Tarik Al-Shemmeri

Environmental impact assessment and ranking the environmental projects in Jordan

The Nominal Group Technique as a structured group decision process and PROMETHEE as a Multi-Criteria Decision Aid software are utilised to develop a reliable methodology to prioritise environmental projects in Jordan and to evaluate their environmental impacts. This methodology is novel in that it integrates the various analytical decision management techniques in order to increase the flexibility and efficiency of the environmental planning. This methodology is then implemented on a sample of wastewater projects in Jordan, and the results are discussed.

Model choice in multicriteria decision aid

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to illustrate, using a real case study, one of the points stressed in the “Manifesto of the new Multi Criteria Decision Aid (MCDA) era” (Bouyssou et al., 1993) regarding the application of the basic theory of MCDA procedures. Although the great diversity of MCDA procedures may be seen as a strong point, it can be a weakness, and a systematic analysis of decision procedures if one method makes more sense than another for a specific problem is necessary. The problem of selecting the most appropriate (MCDA) technique for a particular application is in itself a MCDA problem since the decision making criteria used for the selection are different and conflicting in nature. In this paper three selection models are implemented to assist the system analyst, when confronted with a multi-objective decision problem, to select the most appropriate MCDA technique for application to the problem of optimal ranking of water development projects in an arid country. These models are developed by Deason (1984), Gershon (1981), and Tecle (1988). Results indicated that PROMETHEE was the most preferred method for this problem.

The role of weights in multi-criteria decision aid, and the ranking of water projects in Jordan

Abstract A case study to build the water sector objectives hierarchy and their weights utilising a structured group brainstorming workshop is described. This became an input to rank the major water projects in Jordan utilising a multi-criteria decision aid method. Finally, weights sensitivity analysis was conducted to judge the stability of the results.

Computer aided decision support system for water strategic planning in Jordan

The Nominal Group Technique and a multi-criteria decision aid software are utilised to develop a decision support system for strategic planning of water resources in Jordan. The system described is novel in that it integrates the various decision analytical management techniques in order to increase the flexibility and efficiency of the decision making process.

Advanced modern low-emission two-stroke cycle engines

This paper reviews recent engines and associated technology offering potential low-emission two-stroke cycle operation for a range of applications. The study considers and discusses successfully applied modern production engines together with concepts exploring advanced possibilities for future application. The published results from research and development projects and the data from available technology are compared in terms of the specific performance. The paper does not compare combustion strategies or fluid dynamic aspects of two-stroke cycle engines but does consider and compare the data from engines using the crankcase, external, and stepped piston scavenging intended for automotive, marine, and defence applications.

Characteristics of a diffusion absorption refrigerator driven by the waste heat from engine exhaust

Abstract The characteristics of a diffusion absorption refrigerator driven by the waste heat from a diesel engine exhaust were investigated. The heating unit of the diffusion absorption refrigerator was modified to be able to utilize the waste heat from engine exhaust. A series of tests were conducted including the original refrigerator driven by the alternating current (AC) power, direct current (DC) power, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), and the waste heat from a diesel engine exhaust gas. The performances of the modified refrigerator driven by the waste heat from engine exhaust were compared with that of original performances of the refrigerator driven by AC, DC, and LPG. The results showed that the performances of the refrigerator driven by engine exhaust were better than that of the original refrigerator driven by AC and DC power. The results showed that the exhaust heat from diesel engine is an applicable, attractive energy resource for diffusion absorption refrigerator.

A Theoretical and an Experimental Investigation of a Small Scale Trigeneration System: A Comparison Between Trigeneration and Separate Generation Systems

A theoretical and an experimental investigation of a small scale trigeneration based on a diesel engine generator set is conducted. Comparing with the separate generation system, trigeneration saves primary energy input; and it reduces CO2 gas emission to the environment. A conclusion can be drawn that trigeneration is an environment friendly method, and it is financially feasible.Copyright

Emissions and performance of a stationary diesel engine run on biodiesel blends

This paper presents an investigation into the effect of biodiesel blending on emissions and efficiency in a stationary diesel engine. Rapeseed based biodiesel blended in increments of 25% with fossil diesel. The emissions of CO 2 show a decrease in emission (g/kWh) with increased engine load. Within the range of tests carried out, the NO x emissions from biodiesel and its blends proved to be higher than those of petro-diesel fuel. Furthermore, in this study a correlation was found relating the NO x emissions and the flame temperature. The efficiency of the system is improved with increased biodiesel content in the fuel. As predicted, the results for CHP show a considerable improvement to the overall efficiency.

Improved efficiency of an unmanned air vehicle IC engine using computational modelling and experimental verification

Purpose This paper aims to present experimental results of gasoline-fuelled engine operation of a crankcase-scavenged two-stroke cycle engine used for unmanned air vehicle (UAV)/unmanned air system application and to cross correlate with computational fluid dynamic modelling results. Design/methodology/approach Computational modelling of the engine system was conducted using the WAVE software supported by the experimental research and development via dynamometer testing of a spark ignition UAV engine to construct a validated computational model exploring a range of fuel delivery options. Findings Experimental test data and computational simulation have allowed an assessment of the potential advantages of applying direct in-cylinder fuel injection. Practical implications The ability to increase system efficiency offers significant advantages in terms of maximising limited resources and extending mission duration capabilities. The computational simulation and validation via experimental test experience provides a means of assessment of possibilities that are costly to explore experimentally and offers added confidence to be able to investigate possibilities for the development of similar future engine designs. Originality/value The software code used has not been applied to such crankcase-scavenged two-stroke cycle engines and provides a valuable facility for further simulation of the twin cylinder horizontally opposed design to offer further system optimisation and exploration of future possibilities.

Emissions and performance from a biomass boiler for different solid biomass fuels

During biomass combustion, a number of physical and chemical processes occur in time and space during the combustion. The processes include: drying and preheating of the fuel, pyrolytic release of volatile matter, glowing combustion char, etc. In general the combustion of biomass produces, next to energy, ash, carbon dioxide and monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter. This paper investigates characteristics of different biomass samples, such as the moisture, ash and fixed carbon content and the volatile matter. The paper tries to find a correlation for fuels from the North-West European region with their higher heating values. These correlations are compared to previous publications. Furthermore, the paper presents a performance and emissions evaluation for 40 kW biomass boiler. The results show that biomass is a valuable option for energy generation and the reduction of GHG gases.