Abstract: This paper discusses the utilization of marine biomass as an energy resource in Japan. A marine biomass energy system in Japan was proposed consisting of seaweed cultivation (Laminaria japonica) at offshore marine farms, biogas production via methane fermentation of the seaweeds, and fuel cell power generation driven by the generated biogas. We estimated energy output, energy supply potential, and CO2 mitigation in Japan on the basis of the proposed system. As a result, annual energy production was estimated to be 1.02-109 kWh/yr at nine available sites. Total CO2 mitigation was estimated to be 1.04-106 tonnes per annum at the nine sites. However, the CO2 emission for the construction of relevant facilities is not taken into account in this paper. The estimated CO2 mitigation is equivalent to about 0.9% of the required CO2 mitigation for Japan per annum under the Kyoto Protocol framework.
Abstract: In this paper we present a linear autozeroing ultra lowvoltage amplifier. The autozeroing performed by all ULV circuits is important to reduce the impact of noise and especially avoid power supply noise in mixed signal low-voltage CMOS circuits. The simulated data presented is relevant for a 90nm TSMC CMOS process.
Abstract: In this paper we promote the Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) NAND gate to replace either partly or entirely the encryption block of a design to withstand power analysis attack.
Abstract: A passive system "Qanat" is collection of some
underground wells. A mother-well was dug in a place far from the
city where they could reach to the water table maybe 100 meters
underground, they dug other wells to direct water toward the city,
with minimum possible gradient. Using the slope of the earth they
could bring water close to the surface in the city. The source of water
or the appearance of Qanat, land slope and the ownership lines are
the important and effective factors in the formation of routes and the
segment division of lands to the extent that making use of Qanat as
the techniques of extracting underground waters creates a channel of
routes with an organic order and hierarchy coinciding the slope of
land and it also guides the Qanat waters in the tradition texture of salt
desert and border provinces of it. Qanats are excavated in a specified
distinction from each other. The quantity of water provided by
Qanats depends on the kind of land, distance from mountain,
geographical situation of them and the rate of water supply from the
underground land. The rate of underground waters, possibility of
Qanat excavation, number of Qanats and rate of their water supply
from one hand and the quantity of cultivable fertile lands from the
other hand are the important natural factors making the size of cities.
In the same manner the cities with several Qanats have multi central
textures. The location of cities is in direct relation with land quality,
soil fertility and possibility of using underground water by excavating
Qanats. Observing the allowable distance for Qanat watering is a
determining factor for distance between villages and cities.
Topography, land slope, soil quality, watering system, ownership,
kind of cultivation, etc. are the effective factors in directing Qanats
for excavation and guiding water toward the cultivable lands and it
also causes the formation of different textures in land division of
farming provinces. Several divisions such as orderly and wide, inorderly,
thin and long, comb like, etc. are the introduction to organic
order. And at the same time they are complete coincidence with
environmental conditions in the typical development of ecological
architecture and planning in the traditional cities and settlements
order.
Abstract: This paper presents modeling and analysis of 12-phase distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM), which is capable of balancing the source currents in spite of unbalanced loading and phase outages. In addition to balance the supply current, the power factor can be set to a desired value. The theory of instantaneous symmetrical components is used to generate the twelve-phase reference currents. These reference currents are then tracked using current controlled voltage source inverter, operated in a hysteresis band control scheme. An ideal compensator in place of physical realization of the compensator is used. The performance of the proposed DTATCOM is validated through MATLAB simulation and detailed simulation results are given.
Abstract: In the past decade, artificial neural networks (ANNs)
have been regarded as an instrument for problem-solving and
decision-making; indeed, they have already done with a substantial
efficiency and effectiveness improvement in industries and businesses.
In this paper, the Back-Propagation neural Networks (BPNs) will be
modulated to demonstrate the performance of the collaborative
forecasting (CF) function of a Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and
Replenishment (CPFR®) system. CPFR functions the balance between
the sufficient product supply and the necessary customer demand in a
Supply and Demand Chain (SDC). Several classical standard BPN will
be grouped, collaborated and exploited for the easy implementation of
the proposed modular ANN framework based on the topology of a
SDC. Each individual BPN is applied as a modular tool to perform the
task of forecasting SKUs (Stock-Keeping Units) levels that are
managed and supervised at a POS (point of sale), a wholesaler, and a
manufacturer in an SDC. The proposed modular BPN-based CF
system will be exemplified and experimentally verified using lots of
datasets of the simulated SDC. The experimental results showed that a
complex CF problem can be divided into a group of simpler
sub-problems based on the single independent trading partners
distributed over SDC, and its SKU forecasting accuracy was satisfied
when the system forecasted values compared to the original simulated
SDC data. The primary task of implementing an autonomous CF
involves the study of supervised ANN learning methodology which
aims at making “knowledgeable" decision for the best SKU sales plan
and stocks management.
