Download or read book A Modeling Framework for Estimating Emissions in Large Urban Areas written by Alexander Skabardonis and published by . This book was released on 1997 with total page 25 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Valuing Climate Damages written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2017-06-23 with total page 281 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The social cost of carbon (SC-CO2) is an economic metric intended to provide a comprehensive estimate of the net damages - that is, the monetized value of the net impacts, both negative and positive - from the global climate change that results from a small (1-metric ton) increase in carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions. Under Executive Orders regarding regulatory impact analysis and as required by a court ruling, the U.S. government has since 2008 used estimates of the SC-CO2 in federal rulemakings to value the costs and benefits associated with changes in CO2 emissions. In 2010, the Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases (IWG) developed a methodology for estimating the SC-CO2 across a range of assumptions about future socioeconomic and physical earth systems. Valuing Climate Changes examines potential approaches, along with their relative merits and challenges, for a comprehensive update to the current methodology. This publication also recommends near- and longer-term research priorities to ensure that the SC- CO2 estimates reflect the best available science.
Download or read book Emission estimation based on traffic models and measurements written by Nikolaos Tsanakas and published by Linköping University Electronic Press. This book was released on 2019-04-24 with total page 131 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Traffic congestion increases travel times, but also results in higher energy usage and vehicular emissions. To evaluate the impact of traffic emissions on environment and human health, the accurate estimation of their rates and location is required. Traffic emission models can be used for estimating emissions, providing emission factors in grams per vehicle and kilometre. Emission factors are defined for specific traffic situations, and traffic data is necessary in order to determine these traffic situations along a traffic network. The required traffic data, which consists of average speed and flow, can be obtained either from traffic models or sensor measurements. In large urban areas, the collection of cross-sectional data from stationary sensors is a costefficient method of deriving traffic data for emission modelling. However, the traditional approaches of extrapolating this data in time and space may not accurately capture the variations of the traffic variables when congestion is high, affecting the emission estimation. Static transportation planning models, commonly used for the evaluation of infrastructure investments and policy changes, constitute an alternative efficient method of estimating the traffic data. Nevertheless, their static nature may result in an inaccurate estimation of dynamic traffic variables, such as the location of congestion, having a direct impact on emission estimation. Congestion is strongly correlated with increased emission rates, and since emissions have location specific effects, the location of congestion becomes a crucial aspect. Therefore, the derivation of traffic data for emission modelling usually relies on the simplified, traditional approaches. The aim of this thesis is to identify, quantify and finally reduce the potential errors that these traditional approaches introduce in an emission estimation analysis. According to our main findings, traditional approaches may be sufficient for analysing pollutants with global effects such as CO2, or for large-scale emission modelling applications such as emission inventories. However, for more temporally and spatially sensitive applications, such as dispersion and exposure modelling, a more detailed approach is needed. In case of cross-sectional measurements, we suggest and evaluate the use of a more detailed, but computationally more expensive, data extrapolation approach. Additionally, considering the inabilities of static models, we propose and evaluate the post-processing of their results, by applying quasi-dynamic network loading.
Download or read book Models in Environmental Regulatory Decision Making written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2007-08-25 with total page 286 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many regulations issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are based on the results of computer models. Models help EPA explain environmental phenomena in settings where direct observations are limited or unavailable, and anticipate the effects of agency policies on the environment, human health and the economy. Given the critical role played by models, the EPA asked the National Research Council to assess scientific issues related to the agency's selection and use of models in its decisions. The book recommends a series of guidelines and principles for improving agency models and decision-making processes. The centerpiece of the book's recommended vision is a life-cycle approach to model evaluation which includes peer review, corroboration of results, and other activities. This will enhance the agency's ability to respond to requirements from a 2001 law on information quality and improve policy development and implementation.
