Submitted by Maike Costa (maiksebas@gmail.com) on 2016-04-25T12:59:29Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivo total.pdf: 2399944 bytes, checksum: b31ffd454938b9e66e2494032cb6d9ee (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-25T12:59:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivo total.pdf: 2399944 bytes, checksum: b31ffd454938b9e66e2494032cb6d9ee (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-08-28 / In recent years, several studies where published regarding to the estimation of variables related to the use of electricity, where the most varied methodologies are used to perform modeling and estimation of demand for energy of countries, States, companies in general and educational systems. In this dissertation where chosen this last category and the focus is on Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Looking for drawing up an estimate of Wing Maxim Demand (WMD), monthly of electrical energy power, for the (HEIs), from the amount of students and, if necessary, from other causal variables, which can contribute to managerial way for the renegotiation of contracts with concessionaires that lead to annual cost savings and still contribute to a better control of the levels of maxim demand of electricity. To achieve this objective, it was realized a review of the literature regarding to the variables that could introduce correlation with the dependent variable WMD. This review indicated several methodologies that could contribute to the solution of the problem proposed: Markov Chain, Support vector Regression methodology, Genetic Programming Model and Artificial Neural Networks. It was adopted the methodology of Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) because it is less complex and a methodology directed at large companies. It was selected an IES and were carried out interviews with some engineers and technician of his electrical engineering division, seeking to better understand energy use and the behavior of the variable WMD in this IES being made available the reports of power energy monitoring where the WMD data of January-December 2008 of 2014 were contained. So on the basis of these data and documental research of the independent variables, and, through the methodologies of Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), it was developed a model from the data of 72 months which had their waste evaluated, showing a coefficient of determination R ^ 2 equal to 0.883. Independent variables that remained in the model, from the use of the backward method, were 4 (four) Dummy variables associated with the years, six variables of this type associated with the months and a variable which is the product of school days for graduates and the quantity of graduate students registered. This model was able to identify seasonality presents in the behavior of the WMD of this HIE. It would allow the hiring of WMD per month, that would make savings of 57% compared to the traditional contracting mode (WMD fixed for the entire period), considering the period from July to December, before the period left for validation. In conclusion, a forecast for the period of January to May 2015 and the adoption of the proposed model was able to provide a savings of 45% in relation to the scheme currently used by this HEI. / Nos últimos anos, diversos trabalhos foram publicados em relação à estimativa de variáveis relacionadas ao uso da energia elétrica, onde as mais variadas metodologias são utilizadas para realizar a modelagem e estimação da demanda por energia de países, Estados, empresas em geral e dos sistemas de ensino. Nesta dissertação foi escolhida esta última categoria e o foco consiste nas Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES). Procurando elaborar uma estimativa de Demanda Máxima de Ponta (DMP), mensal de potência de energia elétrica adequada às IESS, a partir da quantidade de alunos, e, se necessário, a partir de outras variáveis causais, que possam contribuir de maneira gerencial para a renegociação de contratos com concessionárias que levem à redução de custos anuais e que ainda podem contribuir para um melhor controle dos níveis de demanda máxima de energia elétrica. Para alcançar tal objetivo, foi realizada uma revisão da literatura a respeito de variáveis que poderiam apresentar correlação com a variável dependente DMP. Esta revisão indicou várias metodologias que poderiam contribuir para a solução do problema proposto: a Cadeia de Markov, a Metodologia de Regressão do vetor de Suporte, o Modelo de Programação Genética e as Redes Neurais Artificiais. Por ser uma metodologia menos complexa e direcionada a empresas de grande porte, adotou-se a Metodologia de Regressão Linear Múltipla (RLM). Foi selecionada uma IES e foram realizadas entrevistas com alguns engenheiros e técnico da sua divisão de engenharia elétrica, procurando entender melhor o uso da energia e o comportamento da variável DMP nesta IES, sendo disponibilizados os relatórios de energia do sistema de monitoração de energia onde os dados de DMP de janeiro de 2008 a dezembro de 2014 estavam contidos. Então, com base nestes dados e em pesquisa documental das candidatas a variáveis independentes, e, através da Metodologia (RLM), foi desenvolvido um modelo a partir dos dados de 72 meses, que teve seus resíduos avaliados, apresentando um coeficiente de determinação 𝑅2 igual a 0,883 .As variáveis independentes que permaneceram no modelo, a partir da utilização do método backward, foram 4(quatro) variáveis Dummy associadas a anos, seis variáveis deste tipo associadas a meses e uma variável fruto do produto entre dias letivos de graduação e quantidade de alunos da graduação matriculados. O modelo foi capaz de identificar a sazonalidade presente no comportamento da DMP da IES em estudo. Ele possibilitaria a contratação de DMP por mês, o que daria uma economia de 57% em relação ao modo de contratação tradicional (DMP fixo para todo o período), considerando o período de julho a dezembro, antes do período deixado para validação. Concluindo, foi realizada uma previsão para o período de janeiro a maio de 2015 e a adoção do modelo proposto foi capaz de proporcionar uma economia de 45% em relação ao esquema utilizado atualmente pela IES.