Abstract: In general, small-scale vegetables farmers experience
problems in improving the safety and quality of vegetables supplied
to high-class consumers in modern retailers. They also lack of
information to access market. The farmers group and/or cooperative
(FGC) should be able to assist its members by providing training in
handling and packing vegetables and enhancing marketing
capabilities to sell commodities to the modern retailers. This study
proposes an agri-food supply chain (ASC) model that involves the
corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities to cultivate the
capabilities of farmers to access market. Multi period ASC model is
formulated as Weighted Goal Programming (WGP) to analyze the
impacts of CSR programs to empower the FGCs in managing the
small-scale vegetables farmers. The results show that the proposed
model can be used to determine the priority of programs in order to
maximize the four goals to be achieved in the CSR programs.
Abstract: A new low-voltage floating gate MOSFET (FGMOS)
based squarer using square law characteristic of the FGMOS is
proposed in this paper. The major advantages of the squarer are simplicity,
rail-to-rail input dynamic range, low total harmonic distortion,
and low power consumption. The proposed circuit is biased without
body effect. The circuit is designed and simulated using SPICE in
0.25μm CMOS technology. The squarer is operated at the supply
voltages of ±0.75V . The total harmonic distortion (THD) for the
input signal 0.75Vpp at 25 KHz, and maximum power consumption
were found to be less than 1% and 319μW respectively.
Abstract: The main objective of this project is to build an
autonomous microcontroller-based mobile robot for a local robot
soccer competition. The black competition field is equipped with
white lines to serve as the guidance path for competing robots. Two
prototypes of soccer robot embedded with the Basic Stamp II
microcontroller have been developed. Two servo motors are used as
the drive train for the first prototype whereas the second prototype
uses two DC motors as its drive train. To sense the lines, lightdependent
resistors (LDRs) supply the analog inputs for the
microcontroller. The performances of both prototypes are evaluated.
The DC motor-driven robot has produced better trajectory control
over the one using servo motors and has brought the team into the
final round.
Abstract: In this paper, a new approach for design of a fully
differential second order current mode continuous-time sigma-delta
modulator is presented. For circuit implementation, square root
domain (SRD) translinear loop based on floating-gate MOS
transistors that operate in saturation region is employed. The
modulator features, low supply voltage, low power consumption
(8mW) and high dynamic range (55dB). Simulation results confirm
that this design is suitable for data converters.
Abstract: The energy consumption and delay in read/write
operation of conventional SRAM is investigated analytically as well
as by simulation. Explicit analytical expressions for the energy
consumption and delay in read and write operation as a function of
device parameters and supply voltage are derived. The expressions are
useful in predicting the effect of parameter changes on the energy
consumption and speed as well as in optimizing the design of
conventional SRAM. HSPICE simulation in standard 0.25μm CMOS
technology confirms precision of analytical expressions derived from
this paper.
Abstract: Detection of squirrel cage induction motor (SCIM) broken bars has long been an important but difficult job in the detection area of motor faults. Early detection of this abnormality in the motor would help to avoid costly breakdowns. A new detection method based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) is presented in this paper. Stator current in an induction motor will be measured and characteristic frequency components of faylted rotor will be detected by minimizing a fitness function using pso. Supply frequency and side band frequencies and their amplitudes can be estimated by the proposed method. The proposed method is applied to a faulty motor with one and two broken bars in different loading condition. Experimental results prove that the proposed method is effective and applicable.
Abstract: This paper provides a framework in order to
incorporate reliability issue as a sign of disruption in distribution
systems and partial covering theory as a response to limitation in
coverage radios and economical preferences, simultaneously into the
traditional literatures of capacitated facility location problems. As a
result we develop a bi-objective model based on the discrete
scenarios for expected cost minimization and demands coverage
maximization through a three echelon supply chain network by
facilitating multi-capacity levels for provider side layers and
imposing gradual coverage function for distribution centers (DCs).
Additionally, in spite of objectives aggregation for solving the model
through LINGO software, a branch of LP-Metric method called Min-
Max approach is proposed and different aspects of corresponds
model will be explored.
Abstract: Due to the fact that in the new century customers tend
to express globally increasing demands, networks of interconnected
businesses have been established in societies and the management of
such networks seems to be a major key through gaining competitive
advantages. Supply chain management encompasses such managerial
activities. Within a supply chain, a critical role is played by quality.
QFD is a widely-utilized tool which serves the purpose of not only
bringing quality to the ultimate provision of products or service
packages required by the end customer or the retailer, but it can also
initiate us into a satisfactory relationship with our initial customer;
that is the wholesaler. However, the wholesalers- cooperation is
considerably based on the capabilities that are heavily dependent on
their locations and existing circumstances. Therefore, it is undeniable
that for all companies each wholesaler possesses a specific
importance ratio which can heavily influence the figures calculated in
the House of Quality in QFD. Moreover, due to the competitiveness
of the marketplace today, it-s been widely recognized that
consumers- expression of demands has been highly volatile in
periods of production. Apparently, such instability and proneness to
change has been very tangibly noticed and taking it into account
during the analysis of HOQ is widely influential and doubtlessly
required. For a more reliable outcome in such matters, this article
demonstrates the application viability of Analytic Network Process
for considering the wholesalers- reputation and simultaneously
introduces a mortality coefficient for the reliability and stability of
the consumers- expressed demands in course of time. Following to
this, the paper provides further elaboration on the relevant
contributory factors and approaches through the calculation of such
coefficients. In the end, the article concludes that an empirical
application is needed to achieve broader validity.
