Kaukolämpöverkon paluuveden hyödyntäminen lämmityksessä

Tässä diplomityössä on määritetty paluuvesilämmityksen mahdollisuudet Savon Voima Oyj:n kaukolämpöpaikkakunnilla. Työssä tarkasteltiin paluuvesilämmityksen tuoman paremman kaukolämpöveden jäähtymän vaikutuksia kaukolämpöverkkoon ja energiantuotantoon sekä laskettiin esimerkkipaikkakunnilla kaukolämmön paluuveden lämpötilan alentumisen tuomat rahalliset hyödyt. Lisäksi tarkasteltiin paluuvesilämmityksen taloudellisuutta esimerkkipaikkakunnilla. Laskennassa saatiin paluuvesilämmityksen tuomaksi jäähtymähyödyksi pumppauskustannuksissa 0,7 – 0,8 €/MWh ja lämpöhäviöissä 1,5 – 2,9 €/MWh. Iisalmessa sähköntuotannon lisääntymisestä saadaan hyötyä 0,7 €/MWh. Suurin hyöty saadaan Pielaveden ja Suonenjoen biolämpökeskusten lämmöntalteenotolla varustetuista savukaasupesureista. Pielavedellä tämä hyöty on 6,4 €/MWh ja Suonenjoella 6,1 €/MWh. Paluuvesilämmityksen kannattavuus asuinkiinteistöissä vaatii lämmöntuotannon yhteydessä olevan savukaasupesurin tuoman rahallisen hyödyn. Esimerkiksi Iisalmessa asiakkaalle myönnettävissä oleva jäähtymähyvitys paluuvesilämmöstä ei riitä kattamaan paluuvesilämmityksen suurempia investointikuluja. Myös pesuripaikkakunnilla kannattavuus vaatii suuren vuosittaisen lämmönkäytön. Tavoiteltaessa 8 vuoden korollista takaisinmaksuaikaa vaatii kannattavuus kohteelta Pielavedellä 250 MWh:n ja Suonejoella 300 MWh:n vuosittaisen lämmönkäytön. Myös asiakkaan sijainnin sopivuus kaukolämpöverkossa paluuvesilämmitykseen täytyy tarkastella tapauskohtaisesti. Paluuvesilämmitys ei tule työn tulosten perusteella tulevaisuudessa yleisesti käyttöön, mutta yksittäisiä asiakkaita siihen voidaan liittää.

Measuring Cost of Poor Quality in Industrial Electronics

Quality is not only free but it can be a profit maker. Every dollar that is not spent on doing things wrong becomes a dollar right on the bottom line. The main objective of this thesis is to give an answer on how cost of poor quality can be measured theoretically correctly. Different calculation methods for cost of poor quality are presented and discussed in order to give comprehensive picture about measurement process. The second objective is to utilize the knowledge from the literature review and to apply it when creating a method for measuring cost of poor quality in supplier performance rating. Literature review indicates that P-A-F model together with ABC methodology provides a mean for quality cost calculations. These models give an answer what should be measured and how this measurement should be carried out. However, when product or service quality costs are incurred when quality character derivates from target value, then QLF seems to be most appropriate methodology for quality cost calculation. These methodologies were applied when creating a quality cost calculation method for supplier performance ratings.

Integration of microgrids into electricity distribution networks

Existing electricity distribution system is under pressure because implementation of distributed generation changes the grid configuration and also because some customers demand for better distribution reliability. In a short term, traditional network planning does not offer techno-economical solutions for the challenges and therefore the idea of microgrids is introduced. Islanding capability of microgrids is expected to enable better reliability by reducing effects of faults. The aim of the thesis is to discuss challenges in integration of microgrids into distribution networks. Study discusses development of microgrid related smart grid features and gives estimation of the guideline of microgrid implementation. Thesis also scans microgrid pilots around the world and introduces the most relevant projects. Analysis reveals that the main focus of researched studies is on low voltage microgrids. This thesis extends the idea to medium voltage distribution system and introduces challenges related to medium voltage microgrid implementation. Differences of centralized and distributed microgrid models are analyzed and the centralized model is discovered to be easiest to implement into existing distribution system. Preplan of medium voltage microgrid pilot is also carried out in this thesis.

A decision support system for cost determination in grain storage facility operations

Many research works have being carried out on analyzing grain storage facility costs; however a few of them had taken into account the analysis of factors associated to all pre-processing and storage steps. The objective of this work was to develop a decision support system for determining the grain storage facility costs and utilization fees in grain storage facilities. The data of a CONAB storage facility located in Ponta Grossa - PR, Brazil, was used as input of the system developed to analyze its specific characteristics, such as amount of product received and stored throughout the year, hourly capacity of drying, cleaning, and receiving, and dispatch. By applying the decision support system, it was observed that the reception and expedition costs were exponentially reduced as the turnover rate of the storage increased. The cleaning and drying costs increased linearly with grain initial moisture. The storage cost increased exponentially as the occupancy rate of the storage facility decreased.