O ensaio de resposta em frequência em geradores síncronos vem ganhando espaço nas últimas décadas, porém o alto custo dos equipamentos empregados para realização do ensaio ainda é um empecilho, tanto para fabricantes como para consumidores finais. Este trabalho tem por objetivo complementar trabalhos anteriores, através do uso de redes neurais artificiais para identificação de padrões em ensaios realizados com equipamentos de baixo custo e baixa resolução. Através das redes neurais artificiais utilizadas é possível estimar novos pontos de ensaio sem que seja necessário um novo ensaio ou até mesmo um ensaio com equipamentos mais caros. Através de uma combinação de algoritmos de tratamento de dados, é possível a aproximação de modelos ensaiados com modelos teóricos e através desses resultados obter parâmetros elétricos dos geradores síncronos. / The frequency response test on synchronous generators has been increasing in recent decades, but the high cost of equipment used for conducting the test is still a stumbling block for both manufacturers and end-consumers. This dissertation aims to complement previous work, through the use of artificial neural networks to identify patterns in tests conducted with low-cost and low-resolution equipment. Through the artificial neural networks used it is possible to estimate a new set of test points without retesting is necessary or even a more expensive assay equipments. Through a combination of data processing algorithms, the approach tested models with theoretical models is possible and through these results to obtain electrical parameters of synchronous generators.

The diploma thesis is focused on cost control management in a manufacturing company. The diploma thesis deals with the calculation of product. It describes existing system of calculations and on the basis of theoretical knowledge suggest effective solutions. This solution should help to find hidden costs.

A top-down approach is presented to achieve cost reduction and optimization of the fuel cell system for a medium duty truck. Key inputs are customer usage and drive cycles leading to optimization of power and torque needs, followed by a three-way optimization between fuel cell system, hydrogen storage and battery size. This is supported by technological developments to reduce component costs / Ein Top-Down-Ansatz zur Reduzierung der Kosten des Brennstoffzellensystems eines Lastkraftwagens wird vorgestellt. Haupteingangsdaten, wie Kundenfahrzyklen und Verbrauch werden benutzt erforderliche Leistung und Drehmoment zu ermitteln und optimieren. Ein Optimierungsverfahren zwischen dem BZ System, dem Wasserstoffspeicher und der Batterie folgt um einen optimierten E-Antriebsstrang für das Fahrzeug darzustellen. Der Prozess wird von technologischen Fortschritten untermauert, um weitere Kostenreduzierung auf Komponentenebene zu erreichen.

Americans spent nearly $2.6 trillion, or $8,000 per person for medical and administrative costs in 2010. By 2015, healthcare spending in the United States increased to 5.8% reaching $3.2 trillion or $9,990 per individual. By tackling healthcare administrative costs, it is estimated that healthcare providers could reduce these costs by $20 billion yearly. This case study explored strategies for streamlining hospital administrative procedures to reduce costs. The business process reengineering model formed the conceptual framework for this study. Data were gathered through semistructured face-to-face interviews guided by open-ended questions with a purposeful sample of 4 hospital managers in Atlanta, Georgia. This study identifies important themes regarding cost reduction and hospital administration based on participant interviews. Themes included participants' unfavorable perspectives of the Spell out PPACA (PPACA) legislation, employment of physicians, PPACA reimbursement method, follow-up services, hospital administrative governance, and lack of business education. The themes comprised steps hospital managers could take to streamline administrative procedures to reduce costs. The implications for positive social change included the potential to provide strategies for streamlined processes that could lead to savings passed on to patients from low socio-economic backgrounds through accessibility to affordable healthcare services.

