Effect of longitudinal surface curvature on boundary layers

We consider here the higher order effect of moderate longitudinal surface curvature on steady, two-dimensional, incompressible laminar boundary layers. The basic partial differential equations for the problem, derived by the method of matched asymptotic expansions, are found to possess similarity solutions for a family of surface curvatures and pressure gradients. The similarity equations obtained by this anaylsis have been solved numerically on a computer, and show a definite decrease in skin friction when the surface has convex curvature in all cases including zero pressure gradient. Typical velocity profiles and some relevant boundary-layer characteristics are tabulated, and a critical comparison with previous work is given.

New evidence for the origin and behaviour of deep ocean 'crusts'

In situ tests in deep waterWest African clays show crust-like shear strengths within the top few metres of sediment. Typical strength profiles show su rising from mud-line to 10 kPa to 15 kPa before dropping back to normally consolidated strengths of 3 kPa to 4 kPa by 1.5m to 2m depth. A Cam-shear device is used to better understand the mechanical behaviour of undisturbed crust samples under pipelines. Extremely variable peak and residual shear strengths are observed for a range of pipeline consolidation stresses and test shear rates, with residual strengths approximating zero. ESEM of undisturbed samples and wet-sieved samples from various core depths show the presence of numerous randomly-located groups of invertebrate faecal pellets. It is therefore proposed that the cause of strength variability during shear testing and, indeed, of the crust's origin, is the presence of random groups of faecal pellets within the sediment. © 2011 Taylor & Francis Group, London.

渤海湾盆地济阳坳陷东部走滑构造特征及其对油气成藏的影响研究

研究区位于郯庐断裂中段与济阳坳陷的构造结合部，区内走滑构造广泛发育，主要的走滑断裂有7条，分别是郯庐断裂带的东西两支、垦东断层、孤东断层、长堤断层、埕东断层和发育于垦东凸起中部的浅层走滑构造带。走滑构造带与油气富集带有着明显的对应关系。 通过对研究区内二维、三维地震测线和平面构造图的精细解释和分析，分别揭示了各走滑断裂在平面、剖面和三维空间上的构造形态。根据走滑断裂及其伴生构造的平面和剖面上的几何学特征，将研究区内的走滑断裂划分为三种类型：成熟型走滑断裂、隐伏型走滑断裂、不连续型的走滑断裂。 从理论模式研究入手，推导了拉分盆地中盆地的走滑速率与沉降速率之间的关系，证实了走滑速率同盆地的几何形状参数、最大沉降深度和盆地的沉降速率存在着稳定的数值关系。通过对莱州湾地区潍北凹陷基底沉降历史的分析，建立了潍北凹陷沉降速率与郯庐断裂中段走滑速率之间的经验关系式，进而求出郯庐断裂中段新生代右行走滑位移量的大小为40km。 运用2DMove软件，对研究区内四条典型剖面进行构造复原，计算出了各条剖面每个时期的伸展参数，对研究区构造活动强度进行了定量分析，揭示了研究区的构造演化规律。通过运用Ansys软件进行有限元模拟，恢复了晚白垩世晚期-古近纪早期研究区内的构造应力场和应变场，揭示了扭张作用是研究区内走滑断层开始走滑的主要原因。 通过上述分析，结合对究区内近几年勘探开发成功和失败的实例分析，全面探讨了走滑活动对于油气成藏“生”、“储”、“盖”、“圈”、“运”、“保”各因素的影响。

