With the increased prevalence of roundabouts in the United States, there is a need to evaluate the performance of roundabouts relative to other intersection control strategies. Few studies have compared roundabouts with other intersection control strategies in a systematic fashion. Consequently, this Thesis compares four types of intersection control strategies considering a single lane approach with a 58 km/hr speed limit and equal demand on all approaches. The study demonstrates that vehicle delay is minimized with the use of a roundabout intersection control for all demand levels below 500 veh/hr/approach. Above this point if the left turn percentage exceeds 70% traffic signal control is more efficient. The roundabout alternative also produces the fewest vehicle stops for low demand levels, low left turn demand and high right turn demand, however a TWSC alternative produces the least number of vehicle stops when the through and total demand is high. This study illustrates that fuel consumption and carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions can be improved with roundabout control over other intersection control strategies. The research presented here demonstrates that for low traffic demand levels roundabouts should be part of design alternatives considered for isolated intersection control. / Master of Science

This study outlines the development of an emissions modeling process in which tractive power based emissions functions are applied to microscopic traffic simulation data. The model enables transportation planners to evaluate the effects of transportation infrastructure projects on emissions and fuel consumption to aid in selecting the projects providing the greatest environmental return on investment. Using the developed model, the performance of a set of simplified macroscopic velocity profiles used in an existing emissions model has been evaluated. The profiles were found to under predict the vehicle emissions due to the low acceleration rates used. To illustrate the use of the model in evaluating transportation infrastructure projects, the benefits of two potential development scenarios in a major transportation corridor were evaluated. Weighing the benefits provided by each scenario against their associated costs revealed that greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced at a cost an order of magnitude greater than the value of a carbon credit suggesting that neither option is economical solely as a greenhouse gas emissions reduction tool.

No description available.

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are naturally occurring organic compounds emitted by plants, trees, and ecosystems, exerting a profound influence on the Earth's atmosphere, air quality, climate, and ecosystem dynamics. This research project aims to advance our understanding of BVOC emissions and their implications through a comprehensive and multi-faceted investigation. We investigate the dynamics of BVOCs in the atmosphere through three key objectives. First, we introduce a novel enriching inlet that uses selective permeation to preconcentrate reactive organic gases in small sample flows for atmospheric gas sampling, enhancing the sensitivity and detection limits of analytical instruments. Enrichments between 4640% and 111% were measured for major reactive atmospheric gases at ultra low flow rates and roughly several hundred percent for ambient samples at moderately low flow rates. Second, we constrain light-dependency in BVOC emissions models by comparing modeled and long-term observed BVOC concentrations measured at a mid-canopy monitoring site in a southeastern US forest. The Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN) and the Framework for 0-D Atmospheric Modeling (F0AM) were utilized to simulate emissions and chemical transformations, respectively to disentangle the time- and species-specificity of light dependency for various BVOC (α-pinene, camphene, and α-fenchene are completely light-independent and limonene, β-thujene, sabinene, and γ-terpinene are seasonally light-dependent). Finally, we examine these models deeper to investigate uncertainties and highlight current limitations due to variability in planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) datasets. We highlight the significance of simultaneous PBLH and BVOC measurements for improving the accuracy of BVOC concentration models. We show that a lack of co-located measurements is a large source of uncertainty in modeling BVOC concentrations. The successful completion of these objectives contributes to a better understanding of the complex interactions between BVOC emissions and atmospheric chemistry. / Doctor of Philosophy / Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are natural chemicals released by plants, trees, and ecosystems. They interact with combustion emissions such as those from vehicles (nitrous oxides or NOX species) in the presence of light to produce secondary pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter which significantly affect human health, Earth's atmosphere, air quality, climate, and ecosystems. This research aims to deepen our understanding of BVOC emissions and their effects through a detailed study of measurement and modeling techniques used to study BVOC. We accomplish this via three main goals. First, we introduce a new method to enhance the detection of reactive gases in small air samples, improving the sensitivity of currently available analytical instruments. This method showed significant improvements in detecting key atmospheric gases. Second, we examine how BVOC emissions depend on light by comparing models with long-term observations from a forest in the southeastern US. We used two models, Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN) and Framework for 0-D Atmospheric Modeling (F0AM), to simulate emissions and chemical changes, revealing that some BVOC emissions are completely light-independent processes, while others depend on the season. Finally, we examine these models deeper to investigate the uncertainties due to variability in planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) datasets (the layer of air closest to the Earth's surface where pollutants are concentrated). We show that a lack of BVOC and PBLH measurements made at the same location is a large source of uncertainty in modeling BVOC concentrations. Achieving these goals will enhance our understanding of the complex interactions between BVOC emissions and atmospheric chemistry.