O trabalho realizado nesta tese esteve apoiado em dois objetivos principais. O primeiro centrado na otimização das etapas e processos de fabricação de células solares de silício de alto rendimento envolvendo redução de custos. O segundo objetivo foi direcionado na implementação de células solares eficientes e não dependentes do armadilhamento de impurezas através da difusão de alumínio. Para levar a cabo estes objetivos de forma planejada, o trabalho dividiu-se em otimizações teóricas e implementações experimentais. As otimizações teóricas foram realizadas utilizando dois programas: um programa desenvolvido (simulacell.pas) e implementado no próprio LME (versão 2), e o outro adquirido comercialmente, PC1D. De acordo com os resultados obtidos em estruturas completas n+p e n++n+p foi possível concluir que tanto as estruturas formadas através de emissores homogêneos como as obtidas utilizando emissores duplamente difundidos permitem alcançar eficiências elevadas, 25,5% a 26,0%, respectivamente, em um amplo intervalo de espessuras e concentrações superficiais de dopantes. No que tange aos desenvolvimentos experimentais, este trabalho se inicia com o desenvolvimento de um processo simplificado de baixo custo, em células solares de silício Cz de baixa resistividade com estrutura n+pp+, tipo \"mesa\". Este processo simplificado também está baseado na difusão de fósforo e alumínio (P/Al), utilizando gases industriais e reagentes químicos de grau \"para análise\", como uma transposição do processo de fabricação anteriormente desenvolvido no LME-EPUSP em substratos de silício FZ utilizando tecnologia planar. A célula solar mais representativa do processo implementado, A-16-1, permitiu atingir eficiências no entorno de 17%. As implementações experimentais visaram inicialmente o desenvolvimento de um procedimento visando à qualificação de materiais de partida (silício), utilizando a técnica de decaimento fotocondutivo (PCD) através de dois procedimentos de passivação de superfícies; oxidações térmicas e difusões suaves de fósforo. Posteriormente, utilizando o sistema PCD, novas otimizações dos emissores de tipo n+ homogêneos e regiões de tipo p foram realizadas, seguidos por oxidações térmicas passivadoras hidrogenadas, preservando-se o tempo de vida do volume em valores elevados (aproximadamente 1ms, após a realização de todas as etapas térmicas). Estes resultados qualificam o silício e os materiais de consumo utilizados, assim como, o novo processo de fabricação desenvolvido. Esta técnica também permitiu qualificar os emissores com perfil Gaussianos processados, atingindo valores da ordem de 45fA/cm2 para densidades de recombinação em estruturas n+pn+. Desenvolveram-se também estruturas n+p em materiais Cz de baixa resistividade 2-3W.cm de dois diferentes fabricantes, e silício FZ com 0,5W.cm. Pôde ser comprovada a qualidade das etapas que compõem o processo completo otimizado tendo-se obtido tensões de circuito aberto-implícitas de 652,4mV (Si-Cz fabricante 1) e 662,6mV (Si-Cz fabricante 2), e 670,8mV (FZ). De acordo com simulações realizadas utilizando parâmetros habituais de dispositivos do próprio LME, estas tensões, quando associadas a um conjunto óptico frontal típico das células solares de alto rendimento do LME (texturização química aleatória e filme de SiO2), permitirão atingir valores entre 19% - 20%. Entretanto, utilizando texturização e camada dupla torna-se plausível atingir o marco de 21% de rendimento, ultrapassando assim a barreira dos 17% (recorde nacional), e comprovando a potencialidade da infra-estrutura deste laboratório para o desenvolvimento de células solares não dependentes do efeito do armadilhamento de impurezas através da difusão de alumínio. / The work developed at this thesis has been based on two main objectives. First, it was focused on the optimization of the steps and processes for the fabrication of high efficiency solar cells, reducing production costs. The latter objective was directed to develop solar cells that were efficient and non-dependent on impurities gettering performed through the aluminum diffusion. In order to attend the planned objectives the work was divided into the theoretical objectives and experimental developments. The theoretical optimizations were performed using two different program codes: one was developed at LME (simulacell.pas), being upgraded afterwards (version 2); and the other was acquired commercially, the PC1D. According to the obtained results in complete structures n+p and n++n+p, it was possible to conclude that the homogeneous and double diffused emitter structures can provide high efficiencies, from 25,5% to 26,0%, respectively, for