Abstract: Urban water management in Australia faces increasing pressure to deal with the challenges of droughts, growing population and the climate change uncertainty. Addressing these challenges is an opportunity to incorporate the parallel goals of sustainable water management and climate change adaptation through holistic, non-technical means. This paper presents case studies from Perth and Sydney which show how despite robust adaptation plans and experience, recent efforts to 'drought proof' cities have focused on supply-side measures (i.e. desalination), rather than rethinking how water is used and managing demand. The trend towards desalination as a climate adaptation measure raises questions about the sustainability of urban water futures in Australia.
Abstract: Firstly, research and development on RFID focuses on
manufacturing and retail sectors, because it can improve supply chain
efficiency. But, now a variety of field is considered the next research
area for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Although RFID is
infancy, RFID technology has great potential in power industry to
significantly reduce cost, and improve quality of power supply. To
complement the limitation of RFID, we adopt the WSN (Wireless
Sensor Network) technology. However, relevant experience is limited,
the challenge will be to derive requirement from business practice and
to determine whether it is possible or not. To explore this issue, we
conduct a case study on implementing power facility management
system using RFID/WSN in Korea Electric Power Corporation
(KEPCO). In this paper we describe requirement from power industry.
And we introduce design and implementation of the test bed.
Abstract: In the last decades to supply the various and different
demands of clients, a lot of manufacturers trend to use the mixedmodel
assembly line (MMAL) in their production lines, since this
policy make possible to assemble various and different models of the
equivalent goods on the same line with the MTO approach.
In this article, we determine the sequence of (MMAL) line, with
applying the kitting approach and planning of rest time for general
workers to reduce the wastages, increase the workers effectiveness
and apply the sector of lean production approach.
This Multi-objective sequencing problem solved in small size with
GAMS22.2 and PSO meta heuristic in 10 test problems and compare
their results together and conclude that their results are very similar
together, next we determine the important factors in computing the
cost, which improving them cost reduced. Since this problem, is NPhard
in large size, we use the particle swarm optimization (PSO)
meta-heuristic for solving it. In large size we define some test
problems to survey it-s performance and determine the important
factors in calculating the cost, that by change or improved them
production in minimum cost will be possible.
Abstract: This paper discusses a genetic algorithm (GA) based optimal load shedding that can apply for electrical distribution networks with and without dispersed generators (DG). Also, the proposed method has the ability for considering constant and variable capacity deficiency caused by unscheduled outages in the bulked generation and transmission system of bulked power supply. The genetic algorithm (GA) is employed to search for the optimal load shedding strategy in distribution networks considering DGs in two cases of constant and variable modelling of bulked power supply of distribution networks. Electrical power distribution systems have a radial network and unidirectional power flows. With the advent of dispersed generations, the electrical distribution system has a locally looped network and bidirectional power flows. Therefore, installed DG in the electrical distribution systems can cause operational problems and impact on existing operational schemes. Introduction of DGs in electrical distribution systems has introduced many new issues in operational and planning level. Load shedding as one of operational issue has no exempt. The objective is to minimize the sum of curtailed load and also system losses within the frame-work of system operational and security constraints. The proposed method is tested on a radial distribution system with 33 load points for more practical applications.
Abstract: The nature of consumer products causes the difficulty
in forecasting the future demands and the accuracy of the forecasts
significantly affects the overall performance of the supply chain
system. In this study, two data mining methods, artificial neural
network (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM), were utilized to
predict the demand of consumer products. The training data used was
the actual demand of six different products from a consumer product
company in Thailand. The results indicated that SVM had a better
forecast quality (in term of MAPE) than ANN in every category of
products. Moreover, another important finding was the margin
difference of MAPE from these two methods was significantly high
when the data was highly correlated.
Abstract: Biodiesel is traditionally produced from oleaginous
plants. On the other hand, increasing biodiesel production from these
raw materials could create problems of food supply. Producing
biodiesel from microalgae could help to overcome this difficulty,
because microalgae are rich in lipids and do not compete for arable
lands. However, no studies had compared vegetable and microalgae
oil-based biodiesel in terms of yield, viscosity and heat of
combustion. In the present study, commercial canola and microalgae
oil were therefore transesterified with methanol under a homogenous
alkali catalyst (potassium hydroxide) at 100oC for 1h. The result
showed that microalgae-based oil has a higher yield in biodiesel with
89.7% (g biodiesel/g oil) and a lower kinematic viscosity (22oC) of
4.31 mm/s2 than canola oil.