Production Capacity Expansion Research Articles

Life cycle assessment of electricity from wind, photovoltaic and biogas from maize in combination with area-specific energy yields – a case study for Germany

Abstract Due to the massive expansion of renewable energy-based production capacity, the benefits and drawbacks of wind turbines, ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) and biogas plants are currently being discussed in Germany and elsewhere. The expansion of renewable energy-based plants is competing with other uses for land area. In addition to area-specific energy yields, the environmental impact of renewables is increasingly gaining awareness. Existing research on the area-specific energy yields and environmental impact for wind, PV and biogas lacks comparability due to factors including time, location, and scale. This study addresses this research gap by combining life cycle assessment (LCA) to compare potential environmental impacts with an area-specific energy yield assessment of wind, ground-mounted PV and biogas from maize in Germany. The LCA includes an assessment of eleven midpoint and three endpoint impact indicators, while the area-specific energy yield is assessed on the basis of both gross and net area-specific energy yield. The LCA results indicate the lowest impact for wind, followed by PV and biogas. This ranking is consistent across all three endpoint and nine out of eleven midpoint categories. The same ranking also applies to the area-specific energy yield, with wind producing the most and biogas the least gross and net energy per area. These results indicate that the current political support in Germany for biogas from maize for electricity generation should be thoroughly re-evaluated in view of the more favourable alternatives, wind and PV. The findings also provide relevant insights for other regions with similar boundary conditions.

A Structural Investigation of Quantitative Easing

Abstract Using nonlinear Bayesian methods that fully account for the binding zero lower bound (ZLB), we estimate a large-scale macrofinance DSGE model on U.S. data. Counterfactual analysis suggests that by easing financing conditions, quantitative easing facilitated a net increase in aggregate investment. The resulting expansion of firms’ production capacities lowered their marginal costs. These disinflationary supply side effects dominated over the inflationary effects induced by the stimulus to aggregate demand. At the ZLB, the concomitant rise in real interest rates, in turn, induced a net fall in aggregate consumption.

Upgrading biogas plants to produce microbial proteins for aquaculture feed

As the world population continues to grow, alternative protein sources must be sought to meet increased protein needs and avoid the detrimental effects of traditional protein production. Microbial proteins (MP) are a low-carbon footprint alternative suitable for manufacturing food and feed. Bacterial-based MP can be produced at moderate costs using agro-waste, which is already utilised by anaerobic digestion (AD) plants to produce biogas and fertilisers. At present, there is the opportunity to turn existing AD plants into biorefineries for bio-based products like MP destined for fish feed. In this work, we evaluated the feasibility of biogas production coupled with MP production in the same medium-sized European biogas plant through mass and energy balances and basic economic assessment. The liquid phase rich in volatile fatty acids resulting from agro-waste fermentation was used to obtain MP by mixed cultures in a continuous stirred tank reactor, with the highest VSS productivity (1.21 g/L day) obtained at hydraulic retention times of 2–3 days. The obtained MPs were rich in proteins (74.0% of TVS), PHAs (22.5%) and essential amino acids, useable as feed ingredients in aquaculture. An initial economic analysis showed that the production of 590 tMP/year could yield a break-even price of 1300 €/t of MP, taking into account the investments in the new technology and additional operating costs. This analysis illustrates the competitiveness of a combined plant when evaluated against established market benchmarks and highlights a promising prospect for the expansion of MP production capacity.

Digital Intelligence Enables Silicon Carbide Supply Chain Upgrade

From the perspective of supply chain management, the silicon carbide supply chain currently exists in the technical force is low, the development situation is poor, as well as the traditional silicon-based devices still occupy the relevant areas of the market, silicon carbide in addition to the urgent need for breakthroughs in the field of technology, due to the adjustment and transformation of the industrial structure as well as the upstream production capacity expansion makes the silicon carbide industry is also faced with the lack of supply chain management capabilities and the backwardness of the management structure. This is also the core element that this paper will focus on. The research theme of this paper is how to complete the transformation and upgrading of the silicon carbide supply chain through the role of digital intelligence, to effectively increase the production capacity of silicon carbide and change the current production dilemma. To this end, this paper focuses on the feasibility of solving the existing problems of the silicon carbide supply chain by upgrading the supply chain empowered by Digital Intelligence. The results of this paper are based on the successful reform experience of the steel industry, through management restructuring, supply chain expansion, industry chain extension, improving industrial technology, manufacturing to service transformation, and the combination of digital intelligence technology for industrial restructuring, to increase the production capacity of the silicon carbide industry.

