Soft quasi-maximum-likelihood detection for multiple-antenna wireless channels

The paper addresses soft maximum-likelihood (ML) detection for multiple-antenna wireless communication channels. We propose a soft quasi-ML detector that maximizes the log-likelihood function by deploying a semi-definite relaxation (SDR). Given perfect channel state information at the receiver, the quasi-ML SDR detector closely approximates the performance of the optimal ML detector in both coded and uncoded multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) channels with quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) modulation and frequency-flat Rayleigh fading. The complexity of the quasi-ML SDR detector is much less than that of the optimal ML detector, thus offering more favorable performance/complexity characteristics. In contrast to the existing sphere decoder, the new quasi-ML detector enjoys guaranteed polynomial worst-case complexity. The two detectors exhibit quite comparable performance in a variety of ergodic QPSK MIMO channels, but the complexity of the quasi-ML detector scales better with increasing number of transmit and receive antennas, especially in the region of low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).     

Changes in thermodynamic conditions of the ahuachapán reservoir due to production and injection

Since large-scale exploitation of the Ahuachapán reservoir began in 1975 large changes in the reservoir thermodynamic conditions have occurred. Drawdown of up to 15 bars and significant temperature changes have been observed in the wellfield. Temperatures have declined due to boiling in the reservoir in response to the pressure drawdown; localized and minor cooling due to reinjection of spent geothermal fluids have also been observed. There are indications of cold fluid influx deep into the reservoir from the west and north. Reservoir temperatures show that a significant amount of hot fluid recharge comes to the wellfield from the southeast, and temperatures also indicate that the recharge rate has increased with time as pressure declines in the reservoir. Chemical analyses of the produced fluids show that most wells are fed by a mixture of geothermal fluids and cooler, less-saline waters. The cold water inflow has increased due to exploitation, as demonstrated by decreased salinity of the produced fluids.