A model predictive control approach for the Italian LBE-XADS

In this paper, model predictive control (MPC) is applied to the Italian 80 MW_th experimental accelerator driven system (XADS), referring to a simple, non-linear model for the dynamic simulation of the plant, which has been developed and described in a previous work [A. Cammi, L. Luzzi, A.A. Porta, M.E. Ricotti, Prog. Nucl. Energ. 48 (2006) 578], in order to describe the interactions among the different subsystems: i.e., the accelerator-core coupling, the lead bismuth eutectic (LBE) primary system, the secondary system with diathermic oil and air coolers batteries, which reject the thermal power to the environment. Hereinafter, a model predictive controller is proposed, with the objective to minimize the difference between the average temperature of the diathermic oil and its reference value, while also minimizing the variations of the control input, which is the air coolers mass flow rate. The dynamic response of the LBE-XADS has been evaluated with reference to a reduction of 20% in the reactor power from nominal load conditions: this transient is very demanding for the overall plant, nevertheless the obtained results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.     

Analysis of the thermal behaviour of a low cost,single-family,more sustainable house in Porto Alegre,Brazil

Efforts have been made in Brazil to improve the thermal performance of low-cost buildings. Since 1997 studies on low-cost housing have been developed by Núcleo Orientado para a Inovação da Edificação, the construction sector of the Engineering College of the Rio Grande do Sul University, Brazil. In 2000 a prototype of a low-cost house was built on the university campus. This prototype has undergone several evaluations in an attempt to assess its thermal and environmental performance, like: energy consumption, rainwater harvesting, use of sustainably managed wood for window frames and doors, besides a detailed accounting of overall costs. The thermal performance of the house was monitored, by recording outdoor and indoor air temperatures and relative humidity, over the period of whole year. A brief appraisal of such results, as well as the annual heating and cooling degree-hours are presented. Daily swings in outdoor are a common climatic event in Porto Alegre and the building response to daily temperature swings, greater than 10 K, and hot and cold spells are presented. The results show that the thermal performance of the prototype is fairly satisfactory, considering the limitations of a low-cost house, when artificial heating and cooling is not affordable.     

Practical poissonian-gaussian noise modeling and fitting for single-image raw-data

We present a simple and usable noise model for the raw-data of digital imaging sensors. This signal-dependent noise model, which gives the pointwise standard-deviation of the noise as a function of the expectation of the pixel raw-data output, is composed of a Poissonian part, modeling the photon sensing, and Gaussian part, for the remaining stationary disturbances in the output data. We further explicitly take into account the clipping of the data (over- and under-exposure), faithfully reproducing the nonlinear response of the sensor. We propose an algorithm for the fully automatic estimation of the model parameters given a single noisy image. Experiments with synthetic images and with real raw-data from various sensors prove the practical applicability of the method and the accuracy of the proposed model.     

Single-stage current-fed DC-DC converter with time-sharing controlof output voltage and input current

A single-stage current-fed DC/DC power converter structure and control strategy for simultaneous control of output voltage and current flowing in the input inductor are described. This configuration is suitable for high power-density applications because it results in reduced converter size and power loss. A very fast control-to-output response is obtained, together with stable operation even for large load and reference variations. Static and dynamic converter performances are investigated and design criteria given. Experimental results obtained on a prototype are also reported     

Electrodeposition of nanostructured bioactive hydroxyapatite-heparin composite coatings on titanium for dental implant applications

In this paper we describe the one-pot fabrication of hydroxyapatite (HA)-heparin composites by electrodeposition onto Ti substrates and their characterisation in terms of structure, morphology, heparin content and bioactivity. HA coatings are well known and widely applied osteointegration enhancers, but post-implant healing rate in dental applications is still suboptimal: e.g. coagulation control plays a key role and the incorporation of an anticoagulant is considered a highly desirable option. In this study, we have developed an improved, simple and robust growth procedure for single-phase, pure HA-heparin films of thickness 1/3 μm. HA-heparin, forming nanowires, has the ideal morphology for bone mineralisation. Staining assays revealed homogeneous incorporation of sizable amounts of heparin in the composite films. The bioactivities of the HA and HA-heparin coatings on Ti were compared by HeLa cell proliferation/viability tests and found to be enhanced by the presence of the anticoagulant.     