LNG as a bridge fuel in the transition to renewable energy: A global perspective

The global energy landscape stands at the precipice of transformation, with a growing consensus on the imperative to shift towards sustainable and renewable sources. Amidst this transition, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) emerges as a pivotal bridge fuel, strategically positioned to facilitate the journey towards renewable energy. This review encapsulates the essence of the comprehensive review, delving into the global perspective on LNG's role as a bridge fuel in the renewable energy transition. The narrative unfolds with a contextualization of the pressing need for a renewable energy transition, acknowledging the escalating environmental concerns and the imperative to reduce carbon footprints. It then seamlessly transitions to the concept of LNG as a bridge fuel, elucidating its capacity to serve as a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels and its role in mitigating the challenges associated with intermittent renewable energy sources. Examining LNG's significance on a global scale, the review navigates through key aspects. It scrutinizes the environmental considerations and carbon reduction goals that position LNG as a pragmatic choice in the decarbonization journey. The analysis extends to policy factors influencing LNG demand, unraveling the intricate tapestry of governmental initiatives supporting its adoption and the dynamic interplay with renewable energy policies. Economic drivers take center stage in the exploration of LNG's role as a bridge fuel. The review investigates the cost competitiveness, market dynamics, and the industrial demand propelling its consumption. The comprehensive examination encompasses the expansion of global LNG production capacity, featuring key exporting nations and the technological innovations transforming LNG production processes. Regional dynamics further enrich the narrative, providing insights into LNG's impact on major economies across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. The review culminates in a nuanced exploration of the geopolitical implications surrounding LNG trade, emphasizing its role in geopolitical events, trade agreements, and potential risks for stakeholders. In essence, this review serves as a guide to stakeholders, policymakers, and industry players navigating the complex interplay between LNG and renewable energy in the global quest for a sustainable energy future.

Советский оборонный комплекс в 1928-1937 годах: пространственный срез

The article analyzes the evolution of the spatial location of enterprises of the military-industrial complex of the USSR during the First and Second five years. It is noted that if the First and Second Five-year plans on a scientific basis determined the parameters of changing the spatial location of industry, then the plans for the development of the military-industrial complex of the USSR were, as a rule, narrowly sectoral in nature, often divorced from the real possibilities of the economy. The problems of spatial placement of enterprises of the USSR military-industrial complex during the First and Second Five-year plans were analyzed within the framework of individual People's commissariats, which narrowed the possibilities for optimal placement of military production and limited the cooperation of factories, defense and civilian production. The «human factor»: the quality of workers and engineering ‒ staff clearly stood in the way of the planned shift of industry to the East by the Soviet leadership. Expansion of production capacities and complexity of the product range.

Market analysis of carbon fiber production with reference to the oxidation ovens used

AbstractAn important process step in carbon fiber production is the stabilization of the pan precursor fiber, which makes it infusible and incombustible. This article gives a market overview of the carbon fiber producers relating to their used oxidations oven and of market of oxidations oven itself. All six industrially available oxidation oven types are described and an overview of the oven supplier is given. The analysis of the oxidation oven market shows that only three out of six oxidation oven technologies are used for large‐volume production. CtE is currently the most widely used oven technology with approximately 55%. Since 2014, CF demand has been growing faster than the expansion of production capacities. A shortage is predicted within the next 5 years. In addition, the production capacities of existing CF lines have stagnated at an average of 1.5 kt*a−1 since the last 10 years. To meet the increasing CF demand in the coming years, various options are available: (1) Increasing large‐tow production, (2) Increasing process speed (3) Increasing the loading factor (4) Increasing with of oxidation oven.

