Feasibility Benchmarks Research Articles

Co-optimizing the value of storage in energy and regulation service markets

We develop a methodology for maximizing the present value of an independently operated electric energy storage (EES) unit co-optimized to perform both energy arbitrage (EA) and regulation service (RS). While our methodology applies to all types of EES, it is particularly suitable for EES units with a finite cycle life and a high power-to-capacity ratio (e.g., grid-scale batteries). We first state the constraints of the EES that limit its ability to simultaneously provide both EA and RS and formulate a deterministic linear program to find the perfect price foresight value (PPFV) of co-optimized storage. Next, we develop the receding horizon with multi-stage forecasting (RHMF) controller, which is able to efficiently co-optimize storage across EA and RS in an online real world setting with price uncertainty. We apply this controller to two battery technologies using market data from the independent service operator of New England (ISONE). We find that RHMF significantly outperforms several simpler feasible benchmark controllers and comes close to the PPFV upper bound. We also find that co-optimizing these technologies across both EA and RS provides increased profits relative to pursuing these strategies independently. The case study demonstrates the utility of our method in understanding how storage technology parameters impact financial returns.

How to assess and manage energy performance of numerous telecommunication base stations: Evidence in China

Existing calculated benchmarking methods and main energy performance assessment schemes often lack the practical ability to manage the energy performance of a vast number of widespread telecommunication base stations (TBSs). Therefore, on the basis of a TBS survey, this paper puts forward the dynamic simulation and sensitivity analysis method to allow the new rule “one energy benchmark for a group of similar TBSs” rather than the traditional rule “one benchmark for one assessed building”. The new method reasonably limits the number of benchmarks and a feasible benchmark system is established for managing numerous TBSs. The results indicate that, first, more than one million TBSs distributed in a large area of China can be divided into 448 typical scenarios. Second, the benchmarks for reasonable energy use of these scenarios can be organized into four simple benchmarking charts. Third, the attempt to establish further challenging energy benchmarks shows that the most energy-saving measure in TBSs, i.e., ventilation cooling, can fully eliminate the negative impact of poor configurations of envelops and cooling coefficients of performance (COP). Finally, establishing telecom industrial standards for locating the reasonable TBS energy consumption level even in giant countries appears feasible.

A prediction model for surgical mortality and serious morbidity after primary debulking surgery

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in surgical gynecologic oncology patients, stratified by origin of malignancy. Methods: Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, 104,368 gynecologic surgeries were identified from 2006 to 2012. Patient demographics, 30day postoperative complications, and operative diagnosis were abstracted. Patients were stratified by origin of gynecologic malignancy. The primary outcome was the frequency of VTE. Institutional Board Review exemption was obtained. Results: A total of 104,368 gynecologic surgeries were identified and found to have a frequency of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of 2.3 in 1000 (n= 242) and a frequency of pulmonary embolism (PE) of 2.9 in 1000 (n= 299). One-fifth (n= 49) of patients with DVT had a simultaneous PE. Of all gynecologic surgeries, 1.6% (n= 1657) were performed for ovarian cancer; 3.8% (3941) for uterine cancer; 0.6% (n= 619) for cervical cancer; and 0.3% (n= 310) for vulvar cancer. The rate of DVT observedwithin the ovarian cancer groupwas 1.9% (n= 32) compared to 0.9% (n= 37) in the uterine cancer group; and for PE was 1.3% (n= 21) and 1.1% (n= 42), respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of postoperative DVT in ovarian cancer compared to all gynecologic surgeries was 9.41 (CI, 6.25–13.73). When comparing ovarian cancer to uterine cancer, the adjusted OR of postoperative DVT was 1.899 (CI, 1.12–3.22, P=0.017), while the OR of PE was 9.31 (CI 6.54–12.96). In contrast, there were only three DVTs and two PEs within the cervical cancer group and no DVTs or PEs within the vulvar cancer group. Conclusions: The incidence of VTE among postoperative gynecologic patients is higher for ovarian cancer patients compared to other gynecologic malignancies in current clinical practice, based on this nationally representative cohort. This surgical sentinel event may not be able to be completely eliminated in this higher-risk population. However, continued attention must be directed to decrease VTE risk and to develop feasible benchmarks and clinical practice guidelines in conjunction with national organizations such as the Joint Commission.

