Computational Intelligence for Engineering Systems provides an overview and original analysis of new developments and advances in several areas of computational intelligence. Computational Intelligence have become the road-map for engineers to develop and analyze novel techniques to solve problems in basic sciences (such as physics, chemistry and biology) and engineering, environmental, life and social sciences. The contributions are written by international experts, who provide up-to-date aspects of the topics discussed and present recent, original insights into their own experience in these fields. The authors also include methods that apply to diverse fields such as manufacturing, tourism, power systems, computer science, robotics, chemistry, and biology.

Topics include: Simulation and evolution of real and artificial life forms; Self-organization; Models of communication and social behaviors; Emergent collective behaviors and swarm intelligence; Adaptive, complex and biologically inspired systems; Power Systems; Web-based Applications; Knowledge discovery; Intelligent Tutoring Systems; Decision support Systems; Intelligent Tutoring Systems.

This book provides a succinct account of what may happen to the energy sector in the former Soviet Union in the medium- to long-run under alternative scenarios for macroeconomic reform. The analyses reveal the serious damage of the oil resource base caused by the reckless exploitation practices of the past. Production of oil and coal can recover only slowly from the doldrums of the early 1990s, but the potential to expand gas output is very considerable. Energy consumption practices have been extremely wasteful in the past. The total savings potential that could be accomplished as energy prices are allowed to rise, and incentives to economise on energy use are introduced, is huge. The analysis of production, and consumption prospects is disaggregated by major republic. The likely evolution of FSU energy exports until 2005 is also explored, and the impact that changing export flows could have on the international prices of oil, coal and natural gas, is discussed in detail.

This book traces the interacting histories of the disciplines of ecology and economics, from their common origin in the ancient Greek concept of oikonomia, through their distinct encounters with energy physics, to the current obstruction of neoliberal economics to responses to the ecological and climate crisis of the so-called Anthropocene. Reconstructing their constitution as separate sciences in the era of fossil-fuelled industrial capitalism, the book offers an explanation of how the ecological sciences have moved from a position of critical collision with mainstream economics in the 1970s, to one of collusion with the project of permanent growth, in and through the thermal crisis of the biosphere.

The climate of our planet is changing at a rate unprecedented in recent human history. The energy absorbed from the sun exceeds what is returned to space. The planet as a whole is gaining energy. The heat content of the ocean is increasing, the surface and atmosphere are warming, mid-latitude glaciers are melting, sea level is rising, and the Arctic Ocean is losing its ice cover. None of these assertions is based on theory but on hard observational facts. Given the science-heavy nature of climate change, debates and discussions have not played as big a role in the public sphere as they should, and instead are relegated to often misinformed political discussions and inaccessible scientific conferences. Michael B. McElroy, an eminent Harvard scholar of environmental studies, combines both his research chops and pedagogical expertise to present a book that will appeal to the lay reader but still be grounded in scientific fact. The book begins with a general introduction, followed by chapters on energy basics, a discussion of the contemporary energy systems of the US and China, and the aforementioned chapters on climate. It continues with a series of chapters on specific energy options: coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear, wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and biomass. The perspective is global but with a specific focus on the US and China recognizing the critical role these countries must play in addressing the challenge of global climate change. The book concludes with a discussion of initiatives now underway to at least reduce the rate of increase of greenhouse gas emissions, together with a vision for a low carbon energy future that could in principle minimize the long-term impact of energy systems on global climate.

With extensive case studies for illustration, this is a practitioner's guide to an entirely new production system for construction management using flowline scheduling.

Covering the entire process of presenting a comprehensive management system - from design, through measurement, scheduling, and visualization and control - its emphasis is on reducing cost and increasing quality.

Drawing its components together into a management system, the authors not only include theory and explanations of how and why it works, but also examine and present a suite of methods for successful project implementation.

Perfect as a how-to guide for researchers and advanced construction students to discover the simple application of the new techniques, and invaluable for acquiring the practical tools for planning and controlling projects.

