A regulatory approach for potential energy efficiency requirements on computer servers

The importance of building energy performance has been substantially increasing in the last decades due to the global warming. Therefore, buildings within the existing stock and the new buildings are encouraged to achieve the energy performance restrictions and efficiency levels. In this context, a social housing archetype (Harct), which is constructed in each climate region of Turkey with a common design approach for temperate climate region, is evaluated as a base case to improve the energy performance for the cold climate region by the optimization of the life cycle cost (LCC). It is, namely, aimed to not only improve the energy performance of the archetype but also to ensure optimal cost efficiency as significant criterion. It is focused to optimize the façades of the Harct in terms of window width, and optic and thermo-physical properties of the façade with determining the efficient insulation thickness level for exterior walls and efficient glazing types for windows. Firstly, façade design is analysed to find out the minimum and maximum windows’ widths to achieve the optimal window sizes. Secondly, optic and thermo-physical properties and cost data of the opaque and transparent façade elements have been designated among the market products in accordance with the current regulations. Energy model of the building has been run by Energy Plus simulation tool, in order to integrate it with GenOpt for optimization. Optimization was performed to carry out efficient frontier cases. The results were evaluated from life cycle cost (LCC) and energy efficiency point of view to highlight the cost optimal point

Towards end-of-life of photovoltaic systems in Malaysia: An assessment of management strategies using a life cycle approach

Appliance energy efficiency standards and labeling (S&L) programs have been important policy tools for regulating the efficiency of energy-using products for over 40 years and continue to expand in terms of geographic and product coverage. The most common S&L programs include mandatory minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) that seek to push the market for efficient products, and energy information and endorsement labels that seek to pull the market. This study seeks to review and compare some of the earliest and most well-developed S&L programs in three countries and one region: the U.S. MEPS and ENERGY STAR, Australia MEPS and Energy Label, European Union MEPS and Ecodesign requirements and Energy Label and Japanese Top Runner programs. For each program, key elements of S&L programs are evaluated and comparative analyses across the programs undertaken to identify best practice examples of individual elements as well as cross-cutting factors for success and lessons learned in international S&L program development and implementation. The international review and comparative analysis identified several overarching themes and highlighted some common factors behind successful program elements. First, standard-setting and programmatic implementation can benefit significantly from a legal framework that stipulates a specific timeline or schedule for standard-setting and revision, product coverage and legal sanctions for non-compliance. Second, the different MEPS programs revealed similarities in targeting efficiency gains that are technically feasible and economically justified as the principle for choosing a standard level, in many cases at a level that no product on the current market could reach. Third, detailed survey data such as the U.S. Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) and rigorous analyses provide a strong foundation for standard-setting while incorporating the participation of different groups of stakeholders further strengthen the process. Fourth, sufficient program resources for program implementation and evaluation are critical to the effectiveness of standards and labeling programs and cost-sharing between national and local governments can help ensure adequate resources and uniform implementation. Lastly, check-testing and punitive measures are important forms of enforcement while the cancellation of registration or product sales-based fines have also proven effective in reducing non-compliance. The international comparative analysis also revealed the differing degree to which the level of government decentralization has influenced S&L programs and while no single country has best practices in all elements of standards and labeling development and implementation, national examples of best practices for specific elements do exist. For example, the U.S. has exemplified the use of rigorous analyses for standard-setting and robust data source with the RECS database while Japan's Top Runner standard-setting principle has motivated manufacturers to exceed targets. In terms of standards implementation and enforcement, Australia has demonstrated success with enforcement given its long history of check-testing and enforcement initiatives while mandatory information-sharing between EU jurisdictions on compliance results is another important enforcement mechanism. These examples show that it is important to evaluate not only the drivers of different paths of standards and labeling development, but also the country-specific context for best practice examples in order to understand how and why certain elements of specific S&L programs have been effective.

