Suchergebnisse

The current smart energy transition is accompanied by major transformations in the aspects of technology, market, and organization. The intensive adoption of digital technology in energy production, the rapid spread of distributed generation, micro-grids and energy storage and accumulation solutions, and an ever-increasing integration between the energy sector and other critical infrastructure sectors have brought about fundament changes in the relationships between energy companies and the market. This creates a strong demand for versatile support services for these processes. The article makes an attempt to construct a conceptual framework for and to outline the tasks and goals of knowledge-intensive services in the new energy industry. The author provides justification for the key properties of knowledge-intensive services that include adaptability, the capability of self-tuning, a wide use of information and telecommunication technologies, a tendency to use a pro-active approach to systems and process management, and the availability of staff with outstanding qualifications. The author has developed a conceptual model of knowledge-intensive services in the energy sector that makes it possible to group the service segments by the dimensions of "energy market optimization and customer relations", "asset lifecycle management", "organizational flexibility of energy market agents". Recommendations are given as to how to develop knowledge-intensive service activities in energy companies, including through the creation of corporate platforms and smart partnerships with universities and science. © 2019 WIT Press ; ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The work was supported by Act 211 of the Government of the Russian Federation, contract № 02.A03.21.0006.

The article outlines new approaches to managing electrification that are driven by a radical transformation of scientific, technological, environmental, and economic conditions. These include spreading the use of electromechanical devices following the onset of a digital economy, the creation of highly efficient, small-scale power-generating units and lower cost of energy from renewable sources, wider economic collaboration between energy suppliers and consumers based on demand-response mechanisms, and stricter environmental regulations. The article defines the characteristics and trends of the new phase of electrification, assesses its contribution to economic growth and the environmental security of a region, and offers recommendations as to the optimization of the technological structure of the electric power industry in view of evolving requirements for greater reliability, environmental friendliness, and service support of power supply. The authors bring out the principles of the provision of electricity to households in smart cities and identify the main areas of focus for increasing the economic efficiency of adopting innovative electrical technologies through a balance of national economic and business interests. A methodological toolkit has been designed for measuring the level of electrification in a region. © 2020 WIT Press. ; The work was supported by Act 211 of the Government of the Russian Federation, contract № 02.A03.21.0006.

The article presents the results of a study of structural changes in the energy sector serving digital technologies for the urban environment of the future that is being created now. The study considers country-specific factors and problems of ensuring the sustainability of heat and power supply. The authors look at the priority areas of a new phase of electrification aimed at the development of advanced energy-saving smart technologies, electric transport, electric cars and appropriate energy and utility infrastructure. The case is studied of developing engineering, technical, organizational and economic solutions when overhauling the heat supply system in a 'smart' residential district of Yekaterinburg, one of Russia's megalopolises, that is being designed and constructed on the basis of the principles of intelligent engineering infrastructure. © 2019 WIT Press, www.witpress.com ; Government Council on Grants, Russian Federation ; The work was supported by Act 211 of the Government of the Russian Federation, contract № 02.A03.21.0006.

The paper summarizes the changing approaches to asset management of manufacturing companies amid the unprecedented uncertainty in markets, progressing digital transformation and production facilities being enriched with intelligent information and communication systems. A conceptual model has been designed that reflects the new principles and the key conditions of asset management systems' operation in the digital industry. Having examined the cases of the energy sector and high-tech industries, the authors identify the main trends in the innovative development of production asset management: cutting-edge reliability-focused repair and maintenance methods, the digital twin technology, and platform solutions for business customization. The results of the study could be used for asset management strategy development in manufacturing and for improvement of the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, including the international standards PAS 55 and ISO 55000. © 2021 WIT Press. ; The work was supported by Act 211 Government of the Russian Federation, contract No. 02.A03.21.0006.