Pipeline sharing: Optimal design of downstream green ammonia supply systems integrating with multi-product pipelines

Green ammonia is a promising energy storage form with extremely high efficiency of hydrogen storage. Although the construction of green ammonia production facilities is rapidly progressing, there is still a lack of comprehensive consideration of the optimal design for supply systems. This paper prospectively explores a framework for the ammonia supply system under four scenarios considering multimodal transportation. Different mathematical models are developed, which incorporate special constraints such as pipe diameter, broken loops, etc., aiming at minimizing costs of transportation, construction and carbon treatment. In this framework, the economic, energy and environmental performance is evaluated to optimize the design of the supply system. The case study in China shows that different transportation modes can reduce economic costs by 60.93∼77.45 %, energy consumption by 18.4 ∼67.7 ktce, and carbon emissions by 23.3∼60.7 kt per year. A further novel finding is that the simultaneous usage of new liquid ammonia pipelines and multi-product pipelines for supply systems proves to be the most effective transportation mode. Sensitivity analyses are also conducted on regional production capacity expansion, liquid ammonia pipeline planning, and multi-product pipeline utilization. The results confirm that the scheme is stable under certain conditions. Finally, some recommendations are provided for the development of green ammonia industry.

Інтеграція водневих технологій у транспортні двигуни внутрішнього згоряння: аналіз впливу на ефективність та екологічність

This article delves into the promising realm of hydrogen technologies in the transportation sector, highlighting their potential to significantly reduce harmful emissions and promote sustainable development. The discussion begins with a comprehensive review of current hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) technologies, examining the advancements that have been made and the technical solutions available to enhance the efficiency of these engines. It underscores the environmental benefits of hydrogen ICEs, such as the reduction of greenhouse gases and pollutants, and explores the economic advantages, including decreased dependency on fossil fuels and the creation of new job opportunities. Furthermore, the article discusses the social benefits of adopting hydrogen technologies, such as improved public health and the potential for innovation-driven economic growth. It also addresses the significant infrastructural challenges associated with the production, storage, transportation, and distribution of hydrogen. Potential solutions to these challenges are proposed, including investments in new technologies, expansion of production capacities, and the development of specialized infrastructure. The article provides detailed case studies of successful hydrogen technology implementations in various countries. In Japan, hydrogen-powered buses in Tokyo demonstrate the environmental and technological advancements achieved. Germany’s hydrogen trains by Alstom illustrate the transition from diesel to hydrogen in public transportation, showcasing economic and ecological benefits. South Korea's hydrogen taxis in Seoul highlight the social impact and infrastructural development necessary for widespread adoption. Lastly, California’s extensive network of hydrogen fueling stations supports the growing number of hydrogen cars, reflecting a successful model of public-private partnership and government incentives. Through these case studies, the article emphasizes the transformative potential of hydrogen technologies in creating a sustainable and clean future for transportation. It calls for continued investments in technology, infrastructure, and collaboration between governments and the private sector to overcome existing challenges and fully realize the benefits of hydrogen as a key energy source in the transportation sector.