Using Network Analysis to Understand Knowledge Mobilization in a Community-based Organization.

BackgroundKnowledge mobilization (KM) has been described as putting research in the hands of research users. Network analysis is an empirical approach that has potential for examining the complex process of knowledge mobilization within community-based organizations (CBOs). Yet, conducting a network analysis in a CBO presents challenges.PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the value and feasibility of using network analysis as a method for understanding knowledge mobilization within a CBO by (1) presenting challenges and solutions to conducting a network analysis in a CBO, (2) examining the feasibility of our methodology, and (3) demonstrating the utility of this methodology through an example of a network analysis conducted in a CBO engaging in knowledge mobilization activities.MethodThe final method used by the partnership team to conduct our network analysis of a CBO is described.ResultsAn example of network analysis results of a CBO engaging in knowledge mobilization is presented. In total, 81 participants completed the network survey. All of the feasibility benchmarks set by the CBO were met. Results of the network analysis are highlighted and discussed as a means of identifying (1) prominent and influential individuals in the knowledge mobilization process and (2) areas for improvement in future knowledge mobilization initiatives.ConclusionFindings demonstrate that network analysis can be feasibly used to provide a rich description of a CBO engaging in knowledge mobilization activities.

Substrate effects on the electron-beam-induced deposition of platinum from a liquid precursor

Focused electron-beam-induced deposition using bulk liquid precursors (LP-EBID) is a new nanofabrication technique developed in the last two years as an alternative to conventional EBID, which utilizes cumbersome gaseous precursors. Furthermore, LP-EBID using dilute aqueous precursors has been demonstrated to yield platinum (Pt) nanostructures with as-deposited metal content that is substantially higher than the purity achieved by EBID with currently available gaseous precursors. This advantage of LP-EBID--along with the ease of use, low cost, and relative innocuousness of the liquid precursors--holds promise for its practical applicability in areas such as rapid device prototyping and lithographic mask repair. One of the feasibility benchmarks for the LP-EBID method is the ability to deposit high-fidelity nanostructures on various substrate materials. In this study, we report the first observations of performing LP-EBID on bare and metal-coated silicon-nitride membranes, and compare the resulting Pt deposits to those obtained by LP-EBID on polyimide membranes in terms of nucleation, morphology, size dependence on electron dose, and purity.

Halting the Toll of Malaria in Africa

A renaissance in commitment to malaria control is transforming the perspectives and aspirations of the global community, prompting a consideration of goals for confronting a disease that is responsible for legendary death and suffering in Africa. The results in several countries are producing confidence that current control interventions can result in a dramatic reduction in the burden that malaria causes. However, the complexities of the challenges that must be addressed for comprehensive Africa programming are formidable in terms of the time required and the resources that will have to be mobilized. Progress toward elimination of the malaria burden in the African region in the next 5 years will be the critical benchmark for the feasibility of a comprehensive global campaign to eliminate and potentially eradicate malaria.

Talking about the Energy-saving Technical Measures in the Electrical Design of Buildings

At present, people pay more attention to the energy consumption of building electrical design, the use of energy-saving design can maximize the energy conservation resources, and ultimately increase the pace of social sustainable development. Therefore, the energy-saving designers involved in the need to follow the economic rational, safe and feasible benchmark to select the appropriate energy-saving measures to increase research and development of new technologies, new products and new energy, the concept of sustainable development to be implemented. In view of this, this paper mainly analyzes the energy saving technical measures in the electrical design of thebuilding.