Showing papers on "Project engineering published in 2000"

Estimation of project buffers in critical chain project management

Abstract: Project management has been a mature research area using well entrenched methods like PERT/CPM to solve variant problems. The application of theory of constraints in the project management area results in the method of critical chain. Yet the critical chain approach is not perfect now, especially on the estimation of project buffers, This paper analyzes the different levels of uncertainty of activities for different types of projects, as well as management attitude towards risks; and proposes an enhanced method to improve the critical chain project management method.

Experiences with a software maintenance project course

Abstract: A report is made on an experience of teaching a senior-year course on software maintenance, centered around a maintenance project. For the course, students organized themselves into groups and worked on adaptive and perfective maintenance of selected real-world software products. The projects involved such issues as code understanding, requirements engineering and maintenance design, and dealt with both open-source and proprietary software. The main triumphs and pitfalls of the course are recounted, and recommendations are made on project selection and general course conduct.

Large synchronous motors for the Delaware City Repowering Project

Abstract: The successful and profitable operation of a petroleum coke gasification project relies very heavily on a reliable source of oxygen produced from an air separation unit (ASU). The ASU for the Motiva Delaware City repowering project depends upon the proper application and operation of very large synchronous motors, including a four-pole 66000-hp machine and a four-pole 43000-hp machine, the former being the largest 1800-r/min compressor driver ever designed and manufactured. Specification development and supplier selection are summarized. The effects of motor starting on the power system with regard to voltage drop are outlined and discussed. Motor design issues relating to transient temperatures and stresses as well as torsional and lateral critical speeds are analyzed. Factory and commissioning test procedures that verify the motor electrical design, mechanical design and performance are discussed.

Design challenges encountered when expanding a world class petrochemical facility

Abstract: This paper describes the electrical design challenges encountered when adding a new ethylene plant, a polyethylene plant, a cogeneration plant, and associated utilities to the NOVA Chemicals Corporation, Joffre, Alberta site. It covers load estimation, power quality, reliability, common electrical specifications and project co-ordination with several major engineering, procurement, and construction firms. It also highlights the unique design and utility interconnection challenges of building Canada's largest cogeneration plant (rated at 420 MW) within an existing petrochemical plant. The challenges include transmission system capacity and connection, fault levels, stability, and voltage regulation. The paper makes recommendations based on the learning experienced during the implementation of this project, to assist the reader faced with a similar major plant expansion.

Robot soccer: an ideal senior design experience

Abstract: This paper describes an innovative approach to the senior design experience that is mutually beneficial to students, industrial partners and faculty members. In addition, the program provides a fresh approach to the ABET 2000 requirements. At the heart of the program is a robot soccer competition, where teams of senior engineering students design robots to autonomously play soccer. Control engineering plays a central role at several stages of the project.

CASSICE: symbolic characterization of driving situation

Abstract: This paper presents the French CASSICE project developed by five academic laboratories. The aim of this project is to develop a system enabling the acquisition of the driving information to be automated and to used as an aid for the ex-post analysis of road situations and driver behaviours. This project needs a tight collaboration between the psychologists an engineers. The system is based on the development of an experimental vehicle including a multi-sensors based electronic embedded system. Then, a time stamped database is built in order to provide a continuous detailed description of the various road situations encountered throughout the motorway journey and of drivers' behaviour in relation to those situations.

Do we ever really scale down? [Software management]

Abstract: The argument that scaling down project engineering practices is just as difficult as scaling them up is, in polite terms, specious. The practice of building software has always involved an initial effort to decompose the task into manageable chunks-and from there, we always scale up. The difference between engineering large and small projects focuses on the issues of coordination and communication between the manageable chunks and the people working on them. Practices at the “chunk” level reflect a combination of the organization's culture and the project manager's personal preferences. In other words, we start by decomposing the problem and then build the management structure necessary to bring the various pieces together. We start small and scale up, so where does “scaling down” enter the picture? This issue is largely of concern only to those who value the purity of their methodologies above the practical needs of producing software

Project monitoring in a graduate engineering school

Abstract: Ecole Centrale de Lille (EC Lille: a French "grande ecole" or "graduate engineering school") trains engineers who follow a wide variety of scientific and technical courses. First, the students have to pass a highly competitive entrance exam, after two years of preparatory classes. They then spend three years in the school, training to become multidisciplinary engineers. An important component of the curriculum is based on a Project-Activity: on his arrival, the student undertakes a team project to which he will devote at least 300 hours during the first two years. The paper situates the Project-Activity in its context, specifies the goal that it represents in the training of students, and develops the system of monitoring set up in order to increase the success of such an activity.

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PORTUGAL: Technology Foresight, 2000 - 2020 - SYNTHESIS -

Abstract: The Project Engineering and Technology 2000 (ET 2000) was launched by three institutions, the Academy of Engineering (AE), the Society of Engineers (OE) and the Portuguese Industrial Association (AIP) on late 1999 and was completed on the end of 2000. A foresight project is always a process of analysis, conception and development searching for a more clear perspective about problems, tensions or woes, and oriented to design and to propose better approaches and strategies. ET 2000 was no exception. Still, as a Technology Foresight Project, specific questions were raised before being launched: A – Does Portugal, as a small economy, need a Technology Foresight Project? B – Should it be a Top-Down project or a Bottom-Up process?