新疆东昆仑蛇绿岩岩石学、地球化学特征及其大地构造意义

The East Kunlun area of Xinjiang (briefly EKAX) is the western part of broadly speaking East Kunlun orogenic zone. The absence of geological data (especially ophiolites) on this area has constrained our recognition to its geology since many years. Fund by National 305 Item (96-915-06-03), this paper, by choosing the two ophiolite zones (Muztag and Southwestern Margin of Aqikekule Lake ophiolite zones) exposed at EKAX as the studied objects and by the analysis of thin section, electron probe, XRF, ICP-MS, SEM and Sm-Nd isotope, totally and sys ematically dealt with the field geological, petrological, minerological, petrochemical and geochemical characteristics (including trace, rare earth element and Sm-Nd isotope) and the tectonic setting indicated by them for each ophilite zone. Especially, this paper discussed the trace and rare earth element patterns for metamorphic peridotites, their implications and related them to the other components of ophiolite in order to totally disclose ophiolite origins. Besides, this paper also studied the petrological, geochemical and paleobiological characteristics for the cherts coexsisted with the Muztag ophiolite and the tectonic setting indicated by them. Based on these, the author discussed the tectonic evolution from Proterozoic to Permian for this area. For Muztag ophiolite, their field geological, petrological, minerological, petrochemical and geochemical characteristics show that: ① outcropped along the Muztag-Jingyuhu fault with west-to-east strike, the ophiolite is composed of such three components as metamorphic peridotites, cumulates and volcanic rocks; ② metamophic peridotites consist of such types as lherzolites, serpentinized lherzolites and serpentinites, only pyroxenites is seen of cumulates and volcanic rocks include basalts, basaltic andesites and andesites; ③ mineralogical data on this ophiolite suggest it formed in supra-subduction zone (SSZ)environment, and its mantle wedge is heterogeneous; ④ whole-rock TiO_2 and Al_2O_3 of metamorphic peridotites indicate their original environment with the MORB and SSZ characteristics; ⑤ metamorphic peridotites have depleted LREE and flat REE patterns and volcanic rocks have enriched LREE patterns; ⑥ trace element characteristics of metamorphic peridotites imply that they had undergone Nb and Ta enrichment event after partial melting; ⑦ trace element characteristics of volcanic rocks and their tectonic diagrams show they are formed in the spreading and developed island arc environment with back-arc basin, such as rifted island arc, which is supported by the ε_(Nd)(t) -2.11～+3.44. In summary, the above evidence implies that Muztag ophiolite is formed in SSZ environment, where heterogeneous mantle wedge was metasomatised by the silica-enriched melt from subducted sediments and/or oceanic crust, which makes the mantle wedge enriched again, and this enriched mantle wedge later partially melted to form the volcanic rocks. For Southwestern Margin of Aqikekule Lake ophiolite, their field geological, petrological, minerological, petrochemical and geochemical characteristics show that: ① it outcropped as tectonic slices along the near west-to-east strike Kunzhong fault and is composed of metamorphic perodotties, cumulates and volcanic rocks, in which, chromites are distributed in the upper part of metamorphic peridotites as pods, or in the lower part of cumulates as near-strata; ② metamorphic peridotites include serpentinites, chromite-bearing serpentinites, thlorite-epidote schists and chromitites, of which, chromitites have nodular and orbicular structure, and cumulates include pyroxenits, serpentinites, chromite-bearing serpentinites, chromites and metamorphically mafic rocks and only basalts are seen in volcanic rocks; ③ Cr# of chromites suggest that they formed in the SSZ and Al_2O_3 and TiO_2 of metamorphic peridotites also suggest SSZ environment; ④metamorphic peridotites have V type and enriched LREE patterns, cumulates have from strongly depleted LREE, flat REE to enriched LREE patterns with universally striking positive Eu anomalies and basalts show flat REE or slight enriched LREE patterns with no Eu anomalies; ⑤ trace element and Sm-Nd isotope characteristics of metamorphic peridotites imply their strikingly heterogeneous mantle character(ε_(Nd)(t)+4.39～+26.20) and later Nb, Ta fertilization; ⑥ trace element characteristics of basalts and their tectonic diagrams show they probably formed in the rifted island arc or back-arc basin enviromnent. In summary, the above evidence shows that this ophiolite formed in the SSZ environment and melts from subudcted plate are joined during its formation. Rare earth element, whole-rock and sedimentary characteristics of cherts with the Muztag ophiolite show that they formed in the continental margin environment with developed back-arc basin, and radiolarias in the cherts indicate that the upper age of Muztag ophiolite is early carboniferous. Based on the accreted wedge models of Professor Li Jiliang for Kunlunshan Mountain and combined with study on the two typical ophiolite profiles of EKAX, the author discussed the tectonic evolution of EKAX from Proterzoic to Permian.

Non-convex dynamic economic/environmental dispatch with plug-in electric vehicle loads

Electric vehicles are a key prospect for future transportation. A large penetration of electric vehicles has the potential to reduce the global fossil fuel consumption and hence the greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. However, the additional stochastic loads imposed by plug-in electric vehicles will possibly introduce significant changes to existing load profiles. In his paper, electric vehicles loads are integrated into an 5-unit system using a non-convex dynamic dispatch model. The actual infrastructure characteristics including valve-point effects, load balance constrains and transmission loss have been included in the model. Multiple load profiles are comparatively studied and compared in terms of economic and environmental impacts in order o identify patterns to charge properly. The study as expected shows ha off-peak charging is the best scenario with respect to using less fuels and producing less emissions.