Para a maioria dos municípios brasileiros, a instalação de um aterro sanitário é um desafio, sendo uma das dificuldades o custo elevado. Existem algumas formas de mitigar estes custos e uma delas é através do mercado de emissões. Com planejamento prévio suficiente, é possível queimar o metano gerado através da degradação do resíduo, podendo resultar em benefícios para o aterro tanto através do aproveitamento (geração de energia ou venda direta) quanto recebimento de algum tipo de certificado de emissões negociável. Incluído neste planejamento prévio suficiente está a realização da estimativa ex-ante de emissão de metano para saber previamente qual será o aproveitamento mais indicado e a eventual receita oriunda da queima. Quando analisados os projetos de MDL feitos em aterros sanitários, pode ser notado que estas estimativas são muitas vezes mal feitas, gerando valores estimados muito acima do realmente observado durante a operação. Este erro acarreta uma perda de credibilidade deste tipo de projeto, já que o número esperado é raramente alcançado. Existem alguns fatores que contribuem para esta discrepância de valores, sendo problemas operacionais (como exemplo podem ser citados deficiência no sistema de captura do biogás e problemas na captação e recirculação de lixiviado) e de modelagem (utilização de valores de entrada experimentais obtidos sob situações muito diferentes das encontradas nos aterros brasileiros, por exemplo) os possíveis principais vilões. Este trabalho visa apresentar e discutir os principais problemas na realização de estimativas prévias de emissão de metano em aterros sanitários utilizando projetos brasileiros de MDL registrados e que estejam atualmente emitindo créditos de carbono como base para analisar a qualidade das estimativas feitas atualmente. Além disto, busca-se também entrevistar profissionais da área para tentar obter diferentes pontos de vista sobre esta questão. Fica claro que os valores estimados, de um modo geral, são entre 40 e 50% superiores aos observados. Metade dos especialistas aponta problemas operacionais diversos como os principais contribuintes desta diferença, mas problemas na modelagem parecem influenciar decisivamente na realização das estimativas. A utilização de valores de entrada no modelo precisa ser criteriosamente analisada e devem ser utilizados números obtidos através de pesquisas que representem a realidade do aterro em questão. / Most of the Brazilian municipalities find the installation of a Solid Waste Disposal Site a challenge due to the high investment needed. There are some ways to mitigate these costs, including emissions trading. With previous planning, it is possible to burn the methane produced by the decomposition of the waste, resulting in benefits for the landfill by either the simple use of the gas (generating electricity or directly selling the gas) or the revenues from negotiations of emissions certificates. Included in previous planning is the ex-ante estimation of the methane produced by the landfill in order to know beforehand how to make the best use of the biogas and the amount of revenues that can be obtained from this use. When the CDM projects developed in landfills are analyzed, it can be noticed that these estimations generally are poorly made, resulting in estimated values far above the real methane production. This mistake results in a credibility loss by this type of project, since the expected number is rarely achieved. There are some factors that contribute to this difference in values, being operational problems (such as deficiency in the biogas capture and problems in the collection and recirculation of the leachate) and modeling problems (such as the use of input values obtained from experiments in laboratories under different situations from the ones found in Brazilian landfills) the major issues. The present work aims to present and discuss the main problems in estimating ex-ante the methane produced by landfills, using Brazilian CDM projects that are registered and issuing carbon credits as sources to analyze the quality of estimations currently being made. Additionally, experts in landfills and estimations are interviewed in order to obtain different points of view. It is clear that the estimated values, in general, are between 40 and 50% higher than observed during the operation of the landfill. Half of the experts point operational problems as the main contributors, however modeling problems seems to have a decisive influence in estimations. The use of input values must be carefully analyzed and must be used numbers obtained through researches that represent the reality of the landfill in question.

