Gilbert Y. P. Lin

Using Knowledge-Based Intelligent Reasoning to Support Dynamic Equipment Diagnosis and Maintenance

This research focuses on the development of a rule-based intelligent equipment trouble-shooting and maintenance platform using JAVA Expert System Shell (JESS) technology. A prototype system is designed and developed combining rule-based knowledge system and inference engine to support real-time collaborative equipment maintenance across geographical boundary. The main modules of the system include diagnosis knowledge management, project (or case) management and system administration. The knowledge management module consists of key functions such as knowledge type definition, knowledge component definition, document definition, mathematical model definition, rule and rule-set management. The project management module has key functions such as project definition, project’s role management, project’s function management and project’s rule-set execution. Further, a Thin-Film Transistor Liquid-Crystal Display (TFT-LCD) production equipment diagnosis and maintenance system is designed and implemented to demonstrate the intelligent maintenance capability. The prototype system enhances agility of TFT-LCD collaborative manufacturing processes with real-time equipment diagnosis and maintenance.

Automobile Manufacturing Logistic Service Management and Decision Support Using Classification and Clustering Methodologies

Given the growing complexity of consumer preferences and the underlying market advantages of addressing these preferences, manufacturers and logistic service providers constantly monitor supply chain efficiency and quality requirements. Third-party logistic services are offered as a means to attract customers and enhance competitiveness as long as these services are effectively integrated into the order fullfilment processes. This research uses customer preference attributes to define distinctive dilivery and distribution of orders. The clustering and classification methods provide decision support capabilities to logistics providers so that they can adapt processes to satisfy specific customer preferences. A K-means clustering algorithm clusters customers’ orders using demand attributes. Second, a decision tree classification approach analyzes each cluster segment using the history of consumer order preferences. Thus, the cluster results are the input data for the classification of logistics operations. The logistics service provider’s delivery services are tailored to satisfy each customer’s order requirements and preferences.

SETZ logistics models and system framework for manufacturing and exporting large engineering assets

Given the dynamic and increasingly competitive nature of international commerce, manufacturing companies must plan global logistics operations for sustainable competitive advantage. Many enterprises build collaborative manufacturing networks across multinational regions to reduce production costs and gain access to new and often unfamiliar markets. Recognizing the strategic importance of globalization, government agencies are developing Special Economic Trade Zones (SETZ). These zones are regulated industrial districts which encourage manufacturing by offering incentives such as new logistic designs linked with the latest information technologies. The objective of this paper is to analyze and design SETZ logistics hub models and system framework for linking manufacturers. By defining the characteristics of the different types of specialized trade zones, and briefly discussing the older types of trade models that are no longer competitive, this research uses the case of a Taiwan power transformer manufacturer to analyze the supply chain logistics processes for manufacturing and exporting large engineering assets within a SETZ. The logistics models and information system framework developed provide a general reference for other governments, companies, and industrial sectors that intend to design export-oriented industrial parks incorporating IT-centric and globally oriented SETZ techniques.

The Green Product Eco-design Approach and System Complying with Energy Using Products (EuP) Directive

Owing to the enforcement and implementation of green environmental directives, e.g., the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE), and Energy using Products (EuP) in European Union, the “green” concept is fast becoming the global market trend and the base of industrial development. Consequently, green product design capabilities become the key competence for enterprises to stay globally competitive. Due to the shortened life span of consumer products, information-based tools or methods are critical to support enterprise R&D in the stages of ecologically sound product design. In this paper, an integrated green product design methodology and system are developed to support environmental conscious, energy-using products development. The proposed methodology adopts LCA, QFDE, theory of TRIZ and the projections of green conceptual design improvement based on ANN approach. LCA and QFDE are developed for assessing and comparing the environmental impacts of (human) activities for the production and provision of goods and services. TRIZ is used to support R&D to create innovative product design ideas effectively and efficiently during the concept design stage. An ANN model is developed for the R&D decision support of environmental conscious product design. Finally, this research will present a green conceptual design case study applying the proposed eco-design methodologies and system.

