Browsing by Author "Godoy Faúndez, Alex"
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Item A combined photovoltaic and novel renewable energy system: An optimized techno-economic analysis for mining industry applications(01/04/2017) Vyhmeister, Eduardo; Muñoz, Cristina Aleixendri; Bermúdez, José Miguel; Pina Moya, Javier; Fúnez Guerra, Carlos; Rodríguez Mayor, Lourdes; Godoy Faúndez, Alex; Higueras, Pablo; Clemente-Jul, Carmen; Valdés-González, Héctor; Reyes-Bozo, LorenzoThe productivity of the mining industry in Chile, currently the main driver of Chilean economy, is closely tied to foreign demand for ores. Ore-processing is known for involving energy–intensive processes, such as comminution, concentrating and cathodic processes. As mining activities take place in the arid north of Chile, they are affected by water scarcity. Water shortage has forced the industry to pump desalinated seawater up to mining sites over 2000 m above sea level, further increasing electricity consumption. Given these energy needs, and the fact that electrical energy supply in the north of Chile is based on fossil fuels, it is important to consider the use of renewable energies as environment-friendly and economic alternatives. The aim of this work is to evaluate, by an optimized techno-economic analysis, the use of photovoltaic and a novel wind-based technology to supply at least 10% of the current and the predicted electrical energy requirements of the mining industry in the Antofagasta region. A combination of an optimization problem and technical evaluation was performed using Matlab to obtain the optimal number of solar and wind-based technology units in a case study. Total energy generation from a novel wind-based technology unit is 67,616 MWh/y, corresponding to 14.45·106 Nm3 (1298 t) of hydrogen and 7.41·106 Nm3(10,323 t) of oxygen after electrolytical transformation. Considering a 65% efficiency of the combined cycle fed with hydrogen and oxygen, 28,133 MWh/y of electrical energy would be obtained. For the cases studied the cost of energy from the combined system was estimated to be between 0.255 US$/kWh and 0.273 US$/kWh, slightly higher than the average energy regional cost. According to the analysis, the renewable energy system could be a sustainable alternative to supply economic green energy to the mining industry in Chile.Item Adsorption of biosolids and their main components on chalcopyrite, molybdenite and pyrite: Zeta potential and FTIR spectroscopy studies(2015) Reyes-Bozo, Lorenzo; Escudey, Mauricio; Vyhmeister, Eduardo; Higueras, Pablo; Godoy Faúndez, Alex; Salazar, José Luis; Valdés-González, Héctor; Wolf-Sepúlveda, German; Herrera-Urbina, RonaldoZeta potential measurements were used to assess the electrokinetic characteristics of chalcopyrite, molybdenite and pyrite in the presence of biosolids and their main components (humic acids, glucose and serum albumin) as well as a commercial collector (Aero 6697). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was then used to gain a deeper understanding of the interaction of these compounds with these sulfide minerals. It aims to achieve a better understanding of the surface chemistry of sulfide-water interfaces that improve froth flotation at industrial scale in the step of copper sulfide ore concentration. Zeta potential results show that hydrogen and hydroxide ions are potential determining ions for each sulfide mineral studied. The addition of 50 g/t biosolids or all the other chemicals used in this investigation shift the isoelectric point of chalcopyrite. Under the same conditions, only humic acid significantly affects the zeta potential of molybdenite, making it more negative in the pH range investigated, and shifting its isoelectric point about 6 pH units. These compounds seem to have a poor affinity with pyrite surfaces because their zeta potential is slightly modified. FTIR spectroscopy characterization shows that biosolids and their main components can interact with chalcopyrite, molydenite and pyrite surfaces through a complex mechanism involving chemical or physical linkages. The results reported here seem to indicate that biosolids may be used as new environment-friendly froth flotation agents to concentrate copper and molybdenum sulfide minerals. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Item Análisis multiobjetivo mediante simulación y optimización con objetivos logísticos y ambientales de una urgencia hospitalaria(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Ingeniería, 2018) Huenunguir Benavides, Haydeé; Baesler A., Felipe; Godoy Faúndez, AlexItem Assessment of the floatability of chalcopyrite, molybdenite and pyrite using biosolids and their main components as collectors for greening the froth flotation of copper sulphide ores(2014) Reyes-Bozo, Lorenzo; Higueras, Pablo; Godoy Faúndez, Alex; Sobarzo, Francisco; Sáez-Navarrete, César; Vásquez-Bestagno, Jorge; Herrera-Urbina, RonaldoBiosolids and representative compounds of their main components – humic acids, sugars, and