Para a maioria dos municípios brasileiros, a instalação de um aterro sanitário é um desafio, sendo uma das dificuldades o custo elevado. Existem algumas formas de mitigar estes custos e uma delas é através do mercado de emissões. Com planejamento prévio suficiente, é possível queimar o metano gerado através da degradação do resíduo, podendo resultar em benefícios para o aterro tanto através do aproveitamento (geração de energia ou venda direta) quanto recebimento de algum tipo de certificado de emissões negociável. Incluído neste planejamento prévio suficiente está a realização da estimativa ex-ante de emissão de metano para saber previamente qual será o aproveitamento mais indicado e a eventual receita oriunda da queima. Quando analisados os projetos de MDL feitos em aterros sanitários, pode ser notado que estas estimativas são muitas vezes mal feitas, gerando valores estimados muito acima do realmente observado durante a operação. Este erro acarreta uma perda de credibilidade deste tipo de projeto, já que o número esperado é raramente alcançado. Existem alguns fatores que contribuem para esta discrepância de valores, sendo problemas operacionais (como exemplo podem ser citados deficiência no sistema de captura do biogás e problemas na captação e recirculação de lixiviado) e de modelagem (utilização de valores de entrada experimentais obtidos sob situações muito diferentes das encontradas nos aterros brasileiros, por exemplo) os possíveis principais vilões. Este trabalho visa apresentar e discutir os principais problemas na realização de estimativas prévias de emissão de metano em aterros sanitários utilizando projetos brasileiros de MDL registrados e que estejam atualmente emitindo créditos de carbono como base para analisar a qualidade das estimativas feitas atualmente. Além disto, busca-se também entrevistar profissionais da área para tentar obter diferentes pontos de vista sobre esta questão. Fica claro que os valores estimados, de um modo geral, são entre 40 e 50% superiores aos observados. Metade dos especialistas aponta problemas operacionais diversos como os principais contribuintes desta diferença, mas problemas na modelagem parecem influenciar decisivamente na realização das estimativas. A utilização de valores de entrada no modelo precisa ser criteriosamente analisada e devem ser utilizados números obtidos através de pesquisas que representem a realidade do aterro em questão. / Most of the Brazilian municipalities find the installation of a Solid Waste Disposal Site a challenge due to the high investment needed. There are some ways to mitigate these costs, including emissions trading. With previous planning, it is possible to burn the methane produced by the decomposition of the waste, resulting in benefits for the landfill by either the simple use of the gas (generating electricity or directly selling the gas) or the revenues from negotiations of emissions certificates. Included in previous planning is the ex-ante estimation of the methane produced by the landfill in order to know beforehand how to make the best use of the biogas and the amount of revenues that can be obtained from this use. When the CDM projects developed in landfills are analyzed, it can be noticed that these estimations generally are poorly made, resulting in estimated values far above the real methane production. This mistake results in a credibility loss by this type of project, since the expected number is rarely achieved. There are some factors that contribute to this difference in values, being operational problems (such as deficiency in the biogas capture and problems in the collection and recirculation of the leachate) and modeling problems (such as the use of input values obtained from experiments in laboratories under different situations from the ones found in Brazilian landfills) the major issues. The present work aims to present and discuss the main problems in estimating ex-ante the methane produced by landfills, using Brazilian CDM projects that are registered and issuing carbon credits as sources to analyze the quality of estimations currently being made. Additionally, experts in landfills and estimations are interviewed in order to obtain different points of view. It is clear that the estimated values, in general, are between 40 and 50% higher than observed during the operation of the landfill. Half of the experts point operational problems as the main contributors, however modeling problems seems to have a decisive influence in estimations. The use of input values must be carefully analyzed and must be used numbers obtained through researches that represent the reality of the landfill in question.

