BURA Collection:
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/230
2024-03-15T20:04:31ZOperation optimisation towards generation efficiency improvement in Saudi Arabia using LSS, simulation and mathematical programming
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/15789
Title: Operation optimisation towards generation efficiency improvement in Saudi Arabia using LSS, simulation and mathematical programming
Authors: Althaqafi, Mohammad
Abstract: The efficiency of fossil power generation has improved in recent decades with the different types of fuel and advancing technologies playing a crucial role in this trend. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is considered among the lowest countries in the world in terms of generation efficiency. As a consequence, recent studies have proposed upgrading the generation stock with highly efficient units, and increasing the share of natural gas over oil to improve the average efficiency. However, despite efforts being made in that direction in the past few years, they have not had a significant impact and there have been few studies in the literature aimed at tackling what the real issues are in the kingdom. This research explores the causes leading to the current level of energy efficiency in KSA using Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and a simulation model, subsequent to which a new framework is developed aimed at delivering sustained continuous improvement. Firstly, LSS is applied to identify the primary area of waste and secondly, the actual efficiency is measured using real data collected from KSA. Subsequently, the outcomes are analysed through utilising a simulation model that has been designed and tested to ensure accurate results are obtained. Following this, an improvement plan is proposed using mathematical models and mathematical programming, which was implemented using a simulation model. Finally, controlling the obtained improvement is included for sustaining its continuity. The main contribution of this thesis lies in the integration of LSS and a simulation model to identify the most influential factors in relation to the generation efficiency level in KSA in terms of their impact on fuel and emissions. Moreover, this research involves developing a new merit order using a mathematical model and mathematical programming for optimisation. The novelty can be seen in combining the quality and quantity of production to generate a single operation measure. The results show that the power plants’ operation is a primary cause of the current level of efficiency, while the generation stock has the potential to deliver higher efficiency levels. Around 3.5 and 6% improvement in efficiency have been achieved over the two research stages. This figure has resulted in a fuel saving worth $1.8 billion, significant reduction in subsidies and 8.5 Mtonnes reduction in the total CO2 produced. Finally, this thesis provides a framework based on incentives for power providers that can ensure continuous improvement.
Description: This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London2017-01-01T00:00:00ZThe Influence of work placement on the academic achievement of undergraduate design students
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/12448
Title: The Influence of work placement on the academic achievement of undergraduate design students
Authors: Ceschin, F; Rakowski, R; De Vere, I
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to investigate the contribution of work placement in enhancing the academic performance of undergraduate design students. A statistical analysis was carried out on a population sample which comprised design students who had graduated at Brunel University London in four different academic years. All the required (anonymous) data were obtained from the university electronic records system. The dataset comprises a total of 411 students, of which 323 were placement students and 88 non-placement students. Students were also classified as higher achievers (students whose second year average mark was 60% or above) and lower achievers. The results seem to suggest that for both higher and lower achievers the placement experience enables students to achieve on average a greater final year mark and a greater improvement from the second to the final year. The study also established that these grade gains were of a similar magnitude irrespective of the students overall academic standing. Finally, the results of this study seem to suggest that the work placement experience give students a particular advantage in the final year project and in the modules characterized by design-focused assessment components.2016-01-01T00:00:00ZDesign of an instrumented smart cutting tool and its implementation and application perspectives
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/11673
Title: Design of an instrumented smart cutting tool and its implementation and application perspectives
Authors: Wang, C; Cheng, K; Chen, X; Minton, T; Rakowski, R
Abstract: This paper presents an innovative design of a smart cutting tool, using two surface acoustic wave (SAW) strain sensors mounted onto the top and the side surface of the tool shank respectively, and its implementation and application perspectives. This surface acoustic wave-based smart cutting tool is capable of measuring the cutting force and the feed force in a real machining environment, after a calibration process under known cutting conditions. A hybrid dissimilar workpiece is then machined using the SAW-based smart cutting tool. The hybrid dissimilar material is made of two different materials, NiCu alloy (Monel) and steel, welded together to form a single bar; this can be used to simulate an abrupt change in material properties. The property transition zone is successfully detected by the tool; the sensor feedback can then be used to initiate a change in the machining parameters to compensate for the altered material properties.2014-01-01T00:00:00ZIndividual behavior towards mobile services acceptance in the airline sector: A survey in Saudi Arabia
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/9589
Title: Individual behavior towards mobile services acceptance in the airline sector: A survey in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Algethmi, M; De Coster, R2013-01-01T00:00:00Z