proteins – have been tested as possible environment-friendly collectors and frothers for the flotation of copper sulphide ores. The floatability of chalcopyrite and molybdenite – both valuable sulphide minerals present in these ores – as well as non-valuable pyrite was assessed through Hallimond tube flotation tests. Humic acids exhibit similar collector ability for chalcopyrite and molybdenite as that of a commercial collector (Aero 6697 promoter). Biosolids show more affinity for pyrite. The copper recovery (85.9%) and copper grade (6.7%) of a rougher concentrate obtained using humic acids as main collector for the flotation of a copper sulphide ore from Chile, were very similar to those of a copper concentrate produced by froth flotation under the same conditions with a xanthate type commercial collector. This new and feasible end-use of biosolids and humic acids should be new environment-friendly organic froth flotation agents for greening the concentration of copper sulphide ore. Now, further research is needed in order to scale current laboratory assays to operational mining scales to determine efficiencies to industrial scale.Item Call to Action: Supporting Latin American Early Career Researchers on the Quest for Sustainable Development in the Region(2021) López-Verges, Sandra; Valiente-Echeverría, Fernando; Godoy Faúndez, Alex; Fernández Rivas, David; Urbani, Bernardo; Berger, José; Carmona-Mora, PaulinaItem Desechos de la industria solar: factibilidad de la implementación de plantas de reciclaje en Chile(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Ingeniería, 2022) Matus Lizana, Paola Andrea; Bustos Salvagno, Ricardo; Godoy Faúndez, AlexEl rápido crecimiento de la capacidad instalada de energía fotovoltaica que ha tenido Chile en los últimos años, sumado al gran potencial solar que el norte del país posee y a las metas que el sector energético se ha puesto al 2030 configuran el escenario propicio para comenzar a evaluar cómo se gestionaran el flujo de residuos solares. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la Factibilidad de implementación de una planta de reciclaje de paneles solares en Chile. Para lograrlo se realiza una revisión bibliográfica y se identifican métodos de reciclaje identificando sus operaciones unitarias y cuantificando los flujos de material del método downcycling y upcycling, a través de balances de masa y teniendo como entrada la proyección de residuos FV que tendrá Chile al 2050. Además, se realiza una evaluación económica preliminar con factores de costos e ingresos extraídos de bibliografía para ambos métodos. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos se puede indicar que es factible la implementación de una planta de reciclaje, donde el downcycling tiene su mayor ingreso en la recuperación de marco de aluminio y el método upcycling en la obtención de vidrio limpio y metales valiosos Esto significaría que Chile debe desarrollar una industria de reciclaje fotovoltaico, considerando una gestión y logística sustentable y realizando una evaluación ambiental y social de los procesos.Item Distributional impacts of climate change on basin communities: an integrated modeling approach(2017) Ponce Oliva, Roberto; Fernández, Francisco; Stehr, Alejandra; Vásquez Lavín, Felipe; Godoy Faúndez, AlexAgriculture is one of the most vulnerable economic sectors to the impacts of climate change, specifically those related with expected changes in water availability. By using a hydro-economic model, this study assesses the distributional impacts of climate change, considering the geographical location of each farmer’s community and the spatial allocation of water resources at basin scale. A hydrological model, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool model, describes the basin hydrology, while farmers’ economic responses are represented using a non-linear agricultural supply model. We simulated a reduction in both water endowment—by perturbing the hydrologic model with a regionalized climate change scenario—and agricultural yields, in order to assess the behavior of farmers’ communities. We also assessed the effectiveness of a water policy aimed at decreasing the vulnerability of farmers’ communities to climate change. At the aggregated level we found relatively small impacts, consistent with the existent literature. However, we found large distributive impacts among both farmer’s communities and agricultural activities. The water policy showed to be effective to reduce those impacts, but our results suggest the existence of unwanted effects on rainfed agriculture, as in some communities the level of income decreases when the policy is implemented.Item Effect of biosolids and their main components in the concentration of copper sulphide ores(2014) Godoy Faúndez, Alex; Reyes-Bozo, Lorenzo; León Higueras, Pablo; Herrera-Urbina, RonaldoThe copper mining industry in Chile and perhaps in other countries as well is faced with the challenge to implement the best practices in order to achieve a sustainable