In the pursuit of sustainable development, the transportation sector plays a crucial role by significantly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The purpose of this study is to examine how companies utilizing third-party logistics can compile and reduce transport-related emissions, more specifically investigating short- and long-term opportunities for the external flow of Gestamp HardTech in Luleå. Through a comprehensive analysis of available data, utilization of calculation models, and examination of short- and long-term opportunities, this research provides valuable insights and recommendations for companies seeking to promote sustainable transport solutions.  The findings underscore the importance of transparency, consistency, and leveraging available data as a reliable foundation for informed decision-making. Additionally, the study highlights the significance of selecting transportation companies that prioritize data utilization and offer green transportation alternatives. Additionally, staying updated on innovations within the field is vital, considering the dynamic nature of the transport industry and the potential for emerging technologies to reshape emission reduction strategies. It is important to note that while short- and long-term recommendations are provided, the ever-evolving landscape necessitates flexibility and continuous adaptation.

Today’s steelmaking industry is highly dependent on steel scrap supply. In order to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) deriving from the steel industry, it is of utmost importance to ensure that high percentages of steel scrap are recycled, reducing the reliance on the traditional ore-based steelmaking, which is significantly more environmentally impactful. To reach this goal, a better steel scrap quality has to be achieved during the sorting process. This thesis work aims to propose an optimized sorting process able to separate the stainless steel scrap from the carbon steel scrap, both obtained in the ferrous fraction after a magnetic separation. This improved sorting process would be able to sort different types of stainless steel scraps according to their alloying content, ensuring a better recovery of chromium, nickel and molybdenum for stainless steel production. This would lead to a considerable reduction of CO2 emissions for the stainless steel production. In addition, an economic benefit could be obtained from the optimized sorting process, obtaining steel scrap of higher quality and thus selling the scrap at higher price. In this thesis work, technological considerations are addressed in order to select the most suitable technology to reach significant improvements in alloy recoveries in steel scrap. An economic and environmental model is then used in order to showcase the possible economic and environmental impacts resulting from the implementation of the proposed optimized sorting process. The results obtained are encouraging, showing that this improved sorting would save high amounts of CO2 emissions deriving from raw materials extraction and production, and showing that good profits can be obtained from the selling of the different stainless steel scrap sorted. In the future, where an increased production of steel is expected, this process would be even more beneficial both for the economy and for the environment. / Dagens stål tillverkningsindustri är starkt beroende av utbudet av stålskrot. För att minska utsläppen av växthusgaser (GHG) från stålindustrin är det av yttersta vikt att säkerställa att höga andelar stålskrot återvinns, vilket minskar beroendet av den traditionella malmbaserade ståltillverkningen, som är betydligt mer miljöpåverkande. För att nå detta mål måste en bättre stålskrotskvalitet uppnås under sorteringsprocessen. Detta examensarbete syftar till att föreslå en optimerad sorteringsprocess som kan separera det rostfria stålskrotet från kolstålsskrotet, båda erhållna i järnfraktionen efter magnetisk separation. Denna förbättrade sorteringsprocess skulle kunna sortera olika typer av rostfritt stålskrot efter deras legeringsinnehåll, vilket säkerställer en bättre återvinning av krom, nickel och molybden för produktion av rostfritt stål. Detta skulle leda till en avsevärd minskning av CO2-utsläppen för produktionen av rostfritt stål. Dessutom skulle en ekonomisk fördel kunna erhållas från den optimerade sorteringsprocesser, att få stålskrot av högre kvalitet och därmed sälja skrotet till ett högre pris. I detta examensarbete behandlas tekniska överväganden för att välja den mest lämpliga tekniken för att uppnå betydande förbättringar av legeringsåtervinning av stålskrot.En ekonomisk och miljömässig modell används sedan för att visa upp de möjliga ekonomiska och miljömässiga effekterna av implementeringen av den föreslagna optimerade sorteringsprocessen. Resultaten som erhålls är uppmuntrande, och visar att denna förbättrade sortering skulle spara stora mängder CO2-utsläpp från råvaruutvinning och produktion, och visar att goda vinster kan erhållas från försäljning av olika sorterade rostfritt stålskrot. I framtiden, där en ökad produktion av stål förväntas, skulle denna process vara ännu mer fördelaktig både för ekonomin och för miljön.