Download or read book Fine Scale Modeling to Estimate Human Exposures to Air Pollution written by Fatema Parvez and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Traffic related air pollution is considered one of the major challenges for a large number of urban population. The rapid growth of the world's motor-vehicle fleet due to population growth and economic improvement causes a significant negative impact on public health. As pollutants from roadway emission sources reach background concentration levels within a few hundred meters from the source, it is very challenging to implement a model that captures this behavior. Currently available air quality modeling approaches can compute the source specific pollutant fate on either a regional or a local scale but still lack effective ways to estimate the combined regional and local source contributions to exposure. Temporal variabilities in human activities and differences in pollutant dispersion pattern in stable and unstable atmospheric conditions greatly influence the exposure. Estimating air pollution exposure from local sources such as motor vehicles while considering all the variables impacting the dispersion make the process computationally intensive. We developed a hybrid modeling framework combining a regional model, CAMx - Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extensions, and a local scale dispersion model, R-LINE, to estimate concentrations of both primary and secondary species from onroad emission sources. We utilized all chemical and physical processes available in CAMx and use the Particulate Matter Source Apportionment Technology, PSAT to quantify the concentrations from onroad and non-road emission sources. We employed R-LINE to estimate pollutant distribution from onroad emission sources at a finer resolution. Combining these two models, we estimated combined concentrations at a finer spatial resolution and at hourly temporal resolution. We have applied this modeling framework to three major cities in Connecticut and quantified human exposure to NOx, PM2.5, and elemental carbon (EC) at census block group resolution. We also estimated health risks on different demographic groups associated with PM2.5 exposures. Our approach of using a dispersion model is unique as it uses the mass fraction of the total dispersed pollutant at different receptor points and hence is not dependent on extensive roadway emissions data or extensive model runs. Overall, this modeling approach overcomes two major challenges facing hybrid modeling for near roadway exposures- double counting emissions and a lack of temporal variability in estimating concentrations.
Download or read book Feasibility and Demonstration of Network Simulation Techniques for Estimation of Emissions in a Large Urban Area written by Alexander Skabardonis and published by . This book was released on 1994 with total page 162 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book An Integrated Modelling Approach to Estimate Urban Traffic Emissions written by Aarshabh Misra and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book A Methodology for Estimating Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Evaluating the Impacts of Built Environment Transit Supply Strategies and Green Technologies written by Seyed Amir Zahabi and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "In response to climate change, decision makers and researchers worldwide are looking for methods to quantify strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with urban mobility. Considering that the transportation sector is among the biggest emissions contributors, research in this area has garnered a lot of attention and has been focused on methods to improve quantification methods, and identify emission contributing factors as well as mitigation strategies and policies. Despite the important developments in this research area, this thesis identifies and addresses several important methodological and empirical gaps. In particular, an original methodology for estimating GHG emissions caused by urban passenger travel demand is proposed combining different sources of data (e.g., O-D surveys and vehicle fleet fuel consumption). The proposed methodology takes several important factors into consideration (e.g. travel modes, vehicle occupancy, link-level speeds considering traffic conditions, road and vehicle type). The empirical evidences of the thesis are presented in the context of Quebec's three largest metropolitan areas: Montreal, Quebec City and Sherbrooke. The relationship between GHG, and the built environment (BE) and transit supply (TS) is investigated using different statistical regression approaches such as a latent class-regression modeling framework which considers time trends and the segmentation of households into subgroups. A simultaneous modeling framework that considers the self-selection bias is also proposed to investigate the effect of BE neighbourhood typologies on GHGs across the three regions. The outcomes of this research are then used to propose strategies and policies by performing a comparative analysis of the potential GHG reductions for changes in the BE and green technologies. In particular, it is found that BE and TS attributes are negatively associated with GHGs- with small elasticities when looking at individual attributes, but large differences across neighborhood typologies. The replacement of current transit and private motor vehicles fleet by hybrid-electric technologies can lead to important GHG reductions, however in regards to replacing the transit fleet, the effect is very marginal when looking at the whole trip GHG inventory (-1.04%). Furthermore, the combined effect of BE changes and motor-vehicle fuel efficiency improvements is expected to contribute significantly to GHG reductions. In Montreal, overall average household transportation GHG emissions have declined over the 10 year period considered by 6%.In order to look at the travel demand process, a methodology to investigate the simultaneous effects of commuter-transit service attributes, parking costs and household neighborhood location on commuter mode choice is proposed. Finally, a methodology based on real-world fuel consumption data is proposed to investigate the effect of different fuel consumption factors. In addition to operating speeds, the effect of winter, low temperatures, road type, cold starts and eco-driving training is investigated. The fuel economy of commercial hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is also investigated and compared to standard gasoline vehicles. It is observed that HEVs performed better than gasoline vehicles particularly in city driving environments and at low speeds (45% less average fuel consumption rate (FCR)). In addition, low temperatures tend to have a deteriorating effect on the fuel consumption of HEVs which is a critical factor in the cities studied (26% higher FCR)." --