Аналіз та огляд прогнозів світового виробництва металургійного коксу

DOI: 10.31081/1681-309X-2024-0-1-3-7 Specialty 161. U.D.C. 338.27:662.749.2 ANALYSIS AND REVIEW OF FORECASTS OF WORLD METALLURGICAL COKE PRODUCTION © S.A. Kravchenko, PhD in Technical Sciences, S.V. Chaplianko, PhD in Technical Sciences "STATE INSTITUTE FOR DESIGNING ENTERPRISES OF COKE OVEN AND BY-PRODUCT PLANTS'' (SE "GIPROKOKS''), 61002, 60 Sumska str., Kharkiv, Ukraine) The article considers and analyses the volumes of global iron and steel production in 2019-2023. It is shown that during this period it had fluctuating trends: the deviation between the minimum and maximum values was 109 million tonnes (7.7 %) for iron and 112 million tonnes (5.7 %) for steel. Domestic steel production in 2019-2021 was characterised by an increase of 1.1 million tonnes (5.2 %) in iron and fluctuations (the deviation was 0.8 million tonnes, i.e. 3.7 %) in steel, and a sharp decrease of 14.8 million tonnes (69.7 %) in steel. t (69.8 %) for iron and 15.1 million tonnes (70.6 %) for steel in 2022 and a further decrease of 0.4 million tonnes (6.2 %) for iron and 0.1 million tonnes (1.6 %) for steel in 2023 is due to the consequences of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine. The article considers and analyses the volumes of global production of metallurgical coke in 20192021. It is shown that during this period it had fluctuating trends: the deviation was 21 million tonnes (3.0 %). The volume of coke production in China in 2020-2023 increased at an average annual growth rate of 2.2, 2.4, and 3.8 %, respectively. Domestic production of metallurgical coke in 20192021 was characterised by a decrease in volume by 0.44 million tonnes (5.2 %), and a rapid decrease by 5.6 million tonnes (59.0 %) in 2022 is also due to the consequences of armed aggression. Separate forecasts for global metallurgical coke production in the short and long term are considered. It is shown that there is no consensus on the development of global coke production. The most negative scenario is a decline in global coke production to $84.016 billion (USD) in 2029, while the most positive is an increase to $325.78 billion in 2034. In 2024, on average, the global metallurgical coke market will be around $106 billion according to negative forecasts and around $205 billion according to positive forecasts. Given the World steel Association's weak positive outlook for global steel production, as well as the existing increase in coke production in China in 2020-2023 and the planned expansion of coke production capacity in India and Brazil, a restrained positive outlook for global coke production is most likely (for 2024 and beyond). Keywords: cast iron, steel, metallurgical coke, coke-chemical production, analysis, forecast. Corresponding author S.V. Chaplyanko, e-mail: chaplianko_sv@ukr.net

Study on the predicament and sustainable development of the alumina smelting industry in China

On the basis of a comprehensive review of the production and technology status of China's alumina industry, the main contradictions and challenges in the development of China's alumina industry in terms of resources, energy and environmental governance are analyzed, and the production cost is compared and analyzed worldwide. It is believed that the main factors restricting the sustainable development of alumina industry in China are the lack of sufficient high-quality bauxite resources in China, the production technology needs to be further optimized, and the generated solid and hazardous waste is difficult to realize harmless and resource utilization. In this regard, this paper puts forward the strategy for the sustainable development of China's alumina industry, that is, strictly control the disorderly and rapid expansion of production capacity and reasonable layout, optimize the resource and energy supply structure, implement the industrial development strategy of high quality, energy saving and low consumption to improve the core competitiveness, and accelerate the realization of the standard discharge and resource utilization of waste gas, wastewater and solid waste. The results of this paper are of great significance to the strategy of industrial structure adjustment and sustainable development of alumina industry in China.

An Innovative Inclusive Approach to Enhancing Agricultural Sustainable Development in Albania: The Case of Nucleus Albania

Agriculture has been essential for humanity's survival, progress, and well-being throughout history, and yet it remains an essential and challenging sector of the global economy. While under a continuous transformational process, advancement towards inclusive and sustainable development of agricultural practice remains a challenge for the sector. In Albania, the agricultural sector is vital to the economy (particularly in the rural areas), accounting for a large share of gross value added, employment, and exporting activity in the country. Rooted in the early 90s land reform law and decollectivisation policy, multiple structural and non-structural challenges hinder the agricultural sector's full potential exploitation. This paper aims to assess the impact of Nucleus Albania's (NA) innovative nuclei approach in strengthening the MSME market position and, in turn, the agricultural sector and sustainable development in Albania. The impact assessment was conducted using a mixed methods approach, including secondary and primary data analysis (collected through a structured questionnaire and direct interviews). Combined findings suggest a positive impact of the NA-tailored support package on MSME business activity, including improved product quality and diversification, expansion of production capacities and customer base, increased employment and annual turnover, and investments in technology. In addition, the collaborative platform established through NA plays an important role in promoting innovation in agriculture and facilitating knowledge exchange among participants, making a substantial contribution to the overall development of the agricultural sector in Albania. Our findings support the NA approach's effectiveness and its role in modernizing and transforming the agricultural sector, contributing to long-term sustainable development in Albania and beyond.

