A framework is presented for the automated superstructure generation and optimization of distributed energy supply systems (DESS). Based on a basic problem description (specifying load cases, available technologies, and topographic constraints), the presented framework first employs the P-graph...

A novel approach is proposed for the superstructure-free synthesis and optimization of distributed energy supply systems (DESS) by exploiting the nature of evolutionary algorithms. Current approaches require the designer to define a superstructure, which subsequently is optimized. In the...

An efficient synthesis method for renewable energy systems is presented that exploits synergies between heuristic- and optimization-based approaches. For this purpose, the RenewIslands method has been integrated into a superstructure-based optimization approach. The resulting hybrid approach...

Local governments and property developers are increasingly seeking robust models for strategic planning of retrofitting residential energy systems. Strategic planning here infers making decisions on technology upgrades at the concept design stage. This represents a problem with many degrees of...

A modification of the classical Navier–Stokes equations has recently been proposed by Brenner [Is the tracer velocity of a fluid continuum equal to its mass velocity? Phys. Rev. E 70 (2004) Art. No. 061201; Kinematics of volume transport, Physica A 349 (2005) 11–59; Navier–Stokes revisited,...

Its starting point is the global debate on the legitimacy of the treaty-based regime for the promotion and protection of international investment and investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS). The article considers that the debate will promote constructive change if it is informed by States and...

Energy use in cities has attracted significant research in recent years. However such a broad topic inevitably results in number of alternative interpretations of the problem domain and the modelling tools used in its study. This paper seeks to pull together these strands by proposing a...

One of the most notable outcomes of Ireland's recent spectacular rise in income was an apparent 140% increase in domestic passenger transport fuel use from 1990 to 2008, at the same time as the car stock has more than doubled in magnitude. However, there have been very few comparisons and...