Adaptive predictive control algorithm based on Laguerre Functional Model

Laguerre Functional Model has many advantages such as good approximation capability for the variances of system time‐delay, order and other structural parameters, low computational complexity, and the facility of online parameter identification, etc., so this model is suitable for complex industrial process control. A series of successful applications have been gained in linear and non‐linear predictive control fields by the control algorithm based on Laguerre Functional Model, however, former researchers have not systemically brought forward the theoretical analyses of the stability, robustness, and steady‐state performance of this algorithm, which are the keys to guarantee the feasibility of the control algorithm fundamentally. Aimed at this problem, we introduce the principles of the Incremental Mode Linear Laguerre Predictive Control (IMLLPC) algorithm, and then systemically propose the theoretical analyses and proofs of the stability and robustness of the algorithm, in addition, we also put forward the steady‐state performance analysis. At last, the control performances of this algorithm on two different physical industrial plants are presented in detail, and a number of experimental results validate the feasibility and superiority of IMLLPC algorithm. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A novel method of suppressing the inrush current of transformers by using a series‐connected voltage‐source PWM converter

This paper proposes a novel method of suppressing the inrush current of transformers. A small‐rated voltage‐source PWM converter is connected in series to the transformers through a matching transformer. As the connected PWM converter serves as a resistor for the source current, no inrush phenomena occurs. The required rating of the PWM converter, which serves as the damping resistor for the inrush phenomena, is 1/400 that of the main transformers in single‐phase circuits. In three‐phase circuits, it is 1/900. The basic principle of the proposed method is discussed. Digital computer simulation is implemented to confirm the validity and excellent practicability of the proposed method using the PSCAD/EMTDC. A prototype experimental model is constructed and tested. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can perfectly suppress the inrush phenomena. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 157(4): 56–65, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20174     

Simulation of water and nitrogen dynamics in soils during wastewater applications by using a finite-element model

A mathematical model was developed to simulate water movement, mass transport, and nitrogen transformations in soils during wastewater applications. The model is one-dimensional and based on the Galerkin finite-element method. The submodel of mass transport of nitrogen incorporates the convection-dispersion processes of ammonium and nitrate nitrogen, nitrification, denitrification, ammonium exchange and uptake of ammonium and nitrate ions. The accuracy and validity of the proposed model was examined by comparison with an explicit-implicit finite-difference model results. The model was used for simulation of water and nitrogen dynamics during wastewater application in homogeneous and multi-layered soils under different N concentration, rate, duration and scheduling of application.     

A micromechanics model for the prediction of static strength of off-axis unidirectional laminates

In this paper a micromechanics model using the concentric cylinder assemblage model and the Mori-Tanaka average stress scheme is used to predict the static strength of unidirectional angle ply laminates. The predicted strengths agree with experimental results for Glass/Epoxy and Graphite/Epoxy systems.     

Important features of Iris OSQL

OSQL is the object-oriented database language developed for the Iris object-oriented database management system at Hewlett-Packard Laboratories. Its three fundamental constructs are objects, types, and functions. This paper provides an overview of the underlying concepts and some important features of OSQL.     

Homogenization of hardness distribution and distortion in high pressure gas quenching

Quenching with gases rather than oil or other liquid media has the advantages of reducing the risks concerning health and environment, while simultaneously homogenizing the quenching results and minimizing distortion due to a wide range of possible process parameter variations and the pure convective heat transfer. In this contribution, a coupled solution for increasing homogenization of quenching results within high pressure gas quenching will be presented. In the first stage, an experimental test facility was set up for flow investigations and in the second stage a numerical simulation model was generated. The numerical and experimental results of the flow through the chamber were compared for several boundary conditions. Finally, after complete verification of the simulation, the model may be used to assist in parameter variation for optimization of homogeneous high pressure gas quenching.