Intercomparison campaign of spectroradiometers for a correct estimation of solar spectral irradiance: results and potential impact on photovoltaic devices calibration

This paper describes the results of an intercomparison of spectroradiometers for global and direct normal incidence irradiance in the visible and near‐infrared spectral regions together with an assessment of the impact these results may have on the estimation of the short‐circuit current (I_SC) calibration of photovoltaic devices and on the spectral mismatch calculation. The intercomparison was conducted in the framework of the European project Apollon with the additional participation of external partners from the Italian project for the long‐term monitoring of solar radiation for photovoltaics. Six institutions and six spectroradiometer systems, representing different technologies and manufacturers, were involved. Prior to the intercomparison, all participating partners calibrated their own instrument(s) according to their usual procedures in order to verify the entire measuring and traceability chain. The difference in measured spectra shape and amplitude showed to have an impact on I_SC calculation of less than 3% and less than 6% for single‐junction and multi‐junction devices, respectively. When only the shape of the spectra is considered, the spectral mismatch ranges from 1.7% to 4.7% depending on the spectral response of the device. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A robust deconvolution scheme for fault detection and isolation of uncertain linear systems: an LMI approach

Optimal H_∞ deconvolution filter theory is exploited for the design of robust fault detection and isolation (FDI) units for uncertain polytopic linear systems. Such a filter is synthesized under frequency domain conditions which ensure guaranteed levels of disturbance attenuation, residual decoupling and deconvolution performance in prescribed frequency ranges. By means of the Projection Lemma, a quasi-convex formulation of the problem is obtained via LMIs. A FDI logic based on adaptive thresholds is also proposed for reducing the generation of false alarms. The effectiveness of the design technique is illustrated via a numerical example.     

Selective Complexation and Membrane Transport of Guanidinium Salts by Calix[6]arene Amides

The p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene hexamide 2 and syn-1,3,5–trimethoxy-2,4,6-triamide 4 were synthesized by reaction of α-chloro-N,N-diethylacetamide and the corresponding calix[6]arenes 1 and 3 , respectively. ¹H NMR spectroscopy shows that 2 is a mixture of different conformations whereas 4 is fixed in a cone conformation. Extraction experiments, (S-L) and (H₂O–CDCl₃) with picrate salts, indicate that 2 complexes both alkali metal (1:2 complex) and guanidinium salts (1:1 complex) but 4 complexes only guanidinium (1:1 complex). Incorporated in supported liquid membranes (Accurel^® / o-nitrophenyl n-octyl ether) the calixarenes 2 and 4 transport guanidinium salts. The hexamide 2 is a more efficient carrier of guanidinium but the syn-1,3,5-trimethoxy-2,4,6-triamide 4 is much more selective. Both 2 and 4 are sufficiently lipophilic to give membranes that are stable over longer periods (weeks).     

Process and terminations variations aware stability criteria for microwave amplifiers

Two novel process variations aware, necessary and sufficient conditions suitable for implementation in CAD optimizers are proposed to check amplifiers stability. Case studies are presented, showing that the new criteria allow robust amplifier design, under variation of active device immittance parameters in pre‐specified rectangular regions, due to manufacturing tolerances. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 23: 619–626, 2013.     

Large yacht hull measurement by integrating optical scanning with mechanical tracking-based methodologies

In the shipbuilding industry, the manufacturing of large yacht hulls is a complex process. Metal hulls are traditionally manufactured by welding pre fabricated large steel panels to form the external superstructure. A surface finishing process is then carried out in order to obtain a final target surface having a smooth curvature. The methodologies manly rely on manual processes based on the measurement of the as built hull shape through simple testing instrumentation. Well-experienced workers are required, and a great amount of time is usually wasted, thus affecting the overall shipyard competitiveness.