a wide range of thicknesses and surface doping levels. Concerning the experimental developments, this work starts with a low cost simplified process, using Cz silicon solar cells with low base resistivity and the structure n+pp+, \"mesa\" type. This simplified process was also based on the phosphorus/ aluminum diffusion (P/Al), using industrial gases and for analysis grade chemical reagents, as a fabrication process transposition of the process previously developed at LME-EPUSP using silicon substrates with planar technology. The most representative solar cells of the implemented process, A-16-1, provided about a 17% efficiency. The experimental implementations aimed the development of procedure for starting material (silicon) qualification, by using the photoconductive decay technique (PCD) with two surface passivation procedures: thermal oxidation and light phosphorus diffusion. Later, using PCD system, new optimizations of n+ homogeneous emitters and p-type region were performed, followed by passivating thermal oxidations with hydrogenation, maintaining the volume lifetime at high values (approximately 1ms, after each thermal step). These results qualified the used silicon and the consumer materials, as well the new fabrication process developed. This technique has also allowed qualifying the processed Gaussian profile emitters, providing values about 45fA/cm2 for the recombination current density in n+pp+ structures. N+p structures were also developed using Cz silicon with low resistivity 2- 3W.cm of two different manufacturers and FZ with 0.5W.cm. It could be proved the quality of the steps of a complete optimized process resulting implicit open circuit voltages of 652.4mV (Cz silicon - manufacturer type 1), 662.6mV (Cz silicon - manufacturer type 2), and 670.8mV (FZ silicon). According to the theoretical simulations performed using the usual parameters of devices processed at LME (random chemical texturization and SiO2 film), efficiencies between 19%-20% can be reached. However, using a random texturization and a double layer anti-reflection system, a 21% efficiency becomes possible, surpassing the 17% barrier (national record), and proving the potentiality of this laboratory facility for the development of solar cells non-dependent on impurity gettering through the aluminum diffusion.

O trabalho realizado nesta tese esteve apoiado em dois objetivos principais. O primeiro centrado na otimização das etapas e processos de fabricação de células solares de silício de alto rendimento envolvendo redução de custos. O segundo objetivo foi direcionado na implementação de células solares eficientes e não dependentes do armadilhamento de impurezas através da difusão de alumínio. Para levar a cabo estes objetivos de forma planejada, o trabalho dividiu-se em otimizações teóricas e implementações experimentais. As otimizações teóricas foram realizadas utilizando dois programas: um programa desenvolvido (simulacell.pas) e implementado no próprio LME (versão 2), e o outro adquirido comercialmente, PC1D. De acordo com os resultados obtidos em estruturas completas n+p e n++n+p foi possível concluir que tanto as estruturas formadas através de emissores homogêneos como as obtidas utilizando emissores duplamente difundidos permitem alcançar eficiências elevadas, 25,5% a 26,0%, respectivamente, em um amplo intervalo de espessuras e concentrações superficiais de dopantes. No que tange aos desenvolvimentos experimentais, este trabalho se inicia com o desenvolvimento de um processo simplificado de baixo custo, em células solares de silício Cz de baixa resistividade com estrutura n+pp+, tipo \"mesa\". Este processo simplificado também está baseado na difusão de fósforo e alumínio (P/Al), utilizando gases industriais e reagentes químicos de grau \"para análise\", como uma transposição do processo de fabricação anteriormente desenvolvido no LME-EPUSP em substratos de silício FZ utilizando tecnologia planar. A célula solar mais representativa do processo implementado, A-16-1, permitiu atingir eficiências no entorno de 17%. As implementações experimentais visaram inicialmente o desenvolvimento de um procedimento visando à qualificação de materiais de partida (silício), utilizando a técnica de decaimento fotocondutivo (PCD) através de dois procedimentos de passivação de superfícies; oxidações térmicas e difusões suaves de fósforo. Posteriormente, utilizando o sistema PCD, novas otimizações dos emissores de tipo n+ homogêneos e regiões de tipo p foram realizadas, seguidos por oxidações térmicas passivadoras hidrogenadas, preservando-se o tempo de vida do volume em valores elevados (aproximadamente 1ms, após a