Advances in Environmental, Economic and Social Assessment of Energy Systems


Book Description

The overall energy sector calls for a transformation from a fossil-based system to a low-carbon one. At a technology level, significant efforts have been made to provide energy solutions that contribute to a sustainable energy system. However, the actual suitability of these solutions is often not checked. In this sense, the assessment of energy systems from a life-cycle perspective is of paramount importance when it comes to effectively planning the energy sector. While environmental issues are commonly addressed through the use of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, the comprehensive evaluation of the economic and social aspects of energy systems often remains ignored or underdeveloped. This book consists of a set of scientific works addressing the analysis of energy systems from a (life-cycle) technical, economic, environmental and/or social standpoint. Case studies at and beyond the technology level are included, some of them involving a combination of life cycle and non-life cycle approaches for the thorough evaluation of energy systems under the umbrella of sustainability.







Design of Deep Braced Excavation in Urban Geotechnical Environments


Book Description

Design of Deep Braced Excavation in Urban Geotechnical Environments presents the design and calculation of deep braced excavation in urban geotechnical environments considering the soil characteristics of spatial variability and anisotropy, as well as excavation responses of urban adjacent utilities such as pipelines, tunnels, foundation piles and buildings. With economic development and further urbanization, excavation goes deeper, longer, and larger in scale. These conditions require advanced analysis and design methods. The text begins with coverage of overall stability, earth pressure and strut force, retaining wall responses, and ground movements. Numerical modeling and computer codes are outlined in detail. The authors then take a close look at the design of jet grouting for deformation control, instrumentation and back analysis for excavation, and the characteristics of deep braced excavation in complex geological environment. The final chapters conclude with an examination of the determination of excavation responses of urban adjacent utilities and failure analysis based on several case histories. This book provides the latest knowledge in both theory and practical application for geotechnical design engineers working on deep excavation problems. - Presents the latest theory and knowledge surrounding deep braced excavations - Systematically outlines theory, field reports, calculations, and back analysis, making it much easier to master the work relevant with deep braced excavations - Provides detailed visual elements and hyperlinks to additional images and video for case excavations to enhance understanding




Algorithms for Worst-Case Design and Applications to Risk Management


Book Description

Recognizing that robust decision making is vital in risk management, this book provides concepts and algorithms for computing the best decision in view of the worst-case scenario. The main tool used is minimax, which ensures robust policies with guaranteed optimal performance that will improve further if the worst case is not realized. The applications considered are drawn from finance, but the design and algorithms presented are equally applicable to problems of economic policy, engineering design, and other areas of decision making. Critically, worst-case design addresses not only Armageddon-type uncertainty. Indeed, the determination of the worst case becomes nontrivial when faced with numerous--possibly infinite--and reasonably likely rival scenarios. Optimality does not depend on any single scenario but on all the scenarios under consideration. Worst-case optimal decisions provide guaranteed optimal performance for systems operating within the specified scenario range indicating the uncertainty. The noninferiority of minimax solutions--which also offer the possibility of multiple maxima--ensures this optimality. Worst-case design is not intended to necessarily replace expected value optimization when the underlying uncertainty is stochastic. However, wise decision making requires the justification of policies based on expected value optimization in view of the worst-case scenario. Conversely, the cost of the assured performance provided by robust worst-case decision making needs to be evaluated relative to optimal expected values. Written for postgraduate students and researchers engaged in optimization, engineering design, economics, and finance, this book will also be invaluable to practitioners in risk management.







Protein Functionality in Food Systems


Book Description

This volume examines the contributions of proteins to the technological and organoleptic characteristics of food. It provides a solid basis for understanding the principles of food protein functionality and offers information to help develop unique food products using proteins as novel ingredients. Properties such as solubility, viscosity, gelation




Coeliac Disease and Gluten-Related Disorders


Book Description

Coeliac Disease and Gluten-Related Disorders provides an updated and comprehensive overview on the crucial aspects and clinical management of gluten-related disorders. It provides an overview of the scientific background, mechanisms involved, and emphasizes the translational effect of research on clinical practice. Highlighted throughout are insights into future research areas likely to have a crucial impact in the clinical management of these common conditions. The book is perfect for researchers and gastroenterologists involved in Coeliac Disease and other gluten-related disorders. - Presents both research and clinically based perspectives on the most relevant issues of gluten-related disorders - Provides a wide-ranging discussion and the most updated opinions by international experts in the field of coeliac disease and gluten-related disorders - Translates the latest research insights into practical suggestions for specialists










An Introduction to Central Solar Water Heating System Case Studies: Volume 3


Book Description

Introductory technical guidance for mechanical engineers and others interested in solar powered central hot water systems for multi-building complexes such college campuses, condominiums and military bases. Here are case studies that are discussed: 1. FPC-15: APARTMENT BUILDINGS MAGDEBURGER STRABE, HANNOVER, GERMANY 2. FPC-16: RESIDENTIAL AREA “BURGHOLZHOF,” STUTTGART, GERMANY 3. FPC -17. SOLAR THERMAL DISTRICT ENERGY SYSTEM AT SAINT PAUL, MN 4. ETC-1: BUILDING 209, US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (USEPA) LAB, EDISON NJ 5. ETC-2: HIGH-TEMPERATURE SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM - SOCIAL SECURITY ADMIN., PHILADELPHIA PA 6. ETC-3: TRADE PARK, HOUSING ESTATE RITTER, KARLSBAD, GERMANY 7. ETC-4: FESTO, ESSLINGEN, GERMANY 8. ETC-5: CONEY ISLAND, NY 9. ETC-6: ALTA LEIPZIGER, OBERUNSEL, GERMANY 10. ETC-7: PANORAMASAUNA, HOLZWEILER, GERMANY 11. ETC-8: WOHNHEIM LANGENDAMM, NIENBURG, GERMANY.