Production of Biofuels by Fischer Tropsch Synthesis

Production of biofuel via biomass gasification followed by Fischer Tropsch synthesis is of considerable interest because of the high quality of fuels produced which do not contain sulphur and are free of carbon dioxide. The purpose of this Master’s thesis is to study feasibility production of biofuels integrated with Fischer Tropsch process using Aspen Plus simulation. The simulation results were used to size process equipment and carry out an economic evaluation. The results show that lowering the reactor temperature from 1000 oC - 850 oC and raising the water gas shift temperature from 500 oC - 600 oC can improve overall gas efficiency, which in turn leads to better production of ultra clean syngas for the Fischer Tropsch synthetic reactor. Similarly, the Fischer Tropsch offgas is converted into a gas turbine for power production, and finally biodiesel is produced as fuels for transportation.

Framework for Regional Heating Energy Efficiency Assessment

The aim of this project was to develop general framework for systematic assessment of energy efficiency of heating on regional level in Russia. The framework created during this project includes two main instruments, namely: general regional heating energy efficiency assessment model (REEMod) and general regional heating energy efficiency assessment criteria for housing areas (REECrit). Framework pays extreme attention to realization of energy saving, overall cost efficiency and comfortable indoor climate. Life-cycle ideology was applied during creation of the framework. Application of the framework can provide decision-making process with systematically collected and processed information on current state of areas energy efficiency. Such information will help decision makers to evaluate current situation of the whole energy chain, to compare different development scenarios and to identify the most efficient improvement methods, thus supporting realization of regions efficient energy management. Simultaneous pursuit of energy savings, cost efficiency and indoor air quality can contribute to development of sustainable community. Presented instruments should be continuously developed further as an iterative process based on knew experience, development of technology and overall understanding of energy efficiency issues.

An ultimatum bargaining experiment on trade union efficiency

We present an ultimatum wage bargaining experiment showing that a trade union facilitating non-binding communication among workers, raises wages by simultaneously increasing employers’ posted offers and toughening the bargaining position of employees, without reducing overall market efficiency.

An aggregate resource efficiency perspective on sustainability: a Sustainable Value application to the EU-15 countries

The Sustainable Value approach integrates the efficiency with regard to environmental, social and economic resources into a monetary indicator. It gained significant popularity as evidenced by diverse applications at the corporate level. However, its introduction as a measure adhering to the strong sustainability paradigm sparked an ardent debate. This study explores its validity as a macroeconomic strong sustainability measure by applying the Sustainable Value approach to the EU-15 countries. Concretely, we assessed environmental, social and economic resources in combination with the GDP for all EU-15 countries from 1995 to 2006 for three benchmark alternatives. The results show that several countries manage to adequately delink resource use from GDP growth. Furthermore, the remarkable difference in outcome between the national and EU-15 benchmark indicates a possible inefficiency of the current allocation of national resource ceilings imposed by the European institutions. Additionally, by using an effects model we argue that the service degree of the economy and governmental expenditures on social protection and research and development are important determinants of overall resource efficiency. Finally, we sketch out three necessary conditions to link the Sustainable Value approach to the strong sustainability paradigm.

Role of Polyelectrolyte for Layer-by-Layer Compact TiO(2) Films in Efficiency Enhanced Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Efficient compact TiO(2) films using different polyeleetrolytes are prepared by the layer-by-layer technique (LbL) and applied as an effective contact and blocking film in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The polyanion thermal stability plays a major role on the compact layers, which decreases back electron transfer processes and current losses at the FTO/TiO(2) interface. FESEM images show that polyelectrolytes such is sodium sullonated polystyrene (PSS) and sulfonated lignin (SE), in comparison to poly(acrylic acid) (FAA), ensure an adequate morphology for the LbL TiO(2) layer deposited before the mesoporous film, even triter the sintering step at 450 degrees C. The so treated photoanode in DSCs leads to a 30% improvement On the overall conversion efficiency. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is employed to ascertain the role of die compact films with such polyelectrolytes. The significant increase in V(oc) of the solar cells with adequate polyelectrolytes in the LbL TiO(2) films shows their pivotal role in decreasing the electron recombination at the FTO surface and enhancing the electrical contact of FTO with the mesoporous TiO(2) layer.

Efficiency analysis of an isolated high voltage gain converter operating in resonant and non-resonant mode

This paper presents an efficiency investigation of an isolated high step-up ratio dc-dc converter aimed to be used for energy processing from low-voltage high-current energy sources, like batteries, photovoltaic modules or fuel-cells. The considered converter consists of an interleaved active clamp flyback topology combined with a voltage multiplier at the transformer secondary side capable of two different operating modes, i.e. resonant and non-resonant according to the design of the output capacitors. The main goal of this paper is to compare these two operating modes from the component losses point of view with the aim of maximize the overall converter efficiency. The approach is based on losses prediction using steady-state theoretical models (designed in Mathcad environment), taking into account both conduction and switching losses. The models are compared with steady-state simulations and experimental results considering different operating modes to validate the approach. © 2012 IEEE.