Sociopolitical and financial goals in state-owned manufacturers' expansion of production capacity: evidence from China

PurposeThe rapid, yet low-profit, expansion of the production capacity of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) represents a remarkable phenomenon. However, the motivation behind this key operational decision remains underexplored, especially concerning the prioritization of sociopolitical and financial goals in operations management. Drawing on the multiple-goal model in the behavioral theory of the firm (BTOF), the authors' study aims to examine how SOE capacity expansion is driven by performance feedback regarding the sociopolitical goal of employment provision and how SOEs differently prioritize sociopolitical and financial goals based on negative versus positive feedback on the sociopolitical goal.Design/methodology/approachThe authors' study uses panel data on 826 Chinese SOEs in manufacturing industries from 2011 to 2019. The authors employ the fixed-effects model with Driscoll–Kraay standard errors, which are robust to heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation and cross-sectional dependence.FindingsThe authors find that SOEs increase capacity expansion as sociopolitical feedback becomes more negative, but they may not increase capacity expansion in response to positive sociopolitical feedback. Moreover, negative profitability feedback strengthens SOEs' capacity expansion in response to negative sociopolitical feedback. In contrast, negative profitability feedback weakens their response to positive sociopolitical feedback.Originality/valueThe authors' study offers a novel behavioral explanation of SOEs' operational decisions regarding capacity expansion. While the literature has traditionally assumed multiple goals as either hierarchical or compatible, the authors extend the BTOF's multiple-goal model to illuminate when firms pursue sociopolitical and financial goals as compatible (i.e. the activation rule) versus hierarchical (i.e. the sequential rule), thereby reconciling their tension in distinct performance situations. Practically, the authors provide fine-grained insights into how operations managers can prioritize multiple goals when making operational decisions. The authors' study also shows how policymakers can influence SOE operations to pursue sociopolitical goals for public benefit.

Optimizing the Growing Dual Credit Requirements for Automobile Manufacturers in China’s Dual Credit Policy

Dual credit policy (DCP) is a market-based mechanism introduced by the Chinese government to promote the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry and improve energy savings in China. To offer sufficient impetus for the NEV industry while providing sufficient transitional buffer time for automobile manufacturers (AMs), the government needs to scientifically design how to gradually increase its dual credit requirement for AMs year by year. To assist the multi-year DCP design, this paper proposes a generalized Nash equilibrium model to predict AMs’ short-term decisions (i.e., vehicle production and credit trading) and long-term decisions (i.e., investment in production capacity expansion and research and development) under any DCP, considering the interactions among AMs’ decisions, vehicle prices, and credit price. Based on the equilibrium model, we then develop a bi-level programming problem to optimize the multi-year DCP. With numerical experiments, we show that implementing the optimal DCP can effectively enhance the market share of NEVs. In the context of the optimal multi-year DCP, the credit requirements set by the government should maintain a relatively low threshold during the initial years, but rise rapidly after that. Such optimal DCP offers AMs sufficient transition time while compelling a quick shift in their developmental strategies.

FEATURES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL POULTRY PRODUCTS MARKETS

One of the most efficient branches of the agro-industrial complex is the poultry industry, which provides the highest yield per unit of spent material and technical resources. The poultry industry is characterized by the absence of seasonality in production, which ensures uniform income and use of labor resources, as well as uninterrupted supply of products to the population. The most important factor in the development of the industry is the existence of a balanced market. In the conditions of significant import dependence that remains, improving the formation of the domestic market for poultry products is one of the urgent tasks of science and practice, the solution of which will allow to saturate the market with dietary and high-quality food products. The article substantiates the factors of the rapid growth of production of poultry products: the lowest costs compared to other types of livestock for obtaining an increase of 1 kg of live weight; activation of investment investments; technical and technological renewal of the material base and expansion of production capacities; quality improvement of genetic material; use of modern marketing tools; state of supply and demand; competitive environment; favorable characteristics of the geographical, natural-climatic and demographic aspects of the placement of regional markets; Orientation when placing poultry enterprises on vertical integration, including proximity to the fodder base; state financial support of the industry. The production of poultry meat during 2000-2023 and chicken eggs was analyzed. A detailed review of the supply of poultry products on the markets and the reasons for its change during 2021-2023 was conducted. The state and prospects for the development of export-import operations on regional poultry markets and Ukraine’s participation in these processes are disclosed. It is well-founded that future success is determined by planning all business processes not for the long term; the existence/absence of grain agreements at the international level; the conjuncture of similar foreign goods and world prices compared to national offers; prolongation of state financial support for the industry; natural and climatic conditions of the coming years, which determine, together with the innovation and investment renewal of enterprises in the industry, the prospects for feed prices, production volumes, product prices and consumer demand volumes.