Microgeneration of electricity with producer gas in dual fuel mode operation

Among the alternatives to meet the increasing of world demand for energy, the use of biomass as energy source is one of the most promising as it contributes to reducing emissions of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Gasification is a technological process of biomass energy production of a gaseous biofuel. The fuel gas has a low calorific value that can be used in Diesel engine in dual mode for power generation in isolated communities. This study aimed to evaluate the reduction in the consumption of oil Diesel an engine generator, using gas from gasification of wood. The engine generator brand used was a BRANCO, with direct injection power of 7.36 kW (10 HP) coupled to an electric generator 5.5 kW. Diesel oil mixed with intake air was injected, as the oil was injected via an injector of the engine (dual mode). The fuel gas was produced in a downdraft gasifier. The engine generator was put on load system from 0.5 kW to 3.5 kW through a set of electrical resistances. Diesel oil consumption was measured with a precision scale. It was concluded that the engine converted to dual mode when using the gas for the gasification of wood decreased Diesel consumption by up to 57%.

Low cost driver device for microclimate maintenance in the pre-milking of dairy cattle

Due to the importance of the environment on animal production and thus environmental control, the study aims to build a system for monitoring and control the meteorological variables, temperature and relative humidity, low cost, which can be associated with an evaporative cooling system (ECS). The system development included all the stages of assembly, test and laboratory calibration, and later the validation of the equipment carried in the field. The validation step showed results which allowed concluding that the system can be safely used in the monitoring of these variables. The controller was efficient in management of the microclimate in the waiting corral and allowed the maintenance of the air temperature within the comfort range for dairy cattle in pre-milking with averaged 25.09 ºC during the afternoon. The equipment showed the lower cost (R$ 325.76) when compared to other middle market (R$ 450.00).

Investment recovery period in electric motor of higher efficiency in pumping for irrigation

In this study, it was adjusted a mathematical model to measure the effect of electric motor efficiency on pumping system costs for irrigation on the tariff structure of conventional electricity and green horo-seasonal , and also to calculate the recovery period of the invested capital in higher efficiency equipment. Then, it was applied to a center pivot irrigation system in two options of electric motor efficiency, 92,6% (standard line) and 94,3% (high efficiency line), and the acquisition cost of the first corresponded to 70% the of the second. The power of the electric motor was 100hp. The results showed that the model allowed us to evaluate if a high efficiency motor was economically viable compared to the standard motor in each tariff structure. The high efficiency motor was not viable in the two tariff structures. In the green horo-seasonal tariff, would only be viable if its efficiency was 4.46% higher than the standard motor. In the conventional tariff, it would only be viable if the efficiency overcame 2.71%.

Tuulivoimateollisuuden tarkastelu patenttianalyysiä hyödyntäen

Työssä luodaan katsaus tuulivoiman käyttöön historiassa sekä tuulivoiman hyödyntämiseen sähköntuotantoon nykyaikaisessa yhteiskunnassa. Lisäksi esitellään modernin kolmilapaisen tuuliturbiinin tekniikkaa. Työssä tarkastellaan kolmen suuren tuulivoimaloita valmistavien yrityksien patentointiaktiivisutta aikavälillä 2000–2010 ja patenttien lukumäärässä, maantieteellisessä vaihtelussa, tyypissä ja luokissa esiintyviä trendejä. Näiden pohjalta luodaan kokonaiskuva tuulivoiman teollisuuden kehityksestä 2000-luvun alussa ja odotetuista tulevaisuuden näkymistä. Vuosituhannen vaihteen jälkeen patentointiaktiivisuus on kasvanut tuulivoimateknologiayrityksillä. Etenkin vuonna 2007 havaitaan piikki patenttien lukumäärässä. Patentointitoiminta on keskittynyt Eurooppaan, Pohjois-Amerikkaan sekä Kiinaan. Tuulivoimateknologian voidaan olettaa kehittyvän sekä koossa että kustannustehokkuudessa.