Procedures to Evaluate the Efficiency of Protective Clothing Worn by Operators Applying Pesticide

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Implementação da eficiência global de equipamento (OEE) no padrão de produção e análise de impactos

Nowadays, there is a need for improvements in production processes for companies to be competitive, as it is an obligation of businesses, it is necessary to know about the production processes accurately, to learn where improvements in work and thus have large impacts results. The calculation of efficiency of production lines is necessary to know as much about the progress of production and for product costing, when the measurement is not suitable, it generates negative impacts on the company. Due to the impact generated by this parameter, the graduation work carry out the study of change in a method that does not include all requirements necessary, by another method known as Overall Equipment Effectiveness, and according to studies, covering various parameters, showing become more consistent. These values are contained in the pattern production which is used to fund the product, thereby also occur financial impacts. Thus the work will study the change along with the analysis of impacts caused by the change

Implementação do OEE nas máquinas de laminação a frio

Through a description of the productivity problems experienced by some enterprises, to optimize their respective production lines, results of poor performance or low quality, the following work aims to explain and demonstrate the practical application of the theory of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) on cold lamination machines in a steel industry . The project, to ensure your goal, is based on structuring a complete planning to increase levels of performance, availability and quality relating to rolling. On completion of the work, will be presented forecasts of future goals for the OEE, to search for continuous improvement and global standards of efficiency, taking into account, the sector the company operates, the history of the laminators, and financial aspects

Estudo e análise de sistemas de refrigeração industrial integrados a plantas de processo químico

This work approaches the analysis of industrial refrigeration systems applied to a chemical processing industry that, in this case, consists of refrigeration machines, cooling tower system, cold water system and brine system. In this study it is highlighted the function and characteristics of different systems, including the main components, the most important features, their functionality and best practices. The motivation for this work is the fact that refrigeration systems are essential in many industrial processes, presenting a high energy consumption that is related to a significant parcel of production costs. It has aimed to understand the case studied in order to evaluate the energy efficiency of systems and to compare with Carnot efficiency and best available technologies. The assessment aims to identify irregularities, find opportunities and propose solutions that increases the performance of equipment and the overall system efficiency. Therefore, the studies intend to reduce the operation costs and generate gains for the company

Análise envoltória de dados combinada com a lógica fuzzy em problemas de avaliação de eficiência de máquinas de consumo: um estudo em empresa do segmento farmacêutico

The pharmaceutical industry was consolidated in Brazil in the 1930s, and since then has become increasingly competitive. Therefore the implementation of the Toyota Production System, which aims to lean production, has become common among companies in the segment. The main efficiency indicator currently used is the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). This paper intends to, using the fuzzy model DEA-BCC, analyze the efficiency of the production lines of a pharmaceutical company in the Paraíba Valley, compare the values obtained by the model with those calculated by the OEE, identify the most sensitive machines to variation in the data input and develop a ranking of effectiveness between the consumer machinery. After the development, it is shown that the accuracy of the relationship between the two methods is approximately 57% and the line considered the most effective by the Toyota Production System is not the same as the one found by this paper

Implementação do OEE nas máquinas de laminação a frio

Through a description of the productivity problems experienced by some enterprises, to optimize their respective production lines, results of poor performance or low quality, the following work aims to explain and demonstrate the practical application of the theory of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) on cold lamination machines in a steel industry . The project, to ensure your goal, is based on structuring a complete planning to increase levels of performance, availability and quality relating to rolling. On completion of the work, will be presented forecasts of future goals for the OEE, to search for continuous improvement and global standards of efficiency, taking into account, the sector the company operates, the history of the laminators, and financial aspects

Estudo e análise de sistemas de refrigeração industrial integrados a plantas de processo químico

This work approaches the analysis of industrial refrigeration systems applied to a chemical processing industry that, in this case, consists of refrigeration machines, cooling tower system, cold water system and brine system. In this study it is highlighted the function and characteristics of different systems, including the main components, the most important features, their functionality and best practices. The motivation for this work is the fact that refrigeration systems are essential in many industrial processes, presenting a high energy consumption that is related to a significant parcel of production costs. It has aimed to understand the case studied in order to evaluate the energy efficiency of systems and to compare with Carnot efficiency and best available technologies. The assessment aims to identify irregularities, find opportunities and propose solutions that increases the performance of equipment and the overall system efficiency. Therefore, the studies intend to reduce the operation costs and generate gains for the company

Análise envoltória de dados combinada com a lógica fuzzy em problemas de avaliação de eficiência de máquinas de consumo: um estudo em empresa do segmento farmacêutico

The pharmaceutical industry was consolidated in Brazil in the 1930s, and since then has become increasingly competitive. Therefore the implementation of the Toyota Production System, which aims to lean production, has become common among companies in the segment. The main efficiency indicator currently used is the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). This paper intends to, using the fuzzy model DEA-BCC, analyze the efficiency of the production lines of a pharmaceutical company in the Paraíba Valley, compare the values obtained by the model with those calculated by the OEE, identify the most sensitive machines to variation in the data input and develop a ranking of effectiveness between the consumer machinery. After the development, it is shown that the accuracy of the relationship between the two methods is approximately 57% and the line considered the most effective by the Toyota Production System is not the same as the one found by this paper