STATIC AND DYNAMIC TESTS OF METAL PILE-SHELLS OF A SEA PIER MARINE TERMINAL

The behavior of the piles in the engineering and geological conditions of the construction water area of a new two-way pier of the berth on the territory of the sea trade port of Chornomorsk as a part of the expansion of production capacities for transshipment of grain, food products, processing of oil and grain crops was studied. During the construction, it is envisaged to use shell piles made of metal pipes 35.0...42.7 m long with the outer diameters 1020, 1220 and 1440 mm. The layers include Neogene sediments of the upper Miocene subdivision of the Sarmatian and Meotic horizons, which are represented by clayey soils from plastic to hard consistency with the lenses of silty sands saturated with the water and the interlayers of limestone. The piles cut through the sporadic layering of loams and clays, and their bottom ends are stopped in clay and dusty sands. A comprehensive approach to conducting the control tests of the piles was developed, which included conducting the tests in two stages. At the first stage, a group of four piles with the diameters 1020 and 1220 mm were tested under both static and dynamic loads at the construction site on the first supporting structures. The values of η and М coefficients, which are used to determine the bearing capacity of metal pile-shells during the dynamic tests under special geological conditions, were adjusted. At the second stage, only dynamic loads were tested on the rest of supporting structures. The inventory metal beam was as a jack pad when testing the piles with static loads, which was fixed to the anchoring piles with the welded terminations, and the movement of the head was recorded by deflection gauges. Pile driving during the dynamic load test was performed with a hydraulic hammer, which was used for their driving. According to the received data analysis of the pile test results with static and dynamic loads, it was determined that in order to obtain the values of allowable pile design loads, close to those ones determined by the static test results, it is necessary to adjust the values of η and М coefficients. It was established that for metal pile shells, which driven in the marine environment, when their bearing capacity is determined based on the results of test comparisons with static and dynamic loads, the coefficient η should be taken as 2500kN/m2, and М=1.0 – when the bottom end of the pile stopped in clay soils and M=1.6 – when in the sand.

Financial Feasibility Assessment for PT ABC LNG Production Facility Expansion Plan

PT ABC is an LNG producer that has been producing a reliable LNG for its customers since 2013. Initial GSA with upstream parties is set to be expired in 2026, however, recent development indicates that upstream parties have secured PSC extension for another 20 years. Considering this development, PT ABC is considering an opportunity to secure a long-term gas supply that enables production capacity expansion which will create additional revenue and improve plant reliability. A technical feasibility study has been performed and 2 options with estimated construction time of 30 months are considered feasible. This final project aims to provide a financial feasibility assessment of the production capacity expansion project with capital budgeting and risk assessment technique. Capital budgeting analysis using base case scenario indicates that both options will provide additional value to DSLNG with an estimated NPV 52.1 MUSD, IRR 20.57%, DPBP 9.4 years, and PI 1.52 for Option 1, and estimated NPV 117.8 MUSD, IRR 28.77%, DPBP 8.62 years, and PI 2.68 for Option 2. However, this study also found that some variables are affecting the project financial feasibility significantly, such as LNG and feed gas price, plant availability, Capex realization and long-term debt interest rate. Monte Carlo simulation shows that the project has a probability of success (NPV > 0) of 54.24% for Option 1 and 65.80% for Option 2.

Optimizing the delivery schedule of equipment in a project environment considering resource leveling of storage space and its constraint: a case study

