scholarly journals Prospects of applying 3-D printing to economics of remote communities

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 488-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svetlana Obydenkova ◽  
Nicholas C. Anzalone ◽  
Joshua M. Pearce
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Remote Communities ◽  
Fused Filament Fabrication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Reindeer Herder

Purpose Isolated communities face a variety of inconveniences including severe remoteness, poor roads and extreme climate conditions, resulting in the lack of security of supply chains and exorbitant prices for cargo delivery. This paper aims to investigate the present advantages and prospects of applying 3-D printing to improve economics and everyday life of remote communities, reindeer herder case taken as an example. Design/methodology/approach This study covers the use of a low-cost open-source 3-D printer (RepRap) capable of fused filament fabrication to reduce operating costs for nomadic reindeer herder groups. Three case studies are provided for reindeer-specific applications to probe economic and technical viability of the technology, namely, ear-tags, electric fence components and lasso accessories. Findings 3-D printed objects feature technical characteristics similar to those of analogues available on the market while reducing the price by 63 per cent. Distributed 3-D printing reduces the cost of raw materials by 68 per cent and shipping costs by 50 because of lower trip frequency. If all reindeer herders globally were to adopt distributed manufacturing of the three aforementioned sample items only, their annual savings from such solution would amount to US$2m. The paper discovers other economic, entrepreneurial, technical and environmental opportunities offered by 3-D printing put to service the needs of remote communities. Research limitations As the paper is the first-ever study of 3-D printing potential applied to the reindeer husbandry case, it is based on a more thorough analysis of the techno-economic feasibility of the technology, while cultural and entrepreneurial factors have been discussed as preconditions only. Practical implications The paper might serve as a valuable source of information for entrepreneurs, as well as for students and academics for further case studies in this area. Originality/value In remote conditions, 3-D printing offers a more sustainable way of good manufacturing. Numerous open source designs already available for specialists, financial effectiveness, environmental benefits and vast opportunities for entrepreneurs are among the most promising advantages of the technology.

Optimum Size of ORC Cycles for Waste Heat Recovery in Natural Gas Compressor Stations

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Branchini ◽  
M. A. Ancona ◽  
M. Bianchi ◽  
A. De Pascale ◽  
F. Melino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Carbon Tax ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Optimum Size ◽  
Part Load ◽  
Design Power

Abstract The paper investigates the optimum size and potential economic, energetic and environmental benefits of ORC applications, as bottomer section in natural gas compressor stations. Since typical installations consist of multiple gas turbine units in mechanical drive arrangement, operated most of the time under part-load conditions, the economic feasibility of the ORC can become questionable even though the energetic advantage is indisputable. Depending on mechanical drivers profile during the year the optium size of the bottomer section must be carefully selected in order not to overestimate its design power output. To achieve this goal a numerical optimization procedure has been implemented in the Matlab environment, based on the integration of a in house-developed calculation code with a commercial software for the thermodynamic design and off-design analysis of complex energy systems (Thermoflex). Thus the optimal ORC design power size is identified in the most generic scenario, in terms of compressors load profile, installation site conditions (i.e. ambient conditions and carbon tax value) and gas turbine models used as drivers. Two different objective functions are defined aiming at maximize the CO2 savings or the net present value. Different case studies are shown and discussed to prove the potential of the developed code. The comparison among the case studies highlights, chiefly, the influence of yearly mechanical drivers profile, part-load control strategy applied and carbon tax value on the ORC techno-economic feasibility.

scholarly journals Multi-material additive and subtractive prosumer digital fabrication with a free and open-source convertible delta RepRap 3-D printer

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 506-519 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald C. Anzalone ◽  
Bas Wijnen ◽  
Joshua M. Pearce
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Printed Circuit Boards ◽  
Digital Fabrication ◽  
Circuit Boards ◽  
Distributed Manufacturing ◽  
Fused Filament Fabrication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Capital Costs ◽  
Financial Investments ◽  
Paste Extrusion

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present novel modifications to a RepRap design that increase RepRap capabilities well beyond just fused filament fabrication. Open-source RepRap 3-D printers have made distributed manufacturing and prototyping an affordable reality. Design/methodology/approach – The design is a significantly modified derivative of the Rostock delta-style RepRap 3-D printer. Modifications were made that permit easy and rapid repurposing of the platform for milling, paste extrusion and several other applications. All of the designs are open-source and freely available. Findings – In addition to producing fused filament parts, the platform successfully produced milled printed circuit boards, milled plastic objects, objects made with paste extrudates, such as silicone, food stuffs and ceramics, pen plotted works and cut vinyl products. The multi-purpose tool saved 90-97 per cent of the capital costs of functionally equivalent dedicated tools. Research limitations/implications – While the platform was used primarily for production of hobby and consumer goods, research implications are significant, as the tool is so versatile and the fact that the designs are open-source and eminently available for modification for more purpose-specific applications. Practical implications – The platform vastly broadens capabilities of a RepRap machine at an extraordinarily low price, expanding the potential for distributed manufacturing and prototyping of items that heretofore required large financial investments. Originality/value – The unique combination of relatively simple modifications to an existing platform has produced a machine having capabilities far exceeding that of any single commercial product. The platform provides users the ability to work with a wide variety of materials and fabrication methods at a price of less than $1,000, provided users are willing to build the machine themselves.