Download or read book Transportation Research Record written by and published by . This book was released on 2002 with total page 730 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "For more than 50 years, the Transportation Research Record has been internationally recognized as one of the preeminent peer-reviewed journals for transportation research papers from authors in the United States and from around the world. One of the most cited transportation journals, the TRR offers unparalleled depth and breadth in the coverage of transportation topics from both academic and practitioner perspectives. All modes of passenger and freight transportation are addressed in papers covering a wide array of disciplines, including policy, planning, administration, economics and financing, operations, construction, design, maintenance, safety, and more."--Publisher's website
Download or read book Improving Characterization of Anthropogenic Methane Emissions in the United States written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2018-08-25 with total page 251 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Understanding, quantifying, and tracking atmospheric methane and emissions is essential for addressing concerns and informing decisions that affect the climate, economy, and human health and safety. Atmospheric methane is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) that contributes to global warming. While carbon dioxide is by far the dominant cause of the rise in global average temperatures, methane also plays a significant role because it absorbs more energy per unit mass than carbon dioxide does, giving it a disproportionately large effect on global radiative forcing. In addition to contributing to climate change, methane also affects human health as a precursor to ozone pollution in the lower atmosphere. Improving Characterization of Anthropogenic Methane Emissions in the United States summarizes the current state of understanding of methane emissions sources and the measurement approaches and evaluates opportunities for methodological and inventory development improvements. This report will inform future research agendas of various U.S. agencies, including NOAA, the EPA, the DOE, NASA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Download or read book Transportation Systems Planning written by Konstadinos G. Goulias and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2002-12-26 with total page 454 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Transportation engineering and transportation planning are two sides of the same coin aiming at the design of an efficient infrastructure and service to meet the growing needs for accessibility and mobility. Many well-designed transport systems that meet these needs are based on a solid understanding of human behavior. Since transportation systems
Download or read book Air Pollution Modeling and its Application XXII written by Douw G. Steyn and published by Springer. This book was released on 2013-10-04 with total page 738 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Recent developments in air pollution modeling and its application are explored here in contributions by researchers at the forefront of their field. The book is focused on local, urban, regional and intercontinental modeling; data assimilation and air quality forecasting; model assessment and evaluation; aerosol transformation; the relationship between air quality and human health and the interaction between climate change and air quality. The work will provide useful reference material for students and professors interested in air pollution modeling at the graduate level as well as researchers and professionals involved in developing and utilizing air pollution models.
Download or read book Estimation of Urban Scale Network wide Emissions Based on Fundamental Properties of the Network written by Rooholamin Shabihkhani and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One of the main criteria for evaluating traffic control systems, especially in large urban networks, is vehicular emissions, since it is the major contributor of urban air pollution. Decision makers in the cities want to minimize fuel consumption and emission of pollutants from traffic in addition to managing average speed and delay in the network. In order to optimize these parameters, a consistent estimation of the network-wide parameters is essential. Since existing macroscopic emission models based on average speed cannot provide accurate estimates for large-scale networks, there is a need for reliable emissions estimation based on the traffic features of a network. In the first part of this study, in order to have a more reliable, network-wide emissions estimation, the Integrated Traffic Emissions Model (ITEM) has been introduced to integrate macroscopic traffic parameters that have a major influence on emissions with microscopically calculated emission factors. This mesoscopic emission model takes three aggregated traffic parameters, which include: number of vehicle stops, duration of time spent cruising, and the time spend idling, all expressed per Vehicle Mile Traveled (VMT), and multiply them with corresponding emission factors to estimate overall emissions of the network. In the next step of this study, the macroscopic connection between three aggregated traffic parameters needed for ITEM and the average density on an idealized ring shape model has been investigated. The Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram (MFD) is used to understand the existence of a robust relationship between the average flow with the average number of vehicles circulating on the network. An analytical approach has been proposed to estimate the macroscopic traffic parameters based only on fundamental properties of the network. In the final step, the proposed model and analytical approach have been tested on a more realistic grid network with heterogeneous traffic states across links of the network caused by turning movements. The results show that there is not only a robust and reproducible relationship between the aggregated traffic parameters and resulting total emissions with the average density on the network, but also the comparison of the analytical estimates with detailed calculations shows that the errors are in an acceptable range, especially for not completely jammed traffic conditions.