IEC 61508 - what it doesn't tell you

Abstract: Experience has shown that, unless certain work is done in advance, problems are likely to occur when the IEC 61508 standard is applied in a real project context. This article outlines some of the problems that can occur and discusses what you need to do to avoid having difficulties. It outlines the essential steps needed to ensure delivery of a cost-effective implementation and a high level of risk assurance. The essential steps covered include: (a) development of risk awareness and training of management and technical staff in the fundamentals of the risk-based approach; (b) adjustment of your policy and strategy on risk so as to integrate the risk-based approach of IEC 61508 into an overall risk management framework (a critical activity is to decide on the methods and parameter descriptions that will be used to determine the necessary risk reductions for your applications so that they are in alignment with your corporate risk acceptance criteria); (c) training of project and operational staff on the basic requirements of IEC 61508; and (d) development of project procedures so that they are consistent with and encapsulate the requirements of IEC 61508. Many of the essential requirements of IEC 61508 overlap with normal quality requirements and this can easily lead to needless duplication of work.

Alternative project execution approaches

Abstract: Depending on the specific conditions of a given project, there are a number of alternatives available to the project owner for the execution approach. On the basis of the allocation of risks to the project participants, these options range from one extreme in which one contractor takes full responsibility for the project execution (full turnkey) to the other extreme in which the owner takes full control of the project for its implementation (full multiple contracting). Between these two extremes there are a number of other execution approaches that have been used in which the total project risk is shared between the owner and the contractors in varying proportions. Some specific project factors may influence the decision on the approach to be used, in particular the experience and resources of the project owner, the project time table, the scope of the project, the local conditions and other factors. This paper presents a review of these alternative approaches, along with a discussion of the influence of the above factors on the decision of the approach to be used. A brief outline of some important trends in the construction industry in North America is also presented, along with a discussion on their potential impact on the project performance.

Characteristics of a successful space system engineer

Abstract: The Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) satellite was launched on June 24, 1999, on a three-year mission to explore the universe using the technique of high-resolution spectroscopy in the far-ultraviolet spectral region. The FUSE instrument comprises many subsystems, each of which contributes in an essential way to the success of the mission. The instrument system engineer oversees the engineering of all elements in such a complex technical project. In performing system engineering for the FUSE instrument's command, telemetry, data processing and data storage functions, and in leading the engineering efforts for the development of the FUSE instrument on-board computer, the author has learned valuable lessons about the characteristics that are prerequisite to success for a space system engineer. These characteristics fall under various categories of acquired, practical know-how. These categories are described with illustrations drawn from the development of the FUSE instrument. In addition to these practical skills and the concomitant knowledge, the system engineer needs personal integrity, which is the link that connects knowledge with know-how and makes them work together to motivate a team of subsystem engineers. This, too, will be discussed.

Quality control and performance monitoring in the 1 MW PV project in Amersfoort, the Netherlands

Abstract: The Nieuwland 1 MW PV project, consisting of more than 500 building integrated PV-installations, is nearing completion. All houses and all PV-installations have been built. A quality control program that covered all phases of the project was implemented. Commissioning in some areas has been postponed due to issues related to roof integration and grid interconnection. In other areas, a performance guarantee test-period has started. It is the first time that a performance guarantee, which is expected to play an important role in the further introduction of PV systems in the Netherlands, has been applied. The monitoring system is scheduled to be fully operational this fall, including a solar viewer allowing inhabitants to keep track of PV-performance as well as their own electricity consumption.

Communication and control techniques for hydro power stations

Abstract: National Hydroelectric Power Corporation of India is a premium undertaking engaged in development of hydro power in India. It has constructed some of the hydro power stations with fully automatic control. This has resulted in reducing operational limitations, improving availability, reduction in requirement of manpower to operate the project, operating cost and in turn indicates overall profitability of the project. The control systems act as the core to power generation plant operation. The authors examine the efficiency, availability, flexibility, convenience of expansion, open nature, communication protocol and performance, gained from past experiences. The system should essentially provide information to take decision. The authors also present recommendations ideally suited for hydro power stations based on techno-economical aspects in respect to the scheduling, monitoring, control and communication requirements.

Life Cycle Analysis in the Undergraduate Degree Course at the University of Newcastle

Abstract: This paper gives a brief introduction to the principles of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and outlines how the material is incorporated into the undergraduate chemical engineering degree course at The University of Newcastle. In year one LCA is introduced as part of Industrial Process Principles course, whereby material and energy balances are extended beyond traditional process boundaries to include impact on the environment, especially those related to energy consumption and production of hazardous materials. In year three the principles of life cycle analysis are applied to design processes in the Project Engineering and Management course. Also in year three, an elective subject is offered which focuses on quantitative LCA methods. These methods are applied to recycling operations, waste treatment, global optimisation of processes, and formulation and evaluation of economic and environmental performance indicators. In year four life cycle analysis is included in the Design Project to provide assessment for various process options. Finally, students also have the opportunity to undertake a final year Research Project applying life cycle analysis in collaboration with local industry.

Universidad Verde-200 kWp grid connected PV system

Abstract: This project consists in the installation of four photovoltaic subgenerators connected to the low voltage grid at Jaen University Campus (Spain), with a total power of 200 kWp. The Univer Project is developed under the Thermie Programme of the EU, with a budget of about 1.8 M euros. The main objective is the integration of a medium scale PV plant using different architectural solutions. This project presents two innovative aspects: on the one hand, the development of the technology necessary to implement medium-high scale PV plants in crowded places, mainly focused on safety and protection systems; on the other, the development and analysis of different architectural solutions to integrate PV generators using constructive structures easily replicable.

Optimizing power generation using black box specification method

Abstract: The efficiency of power generation is dependent upon the equipment selected during initial project engineering and is generally a multivariable function of several parameters. Therefore, conventional methods to optimize the power generation are typically applied after project engineering has completed the selection and specification of all necessary equipment.

AVG framework for the Netherlands

Abstract: This paper gives an overview of the key issues that are considered by the Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management to contribute to a progressive deployment of automated vehicle guidance (AVG) systems. A list of prioritised actions results into a preliminary list of projects.