This first of its kind text enables today's students to understand current and future energy challenges, to acquire skills for selecting and using materials and manufacturing processes in the design of energy systems, and to develop a cross-functional approach to materials, mechanics, electronics and processes of energy production. While taking economic and regulatory aspects into account, this textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the range of materials used for advanced energy systems, including fossil, nuclear, solar, bio, wind, geothermal, ocean and hydropower, hydrogen, and nuclear, as well as thermal energy storage and electrochemical storage in fuel cells. A separate chapter is devoted to emerging energy harvesting systems. Integrated coverage includes the application of scientific and engineering principles to materials that enable different types of energy systems. Properties, performance, modeling, fabrication, characterization and application of structural, functional and hybrid materials are described for each energy system. Readers will appreciate the complex relationships among materials selection, optimizing design, and component operating conditions in each energy system. Research and development trends of novel emerging materials for future hybrid energy systems are also considered. Each chapter is basically a self-contained unit, easily enabling instructors to adapt the book for coursework. This textbook is suitable for students in science and engineering who seek to obtain a comprehensive understanding of different energy processes, and how materials enable energy harvesting, conversion, and storage. In setting forth the latest advances and new frontiers of research, the text also serves as a comprehensive reference on energy materials for experienced materials scientists, engineers, and physicists. Includes pedagogical features such as in-depth side bars, worked-out and end-of- chapter exercises, and many references to further reading Provides comprehensive coverage of materials-based solutions for major and emerging energy systems Brings together diverse subject matter by integrating theory with engaging insights

This book provides several up-to-date empirical policy-oriented studies on assessing the impacts of climate change on various economic sectors and the role of renewable energy resources in mitigating pollution and climate change. It suggests various policy recommendations on how to increase the share of renewable energy resources in the energy baskets of the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the rest of the world to ensure energy sustainability. As of 2020, most of the world's energy investment still went to carbon-emitting sources, namely, fossil fuels. On the other hand, the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic Project Overview 20 March 2021 08:39 Page 6 of 9 downturns shrank the global energy demand, including fossil fuels, resulting in a sharp drop in their prices. Low fossil fuel prices are harmful to developing renewable energy projects, making solar, wind, and other renewable energy resources less competitive as sources of electricity. This is endangering the Paris agreement and the "Climate Action" goal of the United Nations. Given the high share of fossil fuels in the energy mix of the members of ASEAN, tremendous challenges must be faced for their energy transition in the post-Covid-19 world. The authors call for sound policy and applicable technologies to ensure sustainable energy availability, accessibility, and affordability to reach emission reduction targets.

There are so many different energy a oefixesa available today, that many energy users are hesitant to do anything because of the apparent complexity of these a oefixesa . Large energy users have completely lost sight of the fact that they may not need time-consuming, large investment strategies. Strange as this may sound, many users today have little or no practical knowledge about their energy purchases. This book covers the basics of rates, components of energy purchases, and the methods and techniques required for maximizing energy savings and minimizing costs. For new energy manager or seasoned energy professionals, this book provides the foundation upon which any successful, long-term energy strategy should be based.

Knowledge creation and technological experiences resulting from modern production life cycles are definitely the most Economical and important intellectual capitals in the current manufacturing endeavors. These are also the basis for enabling industrial competition through managing and identifying organizational and product related needs and opportunities; e. g. health care systems society needs clean environment, sustainable production life cycles needs flexible approachable design and engineering of materials whilst valuable materials are needed for renewable energies and the production of fuel cells. Integration of components, design of structures and managing knowledge inherent in engineering is a difficult and complex endeavor. A wide range of advanced technologies such as smart materials and their approaches in alternative energy have to be invoked in providing assistance for knowledge requirements ranging from acquisition, modeling, (re)using, retrieving, sharing, publishing and maintaining of knowledge. Integration, Design and management with regards to knowledge management originates at least on three roots.

Because of the numerous applications involved in this field, the theory of special functions is under permanent development, especially regarding the requirements for modern computer algebra methods. The Handbook of Special Functions provides in-depth coverage of special functions, which are used to help solve many of the most difficult problems in physics, engineering, and mathematics. The book presents new results along with well-known formulas used in many of the most important mathematical methods in order to solve a wide variety of problems. It also discusses formulas of connection and conversion for elementary and special functions, such as hypergeometric and Meijer G functions.

This open access book examines the role of citizens in sustainable energy transitions across Europe. It explores energy problem framing, policy approaches and practical responses to the challenge of securing clean, affordable and sustainable energy for all citizens, focusing on households as the main unit of analysis. The book revolves around ten contributions that each summarise national trends, socio-material characteristics, and policy responses to contemporary energy issues affecting householders in different countries, and provides good practice examples for designing and implementing sustainable energy initiatives. Prominent concerns include reducing carbon emissions, energy poverty, sustainable consumption, governance, practices, innovations and sustainable lifestyles. The opening and closing contributions consider European level energy policy, dominant and alternative problem framings and similarities and differences between European countries in relation to reducing household energy use. Overall, the book is a valuable resource for researchers, policy-makers, practitioners and others interested in sustainable energy perspectives.

