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2023 | Buch

Responsible Engineering and Living

Proceedings of Responsible Engineering and Living 2022 Symposium and Industry Summit (REAL2022)

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Über dieses Buch

This book includes the proceedings of the Responsible Engineering and Living 2022 Symposium and Industry Summit.

Molière holds each of us accountable when he asserted that, “It is not only for what we do that we are held responsible, but also for what we do not do.” Responsible Engineering and Living 2022 (REAL2022) strived to inspire every individual to practise and foster responsible engineering and living. Its proceedings brings all stakeholders, enthusiasts and experts from academia, industry, policy arenas, and general public, together to discuss challenges, sharpen existing solutions, and formulate novel means to advance responsible engineering and living. This symposium disseminates recent progress and promote collaborations to maximize opportunities for innovative solutions. Topics of interest include resource and energy conservation, waste reduction, nature-friendly engineering and architecture, and sustainable vibrant living.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. Access to Drinking Water, Food Security and Adequate Housing: Challenges for Engineering, Past, Present and Future
Abstract
There are basic truths in the often-quoted idiom, “eat and drink, for tomorrow we die”. Taken literally, the tomorrow is a slight exaggeration but without water a human will not survive more than a few days and in the case of no food, a few weeks. In the pre-agricultural period of human history, the hunters-gathers foraged and hunted for water and food and, if unsuccessful, their chances of survival were severely, maybe even fatally, compromised. Humans also breath oxygenated air; about 20,000 or more times a day and the majority can only survive a very few minutes without it. However, even with sufficient air, water, and food in the absence of some form of shelter to protect against the vagaries of weather, animal predators, including other humans, survival was very difficult. Today, the same dismal situations occur when humans do not have access to clean drinking water, clean air, sufficient food, and adequate housing. These challenges have been exacerbated since the nineteenth century as global populations rapidly increase, a trend likely to continue to at least the end of the twenty-first century. Globally the world produces more food than it consumes, the amount of water has remained a constant since humans first appeared, anthropogenic activities continue to adversely effect air quality, and the housing supply is not keeping up with demand. Despite the global food and water situations there are still people without secure access to food or clean drinking water, which exacerbates the housing problems. Are these issues simply the ramifications of overwhelming population rise? Can they be solved? In a recent global survey, the respondents expected that as the world population increases engineers can resolve the water, food, and housing scarcities, although they also believe that engineering’s first priority is to solve these problems by 2035, as well as improving renewable energy and healthcare. These are challenging tasks long familiar to engineers, especially since political, cultural, geographical, and economic obstacles are invariably faced in their pursuit of providing societies with acceptable, sustainable, and affordable solutions. Moreover, access to water, food and housing is not only globally desirable, but also the member states of the United Nations have declared them to be universal human rights. In an attempt to ensure that global action is taken to satisfy these rights, specifically defined Sustainable Development Goals have been agreed by the same member states. Will these help or hinder engineering efforts to address societal expectations? In this chapter, the challenges faced, both in the past and present, by engineers with regard to improving drinking water quality, increasing food quantity and quality, and providing adequate housing are discussed along with some observations on how and why some of the present obstacles may be exacerbated in the future.
Graham T. Reader
Chapter 2. Realizing Clean Combustion with Ether Fuels
Abstract
Efforts are being made throughout the world to minimize the environmental impact of everyday activities through governmental subsidies and regulations. The transportation sector especially has been a focus for policymakers as meeting future emission regulations with internal combustion engines increases system complexity and requires costly aftertreatment technology. For current on-road engines, the replacement of petroleum fuels such as diesel with alternatives that are produced from renewable sources can present an immediate impact on net CO2 emissions. Ether fuels offer such renewability standards while containing high oxygen content (up to 50% by mass) and volatility favourable for smokeless combustion. In this research, dimethyl ether (DME) and oxymethylene ether (OME) fuels were investigated on a high compression ratio engine instrumented for single-cylinder engine research. The combustion characteristics and exhaust emissions of DME and OME fuels were analyzed and compared with diesel as a baseline reference. The test results show that ether fuels emit considerably less smoke. The storage and fuel handling of DME fuel present challenges for direct adaptation to current on-road diesel engines. On the other hand, blending OME with diesel fuel shows the potential to reduce anthropogenic CO2 emissions conveniently and progressively.
