Improving scenario decomposition algorithms for robust nonlinear model predictive control

This paper deals with the efficient computation of solutions of robust nonlinear model predictive control problems that are formulated using multi-stage stochastic programming via the generation of a scenario tree. Such a formulation makes it possible to consider explicitly the concept of recourse, which is inherent to any receding horizon approach, but it results in large-scale optimization problems. One possibility to solve these problems in an efficient manner is to decompose the large-scale optimization problem into several subproblems that are iteratively modified and repeatedly solved until a solution to the original problem is achieved. In this paper we review the most common methods used for such decomposition and apply them to solve robust nonlinear model predictive control problems in a distributed fashion. We also propose a novel method to reduce the number of iterations of the coordination algorithm needed for the decomposition methods to converge. The performance of the different approaches is evaluated in extensive simulation studies of two nonlinear case studies.     

Nanostructured insulators – A review of nanotechnology concepts for outdoor ceramic insulators

Nanotechnology is rapidly growing as a new technology alternative to create advance materials with unique characteristics and performance for different applications in several industrial sectors. In recent years, many nanotechnology-based products have appeared in our everyday life. On the other hand, industries have also considered nano-concepts to produce high-added value products with superior capacity, reliability and efficiency. Electric insulators are components with high importance in the electricity network system; reliability and high performance are essential characteristics demanded by actual markets. Recent studies have demonstrated the technical feasibility of innovative nano-concepts to improve the final properties of these electrical components. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art of nanotechnology applications for outdoor insulators. Nano-concepts for ceramic insulators are summarized and reported with the aim to provide an overview of applications and opportunities for electric industry. In addition, the future trends and challenges for this field are also considered in this work.     

Structural and dielectric properties of CuO nanoparticles

The DC conduction and dielectric behaviour of copper oxide nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel method and sintered at 950 °C were studied in the temperature range of 200–526 K. The formation of single phase monoclinic CuO was confirmed by x-ray diffraction. Chemical composition of the CuO ceramic was investigated with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique. Although XRD analysis shows the formation of single phase CuO, XPS spectra revealed the presence of Cu³⁺ and Cu²⁺. Deviation from linearity ln (σ_DC) vs. 1/T plot at ~390 K was observed, which indicates that DC conduction in the CuO pellet is dominated by two different conduction mechanisms. The results obtained on AC conductivity indicate that AC conduction mechanism could be well explained by the multihopping model at low frequencies, while high frequency AC conductivity data can be described by small polaron tunnelling model. The dielectric relaxation mechanism in the CuO pellet was studied by impedance spectroscopy. It was found that while dielectric constant is an increasing function of temperature, it decreases with increasing frequency. The obtained impedance spectra indicated that the grain boundary effects and intergranular activities play a crucial role on the dielectric relaxation processes.     

Origin of the temperature stability of dielectric constant in CaCu3Ti4O12

The temperature and dc bias stability of the dielectric constant and loss tangent of CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ samples sintered under different oxygen atmospheres are discussed. The results suggest that the metal-oxygen vacancy related defects not only provide the charge carriers for the conduction (defect doping) but also contribute to the huge permittivity in the way of defect dipoles repositioning under charge carrier hopping. The charge localization in a specific copper-oxygen vacancy defect complex is the reason of the huge and stable permittivity and low dielectric loss in the middle temperature range, 90 K-200 K (20 Hz), while the implementation of the large barrier layer height needs a contribution by the titanium oxygen vacancy related trap charges in the grain boundaries, which also lead to a second permittivity stable range in a higher temperature range 200 K–300 K.     