This edited volume presents chapters on the dynamics of global climate change and global warming in the Middle East. In this region, it should be noted that even slightly warmer weather can result in an increased demand of energy along with its lower supply, as well as lower labor productivity. This text focuses on modeling, simulation, system dynamics, and agent-based modeling in dealing with these issues. The latest decision making tools, techniques, and innovative solutions used to overcome these challenges are presented. Many distinguished researchers contribute their work herein. The audience for this volume includes policy makers, researchers, and students unified by the common goal of making better decisions in the sustainable production and consumption of energy. The practical orientation of the chapters within each part is intended to suit the practitioners: managers and decision makers in the energy sector of the Middle East region.

Completely non-technical in its approach and focusing exclusively on managing the human element of energy consumption, this book demonstrates how to apply proven management techniques to significantly reduce these unnecessary energy expenses within an organization. It includes a broad array of examples of companies that have pioneered these efforts, actual savings, step-by-step methods, and typical energy-wasting pitfalls to avoid. The author communicates in an easy-to-understand and cohesive manner how to break the cycle of energy waste, making employees cooperative in saving energy and accountable for the energy they use.

In an era of big data and smart cities, this book is an innovative and creative contribution to our understanding of urban energy use. Societies have basic data needs to develop an understanding of energy flows for planning energy sustainability. However, this data is often either not utilized or not available. Using California as an example, the book provides a roadmap for using data to reduce urban greenhouse gas emissions by targeting programs and initiatives that will successfully and parsimoniously improve building performance while taking into account issues of energy affordability. This first of its kind methodology maps high-detail building energy use to understand patterns of consumption across buildings, neighborhoods, and socioeconomic divisions in megacities. The book then details the steps required to replicate this methodology elsewhere, and shows the importance of openly-accessible building energy data for transitioning cities to meet the climate planning goals of the twenty-first century. It also explains why actual data, not modeled or sampled, is critical for accurate analysis and insights. Finally, it acknowledges the complex institutional context for this work and some of the obstacles - utility reluctance, public agency oversight, funding and path dependencies. This book will be of great value to scholars across the environmental sectors, but especially to those studying sustainable urban energy as well as practitioners and policy makers in these areas.

Access to modern energy is central in addressing the major global challenges of the 21st century, including poverty, climate change and famine. However large parts of the world, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have poor or no access to modern energy. Victoria Nalule argues that SSA countries have many common energy challenges which could be tackled with collective efforts through regional cooperation. By means of a legal and comparative analysis and a seven-step framework, the book explores the current regional mechanisms employed in Africa to address the challenge of energy poverty and access and whether they are effective in tackling the challenge of energy access, including regional energy infrastructure and regional energy regulations. Chapters discuss the evolution of regionalism in SSA and the role of regional cooperation in the development of renewable energy as a means of confronting both energy access and climate change. Specifically the nexus between energy access, renewable energy and climate change is covered as well as the potential of fossil fuels in addressing energy poverty. The establishment and development of regional energy infrastructure as one of the mechanisms of addressing energy access challenges in SSA and regional efforts to harmonise energy regulation are explored. Finally a concluding chapter provides recommendations for policy makers and other relevant stakeholders on how best to implement some of the suggestions made in previous chapters. International organisations, regional organisations, government officials, scholars and students with interest in the energy sector will highly benefit from this book.

For a one-semester, undergraduate-level course in Internal Combustion Engines. This applied thermoscience text explores the basic principles and applications of various types of internal combustion engines, with a major emphasis on reciprocating engines. It covers both spark ignition and compression ignition engines-as well as those operating on four-stroke cycles and on two stroke cycles-ranging in size from small model airplane engines to the larger stationary engines.

Performance Contracting is a must-read for those concerned about energy and the environment. It examines state-of-the-art facts and pragmatic realities from financing to measurement and verification, and includes up-to-date "how-to's" for both end users and energy service companies. Readers will find expert advice on RFPs and RFQs, tips on making an energy project investment worthy, and guidelines for effectively negotiating and developing energy services agreements. They will also learn the key strategies for managing risks, both from a user's and a service provider's point of view, as well as ways to expand business and serve customers more effectively.

Advances in new equipment, new processes, and new technology are the driving forces in improvements in energy management, energy efficiency and energy cost control. The purpose of this book is to document the operational experience with web based systems in actual facilities and in varied applications, and to show how new opportunities have developed for energy and facility managers to quickly and effectively control and manage their operations. You'll find information on what is actually happening at other facilities, and see what is involved for current and future installations of internet-based technologies. The case studies and applications described should greatly assist energy, facility and maintenance managers, as well as consultants and control systems development engineers.

The first English-language book which reviews and summarizes worldwide research advances in alkali-activated cements and concrete. Essential topics include:

• raw materials and their properties for the production of the two new types of binder
• the hydration and microstructure development of alkali-activated slag cements
• the mechanical properties and durability of alkali-activated slag cement and concrete
• other various cementing systems and their applications
• related standards and specifications.