The reliability of heat supply in cities is largely determined by the actual condition of pipelines, for example, corrosive and erosive wear. Comparative analysis of methodological approaches to assessing the technical condition of district heating networks shows that the most innovative and effective approach is internal pipe inspection using non-destructive magnetic testing. The article presents the results of research tests of the method in the context of its use for maintenance and retrofitting of the heating infrastructure in Yekaterinburg, a Russian city with a complex topology of utility networks and extremely uneven tear and wear on some sections of the networks. The authors describe the techni-cal and economic peculiarities of using internal pipe inspection methods at various stages of testing and formulate qualitative and quantitative criteria for assessing the effectiveness of the method being presented. Recommendations have been suggested for the optimum application of the method by heat network operators, especially those operating and servicing district heating systems. © 2021 WIT Press, www.witpress.com. ; The work was supported by Act 211 of the Government of the Russian Federation, contract №. 02.A03.21.0006.

The problems of managing socio-technical systems, the complexity of which is constantly increasing, in a time when the external environment becomes more and more volatile, and large-scale changes develop unpredictable effects, requires managers to have an adequate response and act pre-emptively in unexpected situations. In this regard, it appears practical to apply methods of systems engineering that was created for designing complex systems and keeping them functional throughout their lifecycle. An analysis of various theoretical concepts and practical approaches employed in systems engineering showed their potential for being adapted to the purposes of managing complex systems under uncertainty. For example, the method of engineering resilience could be used for training interdisciplinary teams that need to be able to handle complex problems with speed, coordination, initiative and mutual support. It also appears usable for setting up coordination centers that produce strategic assessments of implications, set priorities, distribute resources, motivate teams and provide training, thus building preparedness to address unforeseen problems. The method of Agile systems engineering is effective for pre-empting problems that occur as a result of intensive technological development and are characterized by capriciousness, uncertainty, risk, variability, and evolution. The above methods were applied for training breakthrough teams - an original project of the authors that has proved highly efficient for solving tasks of high complexity and uncertainty in energy companies and at Ural Federal University. © 2020 WIT Press. ; The work was supported by Act 211 of the Government of the Russian Federation, contract number 02.A03.21.0006.

The digitization of power grids envisages a transition to new models of fault diagnosis, repair and maintenance of electric power grid equipment. The most promising tools for implementing advanced production asset management strategies are integrated technologies that are based on robotic diagnostic platforms, various hardware-software instruments and smart data analysis systems. The article analyzes other countries' experience of developing robotic methods of fault diagnosis and maintenance of overhead power transmission lines, which present a major challenge in terms of monitoring, failure prediction and localized repairs. The Cablewalker robotic system was used as an example for identifying the advantages of integrated diagnostic hardware systems as opposed to traditional methods of power grid equipment maintenance and overhaul. Recommendations are given for adopting the technology in grid companies. During trials of the technology on a 2.34-km section of a power transmission line 112 defects were detected versus three that were identified by means of 'manual' inspection. A digital twin of the transmission line was created to manage its technical condition with regard to various risks. © 2019 WIT Press ; Government Council on Grants, Russian Federation ; The work was supported by Act 211 of the Government of the Russian Federation, contract № 02.A03.21.0006.

Electrification is an integrated continuous process of production, transmission, distribution and use of electric power in a region's economy. Analysis of global trends shows that demand for electric power as the most advanced and flexible energy carrier has been growing as many countries are in transition to a new industrial landscape. Along with that, the energy provision of industrial and domestic processes is becoming more intellect-intensive, while environmental issues are receiving special attention. This determines the relevance of the study. The authors have designed a methodology for factoring the environment into regional electrification programs. The methodology includes the following steps: ranking and selecting facilities to be electrified based on the criterion of minimal values of the 'electricity-for-fuel substitution coefficient'; application of the energy and economic effect to financially compensate for environmental impacts; introduction of demand side management programs that help improve the environmental situation in the region. An 'ideal' structural model of electrification is proposed for regions with high eco-loads. The model combines a method for selecting facilities to be electrified, pro-active energy conservation, adding more energy installations utilizing carbon-neutral fuels to the power generating system. © 2018 WIT Press. ; ACKNOWLEDGMENT The work was supported by Act 211 Government of the Russian Federation, contract No 02. A03.21.0006.

