Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
2.3. System Implementation
The developed EDSS allows experts to plan the biomass use in a given region, in order to
minimize costs and guarantee the environmental sustainability. In particular, the EDSS is
based on three modules: the GIS-based interface, the database, and the optimization module,
subdivided in strategic planning, tactical planning and operational management decisions.
The users can view the territory via a GIS oriented interface. The territory is divided in
parcels, characterized by a biomass type. As a first step, the users can customize the problem
and create scenarios. By default, the system appoints as eligible all the parcels. However, it is
possible to eliminate those parcels that can not be considered for harvesting because, for
example, they are hardly reachable, environmentally protected, or the owner does not allow
their use. Moreover, it is possible to add other biomass collection sites, such as for example
biomass deriving from agriculture/industrial production, by inserting location, biomass
quantity, and purchase cost. As regards plant typologies, it is possible to pick the plant
directly on the map through the interface. Moreover, one can choose the plant typology and
change parameters. After that, a procedure calculates the distance of the selected parcels from
the first available road and from the plant location. All data and calculations are stored in a
database. Then, the optimization procedure is called. When the optimization procedure ends,
the optimal results are shown on the map. For a suitable management of the information, the
data planned in the GIS module and the results deriving from the optimization module are
stored in a relational database. Communication with the database is managed by a proper
ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) interface, while the optimization module is called
within the MS Visual Basic 6.0 program by a specific Lingo 8.0 component.
3. Logistics Aspects of Solid Waste Management
in Urban Areas: Formalization of Multi-Objective
Optimization Problems
The collection and proper treatment and disposal of the increasing amounts of solid waste
represents a daily challenge to almost all municipalities. On the other hand, solid wastes can
be seen as a resource when their treatment and management lead to material recovery and
energy production.
There are two main possibilities in order to recover the produced waste: material
recovery and energy recovery. Material recovery can be performed through separate
collection, recycling of different materials, or through plants that separate specific materials
or that transform the refuse in something that can be used. Energy production can be
performed, through several kinds of plants, on different kinds of materials present in the
refuse: organic material, untreated waste, treated waste, Refuse Derived Fuel, etc.
Material recovery influences energy recovery for two main reasons:
-
the quantity of material that is recovered is not dedicated to energy production;
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every material composing the refuse has a specific heating value: the kinds of
material that are recovered strongly influence the energetic efficiency of the material
transformed into energy.
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