Case Analysis: the Early Bird †Electric Power Load Despatching

Case Analysis: The Early Bird – Electric Power Load Despatching The Early Bird – Electric Power Load Dispatching Electric utility firms have, for more than two decades, used marginal productmarginal cost concepts to generate and dispatch electric power in a more efficient, lowercost manner. Southern Company, the nation’s third largest utility, refers to its load dispatching method as the â€Å"Early Bird† system. Southern’s Early Bird is designed to provide automatic, computerized control of all the company’s power production and transmission facilities. The Early Bird continuously calculates the marginal cost of delivering additional kilowatts of electricity to Southern Company customers anywhere in the company’s service area; then, as electricity demand rises or falls at points throughout the system, Early Bird transmits â€Å"raise† or â€Å"lower† impulses to the company’s generating units and routes the correct amount of electricity along the most economical transmission path to the end user. Periodically, Southern Company engineers test the operating efficiency of every piece of power-generating equipment the company has in service. The purpose of the test is to determine how much fuel, labor, and other variable inputs are required to produce electricity with that unit and, subsequently, to calculate a production function for that generating unit. Experience has shown that revised production function equations must be calculated from time to time because normal wear and tear, maintenance problems, and mechanical efficiency vary over time and from generator to generator, depending on who manufactured it, when it was purchased, how long it has been in service, and the reliability with which it has performed. In other words, the production function for a given generating unit shifts by sufficiently large amounts over time to make it worthwhile to update the input-output equation. The equations for the production functions of each generating unit are then fed into Early Bird and combined with information as to fuel prices, wage rates, and other variable input prices to obtain marginal cost functions; from these, MC values can be calculated for a particular generating unit at whatever rate it is being operated. In addition, because there is a loss of electricity in the course of â€Å"shipping† it through the transmission wires, Southern engineers make studies to determine the transmission loss coefficients from generating units to distribution substations. These, too, have to be updated several times a year since the transmission loss depends not only on the distance factor but also on the varying load characteristics of the system and changes in the transmission grid. The marginal cost equations, together with the transmission loss coefficients, are the nucleus for Early Bird’s control of power generation and transmission. When, during the course of a day, the demand for electricity picks up, the Early Bird system is programmed to compare the marginal costs of generation at each on-line unit and then to send impulses to raise the electricity output of the unit (or units) where MC is lowest. Simultaneously, another Early Bird program analyzes the transmission loss coefficients to calculate how best to allocate the increased load on the transmission grid so as to minimize transmission loss to the many substations and end-user locations. In similar fashion, when electricity demand falls off (as work shifts end and businesses close at the end of the day), the Early Bird system automatically sends impulses to reduce electricity generation at those power units where MC is highest and reroutes the remaining load to maintain maximum transmission economy and load-generation balance. At periods of peak demand, when on-line generating units are already operating at or near their minimum cost points, and assuming that water levels in Southern’s dam reservoirs are ample, Early Bird sends impulses to Southern’s hydroelectric facilities to open the gates and generate enough power to get across the peak. Southern’s power system control center is also equipped to forecast short-term loads for the next hour, day, or week. For example, weather data from all round Southern’s four-state service area are fed into the Early Bird network several times a day to help forecast heating and air-conditioning loads. The hourly, daily, and weekly Early Bird forecasts of upcoming load demands are used to preplan the mix of generating units to put on line and those to put on standby, to schedule maintenance, and to determine whether to exchange blocks of electricity with neighboring utilities. For instance, approximately 15 minutes prior to the beginning of an hour, Early Bird calculations as to the next hour’s generating and transmission costs are made; this information is then compared immediately with similar information obtained from adjoining utilities having interconnections with Southern’s transmission network. If it is determined that it would be more economical for Southern to buy a â€Å"block† of electricity from an adjacent company than to generate the electricity needed itself (because at the forecasted generating rates the other company will have lower MC than Southern), then an order is placed for that unit at a price set forth in the interchange agreement between the two companies. On the other hand, if Southern’s marginal costs are lower than those of its neighbors, then it may agree to sell a block. The exchange of electricity among interconnected companies based upon marginal cost calculations is common throughout the electric utility industry. As bigger and faster computers have become available, the functions of the Early Bird system have been expanded to permit. 1. Reductions in unnecessary â€Å"load-chasing,† with resultant savings on maintenance; 2. Monitoring the current operating status of generating units, line flows, voltages, station breakers, and switches as a basis for assessing the prevailing degree of security (reliability) within the system: . Altering the dispatch criteria to allow for reducing power output at a particular facility because of unexpected air or thermal pollution, yet doing so in a way which entails the least increased costs to the system; 4. Operating hydro, steam, combustion, and nuclear generating units in a mix which seeks to minimize fuel costs; and 5. Monitoring temperatures, oil pressures, stream flows, and so on at unattended hydro stations to give early notification of potential troubles.

