Determining the Maximum Hourly Demand of Natural Gas for Large Suppliers

This article deals with the determination of the maximum hourly energy consumption of large (municipal) natural gas suppliers using the Monte Carlo simulation method. To ensure an adequate supply for all their customers, suppliers need to purchase capacities in geological storage systems. If, due to cost considerations or inaccurate predictions, the chosen capacities are smaller than the actual consumption, additional costs are incurred for the procurement of short-term quantities of gas, e.g. from the balancing energy market. It is therefore necessary to formulate and solve an optimisation problem, which is done as described in the following by means of a simulation after modelling all required quantity values and price data. The aim is to minimise the structure costs—i.e. the fixed capacity costs and the variable balancing energy costs—by selecting the most appropriate hourly energy supply level. Since the selection of the storage capacity generally has far-reaching financial implications, the statistics-based simulation method described in the following is intended to provide the companies concerned with a reliable basis for decision-making.     

The role of government in broadband access

This paper discusses the role of governments in broadband. It is divided into five sections. Following an introduction in section one, section two discusses the diffusion of broadband Internet. Section three deals with competition-based and public-goods views on regulation and the corresponding roles and issues for governments. To gain deeper insights into the role of government in broadband, section four analyses market regulation and public activities in furthering broadband deployment in the US, Korea and Europe. These insights are evaluated in relation to the theoretical considerations established in section three. Section five closes with a discussion of our results and some conclusions. It becomes obvious that national broadband strategies benefit from considering both public good and competition-related aspects.     

Wie viel Europa braucht die Energiewende?

It is often argued that Germany’s energy transition (the so-called “Energiewende”) needs to be “Europeanized”, so as to make the transition process more efficient. In particular, the German system of feed-in tariffs for renewables is criticized for being an obstacle to efficient European energy supply. However, we point out that Germany’s approach is no outlier but rather well embedded in the European context of heterogeneous energy policies. Also, full centralization and harmonization of political decisions on the EU-level may not be desirable in many fields of energy policy beyond climate protection if the full economic costs of energy supply are taken into account. In addition, legal and politico-economic constraints need to be considered. Against this background, we identify priorities for fostering the European dimension of the Member States’ energy policies, such as the coordination of grid extensions and capacity markets.     

中国低碳能源的发展方向

低碳能源是领先世界的机遇。能源低碳化是全球趋势,也是中国目标,中国发展低碳能源的意义重大。实现低碳化的、有序的能源结构是中国能源战略定位的根本。中国低碳能源发展的战略重点在于：大力发展分布式能源系统;重点加强建筑、交通两大消耗领域低碳能源利用;尽最大可能促进生物质能源的有效利用;全方位推进太阳能、风能、水能和核能的安全利用;等等。     

Regulation and the promotion of investment in next generation networks—A European dilemma

The paper discusses the dilemmas facing European regulators (the European Commission and the national regulatory authorities) over the promotion of investment in Next Generation Access Networks (NGANs). Whereas the US has adopted a deregulatory approach and parts of Asia takes an approach linked to industrial policy considerations, the EU has largely left the process to operators working subject to a framework of regulation of access. While this may be enough to elicit investment where there is competition among networks, the incentives to invest are weaker where there is only one fixed network, as is the case in most of the territory of the EU. In reaching this view, the paper examines the prospects for competition from both wireless and municipal networks. It recommends that steps be taken fully to mobilise incentives to invest in NGANs where there is competition. Elsewhere, it may be necessary to consider a broader range of policies to create conditions for investment.     

生态可持续发展理论在澳洲城市建筑中应用

论文通过对澳大利亚2座最为优秀的绿色建筑的考察和比较,理清了当今先进的绿色建筑的一般发展策略和实践经验,即其核心关注的目标都是提升室内的环境质量并同时减少对外部环境的损害;其关键环节是建筑节能,还需要整合多项新技术、选用各种新材料,并将管理程序和人性化关怀相协调。上述成功案例的经验对我国绿色建筑的投资、规划、设计、建造和使用管理都会有一定的参考价值。     

The economic analysis of agricultural research

Several economic analyses of agricultural research projects have been published in which the ‘surplus’ concept has been used to estimate welfare changes. It is suggested that this procedure does not provide a welfare indicator suitable as a basis for action. The analytical procedure can be re-worked purely in terms of resource usages. However, the welj-known hybrid-maize data of Griliches are used to show that ‘technical assessment’ can often provide, much more simply, as adequate an approximation as more elaborate methods. The importance for agricultural research planning of considerations other than the efficient use of resources is stressed.     

A Dynamic Double-Trigger Model of Multifamily Mortgage Default

This study advances the commercial mortgage literature by providing theory and methods for incorporating both equity and cash-flow considerations in default models. We use local market conditions to compute a (joint) probability that default is in-the-money, based on both equity and cash-flow considerations. Statistical analysis is performed using data on multifamily mortgages originated in the 1980s and early 1990s. Simulations based on statistical modeling show advantages of the probabilistic double-trigger approach over other measures of equity and cash flow.     

A distributed dispatching method for the brokerage of truckload freights

A distributed dispatching method is suggested, which can be applied to brokerage systems for truckload freights. A mathematical model is formulated for the dispatching problem. It is shown that the problem can be decomposed into a master problem and multiple sub-problems by the Lagrangean relaxation. It is also shown that the subgradient optimization procedure can be applied to the distributed dispatching framework. The effects of various practical considerations on the performance of the suggested dispatching method are tested numerically.     

Induktives Laden von Elektromobilen – Eine techno-ökonomische Bewertung

Conductive (wired) charging, where the user has to plug or unplug a cable, dominates the concepts discussed for electric vehicles up to now. Apart from the reduced range of the electric vehicle, frequent charging and especially short charging times make this plugging and unplugging appear impractical. In contrast, inductive (wireless) energy transfer makes it possible to charge without user intervention. This article attempts to answer questions on whether inductive energy transfer can already be used to charge electric vehicles and where this represents an economically attractive solution for users. To do so, first the charging technologies are presented and contrasted. It is also possible to compare the two charging technologies economically based on a cost analysis. It can be shown that no widespread use of the inductive technology is to be expected for the time being from an economic point of view due to its significant extra costs. Under certain conditions, however, there is a limited field of application as a niche technology in certain commercial areas, such as taxis, for example.     

Potentiale und Risiken der Nutzung von Methan aus Methanhydraten als Energieträger

Marine and permafrost-based methane hydrates are the largest existing fossil carbon resource. Their broad geographic distribution, especially in comparison to oil and conventional gas, make them a promising future source of energy. However, there is a danger of forcing the greenhouse effect in the event of a release of methane into the atmosphere as well as causing the collapse of oceanic slope sediments. Also the technical difficulties in extracting methane from hydrates are not yet fully resolved. Nevertheless, research on methane hydrates has been forced both on political as well as economic considerations in recent years and methane hydrates have several practical advantages, which make them a transitional solution worth looking at on the way to a future renewable-based energy supply. However, the knowledge of the potentials and risks of methane hydrates is still very poor, especially in the German-speaking public, administration and policies. This deficiency hopefully will be eased by this overview dealing with the current state of research and an outlook based on the most important findings.     

Und Aktion! – Konzeptualisierung der Rolle individuellen Akteurshandelns in sozio-technischen Transitionen am Beispiel der regionalen Energiewende im bayerischen Allgäu

The German “Energiewende” is one of the most ambitious societal transition projects in recent times. It causes fundamental political and economic changes in the energy system in Germany and the whole of Europe. These great societal and technological changes of the current energy regime are of particular interest for research on sustainability transitions. In this research strand, however, the role of individual agency for socio-technical transitions is hardly considered. What drives actors who decisively pushed the regional energy transition? Which strategies and types of action do they choose to foster the transition? How do individual strategies and actions depend on the socio-technical system environment and how does the socio-technical system environment react to the individual actions? To analyse these questions, we apply the Human-Environment Systems (HES) Framework (Scholz, 2011) for the first time to socio-technical systems. Based on an exemplary analysis of the regional energy transition in the Allgäu region in Germany, we propose an adaptation of the HES Framework for socio-technical systems. Finally, we reflect on how the adapted HES framework for socio-technical systems can contribute to a better understanding of individual agency in systemic transitions.     

International R&D project evaluation by multinational corporations in the electronics and IT industry of Singapore

This paper explores a number of variables associated with the evaluation of international R&D projects by multinational corporations (MNCs) in the electronics and IT industry of Singapore. Empirical analysis of the data collected from R&D managerial executives suggests a series of considerations in relation to their R&D investments. It is desirable if R&D can create a potential impact on the growth of their regional and international businesses. In considering the risks associated with an R&D project, a balance approach would be appropriate when demanding a return on investment. In particular, the consistence with customer demands, the achievement of time‐based competitiveness, the training of R&D manpower and the development of conducive innovation environments are fundamental to the success of international R&D projects.     

贵州省企业能源审计和能源管理中存在的问题及合理化建议

探讨了贵州省能源审计工作和企业用能及管理方面存在的问题;指出企业实施能源审计既是全社会节能管理工作的关键所在,也是企业提高自身竞争力的有效途径;借鉴国内外能源审计的经验,针对贵州省能源审计工作和企业用能、节能环节存在的问题,提出了能源审计的创新思路和合理化建议。     

The impact of information technology on 'traditional' occupations: the case of welding

This article argues that accounts of occupational change are flawed by lack of attention to the relationship between structure and agency. It uses the example of welding to critique, in particular, the work of Casey and Zuboff. Welding is an example of a manual craft occupation that, whilst subject to some change, has not been as dramatically affected by information technology as some analysts might suggest. In this it may have parallels with other occupations and this suggests not only further areas for research but also considerations about theoretical approaches. In particular, attention is drawn to the importance of the temporal dimension in social analysis.     

An eclectic theory of the choice of international entry mode

The choice of entry mode into a foreign market has a major impact on the success of a firm's international operations. However, the existing literature on the entry mode decision has either presented a list of considerations without identifying underlying constructs, or treated each entry decision in isolation. Here, a unifying framework is developed. This framework identifies three underlying constructs that influence the entry mode decision. These constructs are linked to considerations that have been previously discussed in the literature. It is argued that a firm's choice of entry mode depends on the strategic relationship the firm envisages between operations in different countries. A particular entry decision cannot be viewed in isolation. It must be considered in relation to the overall strategic posture of the firm. Further, the paper argues that different variables often suggest different entry modes, and that resolving these differences involves accepting trade-offs.     

Cooperative Contracting on Major Engineering and Construction Projects

The development and implementation of major engineering and construction projects in the oil, gas and petrochemical industry takes a long time and is in many cases contracted out to a main contractor in the form of a (single) lump sum contract for engineering, procurement and construction. This often leads to an inefficient solution and a confrontation between owner and main contractor. We discuss the implications of early contractor involvement and describe an alternative form of contracting that provides an efficient solution and facilitates a cooperative owner–contractor relationship. The considerations are illustrated through a comparative analysis of three case study projects.     

Principles of Design and a Trajectory of Artificiality

This chapter examines the shape of product design in light of recent and ongoing technological and cultural developments. It presents a trajectory of problems ( Krippendorff, 1997 ) that have been and are currently fueling design considerations and reviews several stages of the amazing transformations design is undergoing. Based on this history, it comes to the conclusion that the design of “products” has morphed into the design of increasingly language‐like, communicative, and social artifacts and, based on these observations, it develops nine design principles that are and should govern contemporary design.     

Development of the conceptual model of energy and utility management in textile processing: A soft systems approach

This paper aims to use soft systems methodology (SSM) to identify management support system opportunities for managing energy and utility usage in textile manufacturing processes. It presents an approach based on SSM to analyze the complex situation of developing an effective energy and utility management support system (EUMSS). This involves the identification of the scope of the system and user requirements, conceptual modeling of complex problem situations, identification of actors and decision processes, and information-needs modeling. The current study pioneers the examination of the application of SSM to the development of a novel EUMSS and contributes to the body of information systems knowledge in the context of EUMSS design. There appears to be limited academic research in the field of energy and utility system development and, in particular, in the area of EUMSS design, and none in the area of the application of SSM to EUMSS design. In addition, the modeling process could be beneficial if EUMSS design ideas could be widely shared and discussed. The identified scope and system requirements can serve as a guideline for designing and developing an effective EUMSS for textile processing.     

Quality assessment in a turbulent environment: The case of the stockfish industry

Quality assessment is frequently applied in business-to-business marketing. It is usually assumed that quality assessment builds on the use of “objective” rules and criteria, but this is not always true. In a longitudinal study it was found that an institutionalized practice of quality assessment was based on both “objective” product characteristics, as well as more subjective supply/demand considerations, making quality assessment much more complex than usually assumed. Theoretical and managerial implications are highlighted.