System Dynamics Evaluation of Renewable Energy Policies

The high consumption of fossil fuels (e.g., petroleum and natural gas) followed the industrial revolution and the introduction of new technologies and modern transportations. The high utilization of natural resources increases the environmental impact and climate change become a critical problem all over the world. Taiwan has set an aggressive target and proposed a set of greenhouse gas (GHG) control strategies to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Currently, Taiwan, similar to most developed nations, is highly dependent on thermal power which accounts for 70% of total primary energy supply in 2009. The data show that Taiwan needs to actively seek the renewable energy sources and promote effective policies to reduce carbon emissions, such as policies to promote the development of the solar energy industrial sector and utilization of solar energy products. The objective of this paper is to develop a dynamic cost-benefit evaluation method for administrative regions to review the effectiveness of their renewable energy policies. This paper develops system dynamics (SD) models to construct and simulate causal feedback relationships of solar energy applications (e.g., photovoltaics (PV) systems and solar water heating or lighting systems). The SD models, with causal feedback loops considering the renewable policies, have been developed and verified as workable with environmental and economic development experts. The results describe the relationship between the renewable policies, the impacts of economy, and the effects of carbon emissions. Afterward, the SD models are run with simulated data to analyze the required costs and related effects of carbon reduction policies. This research provides a formal methodology, reference models, and analytical results for evaluating renewable energy policies and strategies in different economic regions with different input and output factors.

The analysis of logistics model in Special Economic and Trade Zones for manufacturing and exporting large engineering assets

The purpose of this study is to analyze and plan the logistics model for Special Economic and Trade Zones (SETZ). Firstly, the orientation and the characteristics of the different types of domestic special zone is compiled. The preferential laws of international SETZ are then summarized, with a discussion regarding the supplementary measure when setting the SETZ in order to encourage Taiwanese entrepreneurial investment or to improve foreign companies setting up headquarters in Taiwan. Lastly, the logistics model for SETZs characteristics is planned. This study takes the manufacturing and the export of large-scale engineering assets as an example, analyzing the supply chains status of large equipment. Afterwards, according to the case companys business strategy and demand in the future, plans the operation model as a foundation and a basis of building the SETZ when the case company entering and being stationed in SETZ.

Green Transportation Strategies and Impact Evaluation Using System Dynamic Modeling

Owing to fierce global warming, carbon reduction and energy saving have become the common responsibility of the international community. According to the statistical report in 2006 by International Energy Agency (IEA), many developed and developing countries, with manufacturing based economy, generate much higher carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions comparing to the other regions. The IEA reported statistical information reveals that there is much to be improved in reducing CO2 emissions in the industrial countries. Thereafter, Taiwan government also passed the Sustainable Energy Policy on World Environment Day in 2008 and committed to improve energy efficiency, develop clean energy, and ensure stable energy supply. Specifically, Taiwan has planned 10 benchmarking programs with 35 sub-projects in 2009 and announced that 2010 is the year of energy saving and carbon reduction. The objective of this paper is to develop a cost-benefit evaluation methodology to guide low carbon policy development. First, we use the input-output analysis and location quotient methods from top to bottom level to effectively assess the organization’s carbon footprint in a given region. In our in-depth case study, we apply the methods to Taiwan’s Penghu County’s (Taiwan’s largest island) low carbon island development project. Based on the assessment of carbon emissions in the given region, this research applies system dynamics (SD) approach to construct the mathematical model showing the causal feedback relationships for the island’s green transportation development. The causal feedback loop diagram is defined and used to analyze the effectiveness of required investment cost and the corresponding benefits for carbon reduction via green transportation strategy. Finally, the SD model is constructed and the policy scenarios are simulated to evaluate the time-varying impacts of proposed green transportation strategies.