Process and Chemical Engineering - Journal Articles

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    Integrating graph neural network-based surrogate modeling with inverse design for granular flows
    (American Chemical Society, 2024-05-12) Jiang, Yu; Byrne, Edmond; Glassey, Jarka; Chen, Xizhong; National Natural Science Foundation of China; University College Cork; Eli Lilly and Company
    Granular flows are central to a wide range of natural phenomena and industrial processes such as landslides, industrial mixing, and material handling and present intricate particle dynamics challenges. This study introduces a novel approach utilizing a Graph Neural Network-based Simulator (GNS) integrated with an inverse design for optimizing Discrete Element Method (DEM) parameters in granular flow simulations. The GNS model, trained on data sets generated from high-fidelity DEM simulations, exhibits enhanced predictive accuracy and generalization capabilities across various materials and granular collapse scenarios. Methodologically, the study contrasts the GNS approach with conventional Design of Experiment (DoE) methods, highlighting its enhanced computational efficiency and dynamic optimization capacity for complex parameter interactions in granular flows. The results demonstrate the GNS method superiority over the DoE in terms of computational speed and handling intricate parameter relationships. This work offers an advancement in computational techniques for granular flow studies, showing the potential of using differential simulations for realistic problems.
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    A roadmap for model-based bioprocess development
    (Elsevier Inc., 2024-05-22) Mu’azzam, Khadija; da Silva, Francisco Vitor Santos; Murtagh, Jason; Sousa Gallagher, Maria Jose
    The bioprocessing industry is undergoing a significant transformation in its approach to quality assurance, shifting from the traditional Quality by Testing (QbT) to Quality by Design (QbD). QbD, a systematic approach to quality in process development, integrates quality into process design and control, guided by regulatory frameworks. This paradigm shift enables increased operational efficiencies, reduced market time, and ensures product consistency. The implementation of QbD is framed around key elements such as defining the Quality Target Product Profile (QTPPs), identifying Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs), developing Design Spaces (DS), establishing Control Strategies (CS), and maintaining continual improvement. The present critical analysis delves into the intricacies of each element, emphasizing their role in ensuring consistent product quality and regulatory compliance. The integration of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), and Digital Twins (DTs), is significantly transforming the bioprocessing industry. These innovations enable real-time data analysis, predictive modelling, and process optimization, which are crucial elements in QbD implementation. Among these, the concept of DTs is notable for its ability to facilitate bi-directional data communication and enable real-time adjustments and therefore optimize processes. DTs, however, face implementation challenges such as system integration, data security, and hardware-software compatibility. These challenges are being addressed through advancements in AI, Virtual Reality/ Augmented Reality (VR/AR), and improved communication technologies. Central to the functioning of DTs is the development and application of various models of differing types – mechanistic, empirical, and hybrid. These models serve as the intellectual backbone of DTs, providing a framework for interpreting and predicting the behaviour of their physical counterparts. The choice and development of these models are vital for the accuracy and efficacy of DTs, enabling them to mirror and predict the real-time dynamics of bioprocessing systems. Complementing these models, advancements in data collection technologies, such as free-floating wireless sensors and spectroscopic sensors, enhance the monitoring and control capabilities of DTs, providing a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the bioprocessing environment. This review offers a critical analysis of the prevailing trends in model-based bioprocessing development within the sector.
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    Traditional and contemporary eco-cosmologies within Western and Christian traditions: Green shoots for integral and integrative sustainability transformation
    (Sage Publications, 2024-02-06) Byrne, Edmond P.
    This article traces persistent and important counter-narratives within Western and Christian traditions, which correlate more closely with many indigenous worldviews from across the globe than with dominant narratives from across these traditions. It posits that a paradigmatic transformation is required toward an integral and integrative eco-cosmology, one that embraces cosmic interconnection and complexity. This may emerge from green shoots emanating from a diverse range of traditions, including, importantly, from within the dominant Western tradition.
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    Participatory methods in energy system modelling and planning – a review
    (Elsevier, 2021) McGookin, Connor; Ó Gallachóir, Brian P.; Byrne, Edmond P.; Science Foundation Ireland; ESB Networks; National Science Foundation
    This paper presents a systematic review of participatory methods used in energy system modelling and planning. It draws on a compiled database of fifty-nine studies at a local, regional, and national level detailing analysis on full energy systems down to sectors, modes, and single technologies. The initial aim of the paper is to consolidate and present this growing body of literature, providing a clear understanding of which stakeholder groups have been engaged and what methods have been used to link stakeholder engagement with quantitative analysis. On from this, the progress to date in democratising key decision-making processes is discussed, reflecting on the benefits and challenges of a participatory approach, as well as highlighting gaps within the current body of literature. During the review, two differing spatial levels at subnational (cities, municipalities, or regions) and national scale emerged as separate groups for analysis. A clear distinction between the two groups was the motivation for involving stakeholders. At a subnational level, researchers hoping to build local capacity to bring about real-world change engaged with community representatives, whereas national level studies concerned with generating more impactful energy policy measures involved industry, policymaking, and academic experts. One key finding from the review was that only ten out of the fifty-nine studies reviewed noted some form of collaboration with non-academic stakeholders, and moreover 36% of studies involved just a single interaction with participants. This indicates a lack of progress to date in process democratisation within energy system modelling and planning research.
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    Systematically reviewing the use of participatory methods in energy system modelling and planning literature
    (Elsevier B.V., 2022-01) McGookin, Connor; Ó Gallachóir, Brian P.; Byrne, Edmond P.; Science Foundation Ireland; ESB Networks; National Science Foundation
    This article outlines the systematic review process undertaken to identify what progress has been made on the integration of participatory methods into energy system modelling and planning. As an emergent field that combines technical / social sciences, it presented a couple of interesting challenges. Firstly, the issue of language emerged as there is a wide range of different terms that may be used to refer to both the involvement of stakeholders in research and energy system modelling and planning tools. This required careful consideration of the research questions and search criteria during the initial scoping exercise. On from this, a conceptual framing of what a meaningful stakeholder participation involves was developed to help define the criteria for inclusion in this study and assess the literature to date. Finally, in synthesizing the literature reviewed to provide an overview of the field, several creative data visualizations were produced. * Systematic review process customized to identify literature covering the integration of participatory methods and energy system modelling and planning tools. * Conceptual framework developed to define criteria for inclusion in the compiled database.