Optimatization of hybrid renewable energy systems on isolated microgrids : a smart grid approach

Tese de doutoramento, Sistemas Sustentáveis de Energia, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, 2016

Data mining techniques to support the classification of MV electricity customers

This paper describes a methodology that was developed for the classification of Medium Voltage (MV) electricity customers. Starting from a sample of data bases, resulting from a monitoring campaign, Data Mining (DM) techniques are used in order to discover a set of a MV consumer typical load profile and, therefore, to extract knowledge regarding to the electric energy consumption patterns. In first stage, it was applied several hierarchical clustering algorithms and compared the clustering performance among them using adequacy measures. In second stage, a classification model was developed in order to allow classifying new consumers in one of the obtained clusters that had resulted from the previously process. Finally, the interpretation of the discovered knowledge are presented and discussed.

MV producers and consumers agents characterization with DSM techniques

This paper consist in the establishment of a Virtual Producer/Consumer Agent (VPCA) in order to optimize the integrated management of distributed energy resources and to improve and control Demand Side Management DSM) and its aggregated loads. The paper presents the VPCA architecture and the proposed function-based organization to be used in order to coordinate the several generation technologies, the different load types and storage systems. This VPCA organization uses a frame work based on data mining techniques to characterize the costumers. The paper includes results of several experimental tests cases, using real data and taking into account electricity generation resources as well as consumption data.

Commercial agentes portfolio optimization in electricity markets

As it is well known, competitive electricity markets require new computing tools for power companies that operate in retail markets in order to enhance the management of its energy resources. During the last years there has been an increase of the renewable penetration into the micro-generation which begins to co-exist with the other existing power generation, giving rise to a new type of consumers. This paper develops a methodology to be applied to the management of the all the aggregators. The aggregator establishes bilateral contracts with its clients where the energy purchased and selling conditions are negotiated not only in terms of prices but also for other conditions that allow more flexibility in the way generation and consumption is addressed. The aggregator agent needs a tool to support the decision making in order to compose and select its customers' portfolio in an optimal way, for a given level of profitability and risk.

Caracterização dos consumos energéticos e estudo do potencial de melhoria da eficiência energética em edifícios de escritórios

A forte preocupação ambiental, nomeadamente a emissão de Gases com Efeito de Estufa (GEE), aliada à constante ameaça do esgotamento dos combustíveis de origem fóssil, leva à necessidade de consumir energia de forma mais eficiente. Neste sentido, surge a promoção da eficiência energética nos diversos sectores consumidores de energia em todo o Mundo. Sabendo que passamos mais de 80% do nosso tempo dentro de edifícios, e que cerca de 40% da energia mundial é consumida nos mesmos [ADENE], é importante operar no sentido de promover a utilização racional de energia e incentivar ao consumo eficiente da mesma nos edifícios. Apesar do esforço que tem sido realizado a nível nacional, no sentido de melhorar a eficiência energética em edifícios de serviços, através da implementação de legislação diversa e de vários programas de incentivo, existem ainda várias lacunas a serem colmatadas e muito trabalho a fazer nesse sentido. Por tudo isto, e principalmente por ter constantemente em mente premissas como “a energia mais barata é aquela que não se consome” ou “não podemos gerir aquilo que não medimos”, surgiu a ideia de realizar esta dissertação, onde inicialmente através de dados provenientes de telecontagem se desenvolve uma tentativa de padronização/tipificação do consumo eléctrico em seis edifícios de escritórios, identificando-se assim algumas situações anómalas em diversos diagramas de carga construídos. Relaciona-se também o consumo eléctrico dos seis edifícios com algumas variáveis exógenas, de modo a perceber a influência das mesmas no consumo eléctrico de cada edifício. Numa vertente mais prática, foram identificadas e quantificadas potenciais medidas de melhoria, comportamentais e técnicas, num dos edifícios em estudo, de modo a poder contribuir para a redução do consumo energético do mesmo. Espera-se que este trabalho, possa eventualmente constituir uma ajuda na caracterização de consumos e detecção de medidas de melhoria em edifícios de escritórios, alcançando a eficiência energética neste tipo de instalações e facilitando assim o trabalho de vários profissionais do sector. Pretende-se igualmente demonstrar a importância da eficiência energética na gestão do uso da energia eléctrica em edifícios, e efectuar um paralelo entre a energia economizada por meio da implementação de medidas/acções de uso racional e eficiente, com a redução da queima de combustíveis fosseis na geração de energia eléctrica e a sua consequente redução nas emissões de dióxido de carbono (CO2), com o objectivo final de melhorar a qualidade de vida no nosso planeta.