realização de todas as etapas térmicas). Estes resultados qualificam o silício e os materiais de consumo utilizados, assim como, o novo processo de fabricação desenvolvido. Esta técnica também permitiu qualificar os emissores com perfil Gaussianos processados, atingindo valores da ordem de 45fA/cm2 para densidades de recombinação em estruturas n+pn+. Desenvolveram-se também estruturas n+p em materiais Cz de baixa resistividade 2-3W.cm de dois diferentes fabricantes, e silício FZ com 0,5W.cm. Pôde ser comprovada a qualidade das etapas que compõem o processo completo otimizado tendo-se obtido tensões de circuito aberto-implícitas de 652,4mV (Si-Cz fabricante 1) e 662,6mV (Si-Cz fabricante 2), e 670,8mV (FZ). De acordo com simulações realizadas utilizando parâmetros habituais de dispositivos do próprio LME, estas tensões, quando associadas a um conjunto óptico frontal típico das células solares de alto rendimento do LME (texturização química aleatória e filme de SiO2), permitirão atingir valores entre 19% - 20%. Entretanto, utilizando texturização e camada dupla torna-se plausível atingir o marco de 21% de rendimento, ultrapassando assim a barreira dos 17% (recorde nacional), e comprovando a potencialidade da infra-estrutura deste laboratório para o desenvolvimento de células solares não dependentes do efeito do armadilhamento de impurezas através da difusão de alumínio. / The work developed at this thesis has been based on two main objectives. First, it was focused on the optimization of the steps and processes for the fabrication of high efficiency solar cells, reducing production costs. The latter objective was directed to develop solar cells that were efficient and non-dependent on impurities gettering performed through the aluminum diffusion. In order to attend the planned objectives the work was divided into the theoretical objectives and experimental developments. The theoretical optimizations were performed using two different program codes: one was developed at LME (simulacell.pas), being upgraded afterwards (version 2); and the other was acquired commercially, the PC1D. According to the obtained results in complete structures n+p and n++n+p, it was possible to conclude that the homogeneous and double diffused emitter structures can provide high efficiencies, from 25,5% to 26,0%, respectively, for a wide range of thicknesses and surface doping levels. Concerning the experimental developments, this work starts with a low cost simplified process, using Cz silicon solar cells with low base resistivity and the structure n+pp+, \"mesa\" type. This simplified process was also based on the phosphorus/ aluminum diffusion (P/Al), using industrial gases and for analysis grade chemical reagents, as a fabrication process transposition of the process previously developed at LME-EPUSP using silicon substrates with planar technology. The most representative solar cells of the implemented process, A-16-1, provided about a 17% efficiency. The experimental implementations aimed the development of procedure for starting material (silicon) qualification, by using the photoconductive decay technique (PCD) with two surface passivation procedures: thermal oxidation and light phosphorus diffusion. Later, using PCD system, new optimizations of n+ homogeneous emitters and p-type region were performed, followed by passivating thermal oxidations with hydrogenation, maintaining the volume lifetime at high values (approximately 1ms, after each thermal step). These results qualified the used silicon and the consumer materials, as well the new fabrication process developed. This technique has also allowed qualifying the processed Gaussian profile emitters, providing values about 45fA/cm2 for the recombination current density in n+pp+ structures. N+p structures were also developed using Cz silicon with low resistivity 2- 3W.cm of two different manufacturers and FZ with 0.5W.cm. It could be proved the quality of the steps of a complete optimized process resulting implicit open circuit voltages of 652.4mV (Cz silicon - manufacturer type 1), 662.6mV (Cz silicon - manufacturer type 2), and 670.8mV (FZ silicon). According to the theoretical simulations performed using the usual parameters of devices processed at LME (random chemical texturization and SiO2 film), efficiencies between 19%-20% can be reached. However, using a random texturization and a double layer anti-reflection system, a 21% efficiency becomes possible, surpassing the 17% barrier (national record), and proving the potentiality of this laboratory facility for the development of solar cells non-dependent on impurity gettering through the aluminum diffusion.