Simon LeBlanc, Long Jin, Alex Bastable, Linyan Wang, Xiao Yu, Jimi Tjong, Ming Zheng
Chapter 3. Wind Turbine Wake Redirection via External Vanes
Abstract
The aerodynamic interactions of wind turbines are a wind farm’s most significant source of energy loss. Every wind turbine creates a low-speed, highly turbulent, plume-like airflow called a “wake.” To minimize the said losses, one needs to reduce the overall exposure to upstream turbines’ wakes. One can achieve this goal by optimizing the farm’s layout and actively controlling the parameters that can either steer or weaken the wake, such as yaw or pitch angles. Both practices, i.e., layout optimization and active yaw control, are still insufficient, leaving the wind farms as one of the least power-dense forms of plants with a power density of 1–2 W/m2. In this article, we propose the application of external vanes to steer the wake from downstream turbines in real time. While acknowledging that implementing this strategy with a current technology readiness level of 1 is not easy, this research only serves as a preliminary proof of concept demonstrating this idea’s effectiveness. The study utilized large-eddy simulations and an inline, three-turbine configuration. It revealed that a sizeable external vane between the front- and the second-row turbines increased the production of the second and third turbines by approximately 45% and 42%, respectively, which is significant compared to all other studied active wake control strategies.
Reza Nouri, Ryan R. Nash, Ahmad Vasel-Be-Hagh
Chapter 4. Energy Generation and Economic Efficiencies of Renewable Energy Technologies in EU-27
Abstract
European countries are having challenging times with rising electricity prices and energy security on one side and the immediate need to react to climate change risks on the other side. Renewable energy power plants with no greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and no fuel dependency can be a solution to this challenge. It is crucial to know their energy generation and economic efficiencies to prioritize the support policies. This chapter analyzes three mostly utilized renewable sources (hydro, wind, and solar), using the Super Efficiency Model of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). EU-27 countries were grouped into two, in line with their capacity factors, and studied under two models. The first model focused on the generation efficiencies of each technology. According to DEA results, both groups of countries have higher super efficiency levels in 2020 when compared to 2019 based on wind and solar technologies, with the highest average efficiency belonging to South and Balkan countries concerning solar resources. The reason can be traced back to richer natural resources and decreasing costs of technologies. However, Nordic and Baltic hydro generation efficiency has decreased in 2020 which shows the effects of the higher investment costs per MW because of the higher number of plants with smaller sizes. The economic efficiency (Model 2) was studied with gross value added as output. The solar energy economic efficiency is the only element where both groups of countries have increased their scores. Both the efficiency of Group 2 in terms of wind and the economic efficiency of Group 1 for the hydro sector were decreasing. It can be argued that with higher generation efficiency combined with economic efficiency, European countries would become more competitive in solar technology if the current efficiency trend continues. However, it is important to map the economic potential of resources in light of the climate change effects on the resources and the cost trends for future policy decisions.
Fazıl Gökgöz, Gaye Demirhan Başbilen
Chapter 5. Solar Rooftop Test Cell—Experimental Methodology and Results of Multivariable Sensitivity Analysis
Abstract
Existing greenhouse models in literature often use input parameters that are selected with little to no scientific explanation. To address this, a solar test cell was constructed and placed on the roof of the Albert A Thornborough building at the University of Guelph from June to August 2021. The test cell was built to allow controlled investigation of thermal properties of a simplified version of a greenhouse, with fewer unknown values and relationships. The experimental set-up included 6 mil polyethylene glazing above a 10 cm deep air layer, above 5 cm of sand. The structure was framed with dimensional lumber and particle board and included 2.5 cm of foam board insulation on side walls and below the sand layer to mitigate heat loss. Interior and exterior temperature and relative humidities, as well as wind speed and solar irradiance were recorded over the duration of the experiment. Heat transfer in the cell was simulated with a modified one-dimensional lumped capacitance model that tracked heat fluxes between discrete layers. Identifying the optimal parameters for this test cell allow for relevant findings to be transferred to more complex greenhouse models. Two multivariable sensitivity analyses were conducted on parameters and relationships used in the model, with the optimized configuration resulting in root mean squared errors for air temperature that were less than 5 °C, with a daily air temperature range of over 70 °C. Also included is a methodology for finding the thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of the soil using measured temperatures.
