PID controller for automatic voltage regulator using teaching–learning based optimization technique

The present work presents teaching–learning based optimization (TLBO) algorithm as an optimization technique in the area of tuning of the classical controller installed in automatic voltage regulator (AVR). The proposed TLBO algorithm is applied with an aim to find out the optimum value of proportional integral derivative (PID) controller gains with first order low pass filter installed in the AVR. The voltage response of the AVR system, as obtained by using the proposed TLBO based PID controller with first order low pass filter, is compared to those offered by the other algorithms reported in the recent state-of-the-art literatures. The advantage of using this control strategy may be noted by providing good dynamic responses over a wide range of system parametric variations. For on-line, off-nominal operating conditions, fast acting Sugeno fuzzy logic technique is applied to obtain the on-line dynamic responses of the studied model. Furthermore, robustness analysis is also carried out to check the performance of the designed TLBO based PID controller. An analysis, based on voltage response profile, has been investigated with the variations of the model parameters. The simulation results show that the proposed TLBO based PID controller is a significant optimization tool in the subject area of the AVR system. The essence of the present work signifies that the proposed TLBO technique maybe, successfully, applied for the AVR of power system.     

Hierarchical correlated Q-learning for multi-layer optimal generation command dispatch

This paper presents a novel hierarchical correlated Q-learning (HCEQ) algorithm to solve the dynamic optimization of generation command dispatch (GCD) in the Automatic Generation Control (AGC). The GCD problem is to dynamically allocate the total AGC generation command from the central to each individual AGC generator. The proposed HCEQ is a novel multi-agent Q-learning algorithm based on the concept of correlated equilibrium point, and each AGC generator with an agent is to optimize its regulation participation factor and coordinate its decision with others for the overall GCD performance enhancement. In order to cope with the curse of dimensionality in the GCD problem with the increased number of AGC plants involved, a multi-layer optimum GCD framework is developed in this paper. In this hierarchical framework, the multiobjective design and a time-varying coordination factor have been formulated into the reward functions to improve the optimization efficiency and convergence of HCEQ. The application of the proposed approach has been fully verified on the China southern power grid (CSG) model to demonstrate its superior performance and dynamic optimization capability in various power system scenarios.     

A sparse nonparametric hierarchical Bayesian approach towards inductive transfer for preference modeling

In this paper, we present a novel methodology for preference learning based on the concept of inductive transfer. Specifically, we introduce a nonparametric hierarchical Bayesian multitask learning approach, based on the notion that human subjects may cluster together forming groups of individuals with similar preference rationale (but not identical preferences). Our approach is facilitated by the utilization of a Dirichlet process prior, which allows for the automatic inference of the most appropriate number of subject groups (clusters), as well as the employment of the automatic relevance determination (ARD) mechanism, giving rise to a sparse nature for our model, which significantly enhances its computational efficiency. We explore the efficacy of our novel approach by applying it to both a synthetic experiment and a real-world music recommendation application. As we show, our approach offers a significant enhancement in the effectiveness of knowledge transfer in statistical preference learning applications, being capable of correctly inferring the actual number of human subject groups in a modeled dataset, and limiting knowledge transfer only to subjects belonging to the same group (wherein knowledge transferability is more likely).     

山区高速公路小型构造物常见问题及处理方法

总结了山区高速公路小型构造物实施过程中常出现的问题,针对这些问题提出了相应的解决方法,从而使小型构造物设计更加准确、合理、实用,减少对周围环境的影响。     

80t转炉煤气回收一次除尘技术

北满基地北兴公司80t转炉煤气回收及一次除尘采用PLC控制技术,实现了风机系统与PLC的信号交换,从而实现风机自动调速、煤气回收、CRT集中监控等功能。系统自运行以来,性能稳定,满足了工艺设备的要求,煤气回收更加安全有效。     