Η είσοδος των ηλεκτρονικών λύσεων, εφαρμογών και διευκολύνσεων στις τραπεζικές συναλλαγές δεν είναι κάποια νέα υπόθεση. Το διαφορετικό, σήμερα, βρίσκεται στις τεράστιες δυνατότητες, που προσφέρει η τεχνολογία για την άμεση και συνεχόμενη διασύνδεση της τρα-πεζικής πελατείας με όλα τα προϊόντα και υπηρεσίες του τραπεζικού συστήματος. Οι νέες αυτές δυνατότητες περιγράφονται με τον όρο ηλεκτρονική τραπεζική. Αυτόματες ταμειακές μηχανές σε όλα τα τραπεζικά καταστήματα, ηλεκτρονικές αγορές μέσω καρτών και τηλεφωνικές συναλλαγές προσφέρουν υπηρεσίες που εφαρμόζονται ήδη με μεγάλη επιτυχία. Επίσης και η τραπεζική μέσω του Διαδικτύου αναπτύσσεται με αξιοσημείωτους βαθμούς. Η σχέση των πελατών με την τράπεζά τους ενδύεται πλέον τις ανάγκες της εποχής και προσαρμόζονται στους ρυθμούς με τους οποίους εργάζεται η σύγχρονη, παγκοσμοποιούμενη και συνεχώς ανταγωνιστικότερη οικονομία. Συνεχής λειτουργία επί 24 ώρες και για τις 7 ημέρες της εβδομάδες, με παράλληλη εντυπωσιακή μείωση του χρόνου εκτέλεσης των εντολών και περιορισμού του κόστους. Το ηλεκτρονικό δίκτυο, όπως απεικονίζεται στη φιλική μορφή του Διαδίκτυο (internet) προσφέρει πολλαπλές δυνατότητες εμπορικής ανάπτυξης των ηλεκτρονικών συναλλαγών. Με το ηλεκτρονικό χρήμα να αποτελεί, εδώ και πολύ καιρό, μια καθημερινή συνήθεια ο δρόμος για ριζοσπαστικές αλλαγές έχει ανοίξει. / The entrance of electronic solutions, applications and facilities in banking is not a new case. The different today is the enormous possibilities offered by technology for direct and con-tinuous connection of bank customers with all products and services of the banking system. These new features are described by the term electronic banking. Cash machines in all bank branches, electronic shopping cards and telephone transactions offer services that are be-ing applied with great success. Also the bank via the Internet is growing at a remarkable degree. The customer relationship with their bank now wears the needs of the times and adapt to the rhythms with which modern works, globalized and increasingly competitive economy. Contin-uous operation for 24 hours and 7 days of the week, while striking reduction in the time of exe-cution and cost containment. The electronic network, as illustrated in the friendly form of Internet offers multiple pos-sibilities for commercial development of electronic transactions. With electronic money to be here a long time, a daily habit the way for radical changes has opened.

Thesis (Master of Business Administration) -- Naval Postgraduate School, 2005. / Title from title screen (viewed Aug. 26, 2008). "December 2005." The original document contains color images. "ADA443358"--URL. Includes bibliographical references (p. 85-91). Also issued in paper format.

Water distribution networks are a fundamental part of any modern city and their daily operations constitute a significant expenditure in terms of energy and maintenance costs. Careful scheduling of pump operations may lead to significant energy savings and prevent wear and tear. By means of computer simulation, an optimal schedule of pumps can be found by an optimisation algorithm. The subject of this thesis is the study of pump scheduling as an optimisation problem. New representations of pump schedules are investigated for restricting the number of potential schedules. Recombination and mutation operators are proposed, in order to use the new representations in evolutionary algorithms. These new representations are empirically compared to traditional representations using different network instances, one of them being a large and complex network from UK. By means of the new representations, the evolutionary algorithm developed during this thesis finds new best-known solutions for both networks. Pump scheduling as the multi-objective problem of minimising energy and maintenance costs in terms of Pareto optimality is also investigated in this thesis. Two alternative surrogate measures of maintenance cost are considered: the minimisation of the number of pump switches and the maximisation of the shortest idle time. A single run of the multi-objective evolutionary algorithm obtains pump schedules with lower electrical cost and lower number of pump switches than those found in the literature. Alternatively, schedules with very long idle times may be found with slightly higher electrical cost. Finally, ant colony optimisation is also adapted to the pump scheduling problem. Both Ant System and Max-Min Ant System are tested. Max-Min Ant System, in particular, outperforms all other algorithms in the large real-world network instance and obtains competitive results in the smallest test network. Computation time is further reduced by parallel simulation of pump schedules.