Alex Nauta, William David Lubitz, Syeda Humaira Tasnim
Chapter 6. Methodology and Validation of a New Climate Prediction Model for Commercial and Small-Scale Greenhouses
Abstract
Modelling of the greenhouse microclimate represents a great opportunity for existing growers to find ways to optimize energy usage while maintaining temperature and humidity setpoints. Models can also be used by greenhouse designers, as different build options can be compared to ensure optimal design decisions. The cost of installing new technologies and equipment is often high: simulations can be used to provide a good estimate of the potential impact specific systems will have before investing in costly greenhouse infrastructure. This paper documents the development and validation of a thermal energy model designed to simulate the microclimate of a greenhouse based on site properties, exterior conditions, greenhouse operating protocols and heat and mass transfer relationships. A dynamic lumped capacitance model approach was used. Due to the large variety of greenhouse types and equipment, the main objective was to test the predictive performance of the model at various greenhouse sites, ranging from a small backyard greenhouse to large, more complex commercial operations. Measured timeseries data was obtained for each site, either from field studies conducted by the research team or from logged greenhouse controller data supplied by commercial greenhouse operators. Various greenhouse elements common in commercial operations, such as supplemental heating and lighting, forced and passive ventilation, evaporative cooling pads, and dehumidification equipment, are found in some of the test sites, and all are incorporated into the model. The studied greenhouses are all located in southern Ontario, Canada (42.0 °N, 82.8 °W to 43.2 °N, 79.4 °W). This region is characterized as a humid, continental climate with four recognizable seasons (summer, fall, winter and spring). The model was tested with data from each season, since the regional industry is moving towards year-round production. The accuracy of the model results are quantified by using the root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) between measured and simulated values for each test case. The accuracy of greenhouse air temperature and humidity predictions compared favorably with examples in the literature for lumped parameter greenhouse models for all greenhouse sites and seasons simulated. The results support the conclusion that the model is sufficiently accurate to be used as a design tool for growers and greenhouse designers.
Alex Nauta, William David Lubitz, Syeda Humaira Tasnim, Jingjing Han
Chapter 7. Evaluation of Pond Water Performance for Greenhouse Irrigation Cooling: A Case Study in Southwestern Ontario, Canada
Abstract
Irrigation water temperature plays an essential role in yield and quality of greenhouse products. In the summer, the irrigation water can be warming than desirable, leading to certain problems such as root diseases. In this paper, the performance of using stormwater pond to cool irrigation water for a commercial greenhouse was studied using the Transient System Simulation (TRNSYS) software. The irrigation water system was simulated according to the reference greenhouse data in Leamington, Ontario, Canada. The model was validated with actual average temperature of the treated water tank and heat exchanger operation time data. The effect of changes in freshwater temperature, pond water temperature, the cold and hot side flow rate of the heat exchanger, and heat transfer coefficient of the heat exchanger were investigated. Incorporating pond water and heat exchanger reduce the treated water temperature by 1.5° in June and 0.5 °C in July. Sensitivity analysis showed that the pond water temperature had the greatest impact among other parameters in the studied ranges. Thus, a three-degree drop in pond water will reduce heat exchanger operating hours by 70% in July and 14% in June.
S. Khademi, R. Carriveau, D. S.-K. Ting, L. Semple
Chapter 8. Selection of Phase-Change Material for Building Envelope by Qualitative Decision-Support Analysis
Abstract
The characteristic structure materials are frequently classified jointly in the course of many construction design steps to form what is known as the building envelope. The selection of proper building and insulation materials is one of the most significant responsibilities in the building project’s design improvement step. This determination will have a substantial effect on the building’s efficiency in terms of numerous design attributes. Finding trade-offs that satisfy a variety of efficiency criteria can help improving energy efficiency of the building design. Correct judgments are critical for optimizing building performance in terms of many performance characteristics such as thermal condictivity, density, specific mass, and so on. Although the final result cannot be completely seperated from the remaining project steps, using decision making procedures can help making this a more sensible conclusion. With this aim, MCDM approaches are commonly used for the efficient building envelope material choice. The analytic hierarchy process has been utilized to identify and evaluate proper phase-change materials for comfort applications in buildings. The temperature of phase-change for phase-change materials utilized in this system is from 21 to 28 °C. Five criteria were used in this analysis: latent thermal capacity, temperature of phase-change, solid-phase density, material thermal conductivity, and specific thermal capacity. A variety of phase-change materials can be used for comfort purposes based on certain criteria. The goal of this research is to select the best phase-change material for building envelope applications utilizing the AHP methodology. This method involves determining the evaluation criteria and comparatively evaluating pairs of criteria to find the relative importance of each criterion. Consequently, each phase-change material is evaluated for their performance based on each of these criteria and assigned a total score to determing the optimum material. The aim is to obtain the most efficient phase-change material for building envelope by determining the weights of convenient phase-change materials to insulate the building external walls using only the phase-change materials’ technical requirements and criteria.
