económico considerando previsão de produção e consumo de energia obtidos a partir de redes neuronais artificiais é apresentado. São estudados os modelos existentes no âmbito dos programas de resposta à procura e é desenvolvida uma ferramenta computacional baseada no algoritmo de fuzzy-clustering subtrativo. São analisados perfis de consumo e modos de operação, incluindo uma breve análise da introdução do veículo elétrico e de contingências na rede de energia elétrica. São apresentadas aplicações para a gestão de energia dos consumidores no âmbito do projeto piloto InovGrid. São desenvolvidos sistemas de automação para, aquisição monitorização, controlo e supervisão do consumo a partir de dados fornecidos pelos contadores inteligente que permitem a incorporação das ações dos consumidores na gestão do consumo de energia elétrica; SMART GRIDS - COMPUTATIONAL MODELS DEVELOPMENT AND DEMAND SIDE MANAGMENT APPLICATIONS Abstract: This thesis focuses on the development of computational models and its applications on the demand side management within the smart grid scope. The performance of the electrical network players is studied and a domestic prosumer model is presented. The economic dispatch problem considering the production forecast and the energy consumption obtained from artificial neural networks is also presented. The existing demand response models are studied and a computational tool based on the fuzzy subtractive clustering algorithm is developed. Energy consumption profiles and operational modes are analyzed, including a brief analysis of the electrical vehicle and contingencies on the electrical network. Consumer energy management applications within the scope of InovGrid pilot project are presented. Computational systems are developed for the acquisition, monitoring, control and supervision of consumption data provided by smart meters allowing to incorporate consumer actions on their electrical energy management.

An Artificial Intelligence Approach to Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia stands for a brain-based condition that makes it hard to make sense of numbers and mathematical concepts. Some adolescents with dyscalculia cannot grasp basic number concepts. They work hard to learn and memorize basic number facts. They may know what to do in mathematical classes but do not understand why they are doing it. In other words, they miss the logic behind it. However, it may be worked out in order to decrease its degree of severity. For example, disMAT, an app developed for android may help children to apply mathematical concepts, without much effort, that is turning in itself, a promising tool to dyscalculia treatment. Thus, this work focuses on the development of an Intelligent System to estimate children evidences of dyscalculia, based on data obtained on-the-fly with disMAT. The computational framework is built on top of a Logic Programming framework to Knowledge Representation and Reasoning, complemented with a Case-Based problem solving approach to computing, that allows for the handling of incomplete, unknown, or even contradictory information.

Study of the Electromagnetic Interference Generated by Wireless Power Transfer Systems

This paper presents a study related with measuring of radio frequency emissions. The purpose is to determine the level of interference generated by wireless power transfer equipment in a specific frequency range, and to compare those levels to the existing standards. The technology of wireless power transfer, especially for electric vehicles batteries charging, is rapidly developing in the recent years. An increasing use of this technology in industrial and consumer electronic products has raised concerns about the possible unfavorable health-effects onto the human being. Another concern is raised from the high intensity fields produced by wireless power transfer systems which will generate highly undesired influence on other electrical and electronic equipment. As a protection against the potential health effects, the governments imposed limits on the occupational and general public exposure to the radio frequencies. These limitations are set out in national and international safety guidelines, standards and regulations. The measurement and evaluation of the human exposure to electromagnetic fields are essential to guarantee occupational and general public safety.

A fuzzy clustering approach to a demand response model

This paper proposes a novel demand response model using a fuzzy subtractive cluster approach. The model development provides support to domestic consumer decisions on controllable loads management, considering consumers’ consumption needs and the appropriate load shape or rescheduling in order to achieve possible economic benefits. The model based on fuzzy subtractive clustering method considers clusters of domestic consumption covering an adequate consumption range. Analysis of different scenarios is presented considering available electric power and electric energy prices. Simulation results are presented and conclusions of the proposed demand response model are discussed.