To be able to lead a large-scale technological overhaul of the electricity generation sector and actively operate in energy markets, it is necessary to substantially increase the professional level of management. Moreover, there is no doubt that the social responsibility of power engineering as a vital infrastructure industry will only continue to increase, competition will intensify while the existing shortage of knowledge will grow. This is happening amid overall instability, uneven and chaotic demand for energy on the part of economic systems. On the other hand, energy consumers, investors and society as a whole are putting an increasing emphasis on reliability, pricing transparency and environmental impacts. The study provides substantiation and a new research and methodology platform for forward-looking education of energy managers. Its purpose is to equip professionals with knowledge and competencies that they will need for working in emerging technological and organisational and economic systems that will be based on new principles and will function in a turbulent external environment. The global energy education is used as an example of building educational content and methodology for the forward-looking training of future energy leaders. © 2018 WIT Press ; ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The work was supported by Act 211 Government of the Russian Federation, contract № 02.A03.21.0006.

Managing the development of complex organizational, technological, and socio-cultural systems calls for the construction of conceptual models that would define the properties and links between the elements of the systems and focus the attention of decision makers on the most significant aspects. The authors propose the visual analysis method as a tool for the conceptual design of complex systems. The method is based on the building of a series of visual images that are associated with the purpose sustainable development and holistic representation of the system. At the initial stage, the general structure of a complex system is analyzed and the required degree of detail of its elements is determined. The system is then broken down into elements and a specific visualization tool is selected for each of them so that the properties of the systems that need improving are highlighted. Ultimately, a conceptual design of the system is created that suggests managerial solutions that meet the interests of the stakeholders. The method has been tested in a number of projects that were implemented with the purpose of ensuring the strategic leadership of major manufacturing companies. © 2018 WIT Press. ; ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The work was supported by Act 211 of the Government of the Russian Federation, contract No 02.A03.21.0006.

Energy production has always been associated with a number of operational (technological) risks as well as risks resulting from external events. A large number of tools has emerged recently that utilize complex software solutions to minimize such risks, which shows in a significant reduction of failures at energy facilities in the past few years and a growth in the key performance indicators of energy businesses. The most difficult ones to assess and prevent are organizational risks. The probability of such risks increases alongside the progress of structural transformations in the global energy sector. Such risks, despite their internal nature, are capable of triggering serious deformations within the governance system of an energy company and, given the specific features of the energy sector, lead to a sharp performance drop across the industry. The article presents a methodological framework for operational risk management in energy companies that is based upon the idea of identifying the priority results of companies' performance. The proposed methodology is essentially about forming the risk space of an energy company and using it as a basis for quantitative assessment of the probability of risk events. This will in turn make it possible to identify critical organizational risks, assess anticipated damage and think of preventive management impact to offset the risk events. © 2017 WIT Press. ; ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The work was supported by Act 211 Government of the Russian Federation, contract No 02. A03.21.0006.

Repairs and maintenance of energy assets can be carried out in a variety of ways, which are usually based on indicators of reliability and efficiency. Due to the transition to a digital energy paradigm and implementation of intelligent diagnostic tools for technical condition of the equipment, it is advisable to carry out asset management with additional tools to consider operational and economic risks, as well as to predict the integrated efficiency of energy objects. This paper presents an overview of progressive strategies for energy asset management currently used in global practice. The analysis of approaches to asset management developed by one of the largest Russian generating and grid utilities is carried out. The authors developed several methodological recommendations for the identification of priority objects for technical maintenance and repair, ranked based on the type of equipment, risk of failure, predictiveness of defects, the undersupply of energy in emergency situations, types and cost of remediation and reputation losses of the energy business. Proposals for energy companies to implement a risk-based assets management strategy in units operating energy facilities are formulated. © 2020 WIT Press. ; The work was supported by Act 211 of Government of the Russian Federation, contract No. 02.A03.21.0006.