Strategic management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 6

Strategic management - Essay Example After enumerating the internal and external business affairs of Lego, the essay emphasizes the drawbacks of the company and finds ways through which it may overcome its negativities. 1. Which stage of the industry life cycle is the Toy industry in? How has that affected Lego’s ability to gain market share? This is the period of globalization and liberalization when almost all the industries in the market are booming. International trade is at its zenith, when most of the business firms are enjoying the benefits of the growing market. Consumerism has become the catchphrase of the world economy in 21st century. Income levels of the developed economies are augmenting and the developing economies are emerging with high growth rates. At this stage per capita income levels of almost all the open economies in the world are improving. With the improvements in standard of living, the aggregate demand for luxuries and comforts has enhanced. Life cycle models are not only common to the l iving beings but also associate with industries. Even an industry begins, grows, becomes mature and finally collapse with time. This is not because an industry has life but because an industry’s existence depends on the consumers whose taste and preference changes with time. The toy industry is at its peak of life cycle, where more than thousand companies operate in the industry with high turnovers and revenues. In United States the industry generates high revenue of about $20 billion (Little & King Co., 2010). Top popular toy companies are Lego, Mattle, Hasbro etc. A big segment of the industry comprises of the game making companies like Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. This industry manufactures a wide variety of toys like non-electric toys, children vehicles, preschool toys, stuffed animals, art & crafts, dolls etc. Toys are not only sources of entertainment for the children but also serve as basic academic tools to develop memory skills in them. Lego is a popular toy manufac turing company in Denmark, the headquarters of the company is in Billund. The company mainly engages in the manufacture of construction toys. The Lego bricks are generally colourful and can be used to make various types of toy cars or buildings. The growth of the toy industry has generated several positive externalities for Lego. The Lego group has exhibited unremitting growth since the last few years and the rates of growth have always been in double digits. The world’s best market for Lego bricks is U.S. Lego toys are marketed in more than 130 countries in the world. The company has a club of its loyal customers that comprises almost 4.2 million members. Today it can be hypothesized that on an average each individual in earth has approximately 80 Lego bricks to play with. Over the years more than 600 billion Lego elements have been manufactured (Lego, 2012). Figure 1: Lego House (Source: Lego, 2012) Producing bright and colourful bricks as toys, Lego have introduced a revol utionary change in the world of toys, where children may explore their creativity. The main driving force of the company is to encourage creative opportunities for all children.   Ã¢â‚¬Å"Our idea is to create a toy that prepares the child for life, appeals to the imagination and develops the creative urge and joy of creation that are the driving force in every human being†. The demand for Lego toys is increasing with time; accordingly the quantity of toy manufactured is also increasing. Figure 2: Experience

Business Communication and Presentations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5500 words

Business Communication and Presentations - Essay Example This is a key factor in the cohesion of a group of people working together to achieve common objectives. In the case of Rio Ferdinand, the communication was non-verbal and not successful or effective as he kept â€Å"forgetting† to get the tests done. This means the means of communication was not the right mode. It could also mean that he did not give the tests too much of importance due to which he kept â€Å"forgetting†. This again ultimately reflects on the wrong communication process. For effective communication, managers need to understand the purpose of the message. This would ensure the right message at the right time and place. According to Bovà ©e and Thill (2000), the three basic functions of business communications are â€Å"to inform, to persuade or to collaborate†¦.† but Lowell adds another two functions which include to acknowledge and to empathize. Thus there are five levels and functions of the communications hierarchy (cited in WOC, 2004). In this case, information was merely given with no persuasion to act upon it timely. The decision not to allow Rio Ferdinand to be selected to go to Turkey for the crucial European Championship qualifying match was taken unilaterally between the Manchester United and the Football Association, without giving Ferdinand an opportunity to explain. This form of communication was unethical and what was even worse was that information was sent out to the press without prior intimation to the defender or even to the rest of the England team. By adopting these modes of communication, the sender was trying to send out the message that Ferdinand was not required in the team. For a communication to be effective it must be received and understood and only then it can produce resultant action (Kalla, 2005) but Ferdinand did not take action and hence the communication process was ineffective.  

