This paper presents an innovative approach that combines optimization and simulation techniques for solving scheduling problems under uncertainty. We introduce an Opt–Sim closed-loop feedback framework (Opt–Sim) based on a sliding-window method, where a simulation model is used for evaluating the optimized solution with inherent uncertainties for scheduling activities. The specific problem tackled in this paper, refers to the airport capacity management under uncertainty, and the Opt–Sim framework is applied to a real case study (Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France). Different implementations of the Opt–Sim framework were tested based on: parameters for driving the Opt–Sim algorithmic framework and parameters for riving the optimization search algorithm. Results show that, by applying the Opt–Sim framework, potential aircraft conflicts could be reduced up to 57% over the non-optimized scenario. The proposed optimization framework is general enough so that different optimization resolution methods and simulation paradigms can be implemented for solving scheduling problems in several other fields.
DOCUMENT
KLM has revealed the plan to downsize the full-freight cargo fleet in Schiphol Airport, for that reason the company requires to explore the consequences of moving the cargo transported by the full freighters into the bellies of the passenger flights. In this study, the authors analyze the implications of this decision by considering the variability of the load factors and the impact that replacing old aircraft might have. The study addresses how the transition towards the belly operation should impact the current operation of KLM at Schiphol. Our study shows that the replacement of old aircraft with new 787s and 777s will have significant effect on the cargo capacity of the company. The results rise the discussion on future problems to be faced and how to make the transition from full freighter to belly operation.
DOCUMENT
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport was the second European airport in terms of traffic in 2019, having transported 76.2 million passengers. Its large infrastructures include four runways, a large taxiway network, and 298 aircraft parking stands (131 contact) among three terminals. With the current pandemic in place, the European air traffic network has declined by −65% flights when compared with 2019 traffic (pre-COVID-19), having a severe negative impact on the aviation industry. More and more often taxiways and runways are used as parking spaces for aircraft as consequence of the drastic decrease in air traffic. Furthermore, due to safety reasons, passenger terminals at many airports have been partially closed. In this work we want to study the effect of the reduction in the physical facilities at airports on airspace and airport capacity, especially in the Terminal Manoeuvring Area (TMA) airspace, and in the airport ground side. We have developed a methodology that considers rare events such as the current pandemic, and evaluates reduced access to airport facilities, considers air traffic management restrictions and evaluates the capacity of airport ground side and airspace. We built scenarios based on real public information on the current use of the airport facilities of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and conducted different experiments based on current and hypothetical traffic recovery scenarios. An already known optimization metaheuristic was implemented for optimizing the traffic with the aim of avoiding airspace conflicts and avoiding capacity overloads on the ground side. The results show that the main bottleneck of the system is the terminal capacity, as it starts to become congested even at low traffic (35% of 2019 traffic). When the traffic starts to increase, a ground delay strategy is effective for mitigating airspace conflicts; however, it reveals the need for additional runways
DOCUMENT
The following paper presents an innovative approach for dealing with complex capacity problems in aviation. We introduce a sliding window framework composed by an optimization method with a simulation component. By applying this framework in diverse problems that are dependent on time it is possible to find feasible and close-to-reality solutions in shorter time than the ones that could be achieved by evaluating the problem in the complete time-horizon. The framework can be applied to solve diverse problems in aviation or similar industries. We exemplify the approach with a model of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in France.
MULTIFILE
This research aims to find relevant evidence on whether there is a link between air capacity management (ACM) optimization and airline operations, also considering the airline business model perspective. The selected research strategy includes a case study based on Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to measure the impact of ACM optimization variables on airline operations. For the analysis we use historical data which allows us to evaluate to what extent the new schedule obtained from the optimized scenario disrupts airline planned operations. The results of this study indicate that ACM optimization has a substantial impact on airline operations. Moreover, the airlines were categorized according to their business model, so that the results of this study revealed which category was the most affected. In detail, this study revealed that, on the one hand, Full-Service Cost Carriers (FSCCs) were the most impacted and the presented ACM optimization variables had a severe impact on slot allocation (approximately 50% of slots lost), fuel burn accounted as extra flight time in the airspace (approximately 12 min per aircraft) and disrupted operations (approximately between 31% and 39% of the preferred assigned runways were changed). On the other hand, the comparison shows that the implementation of an optimization model for managing the airport capacity, leads to a more balanced usage of runways and saves between 7% and 8% of taxi time (which decreases fuel emission).
