Genetic algorithms: concepts and applications [in engineeringdesign]

This paper introduces genetic algorithms (GA) as a complete entity, in which knowledge of this emerging technology can be integrated together to form the framework of a design tool for industrial engineers. An attempt has also been made to explain “why” and “when” GA should be used as an optimization tool     

Reliability and performance analysis of time – space – time switching networks with multiple separated space switches

Since electronic switching systems usually require very strict reliability requirements as well as good performance objectives, we need to jointly analyse the performance and reliability of switching systems. In this paper, we compare conventional time–space–time switches with single space switches with those with multiple separated space switches, from the viewpoints of reliability and performance. We consider time–space–time switching networks which consist of N incoming time switches, i.e. one NxN space switch, two (N/2)x(N/2) space switches, and four (N/4)x(N/4) space switches. We introduce a Markov reliability model to study the effect of failures and analyse the reliability and performance of three different types of switching networks in terms of average blocking probability and the mean time to unreliable operation, as we vary the offered traffic. As a result, T–S–T switching networks with multiple separated space switches exhibit better performance and reliability than those with single space switches.     

Parallel simulated annealing for power system decomposition

This paper proposes a parallel optimization approach to power system decomposition for voltage control. In this paper, a parallel simulated annealing (PSA) technique is developed to decompose power systems so that subsystems are equally separated in terms of the number of nodes and control variables. System decomposition is one of difficult discrete number combinatorial problems. The PSA technique provides better solutions than the conventional SA because of searching a solution near a global minimum over a wide range. The proposed method is tested in IEEE 30, 57, and 118 node systems     

On the RLSA antenna optimum design for DBS reception

An optimal design for the RLSA (radial line slot array) antenna useful for DBS reception is presented. Classical geometries and structures given in the literature are first used. It is found that in some cases these are not suitable. So, optimization techniques by using the right objective functions have been applied. Two different methods were developed and three antennas were designed. Numerical results and comparisons with other similar antennas give the advantages of our design     

A celebration of the space age

The early planning for the International Space Year (ISY) is outlined. Public and educational ISY activities under way in the US by 1990 are described. They include films and TV programs, public exhibitions, books and periodicals, public events, conferences and symposia, and school programs and materials     

New fault locating system for air-insulated substations usingoptical current detector

The authors present the basic philosophy, construction, design features, and test results of a new fault locating system. This fault locating system helps to shorten the time required for restoration of service after the occurrence of a busbar fault in an air-insulated distribution substation. Recent optical and electronic technologies allow the design of a highly accurate and compact fault locating system which consists of optical current detectors using the Faraday effect and a fault locating processor using a digital data processing technique. The fault location is carried out by discriminating between the directions of zero-sequence currents. Through various tests and field operations, it has been confirmed that the system has sufficient performance for practical applications     

Fault section detection system for 66 kV underground branchtransmission lines using optical magnetic field sensors

A fault section detection system that uses optical magnetic field sensors and instantly detects the section in which a ground fault occurred was developed for 66 kV underground multiterminal systems having Y-branch joint boxes. The optical magnetic field sensor, which is based on the Faraday effect in Bi-doped YIG ((BiYbGd)₃Fe₅O₁₂) having a large Verdet constant, detects cable conductor currents of 0 to 2000 A with high precision with the use of a laminated magnetic ring core of silicon steel plates. Sensors and a fault section detector/indicator of a system are connected with optical fibers capable of nonrepeated transmission of over 6 km