and more environmentfriendly growth. Relationships between mining industry and society have been historically complex due to its environmental impacts. Whereas the ore grade has declined continuously, this has involved an intensive energy and water consumption thus increasing operational costs at different stages of the concentration process. In the case of copper sulphide ore concentration, froth flotation is the main technology used worldwide. The amount of the different chemical reagents used in flotation plants (i.e., collectors, depressants, frothers and modifiers) affects significantly production costs and has a negative effect on the environment as well. The objective of this research work was to evaluate the use of biosolids and their main components (i.e., glucose, proteins and humic substances) as more environment-friendly flotation collectors for chalcopyrite and molybdenite. For this purpose, microflotation tests were conducted in a modified Hallimond tube. In addition, FTIR and zeta potential experiments were performed to investigate the interaction of biosolids with these sulphide minerals. Biosolids and their main components may interact through physical and chemical ways due to different affinities with such sulphide minerals as chalcopyrite, pyrite and molybdenite, which are present in copper sulphide ores. In alkaline pHs, biosolids and their main components make the zeta potential of the sulphide minerals investigated more negative. These results may provide important information concerning the behavior of the main sulphide minerals in the concentration of copper sulphide ores at industrial scale, wherein mill processes could affect their surfaces properties. Therefore, biosolids and their main components may open an opportunity to be used in copper sulphide flotation plants to partially replace conventional reagents, which are more hazardous and less environment-friendly.Item Environmental outcomes: Linking social and economic issues(2012) Godoy Faúndez, Alex; Hernando, Andrés; Correa, C; Reyes, LConcepts like environmental convservation, sustainability and sustainable development are not currently considered primary concerns in most of Latin-America and the Caribbean. This omission can partly be attributed to the lack of environmental history in this area. By the 1950s, the concept of environmental conservation was introduced to our legal and technical vocabulary due to influences of conservationism associated with academic-intellectual national elites. These elites formed an eco-spiritual movement closer to socialism ideology than to eco-centric ideas, as a natural outcome of the late 60s and early 70s culture. The military governments, which took power during the 70s and 80s, persecuted people associated with socialist ideologies, resulting in a dispersal of members and ideas resulting in the loss of environmental concepts and ideas for over 10 years. The economic reforms of the 1980s and the adoption of the neoliberal paradigm increased the importance of the exploitation of natural resources. These reforms increased economic development yet led to the concern regarding the environmental impacts. As a response a new institutional network was created. New institutions allowed the establishment of various institutes and centers that funded research as a response to the neoliberal economic model. Introducing ecological concepts, their main concern was the indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources. The focus was mainly on profits and environmental issues related to agriculture and mining resources (Vallejos, J.P.; 1994). During the 1990s, new intellectuals associated with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) emerged. The focus was for the promotion of democracy and social justice, rescuing their social influence from the original socialist thinking. This also meant a turning point in the collective conscience about the environment by introducing a social component, Nevertheless, environmental concern was often used according to their personal agendas. The "institutionalization" created by new intellectuals disappointed with the socialist approach and instrumentalization, adopted equality issues and development concern thus putting an end to its ideological use. However, it is acknowledged that these trends have set the overall development of the new legal institutions, which, since the return to democracy and the incorporation of highly technical professionals to high public positions and private management, led to the passing of laws such as Law on Environmental Framework Law No. 19,300 in Chile.Item Estimation of Yield Response Factor for Each Growth Stage under Local Conditions Using AquaCrop-OS(2020) Kuschel-Otárola, Mathias; Schütze, Niels; Holzapfel, Eduardo; Godoy Faúndez, Alex; Mialyk, Oleksandr; Rivera, DiegoWe propose a methodology to estimate the yield response factor (i.e., the slope of the water-yield function) under local conditions for a given crop, weather, sowing date, and management at