Previsão e definição de perfis na gestão dos recursos de energia no âmbito de edifícios auto-sustentáveis

Nos últimos anos o consumo de energia elétrica produzida a partir de fontes renováveis tem aumentado significativamente. Este aumento deve-se ao impacto ambiental que recursos como o petróleo, gás, urânio, carvão, entre outros, têm no meio ambiente e que são notáveis no diaa- dia com as alterações climáticas e o aquecimento global. Por sua vez, estes recursos têm um ciclo de vida limitado e a dada altura tornar-se-ão escassos. A preocupação de uma melhoria contínua na redução dos impactos ambientais levou à criação de Normas para uma gestão mais eficiente e sustentável do consumo de energia nos edifícios. Parte da eletricidade vendida pelas empresas de comercialização é produzida através de fontes renováveis, e com a recente publicação do Decreto de Lei nº 153/2014 de 20 outubro de 2014 que regulamenta o autoconsumo, permitindo que também os consumidores possam produzir a sua própria energia nas suas residências para reduzir os custos com a compra de eletricidade. Neste contexto surgiram os edifícios inteligentes. Por edifícios inteligentes entende-se que são edifícios construídos com materiais que os tornam mais eficientes, possuem iluminação e equipamentos elétricos mais eficientes, e têm sistemas de produção de energia que permitem alimentar o próprio edifício, para um consumo mais sustentado. Os sistemas implementados nos edifícios inteligentes visam a monitorização e gestão da energia consumida e produzida para evitar desperdícios de consumo. O trabalho desenvolvido visa o estudo e a implementação de Redes Neuronais Artificiais (RNA) para prever os consumos de energia elétrica dos edifícios N e I do ISEP/GECAD, bem como a previsão da produção dos seus painéis fotovoltáicos. O estudo feito aos dados de consumo permitiu identificar perfis típicos de consumo ao longo de uma semana e de que forma são influenciados pelo contexto, nomeadamente, com os dias da semana versus fim-de-semana, e com as estações do ano, sendo analisados perfis de consumo de inverno e verão. A produção de energia através de painéis fotovoltaicos foi também analisada para perceber se a produção atual é suficiente para satisfazer as necessidades de consumo dos edifícios. Também foi analisada a possibilidade da produção satisfazer parcialmente as necessidades de consumos específicos, por exemplo, da iluminação dos edifícios, dos seus sistemas de ar condicionado ou dos equipamentos usados.

Fast approximate calculation of multiply scattered lidar returns

An efficient method is described for the approximate calculation of the intensity of multiply scattered lidar returns. It divides the outgoing photons into three populations, representing those that have experienced zero, one, and more than one forward-scattering event. Each population is parameterized at each range gate by its total energy, its spatial variance, the variance of photon direction, and the covariance, of photon direction and position. The result is that for an N-point profile the calculation is O(N-2) efficient and implicitly includes up to N-order scattering, making it ideal for use in iterative retrieval algorithms for which speed is crucial. In contrast, models that explicitly consider each scattering order separately are at best O(N-m/m!) efficient for m-order scattering and often cannot be performed to more than the third or fourth order in retrieval algorithms. For typical cloud profiles and a wide range of lidar fields of view, the new algorithm is as accurate as an explicit calculation truncated at the fifth or sixth order but faster by several orders of magnitude. (C) 2006 Optical Society of America.

Design, testing, and simulation of fibre composite leaf springs for heavy axle loads

This paper summarizes the design, manufacturing, testing, and finite element analysis (FEA) of glass-fibre-reinforced polyester leaf springs for rail freight vehicles. FEA predictions of load-deflection curves under static loading are presented, together with comparisons with test results. Bending stress distribution at typical load conditions is plotted for the springs. The springs have been mounted on a real wagon and drop tests at tare and full load have been carried out on a purpose-built shaker rig. The transient response of the springs from tests and FEA is presented and discussed.

A model of UK domestic appliance-use using Artificial Neural Networks

The development of an Artificial Neural Network model of UK domestic appliance energy consumption is presented. The model uses diary-style appliance use data and a survey questionnaire collected from 51 households during the summer of 2010. It also incorporates measured energy data and is sensitive to socioeconomic, physical dwelling and temperature variables. A prototype model is constructed in MATLAB using a two layer feed forward network with backpropagation training and has a12:10:24architecture.Model outputs include appliance load profiles which can be applied to the fields of energy planning (micro renewables and smart grids), building simulation tools and energy policy.

Design method for solar heating systems in combination with pellet boilers/stoves

In this study an optimization method for the design of combined solar and pellet heating systems is presented and evaluated. The paper describes the steps of the method by applying it for an example of system. The objective of the optimization was to find the design parameters that give the lowest auxiliary energy (pellet fuel + auxiliary electricity) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions for a system with a typical load, a single family house in Sweden. Weighting factors have been used for the auxiliary energy use and CO emissions to give a combined target function. Different weighting factors were tested. The results show that extreme weighting factors lead to their own minima. However, it was possible to find factors that ensure low values for both auxiliary energy and CO emissions.