University, Diss., 2004--Köln.

University, Diss., 2004--Bonn.

Techn. University, Diss., 2004--Berlin.

University, Diss., 2005--Düsseldorf.

Techn. University, Diss., 2005--Berlin.

Techn. University, Diss., 2005--Dresden.

Techn. Universiẗat, Diss., 2004--Berlin.

Prior knowledge about the possible characteristics of demand and supply is vital in the planning and operation of economically sustainable isolated rural power systems. System modelling and simulation is one of the tools that can be used in planning and assessing the performance of these systems. This thesis is presenting a Monte Carlo simulation methodology for modelling, simulating and analysing the performance of isolated rural electricity markets applicable in developing countries. The definitions of possible power system operators managing these markets are introduced based on different economic objectives of operating the systems. The two system operators considered in the thesis are: altruistic and profit maximising operators. The concept used to define types of isolated rural electricity markets is combining the definitions of operators and the possible combinations of power supply options (purely thermal or hybrid system). It is anticipated that the rural electricity markets under consideration comprise of uncertainties in demand and supply (both demand and generation are modelled as random variables from assumed or estimated probability distributions). Demand is price sensitive and modelled as a product of two random variables, relative demand and peak demand. The price sensitivity of demand is shown by representing peak demand using an economic price-demand function. The parameters (price sensitivity and demand factor) of this function are modelled as random variables which reflect the randomness of consumers’ preferences. The simulation algorithm is based on the theory of correlated sampling, in order to compare the performance of systems under different operators. The thesis introduces the concept of nested Monte Carlo simulation to be able manage the simulation of different operators subjected to the same market conditions. The performance of electricity markets is assessed by analysing three parameters (tariffs, profit and reliability), which are random variables presented using probability distributions in form of duration curves. The methodology is tested on a theoretical case study system using load data obtained from a rural community in Africa.  The case study illustrates how to use the model, preparation of the input variables and how to use the output to estimate and assess the possible performance of isolated rural power systems under different power system operators. It is anticipated that the proposed methodology can be used by researchers, planners and academia as a tool for planning, estimating and assessing the performance of rural power systems in isolated areas of developing countries

Proton therapy with pencil beam scanning technique is a novel technique to treat cancer patients due to its unique biophysical properties. However, a small error in dose calculation may lead towards undesired greater uncertainties in planed doses. This project aims to create a simulation model of Varian ProBeam Compact using the GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulation tool kit. Experimental data from the first clinical ProBeam Compact system at South Florida Proton Therapy Institute was used to validate the simulation model. A comparison was made between the experimental and simulated Integrated Depth-Dose curves using a 2%/2mm gamma index test with 100% of points passing. The beam spot standard deviation sizes (s!) were compared using percent deviation. All simulated s! matched the experimental s! within 2.5%, except 70 and 80 MeV. The model can be used to develop a more comprehensive model as an independent dose verification tool and further investigate dose distribution. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2020. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

With the recent change of the equivalent dose limit for the lens of eyes from 150 to 20 mSv/yr., averaged over 5 years, it is of great importance to investigate the beta-ray spectrum in the maintenance areas of the nuclear power plants, where workers are exposed to mixed beta-gamma fields. A beta-ray spectrometer consisting of a thin silicon detector and a plastic scintillator has been developed, which can accept only beta detection events while rejecting gamma events via coincidence. Based on the spectroscopy system that has been built, a comprehensive upgrade of software and hardware has been conducted. The data acquisition software MC2 was replaced with CoMPASS, developed by CAEN to achieve higher stability and functionality. Optimal shaping parameters and coincidence time window were determined by instruction and sample tests. The fast event signal from the plastic scintillator does not provide enough energy information. Therefore, three approaches were executed, including adding a capacitor, adding a preamplifier, and changing the digital pulse processor to solve the problem. The method of changing digitizer was accepted as the final solution to obtain the best spectrum through benchmark tests. The experimental measurements characterized the response of the beta-ray coincidence spectrometer under the mixed beta/gamma radiation field with a various count rate ratio from 0.00625 to 0.8. Experimental result shows excellent and stable performance of the detector system under a higher beta to gamma ratio. Gamma contribution of the coincidence spectrum, especially in low energy region, significantly increased when beta count rate was controlled to a minor level. Monte Carlo simulations are also carried out using the MCNP6 code to validate the measurements. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / With the recent change of the equivalent dose limit for the lens of eyes from 150 to 20 mSv/yr., averaged over 5 years, it is of great importance to investigate the beta-ray spectrum in the maintenance areas of the nuclear power plants, where workers are exposed to mixed beta-gamma fields. A beta-ray spectrometer consisting of a thin silicon detector and a plastic scintillator has been developed, which can accept only beta detection events while rejecting gamma events via coincidence. Based on the spectroscopy system that has been built, a comprehensive upgrade of software and hardware has been conducted to slow down the signal and achieve higher stability. The experimental measurements characterized the response of the beta-ray coincidence spectrometer under the mixed beta/gamma radiation field with a various count rate ratio from 0.00625 to 0.8. Experimental result shows excellent and stable performance of the detector system under a higher beta to gamma ratio. Gamma contribution of the coincidence spectrum, especially in low energy region, significantly increased when beta count rate was controlled to a minor level. Monte Carlo simulations are also carried out using the MCNP6 code to validate the measurements.