Keynotes TU Dresden

Best Practices for Achieving Success with the Journal Peer Review Process

Alice E. Smith, Auburn University

Abstract: 

This seminar will give an overview of the typical scholarly journal structure and reviewing process.  Best practices for becoming involved as a reviewer and accomplishing the reviews will be given.  Journal rankings and choosing an appropriate journal are also topics.  The components of a typical scholarly paper are discussed in turn and writing papers that facilitate acceptance will be examined.  Handling reviews effectively will also be covered including the steps of revision, responding to reviewers, and publicizing your accepted paper.  Ethical practices in reviewing and publishing are an important part of this workshop.  Finally, tips for becoming involved in editorial positions are outlined.  This talk is designed to help graduate students and newer faculty members to engage the academic journal system productively. 

Surface Coal Mine Production Scheduling under Time-of-Use Power Rates

Alexandra Newman, Colorado School of Mines

Abstract:

Mining operations, similar to those in other heavy-industry applications, such as steel-making, are energy intensive. To offset power requirements, renewable energy use on active and reclaimed mine lands has increased dramatically. In concert, mining companies have begun to focus on increasing efficiencies, reducing carbon emissions, and developing sustainable mining practices. We first review opportunities for renewable energy integration; then, we elucidate the challenges (including those associated with the power grid) of doing so; and, finally, we examine the possibility of considering electricity usage and demand during the production scheduling process to capitalize on these alternative energy sources and to take advantage of favorable pricing strategies.  Utilizing real data from an active coal mine with electric equipment, we show the impacts of: (i) seasonal power price fluctuations on a medium-term production schedule; and, (ii) hourly power price fluctuations on a short-term extraction schedule. Results reveal economic potential both for: (i) the integration of renewable energy sources on reclaimed and active mine lands; and, (ii) the corresponding synchronization of a production schedule with time-of-use energy pricing contracts.