Microcomputer Control of a Residential Photovoltaic Power Conditioning System

Microcomputer-based control of a residential photovoltaic power conditioning system is described. The microcomputer is responsible for array current feedback control, maximum power tracking control, array safe zone steering control, phase-locked reference wave synthesis, sequencing control, and some diagnostics. The control functions are implemented using Intel 8751 single-chip microcomputer-based hardware and software. The controller has been tested in the laboratory with the prototype power conditioner and shows excellent performance.     

A Convenient Synthesis of Some Coumarin Derivatives Using SnCl2 · 2H2O as Catalyst

Some substituted coumarins have been synthesized by von-Pechmann condensation using SnCl₂ · 2H₂O (10 mol %) as catalyst in ethanolic medium. The reactions are simple, easy in handling and environmentally benign.     

Recent advances in isotropic conductive adhesives for electronics packaging applications

Isotropic conductive adhesives (ICAs) have recently received a lot of focus and attention from the researchers in electronics industry as a potential substitute to lead-bearing solders. Numerous studies have shown that ICAs possess many advantages over conventional soldering such as environmental friendliness, finer pitch printing, lower temperature processing and more flexible and simpler processing. However, complete replacement of soldering by ICAs is yet not possible owing to several limitations of ICAs which are mainly related to reliability aspects like limited impact resistance, unstable contact resistance, low adhesion and conductivity etc. Continued efforts for last 15 years have resulted in development of ICAs with improved properties. This review article is aimed at providing a better understanding of ICAs, their principles, performance and significant research and development work addressing the technological utility of ICAs.     

Effect of process parameters on impact strength of Al-7% Si alloy castings produced by VAEPC process

The castings produced by the evaporative pattern casting (EPC) process have blow holes. The blow holes in EPC castings are because of the non-escape of the gas produced as a result of burning of polystyrene pattern in the sand mold. To overcome the problem of blow holes, the EPC process is combined with the vacuum (V)- process. The vacuum applied to EPC mold draws the decomposed gases and improves the casting quality produced by the EPC process. The developed hybrid process has been termed as the vacuum assisted evaporative pattern casting (VAEPC) process. The objective of this paper to investigates the effect of process parameters, i.e, degree of vacuum, pouring temperature, grainfineness number, amplitude of vibration and time of vibration on the impact strength of Al-7% Si alloy castings in VAEPC process. In order to evaluate the effect of selected process parameters, the response surface methodology (RSM) is used to formulate a mathematical model which correlates the independent process parameters with the desired impact strength. The central composite rotatable design has been used to conduct the experiments. The results indicate that the impact strength decreases with increases in the grainfineness number and pouring temperature. Whereas, it has an inverse relationship with amplitude of vibration, time of vibration and degree of vacuum. The best value of impact strength (2.34 N/mm²) has been obtained at 400 mm Hg degree of vacuum imposed, 650°C as pouring temperature, 60 as sand grainfineness number, 460 μm as amplitude of vibration, and 70 s as time of vibration.     

Lean philosophy: implementation in a forging company

This research addresses the implementation of lean philosophy in a forging company with a focus on radial forging production flow lines. Here, the prime motive is to evolve and test several strategies to eliminate waste on the shop floor. In this research, a systematic approach is suggested for the implementation of lean principles. This paper describes an application of value stream mapping (VSM). Consequently, the present and future states of value stream maps are constructed to improve the production process by identifying waste and its sources. Furthermore, Taguchi’s method of design of experiments is pursued here to minimize the forging defects produced due to imperfect operating conditions. A noticeable reduction in set-up time and work-in-process (WIP) inventory level is substantiated. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of managerial implications and the future scope of research.     

A Tutorial on GrÖbner Bases With Applications in Signals and Systems

This paper is a tutorial on GrÖbner bases and a survey on the applications of GrÖbner bases in the broad field of signals and systems. A reasonably detailed review is given of several fundamental theoretical issues that occur in the use of GrÖbner bases in multidimensional signals and systems applications. These topics include the primeness of multivariate polynomial matrices, multivariate unimodular polynomial matrix completion, and prime factorization of multivariate polynomial matrices. A brief review is also presented on the wide-ranging applications of GrÖbner bases in multidimensional as well as one-dimensional circuits, networks, control, coding, signals, and systems and other related areas like robotics and applied mechanics. The impact and scope of GrÖbner bases in signals and systems are highlighted with respect to what has already been accomplished as a stepping stone to expanding future research.      

Mechanism of the skeletal isomerisation of linear butenes over ferrierite: analysis of side reactions

An investigation of the effect of reaction conditions on product distribution in the skeletal isomerisation reaction of linear butenes has been carried out. The main reaction routes over ferrierite have been identified. Beside the main product isobutene, major by-product formation occurs. The unwanted reactions include dimerisation of butene to form octenes, hydrogen transfer yielding small amounts of saturated C₃ and C₄ hydrocarbons and disproportionation producing propene and pentenes. The most abundant by-products were pentene and propene, though these were not formed in equimolar amounts as could be expected. Oligomerisation experiments of propene over ferrierite produced large amounts of butene and pentene, revealing the presence of adsorbed nonene. The cracking of this surface species to hexene and propene is the most likely reaction route for the excess propene formation. This additional path to propene formation operates mainly at temperatures above 623 K.