基于RE与Pro/E的米老鼠玩具头像模具设计

利用逆向工程技术和Pro/E相结合,以米老鼠玩具头像为原型进行逆向工程的实际应用研究,即应用Pro/E的小平面特征进行数据处理、模型重构、模具设计,并对曲面重构这一关键技术进行详细分析,以缩短产品的研发周期。     

High sensitivity rotating alternating current field measurement for arbitrary-angle underwater cracks

Alternating current field measurement (ACFM) technology has been used for sizing underwater structure cracks. However, conventional ACFM is more sensitive to cracks perpendicular to the induced current than cracks with other angles. In this paper, a rotating alternating current field measurement (RACFM) method and underwater test system are present for the detection of arbitrary-angle cracks with high sensitivity. The RACFM is proved by simulations and experiments. Arbitrary-angle cracks detection results obtained from ACFM and RACFM have shown that the RACFM method overcomes the limitation of directional detection of ACFM and effectively achieves high detection sensitivity for arbitrary-angle cracks on underwater structures.     

Study on defect classification in multi-layer structures based on Fisher linear discriminate analysis by using pulsed eddy current technique

Pulsed eddy current (PEC) is an emerging non-destructive testing technique with wide application potential. In this study, defect parameter identification in multi-layer structures is examined by using the PEC technique, and a Fisher linear discriminate analysis (FLDA)-based defect classification method is proposed. Defect localization and shape identification are investigated, and defects on the surface and subsurface of the third layer are discriminated. The time domain characterization method is introduced and researched by using the peak time and zero-crossing time of PEC response signals, the principal component analysis algorithm and the FLDA method. The feature extraction results of the three methods are used as the input values of support vector machine for defect classification and feature extraction, and the classification methods are compared. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the proposed method can contribute to effective classification for defect parameter identification.     

THE SURFACE CHARGE IN ELECTROSPRAYING: ITS NATURE AND ITS UNIVERSAL SCALING LAWS

The electrospraying of liquids in steady cone-jet mode follows a well-defined EHD mechanism described and quantified in this work using a hybrid experimental–numerical technique: a collection of emitted microjet shapes corresponding to several liquids and different flow rates have been digitized and introduced in a quasi-one-dimensional analytical model. A universal value of the surface charge on the liquid microjet and the resulting charged droplets, independent of their size and of the liquid permittivity, has been found. The surface charge is shown to be always in equilibrium, being the liquid bulk quasi-neutral. From these findings, we finally present a consistent general scaling of all EHD variables involved which is experimentally verified. In this scaling, the electric current I and the characteristic microjet radius R_o are both proportional to the square root of the emitted flow rate, Q^1/2, and independent of the liquid permittivity ε_i.     

Presence and control of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in petroleum coke drying and calcination plants

Storage, shipment, handling, as well as drying and calcination of petroleum cokes might create serious health risks. This material should be processed and handled with care not only because of the excessive dust emissions it causes, but also because it may emit hazardous and carcinogenic volatile compounds. In this study, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emissions from a petroleum coke drying and calcination unit in Turkey were investigated. Rotary kiln exhaust gases were found to contain 10 of the 16 EPA priority PAHs. These emissions were identified and evaluated by using the Turkish regulatory limits after certain pollution control measures were implemented. For control of PAHs and other incomplete combustion products in the stack gases incinerators equipped with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) burners were installed into the drying and calcination gas outlet ducts.     

SAR of a birdcage coil with variable number of rungs at 300 MHz

The specific absorption rate produced in a rat’s brain phantom inside of quadrature birdcage coil as a function of the rung number was studied at 300 MHz. Electromagnetic field simulations and specific absorption rate and loss return responses were performed using a rat’s brain phantom weighing 100 mg. To assure optimal simulations and to evaluate coil performance, S-parameters were simulated and compared with experimentally data. Simulations showed that magnetic field uniformity improves and that electric field is increased with the number of rungs. Specific absorption rate and temperature values obtained from axial bi-dimensional maps increase as the number of rungs grows. These results corroborated very well with published data. A quadrature 16-rung birdcage coil was developed for comparison and phantom images were acquired to show its feasibility. The presented approach yields information on specific absorption rate allowing to previously develop RF coils and their possible effects on the biological sample.