Solving non-convex economic dispatch problem with valve point effects using modified group search optimizer method

This paper presents a novel solution based on the group search optimizer (GSO) methodology in order to determine the feasible optimal solution of the economic dispatch (ED) problem considering valve loading effects. The basic disadvantage of the original GSO algorithm is the fact that it gives a near-optimal solution rather than an optimal one in a limited runtime period. In this paper, a new modified group search optimizer (MGSO) is presented for improving the scrounger and ranger operators of GSO. The proposed MGSO is applied on different test systems and compared with most of the recent methodologies. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed method and prove that MGSO can be applicable for solving the power system economic load dispatch problem, especially in large scale power systems.     

Sonoelectrochemical synthesis of a nanoscale complex of lead(II) and 2-methyl-8-hydroxyquinoline: spectroscopic, photoluminescence, thermal analysis studies and its application in an OLED

A new lead complex, [Pb(mq)₂], (mq = 2-methyl-8-hydroxyquinoline) was prepared via an electrochemical route from the oxidation of lead metal in the presence of 2-methyl-8-hydroxyquinoline in a fast and facile process. The complex was fully characterized by means of NMR and IR spectra and elemental analysis. The nanostructure of the prepared compound was obtained by sonoelectrochemical process and studied by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Thermal stability of single crystalline and nanosize samples of the prepared compound was studied by thermal gravimetric and differential thermal analysis. The photoluminescence properties of the prepared compounds, as single crystals and as nanorods, have been investigated. The results showed a good correlation between the size and the shape of the complex particles and emission wavelength. The prepared complex was doped in PVK:PBD blend as guest and its application in the fabrication of OLED was studied. The ratio of lead complex was modified and was equal to 8 (w/w %) in PVK:PBD (100:40).     

Effect of metal loading on catalytic activity and selectivity of ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst in conversion of methanol to olefins and aromatics

Effect of ZSM-5 zeolite promotion using potassium, strontium, and cerium metals on conversion of methanol to light olefins and aromatics was investigated. ZSM-5 catalyst was promoted using wet impregnation of metal salts and its activity was tested in methanol to hydrocarbons process under optimum operational condition obtained in our group previously. Zeolite samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, N₂ adsorption-desorption, acid sites distribution, and strength using temperature programmed desorption of NH₃. Results showed that presence of these metals could significantly affect acid site distribution and therefore influence the catalyst activity and selectivity to olefins and aromatics.     

Effect of various efficient vulcanization cure systems on the compression set of a nitrile rubber filled with different fillers

Effect of various efficient vulcanization (EV) sulfur cure systems on the compression set of a nitrile rubber filled with carbon black and silica/silane fillers was examined. The cure systems had different amounts of thiuram and sulfenamide accelerators and elemental sulfur, whilst the loading of zinc oxide and stearic acid activators was kept constant. The fillers had surface areas from 35 to 175 m²/g. In this study, the lowest compression set was measured for the rubber filled with carbon black with 78 m²/g surface area, which was cured with an EV cure system made of a small amount of elemental sulfur and large amounts of the two accelerators. Interestingly, a small change in the amount of elemental sulfur had a bigger effect on the compression set than did large changes in the loading of the accelerators in the cure system. Among the fillers, carbon black caused less compression set of the rubber vulcanizate than the silica/silane system did. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41512.     

Topology optimization of transient problem with maximum dynamic response constraint using SOAR scheme

Frontiers of Mechanical Engineering - This paper proposes a novel method for the continuum topology optimization of transient vibration problem with maximum dynamic response constraint. An...     

Synthesis of graphene-supported bimetallic nanoparticles for the sunlight photodegradation of Basic Green 5 dye in aqueous medium

Graphene nanosheets-supported Sn-Pt bimetallic nanoparticles (GNs/Sn-Pt) were prepared by precipitation method. The obtained GNs/Sn-Pt was used as a photocatalyst for photodegradation of Basic Green 5 (BG5) in aqueous solution under sunlight. The morphology and photodegradation study was performed by SEM and UV–VIS spectrophotometry, respectively. The SEM image showed the presence of Sn and Pt on GNs, being confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The photodegradation study of BG5 showed that the dye degradation increases as a function of irradiation time. The degradation of BG5 was found to be pH dependent and maximum degradation was found at higher pH.     

Influence of plasticizers and cryogenic grinding on the high‐cooling‐rate solidification behavior of PBT/PET blends

Two structurally different plasticizers (cyclic and linear) and the effect of cryogenic grinding on the solidification behavior at high cooling rates by a continuous cooling transformation approach of poly(butylene terephthalate)/poly(ethylene terephthalate), PBT/PET, blends are described. The solidification curve (density versus cooling rate) is confirmed as an effective tool to compare the differences in crystallization behavior under conditions mimicking processing. In comparison to the bulky cyclic plasticizer, the linear oligomeric one was found to have a more pronounced influence on the crystallization behavior. A 60/40 by weight PBT/PET blend shows a drop‐off of density at ～50 K/s. In the plasticized sample, the long‐range crystalline order appears up to a cooling rate of ～250K/s, making the blend comparable to pure PBT. Grinding the components before blending further improves crystallizability and synergy to the addition of the plasticizer. The results suggest the important role of local chain mobility in the solidification behavior at high cooling rates. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43083.