MULTIFILE
Business is changing from an industrial- to a knowledge-based environment, building more from professionals and their expertise. Corporations need to create internal organizations in which there is more emphasis on human capital and creating/sharing knowledge and talents. Talent management and knowledge creation should be new foci to create sustainability and long-term success. On the whole, organisations are working too much on an ad hoc basis, focusing on technology instead of creating an environment in which talents reinforce each other. In this review article we explore knowledge circulation, link knowledge, and talent to innovation, and discuss optimum circumstances for corporations to benefit from these assets.
DOCUMENT
In this report, the details of an investigation into the eect of the low induction wind turbines on the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCoE) in a 1GW oshore wind farm is outlined. The 10 MW INNWIND.EU conventional wind turbine and its low induction variant, the 10 MW AVATAR wind turbine, are considered in a variety of 10x10 layout configurations. The Annual Energy Production (AEP) and cost of electrical infrastructure were determined using two in-house ECN software tools, namely FarmFlow and EEFarm II. Combining this information with a generalised cost model, the LCoE from these layouts were determined. The optimum LCoE for the AVATAR wind farm was determined to be 92.15 e/MWh while for the INNWIND.EU wind farm it was 93.85 e/MWh. Although the low induction wind farm oered a marginally lower LCoE, it should not be considered as definitive due to simple nature of the cost model used. The results do indicate that the AVATAR wind farms require less space to achieve this similar cost performace, with a higher optimal wind farm power density (WFPD) of 3.7 MW/km2 compared to 3 MW/km2 for the INNWIND.EU based wind farm.
DOCUMENT
Air transportation has grown in an unexpected way during last decades and is expected to increase even more in the next years. Traffic growth tendencies forecast an expansion in the demand and greater aviation connectivity, but also higher workload to the different airspace users, especially for airport and services. Therefore, it is essential to employ strategies designed to use efficiently valuable corporate resource. Airport authorities around the world are investing in large capital projects, including new or improved runways, terminal expansions, and entirely new airports. However, this effort is sometimes limited due to their geographic location. In this work, two main objectives are pursued: first, to highlight the importance of the industry by exposing the current situation and future trends all over the world focusing in the Mexican industry; and second, to introduce a simulation model which can be used as a decision making tool for the upcoming demand. The analysis of the scenarios illustrates how to develop strategies to cope with the different airspace user's needs.
MULTIFILE
The proposed bi-functional protective structure intended to have hydrophilic interior towards the skin surface and hydrophobic exterior for protection, ensuring fast transfer of moisture between body and external environment. The sandwich structure is prepared using 100% wool jersey and varieties of 100% polyester fabrics. Hydrophilic treatments were given using cutinase (fusarium solani pisi) enzyme and commercial hydrophilic softener Ruco Pur Sly®. The polyester fabrics were given a hydrophobic treatment with Ruco Dry Eco® - a commercial cationic water repellent preparation. Variables include enzyme treatment time, and change in pressure to achieve suitable wet pick up at foulard. Several wool-polyester sandwich structures with optimum hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties were made by thermal adhesion using thin polyamide layer. Drop test and vapour permeability test were conducted to evaluate wetting properties and breathability of the samples. Sandwich structure comprising hydrophilic wool-jersey and hydrophobic PES spacer fabric showed the highest value for water vapour permeability. Paper written by the Saxion chair Smart Functional Materials and the Technical University of Iasi, Romania, for and accepted by the Autex Conference 2013.
MULTIFILE