Evolutionary Algorithms for Designing Self-sufficient Floating Neighborhoods

Floating neighborhoods are innovative and promising urban areas for challenges in the development of cities and settlements. However, this design task requires a lot of considerations and technical challenges. Computational tools and methods can be beneficial to tackle the complexity of floating neighborhood design. This paper considers the...

Maximizing Water--Food--Energy Nexus Synergies at Basin Scale

In this short paper, we show how solutions for mitigating resource security in one sector can be found in another. We demonstrate—by means of a case study in Burkina Faso and Ghana—how investing in the electricity grid in the south leads to increase food security in the north. A new nexus framework was developed (‘MAXUS’) which was built to...

SMART mobility via prediction, optimization and personalization

In this chapter, we present a methodological approach for Smart Mobility that integrates three key features: prediction, optimization, and personalization. They are integrated in such a way that when a travel menu is offered, predicted conditions are considered in the attributes of alternatives and optimized system-level policies are maintained....

Asymmetric Spatial Beams with Symmetric Kinetostatic Behaviour

A method to achieve symmetric kinetostatic behaviour in an extensive working range at the endpoint of an asymmetric spatial beam, using cross-section optimization, is presented. The objective function of the optimization is defined as expanding the beam working range to the desired region, simultaneously maximizing symmetric behaviour in it....

Evaluation of centralized/decentralized configuration schemes of CO2 electrochemical reduction-based supply chains

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2ER) is an emerging technology with the potential to limit the use of fossil-based feedstocks in the petrochemical industry by converting CO2 and renewable electricity into useful products such as syngas. Its successful deployment will depend not only on the technology's performance but also on its integration...

Coordinated tuning of MMC-HVDC interconnection links and PEM electrolyzers for fast frequency support in a multiarea electrical power system

Modernization of power systems leads to more power electronic interfaced units in the generation, demand, and transmission. Examples are remotely installed renewable energy sources, loads with constant power, or high voltage direct current (HVDC) corridors. These changes significantly affect the frequency stability margins of the system and...

Synthesis and optimization of NGL separation as a complex energy-integrated distillation sequence

The synthesis of heat-integrated distillation sequences for energy-efficient separation of zeotropic multicomponent mixtures is complex due to the many interconnected design degrees of freedom. This paper explores the basis on which reliable screening can be carried out. To solve this problem, a screening algorithm has been developed using...

Paving the way for the integration of synthesis, assessment, and design tools within an ontological framework

The constant development of new alternatives to treat waste aids in closing material loops towards the circular economy and improving sustainability through the use of new renewable materials and energy. This fact leads to the increasing need for decision-making tools for process synthesis and assessment, which can be addressed with an...

Bayesian Inverse Modelling of Early-Age Stress Evolution in GGBFS Concrete Due to Autogenous Deformation and Aging Creep

Stress evolution of restrained concrete is directly related to early-age cracking (EAC) potential of concrete, which is a tricky problem that often happens in engineering practice. Due to the global objective of carbon reduction, Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) concrete has become a more promising binder comparing with Ordinary...

Ultralight Membrane Structures Toward a Sustainable Environment

The building construction industry is the largest anthropogenic source of pollution, with massive energy consumption and substantial CO2 emissions. Lightweight tension structures allow the simultaneous implementation of several sustainable strategies by using recyclable low-carbon structural membranes offering a greener alternative to glass and...