each growth stage using AquaCrop-OS. The methodology was applied to three crops (maize, sugar beet, and wheat) and four soil types (clay loam, loam, silty clay loam, and silty loam), considering three levels of bulk density: low, medium, and high. Yields are estimated for different weather and management scenarios using a problem-specific algorithm for optimal irrigation scheduling with limited water supply (GET-OPTIS). Our results show a good agreement between benchmarking (mathematical approach) and benchmark (estimated by AquaCrop-OS) using the Normalised Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE), allowing us to estimate reliable yield response factors ( Ky ) under local conditions and to dispose of the typical simple mathematical approach, which estimates the yield reduction as a result of water scarcity at each growth stage.Item Estrategia de control en el área de caustificación, caso de estudio planta de pulpa de celulosa chilena: implementación de un sistema de control automático(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Ingeniería, 2023) Irarrázabal Durán, Felipe Ignacio; Godoy Faúndez, Alex; Valdés González, Héctor; Reyes Bozo, Lorenzo; Salazar N., José LuisEste trabajo presenta la implementación realizada a través de una estrategia de control automático de sistemas, utilizada en el proceso de caustificación de una planta de pulpa de celulosa chilena, en el contexto de obtener mejoras en el control de la operación y una disminución la variabilidad dentro del mismo. El objetivo de este trabajo es implementar un sistema de control sobre variables continuas de proceso, para pasar de un modo de control manual a automático manteniendo rangos de control aceptables en la causticidad y disminuyendo la variabilidad dentro de la operación. Para lograrlo se estudia la forma de control actual y la estabilidad entregada por el mismo, a través de un análisis estadístico que refleje el desempeño del área y que en base a la implementación de un sistema de control PID pase desde un control manual existente a uno automático en base a experiencias obtenidas de la literatura para la implementación de la estrategia de control experimental en la industria. Los datos muestran que el proceso operado de forma manual tiene una media de 83,16% de eficiencia caustica, una desviación estándar de 1,43%, se observa que una vez implementado el control automático la media disminuye a 82,23% y la desviación estándar disminuye a 1,19%. Se concluye dada la evidencia estadística que una vez implementado el control de operación en automático el proceso logra entrar en el rango definido a como media y disminuir si variabilidad medida a través de la desviación estándar.Item Estrategia de la industria cementera para adaptación a exigencias tributarias de carbono neutralidad(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Ingeniería, 2022) Arndt González, Diana Teresa Jesús; Godoy Faúndez, Alex; Bustos Salvagno, RicardoProntamente la industria cementera se encontrará dentro de los sujetos afectos a pago de impuesto verde por emisiones de CO2 generadas en sus respectivos hornos de clinker. Por otro lado, actualmente se encuentran en desarrollo otras normativas, las cuales implicarán la entrada en vigencia de instrumentos de precio al carbono adicionales. Considerando esta realidad, el objetivo de la presente investigación es definir la estrategia que debe adoptar la Industria Cementera a nivel nacional para adaptarse a nuevas exigencias tributarias en materia de carbono neutralidad. Para lograr lo anterior, se ha aplicado un enfoque mixto con el objetivo de medir la implicancia económica del impuesto verde en una planta tipo con operación vigente en el país, para posteriormente recabar información con distintos expertos en la materia, sobre la operatividad futura de instrumentos de precio al carbono. Finalmente, esta investigación, en base a literatura específica junto con la recomendación experta de los entrevistados, propone en líneas generales la estrategia que debe adoptar la industria. Los principales resultados obtenidos, es que la entrada en vigencia del impuesto verde representa un factor importante que afecta la rentabilidad de las empresas cementeras a nivel nacional. Existirán nuevos instrumentos de precio al carbono que entrarán en vigencia años próximos. La industria cementera requiere una estrategia de descarbonización para garantizar la sostenibilidad de sus operaciones. Palabras clave: Impuestos verdes, cemento, clinker, precio al carbono, descarbonizaciónItem Evaluación del Reporte de la Sustentabilidad Corporativa en Chile 2015(Universidad del Desarrollo, 2016) Echeverría Valenzuela, Cristián; Godoy Faúndez, Alex; Rossell Landaeta, Jomaris; Echeverría Valenzuela, Cristián; Godoy Faúndez, Alex; Rossell Landaeta, JomarisA partir de la recopilación y sistematización de la información disponible para las empresas del IPSA en sus estados financieros y sus notas, memorias anuales, informes de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial, informes