Industrial effluent control and waste minimisation: case studies by UK regulators

1999 ◽  
Vol 39 (10-11) ◽  
pp. 281-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. J. D'Arcy ◽  
R. B. Todd ◽  
A. W. Wither
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Industrial Effluent ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Industrial Operations ◽  
Waste Minimisation ◽  
Receiving Waters ◽  
Lateral Thinking

Most current discussion on the techniques for effluent control emphasise the sophisticated approach most appropriate to advanced industrial operations in prosperous environments. This paper aims to demonstrate that a more basic approach still has a valuable role to play. A series of case studies from the United Kingdom examine how the application of simple techniques were able to provide significant environmental benefits at minimal net cost to the discharger. The examples ranged from raw materials recovery and waste recycling, to lateral thinking and the development of non polluting processes. The consequent reductions in effluent load to receiving waters have been found to be highly significant for the environment.

Economic assessment of bioethanol production from maize in South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 973-994
Author(s):  
Ayanda Ndokwana ◽  
Stanley Fore
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Bioethanol Production ◽  
Economic Data ◽  
Arable Soils ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative

Purpose This research investigated the economic feasibility of using maize as feedstock to produce bioethanol in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to generate economic data from a maize-fed bioethanol plant and use it to perform a comparative analysis between the profitability that is generated by the maize exports to Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries and the profitability generated by the bioethanol plant in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach This study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to gather data. The mixed method approach was chosen owing to the nature of the study which required an analysis of qualitative and quantitative data in order to achieve its objectives. Findings The findings from a qualitative instrument indicated that a majority of respondents were in favour of the decision of excluding maize for bioethanol production made by the South African Government. Findings from quantitative analysis revealed that the profitability of the bioethanol plant was largely influenced by the prices of feedstock and bioethanol. Research limitations/implications This research was a deterministic feasibility study which ignores the risk associated with price fluctuation of raw materials and products. A probabilistic feasibility study was recommended (Monte Carlo simulation). Such economic data can also help policymakers and investors to make informed decisions. Originality/value The study recommended the need to produce bioethanol from the maize cultivated in available arable soils in South Africa, thus alleviating the cost burden of importing oil and obnoxious environmental effects.

Local heroes?

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 38-40
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Remote Communities ◽  
Commercial Exploitation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Island Populations ◽  
Entrepreneurial Spirit ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – It is a cliche that refuses to die – the only way for remote communities such as islands to develop and flourish they have to embrace tourism. There are two main problems with this thesis, however. Firstly, it does a huge disservice to the entrepreneurial spirit and potential of island populations, and secondly, it ignores the perils of unbridled, unsustainable commercial exploitation. Practical implications – Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Economic and environmental benefits of community-scale cordwood hydronic heaters in Alaska—three case studies

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
David L. Nicholls ◽  
Allen M. Brackley ◽  
Daniel J. Parrent
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Environmental Benefits

scholarly journals Microgrid as a Cost-Effective Alternative to Rural Network Underground Cabling for Adequate Reliability

Energies ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1978 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanna Uski ◽  
Erkka Rinne ◽  
Janne Sarsama
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Power Supply ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Comparison Method ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Cost Calculation ◽  
Islanded Operation

Microgrids can be used for securing the supply of power during network outages. Underground cabling of distribution networks is another effective but conventional and expensive alternative to enhance the reliability of the power supply. This paper first presents an analysis method for the determination of microgrid power supply adequacy during islanded operation and, second, presents a comparison method for the overall cost calculation of microgrids versus underground cabling. The microgrid power adequacy during a rather long network outage is required in order to indicate high level of reliability of the supply. The overall cost calculation considers the economic benefits and costs incurred, combined for both the distribution network company and the consumer. Whereas the microgrid setup determines the islanded-operation power adequacy and thus the reliability of the supply, the economic feasibility results from the normal operations and services. The methods are illustrated by two typical, and even critical, case studies in rural distribution networks: an electric-heated detached house and a dairy farm. These case studies show that even in the case of a single consumer, a microgrid option could be more economical than network renovation by underground cabling of a branch in order to increase the reliability.

scholarly journals Sustainable Syntheses and Sources of Nanomaterials for Microbial Fuel/Electrolysis Cell Applications: An Overview of Recent Progress