This respected team of authors has produced an important piece of research that will be of great interest to professionals and academics alike, enabling the production of more durable and environmentally sensitive materials.

This book presents both differential equation and integral formulations of boundary value problems for computing the stress and displacement fields of solid bodies at two levels of approximation - isotropic linear theory of elasticity as well as theories of mechanics of materials. Moreover, the book applies these formulations to practical solutions in detailed, easy-to-follow examples.
Advanced Mechanics of Materials and Applied Elasticity presents modern and classical methods of analysis in current notation and in the context of current practices. The author's well-balanced choice of topics, clear and direct presentation, and emphasis on the integration of sophisticated mathematics with practical examples offer students in civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering an unparalleled guide and reference for courses in advanced mechanics of materials, stress analysis, elasticity, and energy methods in structural analysis.

This book is dedicated to the front line manager of America's economic life blood: energy. It is designed to help owners and managers first assess their organization's energy conditions, and then determine the best outsourcing strategies for needed services. The author shares experiences drawn from over 25 years in the energy business and work in over 30 countries, and provides succinct case studies to expand on important points raised and to provide insight into their application. The final section takes into account recent events which have highlighted the unpredictable situation surrounding our energy supplies, as well as how to make the most of it.

Climate change is mainly caused by emissions of carbon dioxide when burning fossil fuels, which provides more than 85% of the primary energy of the world. Strategies for mitigating climate change are closely connected with how to handle economic and social activities through their effects on the use of energy. Climate Change Mitigation takes a comprehensive approach to investigate and evaluate response strategies using both a vertical balance approach and a horizontal balance approach. The former investigates the costs of mitigation measures in comparison to benefits of implementing them, while the latter compares the effects of implementing mitigation measures on various aspects such as global environment, energy security and energy economy.

This book provides a fresh and innovative perspective on climate change policy. By emphasizing the multiple facets of climate policy, from mitigation to adaptation, from technological innovation and diffusion to governance issues, it contains a comprehensive overview of the economic and policy dimensions of the climate problem. The keyword of the book is balance. The book clarifies that climate change cannot be controlled by sacrificing economic growth and many other urgent global issues. At the same time, action to control climate change cannot be delayed, even though gradually implemented. Therefore, on the one hand climate policy becomes pervasive and affects all dimensions of international policy. On the other hand, climate policy cannot be too ambitious: a balanced approach between mitigation and adaptation, between economic growth and resource management, between short term development efforts and long term innovation investments, should be adopted. I recommend its reading.

-Carlo Carraro, President, Ca Foscari University of Venice

For 20 years, diplomats have struggled to make progress on the problem of global climate change. Some of their difficulties stem from the fact that global diplomacy is not well-enough linked to the realities of how real nations and firms actually control emissions and adapt to the likely impacts of a changing climate. A crucial test is Japan one of the few nations that has undertaken massive efforts to control warming pollution. In this excellent volume Mitsutsune Yamaguchi has assembled an all-star team of Japan's leading experts to guide the redesign of global policy in this area. Among the many themes in this important book is the need for policies that promote long-term technological innovation in low-emission technologies. The authors also underscore how global warming efforts must resonate with other policy goals, such as energy security. The book also includes a timely, important look at the future of nuclear power in the wake of the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi complex.

-David G. Victor, Director or Laboratory on International Law and Regulation and Professor, University of California San Diego

The International Energy Agency estimates for every $1 of investment today toward sustainable energy can avoid $4 future spending. There is a business case for companies to reduce their energy use and convert to renewable energy now. The authors of this book provide a framework for evaluating business strategy and setting policy. Companies in the energy and resource intensive industries must lead the way. The Prius hybrid electric vehicle described in this book is a seminal example of leadership. Toyota, through vision and determination found a way to create it in time to announce for maximum impact at the Conferences of the Parties (COP) 3 in Kyoto. In this book, other advanced actions of technology transfer/development in iron and steel sector are introduced. Other leading companies must find a way to follow them.

-Chad Holliday, Chairman World Business Council for Sustainable Development and former Chair and CEO of DuPont

The future of modern societies depends on their ability to deal with the challenge of climate change in the coming decades. One essential component is a better understanding of innovation processes in the energy sector. This book focuses on sustainability innovations in renewable energies, combined heat and power, and energy service contracting, and analyses the institutions, actors and functions within the innovation system. Of particular interest is the question of whether the joint effect of EU-driven market liberalization and climate policies will succeed in establishing market forces that will drive actors towards more climate-friendly energy production. A special focus is on the role of local utilities in the electricity sector as opposed to large transmission net operators or regional net operators. The countries covered in the contributions include Germany, Denmark, the UK, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.