Download or read book Distributed Autonomous Robotic Systems written by M. Ani Hsieh and published by Springer. This book was released on 2014-06-07 with total page 452 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Distributed robotics is a rapidly growing and maturing interdisciplinary research area lying at the intersection of computer science, network science, control theory, and electrical and mechanical engineering. The goal of the Symposium on Distributed Autonomous Robotic Systems (DARS) is to exchange and stimulate research ideas to realize advanced distributed robotic systems. This volume of proceedings includes 31 original contributions presented at the 2012 International Symposium on Distributed Autonomous Robotic Systems (DARS 2012) held in November 2012 at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD USA. The selected papers in this volume are authored by leading researchers from Asia, Europa, and the Americas, thereby providing a broad coverage and perspective of the state-of-the-art technologies, algorithms, system architectures, and applications in distributed robotic systems. The book is organized into five parts, representative of critical long-term and emerging research thrusts in the multi-robot community: Coordination for Perception, Coverage, and Tracking; Task Allocation and Coordination Strategies; Modular Robots and Novel Mechanisms and Sensors; Formation Control and Planning for Robot Teams; and Learning, Adaptation, and Cognition for Robot Teams.
Download or read book Modeling Mobile Source Emissions written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2000-07-28 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Mobile Source Emissions Factor (MOBILE) model is a computer model developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for estimating emissions from on-road motor vehicles. MOBILE is used in air-quality planning and regulation for estimating emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and for predicting the effects of emissions-reduction programs.1 Because of its important role in air-quality management, the accuracy of MOBILE is critical. Possible consequences of inaccurately characterizing motor-vehicle emissions include the implementation of insufficient controls that endanger the environment and public health or the implementation of ineffective policies that impose excessive control costs. Billions of dollars per year in transportation funding are linked to air-quality attainment plans, which rely on estimates of mobile-source emissions. Transportation infrastructure decisions are also affected by emissions estimates from MOBILE. In response to a request from Congress, the National Research Council established the Committee to Review EPA's Mobile Source Emissions Factor (MOBILE) Model in October 1998. The committee was charged to evaluate MOBILE and to develop recommendations for improving the model.
Download or read book El Paso Comprehensive Modal Emissions Model CMEM Case Study in Urban Areas written by Stephen P. Farnsworth and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 69 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report documents the methodologies and data requirements for running the comprehensive modal emissions model (CMEM) and documents the results of a case study conducted in the El Paso, Texas, area. The report also discusses the advantages of using the CMEM software and suggests potential uses for the software in the El Paso area. The CMEM software predicts emissions from light-duty vehicles, automobiles, and small trucks. The model estimates emissions for light-duty vehicles under various operating conditions and is capable of predicting fuel consumption and second-by-second tailpipe emissions for various vehicle categories. The main purpose of the model was to estimate vehicle tailpipe emissions for various categories of vehicles, with consideration given to the length of time the vehicle is operating and vehicle operations such as accelerating, decelerating, idling, and cruising.
Download or read book Resilient Urban Futures written by Zoé A. Hamstead and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-04-06 with total page 190 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This open access book addresses the way in which urban and urbanizing regions profoundly impact and are impacted by climate change. The editors and authors show why cities must wage simultaneous battles to curb global climate change trends while adapting and transforming to address local climate impacts. This book addresses how cities develop anticipatory and long-range planning capacities for more resilient futures, earnest collaboration across disciplines, and radical reconfigurations of the power regimes that have institutionalized the disenfranchisement of minority groups. Although planning processes consider visions for the future, the editors highlight a more ambitious long-term positive visioning approach that accounts for unpredictability, system dynamics and equity in decision-making. This volume brings the science of urban transformation together with practices of professionals who govern and manage our social, ecological and technological systems to design processes by which cities may achieve resilient urban futures in the face of climate change.