Generic Life Cycle Cost Model and Cost-effective Solutions

Life cycle costing (LCC) practices are spreading from military and construction sectors to wider area of industries. Suppliers as well as customers are demanding comprehensive cost knowledge that includes all relevant cost elements through the life cycle of products. The problem of total cost visibility is being acknowledged and the performance of suppliers is evaluated not just by low acquisition costs of their products, but by total value provided through the life time of their offerings. The main purpose of this thesis is to provide better understanding of product cost structure to the case company. Moreover, comprehensive theoretical body serves as a guideline or methodology for further LCC process. Research includes the constructive analysis of LCC related concepts and features as well as overview of life cycle support services in manufacturing industry. The case study aims to review the existing LCC practices within the case company and provide suggestions for improvements. It includes identification of most relevant life cycle cost elements, development of cost breakdown structure and generic cost model for data collection. Moreover, certain cost-effective suggestions are provided as well. This research should support decision making processes, assessment of economic viability of products, financial planning, sales and other processes within the case company.

Development of Cost Estimation with Feedback Information in EPCM Business

Target company of this study is a large machinery company, which is, inter alia, engaged in energy and pulp engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) supply business. The main objective of this study was to develop cost estimation of the target company by providing more accurate, reliable and up-to-date information through enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Another objective was to find cost-effective methods to collect total cost of ownership information to support more informed supplier selection decision making. This study is primarily action-oriented, but also constructive, and it can be divided in two sections: theoretical literature review and empirical study on the abovementioned part of the target company’s business. Development of information collection is, in addition to literature review, based on nearly 30 qualitative interviews of employees at various organizational units, functions and levels at the target company. At the core of development was to make initial data more accurate, reliable and available, a necessary prerequisite for informed use of the information. Certain development suggestions and paths were presented in order to regain confidence in ERP system as information source by reorganizing work breakdown structure and by complementing mere cost information with quantitative, technical and scope information. Several methods to use the information ever more effectively were also discussed. While implementation of the development suggestions outreached the scope of this study, it was forwarded in test environment and interest groups.

The Dark Side of International Business? Stakeholder Approach to Human Trafficking in Finnish Construction and Service Sectors

Human trafficking is not a new phenomenon. It has existed in various forms for ages around the world. Some researchers have even compared it to slavery, calling it the modern form of slavery in the 21st century. This study is particularly interested in the role of work-related human trafficking in Finnish business. In order for something to be called work-related human trafficking, the concepts of forced labour and human trafficking have to overlap. From the economic point of view, human trafficking is governed by the laws of supply and demand. In many countries the global pressure on cutting costs has created two trends: the increased supply of migrant workers and the deregulation of labour markets. These competitive pressures can have an adverse impact on the conditions of employment and, in the worst cases, can lead to forced labour and trafficking. In fact, trafficking has become one of the most profitable illicit industries worldwide, generating tremendous profits due to its low costs and huge profits. Therefore, it is important to investigate the phenomenon from the business point of view. This study is a qualitative research conducted by using theme interviews as a research approach. Altogether 13 interviews have been conducted and some secondary data has been used in order to find out what the role of human trafficking is in Finnish business. The special sectors investigated are the Finnish construction and service sectors. The theory framework used in this study follows the stakeholder approach. The relevant stakeholder groups for this study are: ‘institutions and authorities’, ‘law enforcement’, ‘management’ and ‘employees – potential victims’ of trafficking. With the help of these stakeholder groups, a holistic picture of the phenomenon is formed. It can be concluded that the role of human trafficking is complicated but it does exist in Finnish business. It appears in low-cost business sectors where the demand for cheap labour is high. Thus, often the victims are foreigners who do not know the culture or the Finnish conditions of employment. Especially smaller Finnish companies are at risk of getting involved in human trafficking or related exploitation cases since monitoring is much more scarce in these firms than in larger companies. The risk of human trafficking and exploitation is also higher at the bottom of the complicated subcontracting chains or when using foreign recruitment agencies. Thus, the study believes that active and intensive collaboration between the company’s different stakeholder groups is needed in order to prevent work-related human trafficking from flourishing in Finland.

The Design and Implementation of a Power Management Feature to a Configuration Management System

Green IT is a term that covers various tasks and concepts that are related to reducing the environmental impact of IT. At enterprise level, Green IT has significant potential to generate sustainable cost savings: the total amount of devices is growing and electricity prices are rising. The lifecycle of a computer can be made more environmentally sustainable using Green IT, e.g. by using energy efficient components and by implementing device power management. The challenge using power management at enterprise level is how to measure and follow-up the impact of power management policies? During the thesis a power management feature was developed to a configuration management system. The feature can be used to automatically power down and power on PCs using a pre-defined schedule and to estimate the total power usage of devices. Measurements indicate that using the feature the device power consumption can be monitored quite precisely and the power consumption can be reduced, which generates electricity cost savings and reduces the environmental impact of IT.