Viscosity virtual sensor to control combustion in fossil fuel power plants

Thermo-electrical power plants utilize fossil fuel oil to transform the calorific power of fuel into electric power. An optimal combustion in the boiler requires the fuel oil to be in its best conditions. One of fuel's most important properties to consider is viscosity. Viscosity has influence on the optimal combustion between fuel and air. Hardware viscosity meters for fuel oils are expensive and unreliable to operate in power plant conditions. Chemical laboratory measures viscosity accurately with special apparatus, but they cannot be used in a real time process. This paper describes the development of a virtual sensor that estimates fuel oil viscosity in the combustion process of a power plant. A virtual sensor or soft sensor is a computer program that estimates the value of a certain variable based on related measurements and a model of the process where the variable participates. In this project, a probabilistic model is constructed using automatic learning algorithms with historical data and experts' advice. The learning and validation experiments are described and discussed. The virtual sensor is installed in the Tuxpan Power Plant in Veracruz, Mexico.     

An Intelligent,multi-transducer signal conditioning design for manufacturing applications

This paper describes a flexible, intelligent, high bandwidth, signal conditioning reference design and implementation, which is suitable for a wide range of force and displacement transducers in manufacturing applications. The flexibility inherent in the design has allowed more than 10 specialised transducer conditioning boards to be replaced by this single design, in a range of bespoke mechanical test equipment manufactured by the authors. The board is able to automatically reconfigure itself for a wide range of transducers and calibrate and balance the transducer. The range of transducers includes LVDT, AC/DC strain gauge and inductive bridges, and a range of standard industrial voltage current interface transducers. Further, with a minor low-cost addition to the transducer connector, the board is able to recognise the type of transducer, reconfigure itself and store the calibration data within the transducer, thereafter allowing a plug-and-play operation as transducers are changed. The paper provides an example of the operation in typical manufacturing test application and illustrates the stability and noise performance of the design.     

基于支持向量机的复杂地质分形特征自动提取

为了提升勘探工作效率,准确提取复杂地质分形特征,提出一种支持向量机的复杂地质分形特征自动提取方法。在两种线性可分情况下,将最佳的分类面简化为最佳分类直线,获得最佳分类平面;考虑噪声及其它干扰因素造成线性不可分的状况,得到广义的最佳分类面;基于两点可以得出支持向量机内积;通过抽取异常重磁分维数的频率域角度获得分维值,反映出不同频率能量关系,计算地质图像内的方差、均值、相关性、对比度以及角二阶矩,即可完成地质分形特征自动提取。实验结果表明,所提方法能够很好区分各类泥岩样本,特征提取效果准确。     

Simflowny: A general-purpose platform for the management of physical models and simulation problems

Simflowny is a software platform which aims to formalize the main elements of a simulation flow. It allows users to manage (i) formal representations of physical models based on Initial Value Problems (hyperbolic, parabolic and mixed-type partial differential equations), (ii) simulation problems based on such models, and (iii) discretization schemes to translate the problem to a finite mesh. Additionally, Simflowny generates automatically code for general-purpose simulation frameworks. This paper first presents an introductory example of such problems. Then, formal representations are explained. Afterwards, it summarizes the platform’s architecture. Finally, validation results are provided.     

Using integrated quality function deployment and theory of innovation problem solving approach for ergonomic product design

A multidisciplinary approach integrating method of identification of customer satisfaction needs (CSNs), the House of Quality (HoQ) chart of quality function deployment (QFD), theory of innovation problem solving (TRIZ) and fuzzy group decision-making theory for ergonomic product innovative design and evaluation in the early design stages was proposed. An integrated model and the approach procedures consists of four steps. In step 1, identification of CSNs is based on a data source triangulation approach, questionnaire survey, 5-point liner numeric rating scale, factor analysis, and Cronbach’s coefficient alpha statistic are utilized to guarantee that the CSNs are complete and reliable. In step 2, a correlation matrix is built to identify the critical ergonomic design areas and the key problems are established by analysis of the negative relationships obtained from interrelationship half-matrix at the roof of the HoQ. In step 3, to solve the problems, TRIZ main tools and contradiction analysis are utilized. Several innovative alternatives are generated by combining appropriate Inventive Principles of TRIZ, the critical ergonomic design areas and the ergonomic design principles. In step 4, a general and easy fuzzy group decision-making method for evaluating of the best design alternatives is presented. A case study of the integrated kitchen stove innovative design and evaluation is conducted to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach.