This book presents a thermodynamic and economic analysis of gas-gas systems in power plants, including combined heat and power systems, combined cooling, heat and power systems, hydrogen production facilities and compressed energy storage system. A configuration for high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactor is also used as a heat source for the cycle. The book compares different technologies, such as gas-steam and gas-gas systems, using optimized cases. It presents mathematical models that return optimal thermodynamic parameters of the cycles, and applies a novel continuous-time model in order to perform an economic analysis as well. This book utilizes numerous illustrations and worked examples to thoroughly explain the technologies discussed, making it relevant for researchers, market analysts, decision makers, power engineers and students alike.

This two-volume set (CCIS 152 and CCIS 153) constitutes the refereed proceedings of the International Conference on Computer Science and Information Engineering, CSIE 2011, held in Zhengzhou, China, in May 2011. The 159 revised full papers presented in both volumes were carefully reviewed and selected from a large number of submissions. The papers present original research results that are broadly relevant to the theory and applications of Computer Science and Information Engineering and address a wide variety of topics such as algorithms, automation, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, computer networks, computer security, computer vision, modeling and simulation, databases, data mining, e-learning, e-commerce, e-business, image processing, knowledge management, multimedia, mobile computing, natural computing, open and innovative education, pattern recognition, parallel computing, robotics, wireless networks, and Web applications.

Although complexity surrounds us, its inherent uncertainty, ambiguity, and contradiction can at first make complex systems appear inscrutable. Ecosystems, for instance, are nonlinear, self-organizing, seemingly chaotic structures in which individuals interact both with each other and with the myriad biotic and abiotic components of their surroundings across geographies as well as spatial and temporal scales. In the face of such complexity, ecologists have long sought tools to streamline and aggregate information. Among them, in the 1980s, T. F. H. Allen and Thomas B. Starr implemented a burgeoning concept from business administration: hierarchy theory. Cutting-edge when Hierarchy was first published, their approach to unraveling complexity is now integrated into mainstream ecological thought. This thoroughly revised and expanded second edition of Hierarchy reflects the assimilation of hierarchy theory into ecological research, its successful application to the understanding of complex systems, and the many developments in thought since. Because hierarchies and levels are habitual parts of human thinking, hierarchy theory has proven to be the most intuitive and tractable vehicle for addressing complexity. By allowing researchers to look explicitly at only the entities and interconnections that are relevant to a specific research question, hierarchically informed data analysis has enabled a revolution in ecological understanding. With this new edition of Hierarchy, that revolution continues.

Everybody is current in a world surrounded by computer. Computers determine our professional activity and penetrate increasingly deeper into our everyday life. Therein we also need increasingly refined c- puter technology. Sometimes we think that the next generation of c- puter will satisfy all our dreams, giving us hope that most of our urgent problems will be solved very soon. However, the future comes and il- sions dissipate. This phenomenon occurs and vanishes sporadically, and, possibly, is a fundamental law of our life. Experience shows that indeed ‘systematically remaining’ problems are mainly of a complex tech- logical nature (the creation of new generation of especially perfect - croschemes, elements of memory, etc. ). But let us note that amongst these problems there are always ones solved by our purely intellectual efforts alone. Progress in this direction does not require the invention of any ‘superchip’ or other similar elements. It is important to note that the results obtained in this way very often turn out to be more significant than the ‘fruits’ of relevant technological progress. The hierarchical asymptotic analytical–numerical methods can be - garded as results of such ‘purely intellectual efforts’. Their application allows us to simplify essentially computer calculational procedures and, consequently, to reduce the calculational time required. It is obvious that this circumstance is very attractive to any computer user.

Hierarchical Modeling of Energy Systems presents a detailed methodology for hierarchical modeling of large-scale complex systems with a focus on energy systems and their expansion planning and control. General methodological principles of hierarchical modeling are analyzed, and based on this analysis, a generalized technology for the hierarchical approach is presented. The mathematical foundations of decomposition and bi-level programming, as well as the possibility of using information technologies are also considered. The theoretical propositions are demonstrated by numerous hierarchical modeling examples aimed at planning the development of the energy sector and expansion of energy systems, analyzing, and optimizing these systems, and controlling their operation. In addition, codes and sample simulations are included throughout. This is an invaluable guide for researchers, engineers, and other specialists involved in the development, control and management of energy systems, while the summary of fundamental principles and concepts in energy modeling makes this an accessible learning tool for graduate students on any course involving energy systems or energy modeling. - Summarizes hierarchical modeling principles and methods - Critically evaluates all energy systems including electric power systems, heat supply systems, gas, and coal supply systems, integrated and cogeneration systems, its interrelations and more - Examines expansion planning, development and operation, control and management of energy systems - Provides a detailed mathematical descriptions of models, computation algorithms, and optimization problems

This book presents the methodology and mathematical models for dual-fuel coal-gas power plants in two basic configurations: systems coupled in parallel and in series. Dual-fuel gas and steam systems, especially parallel systems, have great potential for modernizing existing combined heat and power (CHP) plants. This book presents calculations using a novel methodology applied to systems in continuous time and analyzes the impact of the investment profitability of the EU ETS (European Union Emissions Trading Scheme) derogation mechanism, which encourages enterprises to modernize existing generation units. It also includes a detailed case study of a coal power plant modernized by repowering with a gas turbine. The book is intended for researchers, market analysts, decision makers, power engineers and students.

One of the most important problems in the field of engineering and technology is the development of so-called intelligent systems, which can perform various intellectual tasks. This book is dedicated to the current progress of research in this vast field and specifically explores the topics of robotics, mechatronics and manufacturing systems.