Unit 4 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Unit 4 - Assignment Example It is not appropriate to use the personality tests as a main factor of job consideration, since many errors accompany the personality tests. Response distortion among the applicants is common as they align themselves with the best descriptive words that will win the hearts of the employer. The respondent can also be at a state of low mood at examination time hence the bias. It is worth noting that many people are dynamic and hence express different facets of personality. In addition to that, it is not appropriate to use these tests for the disabled people. Some occupations also do not require personality screening. The Americans with Disability Act outlines that people known to have psychiatric conditions should be exempted for the people with mental illnesses. The examinations should have a relation with the job opportunity at stake (Morgeson et al.). It is justifiable to use clinical personality tests for highly sensitive occupations such as cabin crews and police officers. The tests are likely to cause generally negative public relations feelings. The tools are excellent as they allow one to excavate deeply into a person’s perception about a specific job. However, the tests they should not receive excess overreliance from the employee as they only reflect a tip of iceberg regarding the personality. Taylor, Shannon G., and Donald H. Kluemper. â€Å"Linking Perceptions of Role Stress and Incivility to Workplace Aggression: The Moderating Role of Personality.† Journal of Occupational Health Psychology 2012 :

A Role of Transfer Climate and Transfer Systems for Positive Results o Case Study

A Role of Transfer Climate and Transfer Systems for Positive Results of Training Programs - Case Study Example â€Å"Supervisors don't get barriers to transfer and continue to call the shots. The only thing they know about communication is downward," she said. "Maybe they should have attended your training program!" Well, this ensures that not only subordinates need to change, but the change must also bring in throughout the system. So the first barrier to transfer could be supervisors’ bossy attitude (attitudinal barrier) and lacks the support of top management(structure barrier), supervisors usually do not promote the change where they need to share their decision making authority and to listen to subordinates. Secondly there was a possibility that inappropriate communication channel (channel barriers) was used to deliver the message, lastly, these types of training sessions should be attended by each level of managers so each manager can make effort to promote effective communication and listening. As far as the school board is concerned, barriers to transfer remain the same but th e scenario is a bit changed, therefore, it impacts the nature of barriers as well. In a school environment, teachers suppose to initiate the change and make sure the implementation by students, so the important barrier to transfer operating at the school board can be lack of teacher’s initiative to implement and support the implications of training. After the training, continuous learning (DeCenzo and Robbins, 2005) is required at the school to the students which enhances their performance and encourages participation, so if it’s not provided it can be a source of discouragement to students. Another barrier is common between organizations and school, that is an inappropriate use of communication channel (Noe and Winkler, 2009) for example if a teacher uses only verbal communication to deliver lectures than it might be not that effective as it can be if slides are used to deliver the lecture. The other important barrier to transfer operations can be the existing infrast ructure of the school which is inefficient to support the change. Lastly, if the principal or the deputy's head is not taking follow-ups on improvement than it might slow down the process.

Bodies, Sexualities and Identities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Bodies, Sexualities and Identities - Essay Example Keywords: body, child masturbation, mind, sexuality Introduction I would like to use varying theories regarding Bodies, Sexualities and Identities. How have these theories transformed my understanding of some aspect of gender, sexualities, or identities from experience or the world around us is the main focus of this paper. There are varying theories presented by Locke, Freud, Rousseau and other theorists regarding bodies, genders, sexualities, and identities. Regarding this, it is important to integrate personal experience and other’s encounter with these aspects in order to somehow prove or justify the importance and relevance of the theorists’ ideas on the subject matter involving bodies, sexualities and identities. It is the intention of the proponent to justify that these theories are not hopelessly outmoded in today’s modern society, but in fact, would actually help the people understand the complexity and richness of ideas within the intricate subjects emb odied within bodies, sexualities and identities. Regarding this, the issue about child masturbation is discussed in detail. ... This is the first time that the very act of masturbation is illustrated in the scripture. This literature remarkably gave birth to a coined word â€Å"onanism† which in the modern times is strongly associated with the very act of masturbation or self-sex pleasure. This is of no surprise that masturbation was mentioned to be initiated by an adult. Onan was of the right and advanced age when he initiated masturbation by withdrawing his semen from the womb of his brother’s wife. Even in the times of Locke, Freud and Rousseau, masturbation was considered prevalent among adults as integral issue about sex. In fact, the idea about masturbation was strongly opposed within the classical period as it would strongly contradict with the ultimate view within religious principle. Even until today, religious individuals would most likely view at it as an act of immorality before God. Surprisingly, masturbation and even addiction with it in the 18th century was also associated with ch ildren (Egan & Hawkes, 2011). Today, masturbation is reportedly initiated by some children even at the age below 12 years old. Even then, this paved the way for taking into account child sexuality as an important area of concern among theorists like Locke, Freud, and Rousseau. It was of great interest to understand child sexuality in the first place as things in line with sexual matters would concern most about adults who are considered to be mature in this area. However, there are many things that need to be learned more about child sexuality as they are also humans who could be potentially sexually aroused at some specific point in time. This is the very point