de sustentabilidad corporativa, páginas web y otros documentos, evaluamos el grado de reporte de la sustentabilidad corporativa de acuerdo a los lineamientos del estándar GRI G4. Incorporamos en esta evaluación, las percepciones sociales así como las percepciones de un panel de expertos nacionales en sustentabilidad, medidas a través de encuestas ad hoc, respecto de la importancia y el impacto, respectivamente, de un numero de prácticas empresariales directamente relacionadas a las diferentes dimensiones y subdimensiones de la sustentabilidad corporativa. Nuestro análisis y evaluación de la información publicada por las propias empresas del IPSA sobre su sustentabilidad corporativa, nos permitió constatar que en promedio estas reportan aproximadamente la tercera parte de los aspectos, variables e indicadores incluidos en los lineamientos GRI G4Item Exploring soil databases: a self-organizing map approach(2015) Rivera, Diego; Sandoval, Marcos; Godoy Faúndez, AlexA soil quality database (SQDB) is a collection of soil samples described by a given set of parameters, allowing farmers, scientists and other stakeholders to make informed decisions about practices, processes and policies for soil use and management. If each parameter is considered as a dimension of the space spanned by the SQDB, extracting information becomes a difficult task when the number of parameters is >3. A widely used approach to explore multidimensional data sets is the self-organizing map (SOM) method, which is suitable for clustering, visualization and extraction of information from multidimensional data. We applied the SOM method as an exploratory technique to an unlabelled SQDB to extract knowledge - data patterns and data associations - from the data set (the time and location of each sample were unknown). The SQDB used in this study is a set of 1240 unlabelled samples within the Central Valley of Chile, covering ca 7500km(2). The predominant soils are Andisols with a large organic matter content (7-12%), small bulk densities (0.6-1.0g/cm(3)) and large water-holding capacity. We identified three patterns: (i) isolated region within the map with close neurons (smooth transitions), (ii) two or more regions with predominantly large or small values and (iii) homogeneous map with small values with an isolated region of large values. These patterns show that the data set represented more than two groups that were not necessarily related. For pH, no important associations with other investigated parameters were observed. Previous studies carried out by the local agricultural research station showed that pH values below 5.5 constrain nutrient uptake. Thus, locations presenting pH<5,5 should be subject to seasonal monitoring to assess management practices that mitigate soil acidity. The component plane for organic matter indicates that ca. 50% of the soil samples had contents <8% related to soil series characteristics and management practices. As the k-means is initialized by random partitions, the two-step approach (clustering the map representing the input data) is less sensitive to variations in the input data (subsamples) than is the direct application of k-means to the input data, but it also reduces the computational cost. The ability of SOMs to visualize multidimensional data sets helps gain an understanding of the data in the exploratory phase, such as the association and integration of physical, chemical and biological parameters.Item Exploring the Roles of Local Mobility Patterns, Socioeconomic Conditions, and Lockdown Policies in Shaping the Patterns of COVID-19 Spread(2021) Herrera, Mauricio; Godoy Faúndez, AlexThe COVID-19 crisis has shown that we can only prevent the risk of mass contagion through timely, large-scale, coordinated, and decisive actions. This pandemic has also highlighted the critical importance of generating rigorous evidence for decision-making, and actionable insights from data, considering further the intricate web of causes and drivers behind observed patterns of contagion diffusion. Using mobility, socioeconomic, and epidemiological data recorded throughout the pandemic development in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, we seek to understand the observed patterns of contagion. We characterize human mobility patterns during the pandemic through different mobility indices and correlate such patterns with the observed contagion diffusion, providing data-driven models for insights, analysis, and inferences. Through these models, we examine some effects of the late application of mobility restrictions in high-income urban regions that were affected by high contagion rates at the beginning of the pandemic. Using augmented synthesis control methods, we study the consequences of the early lifting of mobility restrictions in low-income sectors connected by public transport to high-risk and high-income communes. The Santiago Metropolitan Region is one of the largest Latin American metropolises with features that are common to large cities. Therefore, it