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1221
Author(s):  
Domenico Frattini ◽  
Gopalu Karunakaran ◽  
Eun-Bum Cho ◽  
Yongchai Kwon
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Fuel Cells ◽  
Noble Metals ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Nanoparticle Synthesis ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Electrolysis Cell ◽  
Microbial Electrolysis Cells ◽  
Electrolysis Cells ◽  
Bioenergy Generation ◽  
Valuable Compounds

The use of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is quickly spreading in the fields of bioenergy generation and wastewater treatment, as well as in the biosynthesis of valuable compounds for microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). MFCs and MECs have not been able to penetrate the market as economic feasibility is lost when their performances are boosted by nanomaterials. The nanoparticles used to realize or decorate the components (electrodes or the membrane) have expensive processing, purification, and raw resource costs. In recent decades, many studies have approached the problem of finding green synthesis routes and cheap sources for the most common nanoparticles employed in MFCs and MECs. These nanoparticles are essentially made of carbon, noble metals, and non-noble metals, together with a few other few doping elements. In this review, the most recent findings regarding the sustainable preparation of nanoparticles, in terms of syntheses and sources, are collected, commented, and proposed for applications in MFC and MEC devices. The use of naturally occurring, recycled, and alternative raw materials for nanoparticle synthesis is showcased in detail here. Several examples of how these naturally derived or sustainable nanoparticles have been employed in microbial devices are also examined. The results demonstrate that this approach is valuable and could represent a solid alternative to the expensive use of commercial nanoparticles.

scholarly journals Potential Benefits and Constraints of Development of Critical Raw Materials’ Production in the EU: Analysis of Selected Case Studies

Resources ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Guzik ◽  
Krzysztof Galos ◽  
Alicja Kot-Niewiadomska ◽  
Toni Eerola ◽  
Pasi Eilu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Social Acceptance ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Ore Deposits ◽  
Abandoned Mines ◽  
Social Constraints ◽  
Cost And Benefit Analysis ◽  
The Eu ◽  
Critical Raw Materials

Major benefits and constraints related to mineral extraction within the EU have been identified on the examples of selected critical raw materials’ deposits. Analyzed case studies include the following ore deposits: Myszków Mo-W-Cu (Poland), Juomasuo Au-Co (Finland), S. Pedro das Águias W-Sn (Portugal), Penouta Nb-Ta-Sn (Spain), Norra Kärr REEs (Sweden) and Trælen graphite (Norway). They represent different stages of development, from the early/grassroot exploration stage, through advanced exploration and active mining, up to reopening of abandoned mines, and refer to different problems and constraints related to the possibility of exploitation commencement. The multi-criteria analysis of the cases has included geological and economic factors as well as environmental, land use, social acceptance and infrastructure factors. These factors, in terms of cost and benefit analysis, have been considered at three levels: local, country and EU levels. The analyzed cases indicated the major obstacles that occur in different stages of deposit development and need to be overcome in order to enable a new deposit exploitation commencement. These are environmental (Juomasuo and Myszków), spatial (Juomasuo) as well as social constraints (Norra Kärr, Juomasuo). In the analyzed cases, the most important constraints related to future deposit extraction occur primarily at a local level, while some important benefits are identified mainly at the country and the EU levels. These major benefits are related to securing long-term supplies for the national industries and strategically important EU industry sectors.

scholarly journals Rainwater Harvesting Potentials in Commercial Buildings in Dhaka: Reliability and Economic Analysis

Hydrology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Md. Rezaul Karim ◽  
B. M. Sadman Sakib ◽  
Sk. Sadman Sakib ◽  
Monzur Alam Imteaz
Keyword(s):  
Water Demand ◽  
Rainwater Harvesting ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Commercial Buildings ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Balance Model ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Rainwater Tank ◽  
Catchment Areas

Despite numerous studies on residential rainwater tank, studies on commercial rainwater tank are scarce. Corporate authorities pay little heed on this sustainable feature. With the aim of encouraging corporate authorities, this study presents the feasibility and economic benefits of rainwater harvesting (RWH) in commercial buildings in the capital city of Bangladesh, where water authority struggles to maintain town water supply. The analysis was conducted using a daily water balance model under three climate scenarios (wet, dry and normal year) for five commercial buildings having catchment areas varying from 315 to 776 m2 and the storage tank capacity varying from 100 to 600 m3. It was found that for a water demand of 30 L per capita per day (lpcd), about 11% to 19% and 16% to 26.80% of the annual water demand can be supplemented by rainwater harvesting under the normal year and wet year climate conditions, respectively. The payback periods are found to be very short, only 2.25 to 3.75 years and benefit–cost (B/C) ratios are more than 1.0, even for building having the smallest catchment area (i.e., 315 m2) and no significant overflow would occur during monsoon, which leads to both economic and environmental benefits. Though the findings cannot be translated to other cities as those are dependent on factors like water price, interest rate, rainfall amount and pattern, however other cities having significant rainfall amounts should conduct similar studies to expedite implementations of widescale rainwater harvesting.

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