The implementation of intelligent engineering infrastructure in cities necessitates the involvement of a large number of various innovative organizations. The experience of pioneer smart cities and global companies that are developing smart technologies shows that the key role in that process is played by technology entrepreneurs, i.e., a community of innovators who are capable of rapidly creating breakthrough solutions, launching them into the market, adopting and commercializing them. This study analyzes the theoretical features and current essential tasks of tech entrepreneurship as a business phenomenon and ways and means for technology entrepreneurship by corporations and independent start-ups. Exploring the case of the energy sector in smart cities which presents a growing market for technology solutions, the authors reveal the structure of the main segments of technology entrepreneurship, including electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, smart metering, telemetering, demand side management, distributed generation and micro-grids. Examples are described of tech entrepreneurship projects that were implemented by energy and telecom companies with the purpose of making urban energy smarter and more sustainable. © 2020 WIT Press. ; The work was supported by Act 211 of the Government of the Russian Federation, contract No. 02.A03.21.0006.

The article describes an analytical and information system that was used for forecasting the operation parameters of the railway system in a macroregion of Russia - the Far North. Its economy is focused on the extraction and processing of hydrocarbons, metal production, construction materials, and generate large volumes of exports and inter-regional cargo flows. The region covers an expansive territory and is characterized by harsh weather, an extreme environment, and uneven development of the transportation network. Research into the transportation issues of economic development in such areas presents a challenging task because the region is unique, statistical data are incomplete and classified; there is a hierarchy of businesses and organizations operating in the region that have their own goals and objectives and compete against its other; the region is plagued with social and environmental problems and a lack of administrative integration between individual districts. Using rigorous mathematical tools for assessing transportation infrastructure projects under such conditions is only limited to finding solutions to stand-alone problems and scenario comparison. A model of the applied system that is outlined in the article makes it possible to analyze specific projects of regional railway system development that take into account strategic priorities and goals of the state, social and economic development problems experienced by the neighboring regions, the oil and gas sector and major employers, as well as corporate goals of the sustainable development of railway companies. The application of the model over an extended period of time showed that the analysis of the structure of cargo flows and customers bound to junctions of the transportation network makes it possible to suggest what aspects of the railway infrastructure should be reorganized in line with the development dynamics of economic entities that consume transportation services. The study is built upon a number of projects that were implemented in the north of Tyumen Region and the Yamal- Nenets and Khanty-Mansi autonomous areas of Russia. © 2018 WIT Press. ; ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The work was supported by Act 211 Government of the Russian Federation, contract № 02.A03.21.0006.

The liberalization of the energy sector, the spreading adoption of digital information and telecommunication technologies, decentralization, and expansion of RES-based distributed generation provide broader development opportunities for technology entrepreneurship in the industry. Nevertheless, the energy sector remains one of the "least entrepreneurial" industries of the global economy – both by number of corporate innovations and by number of independent startups. Having summarized a corpus of theoretical research and the results of a survey of energy experts, the authors were able to describe fields of applications and key barriers to the development of technology entrepreneurship in the industry and at a corporate level. On the basis of an analysis of the experience of US and British energy companies, the authors propose typical models of technology entrepreneurship and schemes of resource interaction among energy companies, consumers of new products and services, universities, developers and investors in the course of implementation of breakthrough projects. The results of the study and the authors' recommendations can be used by energy companies creating corporate mechanisms of technology entrepreneurship, as well as by government agencies and universities for the development of the innovation infrastructure of the energy sector. © 2019 WIT Press ; ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The work was supported by Act 211 of the Government of the Russian Federation, contract № 02.A03.21.0006.