can be used as a relevant case study to unravel complex patterns of the spread of COVID-19.Item Greening Chilean copper mining operations through industrial ecology strategies(2014) Reyes-Bozo, Lorenzo; Godoy Faúndez, Alex; Herrera-Urbina, Ronaldo; Higueras, Pablo; Salazar, José Luis; Valdés-González, Héctor; Vyhmeister, Eduardo; Antizar-Ladislao, BlancaSawdust was used as cheap sorbent for the remediation of a diesel and oil fuel-contaminated mining soil whereas biosolids were evaluated as collectors and frothers in froth flotation of copper sulphide ores. The use of these waste materials in copper sulphide ore mining and mineral processing may have a positive impact on the cleaner production of copper from its natural raw sources and may decrease the deleterious effect that mining operations have on the environment. Mixtures of oil fuel contaminated mining soil and sawdust were treated in an aerobic reactor at 50.0% humidity for several days. A significant decrease (over 60.0%) of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) content in these mixtures was obtained after one-month of treatment. Rougher flotation of copper sulphide ores using biosolids – from wastewater treatment plants – and humic acids – a component of biosolids – as collector and frother yielded a copper sulphide concentrate with a copper grade and copper recovery of 0.8% and 26.0%, and 3.5% and 29.7%, respectively. Biosolids and humic acids have shown to be potential candidates to partially substitute traditional organic chemicals used in industrial flotation of copper sulphide ores. This possibility opens up an alternative for greening copper sulphide ore flotation by using more environment-friendly flotation reagents. Based on these results, a conceptual model based on industrial ecology and cleaner production principles is proposed for greening the overall copper sulphide ore processing.Item Herramientas de estrategia de relacionamiento comunitario para una empresa extractiva en el contexto de la escasez hídrica(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Ingeniería, 2022) Acuña Mendoza, Tania; Godoy Faúndez, AlexEste trabajo analiza los elementos que contribuyen a la obtención de la licencia social para operar en zonas bajo escasez hídrica. El objetivo de este estudio es identificar herramientas para el desarrollo de la estrategia de relacionamiento comunitario de una empresa extractiva, en pos de la obtención de la licencia social para operar en el contexto de la escasez hídrica. Para lograrlo, se empleó una metodología mixta. Primero se realizó un análisis cualitativo basado en la exploración documental de los factores que influyen en la obtención de la licencia social para operar en diferentes actividades económicas. Luego, se diseñaron preguntas para entrevistas semiestructuradas en una muestra por conveniencia, de colaboradores pertenecientes a una empresa extractiva de agua. Se propone un modelo causal que identifica las relaciones de causa y efecto entre los elementos que influyen en la obtención de la licencia social para operar en territorios con problemas de disponibilidad de agua. El análisis de la evidencia presentada muestra que las variables que deben ser consideradas dentro de la elaboración de la estrategia de relacionamiento comunitario de una empresa extractiva son la elaboración de narrativas adecuadas conforme a la comprensión del contexto de la red de partes interesadas - considerando las necesidades de las comunidades-, la legitimidad de las actividades de la industria, la optimización de la gestión hídrica realizada por la organización y la calidad de la comunicación entre la empresa y la compañía. Este estudio concluye que, para que las comunidades otorguen una licencia social para operar de cara a la disminución del agua en los territorios, es importante que las empresas consideren, dentro de sus estrategias de relacionamiento comunitario, elementos que les permita que las partes interesas desarrollen la comprensión y aprendizaje de los impactos ocasionados por la industria, mediante la el desarrollo de narrativas de comunicación adecuadas al contexto de cada grupo de interés.Item Legal disputes as a proxy for regional conflicts over water rights in Chile(2016) Rivera, Diego; Godoy Faúndez, Alex; Lillo, Mario; Alvez, Amaya; Delgado, Verónica; Gonzalo-Martín, Consuelo; Menasalvas, Ernestina; Costumero, Roberto; García-Pedrero, AngelWater demand and climate variability increases competition and tension between water users agricultural, industrial, mining, hydropower- and local communities. Since 1981, the Water Code has regulated water allocation through private individual property rights, fostering markets as the distribution mechanism among users. When legal conflicts occur between parties, it is the responsibility of the courts to settle the conflict. The aim of this research is twofold: first, to apply a geographical approach by mapping water conflicts using legal disputes reaching the higher courts as a proxy for conflict intensity and