PurposeThe present work seeks to determine the optimal delivery schedule of equipment at a project site in the backdrop of limited storage space, at a minimum cost, and without disturbing the overall project schedule. In addition, the optimized delivery schedule helps in minimizing the fluctuating requirements of space at the project site across the entire project lifespan.Design/methodology/approachThe study is carried out at a Steel plant operating in a constrained space but undergoing a production capacity expansion. The problem motivated us to explore the possibility of postponing the delivery dates of certain equipment closer to the erection dates without compromising on the project schedule. Given the versatility of linear programming models in dealing with such schedule optimization problems, the authors formulated the above problem as a Zero-One Integer Linear Programming problem.FindingsThe model is implemented for all the new equipment arriving for two major units – the Hot Strip Mill (HSM) and the Blast Furnace (BF). It generates an optimized delivery schedule by delaying the delivery of some equipment by a certain number of periods, without compromising the overall project schedule and at a minimum storage cost. The average space utilization increases by 25.85 and 14.79% in HSM and BF units respectively. The fluctuations in space requirements are reduced substantially in both units.Originality/valueThe study shows a timeline in the form of a Gantt chart for the delivery of equipment, storage of equipment across different periods, and the number of periods for which the delivery of certain equipment needs to be postponed. The study uses linearly increasing storage costs with the increase in the number of periods for storage of the equipment in the temporary shed.HighlightsDetermined the optimal delivery schedule of the equipment in a project environment in the backdrop of limited storage space in the project site.Formulated the above problem as a Zero-One Integer Linear Programming (ILP) problem.The average space utilization has increased by 25.85 and 14.79% in HSM and BF units respectively.The optimized delivery schedule helps in reducing the fluctuations in space requirements substantially across the entire lifespan of the project.The timeline of delivery of equipment, storage of equipment across different periods and periods of postponement of the equipment are shown in the form of a Gantt Chart.

Design of a New Type of Electrochemical Ceramic Membrane Oxygen Production System

In order to solve the problem that the existing oxygen production technology cannot simultaneously produce pure oxygen, high-purity oxygen, ultra-pure oxygen, and the modular expansion of oxygen production capacity, a new type of electrochemical ceramic membrane oxygen production system was discussed and developed. Through the design of the ceramic membrane stack, airflow distributor, heater, double spiral exchanger, thermal insulation sleeve, control panel, control box and auxiliary system in the electrochemical ceramic membrane oxygen generator, a modular oxygen production system is formed. The modular design can produce pure oxygen, high-purity oxygen and ultra-pure oxygen to meet various oxygen consumption needs. The electrochemical ceramic membrane oxygen production system is a new type of oxygen production technology. The main components have no moving parts, no noise, and no pollution. It can produce pure oxygen, high-purity oxygen and ultra-pure oxygen on site, with small size, light weight, and module combination which is suitable for convenient expansion and installation of oxygen consumption.

Reviewing the impact of LNG technology advancements on global energy markets

Rapid technological advancements in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) have catalyzed a transformative shift in global energy markets. This review delves into the profound impact of LNG technology advancements, exploring their multifaceted consequences on the dynamics of the energy landscape. The evolution of LNG technologies, spanning liquefaction, transportation, and regasification processes, has ushered in a new era of energy accessibility, sustainability, and market competitiveness. The burgeoning role of LNG as a cleaner and more versatile fuel source is examined against the backdrop of global efforts to address climate change. Environmental considerations, carbon reduction goals, and the burgeoning demand for cleaner energy sources are driving the increasing adoption of LNG in the global energy transition. Government initiatives supporting LNG adoption and renewable energy policies influencing its utilization are dissected to comprehend the intricate policy factors shaping global LNG consumption. Economic drivers, including cost competitiveness and market dynamics, play a pivotal role in shaping the global LNG landscape. The review assesses the economic growth and industrial demand for LNG, providing insights into the intricate relationship between economic factors and the surge in LNG consumption. Additionally, the expansion of global LNG production capacity, exploration of unconventional gas resources, and geopolitical influences on LNG supply patterns are thoroughly scrutinized to provide a comprehensive understanding of the forces steering LNG trade dynamics. The regional dynamics in LNG trade are elucidated with a focus on major economies such as Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. The rising demand from these regions, coupled with infrastructure developments and regulatory frameworks, underscores the intricate interplay of factors shaping LNG trade dynamics on a regional scale. Furthermore, the review delves into the geopolitical implications of recent events on LNG markets, scrutinizing trade agreements and geopolitical risks to provide a holistic view of the broader geopolitical landscape impacting LNG stakeholders. In summation, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of LNG technology advancements and their far-reaching impact on global energy markets. As technological innovations continue to reshape the LNG landscape, this review serves as a roadmap for understanding the intricate interplay of environmental, economic, regional, and geopolitical factors that collectively define the contemporary dynamics of the LNG industry.