F. Balo, L. S. Sua
Chapter 9. Investigating the Parameters Affecting Gravity Slurry Transfer Through Pipes
Abstract
In some copper, iron, and other mineral product mines, pipes are used to transfer solid–liquid slurry by gravity. In these sloping pipes in the slack state (half-filled), fluid flow is simulated in an open channel, and a hydraulic jump occurs in the pipe with sudden changes in the slope downstream; also, the type of jump is determined based on the Froude number. The design of the pipe's diameter is critical to reducing costs in gravity solid–liquid slurry transfer lines. Parameters such as pipe slope, pipe material, type of jump, the initial filling ratio, the diameter of particles, and solid density affect the design diameter; the corresponding graphs are also presented. In this study, the design diameters for the gravity slurry transfer line in two copper mine cases have been investigated and suitable inner diameters have been suggested for each case. Finally, outer diameters are selected according to the standard table.
B. Haghighi, E. Lakzian, A. Damankhorshid, Z. Asadi, B. Haghighi
Chapter 10. Review and Evaluation of Archimedes Screw Pump Design Guidance
Abstract
The Archimedes screw (also termed “hydrodynamic screw” or “Archimedean screw”) has been used for a variety of industrial applications since roughly 700 BCE. Its most common historical implementations were for land drainage/reclamation, irrigation, and to convey mixed media (i.e., granular solids, suspended solids, etc.). The screw has also found use as a hydroelectric generator since the earlier 1990s. Due to its robust design, screw pumps are still commonly used for land drainage and wastewater conveyance. Design methods for Archimedes screw pumps (ASPs) are not well documented in the literature. The leading text offering engineering design guidance for ASPs was compiled by Nagel (in 1968) and offers mostly empirical design guidance based on data and experimentation that usually do not appear to be further documented in the literature. Most design techniques are based off a paper presented by Muysken in 1932. The paper uses many simplifications and empirical models based on undocumented experiments, so there is a need to evaluate and update modelling techniques to determine optimized design of ASPs using modern computational techniques. This study investigates the literature of Archimedes screw pumps, and presents and summarizes current modelling techniques. Experimental methods and data are presented and compared to current performance prediction models from the literature. Results are analysed and used to suggest areas for further research and improvement in current engineering design guidance.
Scott C. Simmons, Lian Miller, William David Lubitz
Chapter 11. Accounting for the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Double-Counting in Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA)
Abstract
Industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reporting has been an error-prone process due to the lack of universally accepted guidelines. Challenges pertaining to industrial GHG emission quantification consist of enhancing the accuracy of estimates by reducing the risk of double-counting. Currently, GHG emissions from overall natural gas use and large-scale industrial GHG emissions are reported separately. Hence, the objective of this study is to investigate possible double-counting in Ontario’s GHG inventory. This research scrutinized natural gas emissions from large-scale emitters in Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Quantification methods used by large-scale industrial emitters were analyzed for natural gas use data. Due to the data uncertainty, the fuzzy set theory-based Dong, Shah, and Wong (DSW) algorithm was used to estimate double-counting. Results revealed that the GHG double-counting from natural gas in the industrial sector was approximately 130,927 - 178,513 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
Tharindu C. Dodanwala, Dilusha Hemaal Kankanamge, Rajeev Ruparathna, Gyan Chhipi-Shrestha
Metadaten
Titel
Responsible Engineering and Living
herausgegeben von
David S.-K. Ting
Ahmad Vasel-Be-Hagh
Copyright-Jahr
2023
Electronic ISBN
978-3-031-20506-4
Print ISBN
978-3-031-20505-7
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-20506-4