second, to explain the diversity of water disputes and how they vary regionally. We built a representative database with a sample of 1000 legal records corresponding to decisions issued by the Supreme Court and 17 courts of appeal throughout the country from 1981 to 2014. For geo-tagging, all records were transformed to plain text and analyzed to find words matching the entries of a geographical thesaurus, allowing records to be linked to geographical locations. The geo-tagging algorithm is capable of automatically populating a searchable database. Several maps were constructed using a color scale to visualize conflict intensity. Legal disputes represent different types of conflicts among water users, such as competition between agriculture and hydropower. Processed data allowed the identification of the regional variation of conflicts. The spatial pattern for the intensity of conflicts related to specific sections of the Water Code is explained in terms of the main geographical, climatic and productive characteristics of Chile. Geo-tagging legal records shows a strong potential to understand and define regional variation of water conflicts. However, data availability would become a barrier if measures to improve data management were not taken. Regarding the institutional framework, the same regulations for water management rules are applied throughout the highly diverse ecosystems of the country, impeding the resolution of conflicts that are strongly related to the local geographical context. This leads to a collision of interests and visions around water resources of both a public and private, extractive and non-extractive uses, national, and international nature of individuals, aboriginal communities, and corporations, especially mining industries. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Item Life cycle assessment of macroalgae cultivation and processing for biofuel production(2014) Aitken, Douglas; Bulboa, Cristian; Godoy Faúndez, Alex; Turrion-Gomez, Juan L.; Antizar-Ladislao, Blanca;There has been a recent resurgence in research investigating bioenergy production from algal biomass due to the potential environmental benefits in comparison to conventional bioenergy crops and conventional fossil fuels. This life cycle assessment (LCA) considered the energy return and environmental impacts of the cultivation and processing of macroalgae (seaweed) to bioethanol and biogas with a particular focus on specific species (Gracilaria chilensis and Macrocystis pyrifera) and cultivation methods (bottom planting and long-line cultivation). The study was based mainly upon data obtained from research conducted in Chile but the results can be applied to other locations where similar cultivation is feasible. Speculative data were also included to test promising data obtained from research. The results suggested that using base case conditions the production of both bioethanol and biogas from bottom planted Gracilaria chilensis was the most sustainable option due to the low input method of cultivation. Using new advances in cultivation and processing methods of long-line cultivatedMacrocystis pyrifera however resulted in a much more sustainable source of bioenergy. If these methods can be proven on a large scale, the generation of bioenergy from macroalgae could be highly competitive in terms of its sustainability compared to alternative feedstocks. Future research should bear in mind that the results of this study should however be considered highly optimistic given the early stage of research.Item Mecanismo público-privado para direccionar un cambio de calefacción en la ciudad de Coyhaique(Universidad del Desarrollo. Facultad de Ingeniería, 2022) Martínez Vásquez, Catalina Ester; Bustos Salvagno, Javier; Godoy Faúndez, AlexEste trabajo, presenta una propuesta de mecanismo público-privado, para disminuir la contaminación atmosférica que afecta la salud y el medio ambiente de los habitantes de la ciudad de Coyhaique, donde uno de los planes para descontaminar y reducir las emisiones es la conversión energética. El objetivo de esta investigación es proponer el diseño de una herramienta metodológica o de servicio, que facilite y motive el cambio de combustión de leña a electricidad. Para lograrlo, se realizó un análisis cualitativo a través de una entrevista semi-estructurada, que reconoce las variables que motivan un cambio de calefacción, las cuales se utilizan en la creación de arquetipos de consumidores, para analizar las soluciones que requiere el tipo de usuario de calefacción de la ciudad de Coyhaique. Los datos muestran que, para generar un cambio en la utilización de calefacción a leña por eléctrica, se debe considerar el desarrollo de distintas variables de forma conjunta, donde las personas demandan un servicio de calefacción económico que les garantice confort térmico. En conclusión, la propuesta es que una consultora experta en eficiencia energética, diseñe una metodología para construir un sistema de calefacción eficiente para las viviendas y/o empresas.