Possible Impact of Global Warming on Water Resources and Objects of Power Engineering

The main directions in global warming and its possible impact on the hydrological system are determined. __________ Translated from Gidrotekhnicheskoe Stroitel'stvo, No. 5, May 2005, pp. 2 – 14.     

Exact memory size estimation for array computations

This paper presents a new algorithm for exact estimation of the minimum memory size required by programs dealing with array computations. Based on parametric partitioning of the iteration space and formalized live variable analysis, our algorithm transforms the minimum memory size estimation into an equivalent problem: integer point counting for intersection/union of mappings of parameterized polytopes. A heuristics was then proposed to solve the counting problem. Experimental results show that the algorithm achieves the exactness traditionally associated with totally unrolling loops while exploiting reduced computation complexity by preserving the original loop structure     

A synchronous generator fuzzy excitation controller optimallydesigned with a genetic algorithm

Design of a fuzzy logic power system controller with satisfactory performance is not an easy task. The difficulties come from two aspects. First, design of a fuzzy logic controller mainly uses the experience of the human experts. To acquire enough heuristic knowledge from the domain experts and to represent this kind of knowledge appropriately with a set of fuzzy rules present difficulties. Second, it is difficult to appropriately tune the parameters used in the fuzzy logic controller. These parameters are commonly determined by a “trial and error” method which is rather time consuming. In this paper, genetic algorithm is introduced to design an optimal fuzzy logic controller. The proposed method has been used to design an optimal fuzzy logic excitation controller for a generating unit. Test results with the fuzzy logic controller show very satisfactory results     

Comprehensive analysis of retroreflection in Papilio crino Fabricius, 1792 wings

Multilayer thin‐film structures in the wings of a butterfly; Papilio crino produce a colourful iridescence from reflected light. In this investigation, scanning electron microscope images show both the concave cover scales and pigmented air‐chamber ground scales. The microstructures with the concavities retroreflect incident light, thus causing the double reflection. This gives rise to both the colour mixing and polarisation conversion clearly depicted in the optical images. The result of the numerical and theoretical analysis via the CIELAB, and optical reflection and transmission of light through the multilayer stacks with the use of transfer method show that the emerging colouration on the Papilio crino is structural and is due to the combination of colours caused by multiple bounces within the concavities. The butterfly wing structure can be used as the template for designing the photonic device.Inspec keywords: bio‐optics, scanning electron microscopy, photodiodes, optical sensors, optical images, light reflection, reflectivity, colour, optical links, multilayers, optical multilayers, light polarisationOther keywords: pigmented air‐chamber ground scales, concavities, incident light, double reflection, colour mixing, polarisation conversion, optical images, numerical analysis, theoretical analysis, optical reflection, multilayer stacks, emerging colouration, butterfly wing structure, papilio crino fabricius, thin‐film structures, colourful iridescence, reflected light, electron microscope images, concave cover scales     

Amplitude comparator based algorithm for directional comparisonprotection of transmission lines

A high-speed directional comparison relay based on an evaluation of the locally measured deviations of the voltage and the phase-shifted current from their prefault values is described. The operation of the relay depends on the power frequency components of the voltage and phase-shifted current deviation signals. The direction to a fault is determined by an amplitude comparator technique which compares a discriminant value with a positive or negative threshold. Simulation studies on a three-phase power system model show that the direction to a fault is determined within the first few milliseconds following the inception of a fault. Studies over a wide range of faults and source impedance angles show that the proposed amplitude comparator technique performs better than an analogous phase comparator technique     

Laboratory investigation of an amplitude comparator baseddirectional comparison digital protection scheme

A directional comparison digital protection scheme has been implemented with a 16-b single-board computer at each end of a physical model of a transmission line, with communication between the two ends. The protection algorithm makes use of the fundamental frequency components of the deviation signals of the voltage and phase-shifted current. Software routines have been developed for fault monitoring, directional determination, and the trip/block decision. Graphics features incorporated in the software are explained. Tests for various faults conducted on the physical model of a double-circuit transmission line show that the direction to a fault is determined in 3 to 7 ms. The blocking features of the relay are demonstrated     

Method for testing sliding frictional response of lubricious thin films used in plastic medical syringes

Lubricious thin films are used in plastic medical syringes in order to reduce the frictional forces between the syringe barrel and the rubber plunger. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) liquid films are the current accepted technology for reducing the friction forces in plastic medical syringes. However, major issues with these PDMS films exist, including interactions of the film with the stored injectable drugs and variations in the frictional response as the syringes are aged over time. A new silicon based, lubricious octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (L-OMCTS) thin film solid lubricant has been developed as a replacement for PDMS that provides acceptable and stable frictional responses without interacting with injectable drugs. A novel test method has been developed that can be used to successfully characterise the sliding frictional response of the L-OMCTS thin films at the syringe barrel and plunger interface. This test method will be used to provide future insight into how the frictional response of the L-OMCTS thin films is affected by various system parameters. This paper will mainly discuss the design of this new test method and provide some preliminary frictional response data.     

Effect of Ozone Pretreatment on Biodegradability Enhancement and Biogas Generation Potential From Biomethanated Distillery Effluent

The study evaluates the effect of ozone pretreatment on biodegradability enhancement of biomethanated distillery effluent. Results revealed that ozone pretreatment led to biodegradability index (BI = BOD/COD) enhancement up to 0.58 along with COD, color and toxicity reduction of up to 33%, 25% and 40%, respectively. Anaerobic digestion of pretreated effluent resulted in favorable biogas generation with methane content, yield and COD reduction of up to 62%, 39 mL/g COD and 57%, respectively. Kinetics of biogas generation determined by modified Gompertz model indicated methane production potential and production rate of 48.08 mL/g COD and 8.085 mL/g COD.day respectively under optimal conditions.