In order to minimize the total life-cycle ownership cost, selection should be based on the optimum trade-off between spending on design and manufacturing cost with the price of lost energy. This study shows that it is advantageous to use power supplies with higher efficiencies even when the initial development and manufacturing costs are higher. It is critical to make the correct decision at an early stage of design. This study uses life-cycle costing to analyze whether electronic products are designed optimally. We explore life-cycle ownership cost and identify corresponding efficiency levels. The study uses a cost-efficiency model that is based on industry cases and empirical data. Application is made of an early stage cost management method, used prior to, and during, product development and design. Two power supply types were analyzed. To identify the trade-off between higher development and manufacturing cost with running cost having energy losses, three different configurations (with efficiencies between 80% and 91%) were analyzed. The findings were evaluated through a sensitivity analysis to illustrate the robustness of results.

Improving Organ Transplantation in the United States—A Regulatory Perspective

EPCA requirements state that if the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) amends efficiency levels prescribed in Standard 90.1-1989, then DOE must establish an amended uniform national manufacturing standard at the minimum level specified in amended Standard 90.1. However, DOE can establish higher efficiency levels if it can show through clear and convincing evidence that a higher efficiency level, that is technologically feasible and economically justified, would produce significant additional energy savings. On October 29, 1999, ASHRAE approved the amended Standard 90.1, which increases the minimum efficiency levels for some of the commercial heating, cooling, and water-heating equipment covered by EPCA 92. DOE asked Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to conduct a screening analysis to determine the energy-savings potential of the efficiency levels listed in Standard 90.1-1999. The analysis estimates the annual national energy consumption and the potential for energy savings that would result if the EPACT-covered products were required to meet these efficiency levels. The analysis also estimates additional energy-savings potential for the EPACT-covered products if they were to exceed the efficiency levels prescribed in Standard 90-1-1999. In addition, a simple life-cycle cost (LCC) analysis was performed for some alternative efficiency levels. This paper will describe the methodology, data assumptions, and results of the analysis. The magnitude of HVAC and SWH loads imposed on equipment depends on the building's physical and operational characteristics and prevailing climatic conditions. To address this variation in energy use, coil loads for 7 representative building types at 11 climate locations were estimated based on a whole-building simulation.

The NIST / ACI / ASTM workshop on "Modelling Service Life and Life-Cycle Cost of Steel-Reinforced Concrete" was focused on possibilities for developing and standardizing such models, specifically for chloride-exposed concrete. The report includes summaries of nine presentations by model developers and reports from working groups that addressed i) chloride transport mechanisms and test methods, ii) chloride thresholds for corrosion initiation, iii) corrosion rate and time to rehabilitate or replace, and iv) life-cycle cost and service life prediction models. Several models for chloride transport to the steel were well advanced, but modelling of chloride thresholds and corrosion rates poses difficulties that still need to be overcome. Economic models for life-cycle costing are in place and ready to use with service life models as they are developed. It was agreed that standard models for service life prediction and life-cycle costing are necessary. It was recommended that a simple, but useful model could and should be developed and standardized in the short tenn, with a more scientifically sound model being a longer term objective. The model development would need to be supported by development of some new standard test methods and databases containing appropriate and reliable data. Standardization of the models would be expected to be carried out in ACI committees and standardization of test methods in ASTM. NIST's Partnership for High-Performance Concrete Technology would contribute to the development of models, test methods, and data.

EPA issues guidelines for SCR systems for diesels

Towards a metric for the energy efficiency of computer servers

The safety of trains is the basis of the efficient operation of the railway transport system, the optimal organization of passengers and cargo transportation. All organizational and technical activities in railway transport must meet the requirements of safe and uninterrupted train traffic. Traffic safety is ensured by the maintenance of all facilities, railway tracks, rolling stock, equipment and mechanisms, technical devices and communications. In order to ensure a given level of train safety, it is essential that the technical facilities and personnel have the appropriate safety level. Comprehensive management of reliability, risks, cost of life cycle in railways is a technology that improves the quality of services. This technology is characterized by several components, namely, factors that affect the reliability and safety of railway facilities, as well as the means of achieving reliability and safety; risk and complete safety; cost of life cycle. As part of the security provision, the Russian Railways regularly upgrades its fixed assets. These are projects related to safety, which are based on life safety aimed at ensuring the technological sustainability of the production process, improving traffic safety and maintaining the existing throughput capacity of transport infrastructure. The assessment of the influence of technical failures and defects on the performance and economic criteria of rail transport will enable objective management decisions to be made in the area of fixed assets renewal in order to improve traffic safety and to introduce measures to reduce the share of non-productive expenditures of structural units.