Education vs. Non-Education Essay Example for Free

Education vs. Non-Education Essay There are two important stories called, Front Seat Brahman and Teachers of Import that have a common conflict. That common conflict is education vs. non-education. The character in Front Seat Brahman is Sushil Rao. He is from Bombay, India. The characters in The Teachers of Import are Amarel Collymore and Elke Walcher. Amarel is from Bridgetown, Barbados and Elke is from Austria. They all moved to Queens, New York for a particular reason. Sushil did not mention whether or not he went to elementary or high school. However, from the story it sounds like he took school lightly compared to Amarel and Elke. Sushil states, I went away to agriculture college to learn how to be a farmer, but they made me dissect frogs in a botany class so I quite. So I enrolled in a philosophy college. A year later, my father died and I was kind of out of control. I quite college and became a traveling hippie (Lehrer/ Sloan, 32). This proves that he did try to go to college, but was not dedicated enough to finish college. He thought there were better opportunities and prospects out in the world than just going to college. That was not the case for Amarel and Elke. Amarel was a college graduate and taught high school English. She had decades of teaching experience and decided to come to New York. Elke was also a college graduate and taught science. Both teachers came to teach in New York because there was a shortage of teachers and the New York City Board of Education was looking to recruit teachers from different countries. Amarel was not used to the students behavior the first week of classes. She states, In Barbados, if a student acts up, they get put out the door right away. When I first started teaching here I thought the kids were raging all the time. Then I figured out its just normal for them to curse and swear (Lehrer/ Sloan, 55). This shows the differences between the way students act in Barbados vs. America. I think American students, depending on the school though; have very low respect for their teachers compared to certain countries. Elke had a different experience. She said, Its a prejudice Europeans have against blacks anyways. The movies give the impression that all blacks are criminals and they all live in the Bronx. I couldnt believe the class was half black. Most of the guys are wearing gang jackets and bandanas (Lehrer/ Sloan, 59). This proves that Elke was in for a big surprise and they were not like the Austrian students that she was used to. Sushil was more of a spiritual person rather than educational. For example Sushil says, You can live without food for days at a time. But water you need almost every four hours. Water is like diamonds. Our life depends on it (Lehrer/ Sloan, 36)! People know they cannot live without water, but I have never heard anyone phrase is quite like that. This shows that Sushil is such a deep and meaningful man. Sushil has such a great view of life and appreciates it so much more than the average American. The two teachers and Sushil make the education vs. non-education conflict have some similarities and differences. The two teachers take such great pride in their work as teachers. Just as Sushil takes pride in sharing his stories with people, cooking and his publishing company. He did not need college to succeed like Amarel and Elke, but the women definitely make education a big part of their lives. These are just two different views these people have. In a way, Sushil was teaching the people in the cabs about his country and his beliefs, just as the two teachers teacher their students. Sushil does not mention how education is portrayed in India, but according to Amarel and Elke teachers are very well respected and getting an education is very highly though of. The two teachers were not sure they wanted to stay in New York or go back home and teach. In the end, they did both want to stay. Amarel concludes with, Ive gotten accustomed to these kids. The Lord brought me here for something. I am not yet sure what it is. I know now if I hate to, I could teach anywhere. But Id like to teach here again next year if I can (Lehrer/ Sloan, 57). Elke concludes with, Teaching is a calling. If you do it just for the money you wont last. Especially in New York. Some of the teachers look at me like Im nuts whenever I talk with great enthusiasm for teaching (Lehrer/ Sloan, 61). This show that both teachers are now getting used to the idea that they can help these students and teach them to respect teachers more. They both succeeded in the end. Sushil also succeeded even though he did not go to college and education was not a part of his life. He was starting to make dinners for his friend and all his friends. Then Sushil and his friend started up a publishing company together. That proved he did not need a professional education. He was poetic and creative and that made him a success.