Enhancing the efficiency of value conversion of forest ecological products is a crucial strategy to implement the “Two Mountains” concept and foster Chinese-style modernization, promoting harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Using the southern collective forest region as the study sample, this paper employs the value equivalent method and the super-EBM model of unexpected outputs. The value conversion efficiency of forest ecological products in this region was calculated from 2012 to 2021, with 2011 as the base year. Additionally, Kernel density estimation, the Dagum Gini coefficient, and other analytical methods were utilized to examine the regional disparities, dynamic evolution, and convergence of value conversion efficiency in southern collective forest regions. Findings indicate that from 2012 to 2021, the value conversion efficiency demonstrated an overall upward trend with periodic fluctuations. Coastal provinces such as Fujian and Guangxi exhibited higher conversion efficiency, while inland provinces like Jiangxi and Guizhou lagged. Kernel density estimation revealed a gradual expansion of highly efficient areas and an overall improvement in efficiency levels. Convergence tests (σ-convergence and β-convergence) confirmed significant regional convergence in the value conversion efficiency of forest ecological products. Promoting regional coordination and cooperation is essential to developing a complementary advantage model, advancing the marketization of forest ecological products, and establishing differentiated ecological compensation standards. These measures aim to enhance overall transformation efficiency and ensure balanced regional development.

In June 2024, Japan enacted the Act on Promotion of Competition for Specified Smartphone Software, a new legislative measure aimed at regulating smartphone ecosystems. This article examines and compares the Act, commonly known as the “Japanese Smartphone Act,” to the European Union (EU) and U.S. regulatory approaches. The examination begins with the neutrality principle, which serves as the foundation of the Act, concluding that this principle should be refrained from since it prevents platform operators from governing their platforms. Next, the examination addresses regulations against unfair and exploitative conduct toward app providers, concluding that such conduct should be subject to regulation under competition law, adhering to the rule of reason principle. Finally, the examination outlines measures to facilitate app store openness, cautioning against micromanaging smartphone design details by regulators. It recommends that instead of ex ante rules, competition law should govern smartphone ecosystems.

Technology of Successful Prediction of New Product Efficiency (Quality, Reliability, Durability, Maintainability, Safety, Life Cycle Cost, Profit, and Other Components)

Within the past few decades, thousands of experiments have been performed to characterize urban waste and biomass to estimate their bioenergy potential and product identification. There is a need to develop an integrated process model based on the experimental literature, as well as simulations to obtain suitable products. In this study, municipal solid waste (MSW), including paper and plastic characterization and an integrated process model, were developed to optimize the final products in a reactor system. The process model has two modes, R&D and reactor control (RC), to obtain suitable products including bio-oil, char, and gases. A database was integrated based on thermokinetics, machine learning, and simulation models to optimize product efficiency. The experimental data include those obtained by thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, which were linked to a pyrolysis experimental setup. Feedstock product mapping models were incorporated into the database along with the temperature, heating rates, elemental analysis, and final product concentration, which were utilized for the pyrolysis reactor setup. Product feasibility was conducted based on life cycle cost, affordability, and product efficiency. The present work will bridge the gap between experimental studies and decision-making based on obtained products under several experimental conditions around the world.

As this article goes to press in late 2016, the precision medicine community has amassed over 20 years of companion product development experience in the field of oncology. This article reflects on what we have achieved and learned along the way, how the companion paradigm is playing out in immunooncology and why we are likely to achieve much more in the next 10 years than we have in the previous two decades. Also considered here are some of the disruptive operational and business model changes we will see in the coming years as these new opportunities are realized.