Optimal Operation (optimal + operation)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Optimal operation of CVT-based powertrains

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROBUST AND NONLINEAR CONTROL, Issue 11 2001
Rolf Pfiffner
Abstract Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) are considered by many as a promising contribution to the improvement of the fuel economy of passenger cars. This paper discusses the fuel-optimal operation of a CVT-equipped powertrain in stationary and in transient conditions. The well-known optimal solution in the stationary case will be given only a short review discussing the importance of a correct CVT efficiency model. For transient vehicle operation so far only heuristic control strategies are known. This work aims to fill this gap. After detailed modelling of the complete powertrain and the introduction of a meaningful cost function, the resulting nonlinear optimal control problem is solved. The optimization is carried out for two different engines: a conventional SI engine and a downsized supercharged (DSC) SI engine. Each can be considered as a typical representative of the corresponding engine class. In both cases the optimal solutions are shown to be superior to standard CVT control algorithms, yielding larger gains in fuel economy for DSC engines. The optimal feedforward controls are then approximated by suboptimal feedback controllers that realize almost the same benefits in fuel economy at a substantially reduced computational effort. Finally, it is shown how the well-known ,single track modified' control approach can be changed such that it produces the same results as the suboptimal controller. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Optimal operation of GaN thin film epitaxy employing control vector parametrization

AICHE JOURNAL, Issue 4 2006
Amit Varshney
Abstract An approach that links nonlinear model reduction techniques with control vector parametrization-based schemes is presented, to efficiently solve dynamic constraint optimization problems arising in the context of spatially-distributed processes governed by highly-dissipative nonlinear partial-differential equations (PDEs), utilizing standard nonlinear programming techniques. The method of weighted residuals with empirical eigenfunctions (obtained via Karhunen-Loève expansion) as basis functions is employed for spatial discretization together with control vector parametrization formulation for temporal discretization. The stimulus for the earlier approach is provided by the presence of low order dominant dynamics in the case of highly dissipative parabolic PDEs. Spatial discretization based on these few dominant modes (which are elegantly captured by empirical eigenfunctions) takes into account the actual spatiotemporal behavior of the PDE which cannot be captured using finite difference or finite element techniques with a small number of discretization points/elements. The proposed approach is used to compute the optimal operating profile of a metallorganic vapor-phase epitaxy process for the production of GaN thin films, with the objective to minimize the spatial nonuniformity of the deposited film across the substrate surface by adequately manipulating the spatiotemporal concentration profiles of Ga and N precursors at the reactor inlet. It is demonstrated that the reduced order optimization problem thus formulated using the proposed approach for nonlinear order reduction results in considerable savings of computational resources and is simultaneously accurate. It is demonstrated that by optimally changing the precursor concentration across the reactor inlet it is possible to reduce the thickness nonuniformity of the deposited film from a nominal 33% to 3.1%. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006 [source]


Optimal operation of tubular reactors for naphtha cracking by numerical simulation

ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 6 2009
G.-Y. Gao
Abstract Process gas temperature profile and steam-to-hydrocarbon ratio in the feed have important impact on product yields and coking rate in tubular reactors for naphtha cracking. This study is to evaluate these effects quantitatively based on numerical simulation. Steady-state operation of the tubular reactor in an industrial thermal cracking furnace was first simulated in HYSYS with a molecular reaction scheme. Various case studies then investigate the influence of process gas temperature profile and inlet steam-to-hydrocarbon ratio so that the ethylene/propylene product yields and coking rate can be evaluated. Finally, steady-state optimization was applied to the operation of this industrial furnace. The optimal process temperature profile and the optimal inlet steam-to-naphtha ratio were found to maximize the operation profit. This study will provide significant guidance to process engineers in the ethylene industry. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


"PHYBAL" a Short-Time Procedure for a Reliable Fatigue Life Calculation

ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 4 2010
Peter Starke
Abstract The reliable calculation of the fatigue life of high-strength steels and components requires the systematic investigation of the cyclic deformation behaviour and the comprehensive evaluation of proceeding fatigue damage. Besides mechanical stress-strain hysteresis measurements, temperature and electrical resistance measurements were used for the detailed characterisation of the fatigue behaviour of the steel SAE 4140 in one quenched and tempered, one normalised, one bainitic and one martensitic condition. To guarantee optimal operation conditions the new fatigue life calculation method "PHYBAL" on the basis of generalised Morrow and Basquin equations was developed. It is a short-time procedure which requires the data of only three fatigue tests for a rapid and nevertheless precise determination of S-N (Woehler) curves. Consequently, "PHYBAL" provides the opportunity to reduce significantly experimental time and costs compared to conventional test methods. [source]


Optimal methodology for distribution systems reconfiguration based on OPF and solved by decomposition technique

EUROPEAN TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRICAL POWER, Issue 6 2010
H. M. Khodr
Abstract This paper presents a new and efficient methodology for distribution network reconfiguration integrated with optimal power flow (OPF) based on a Benders decomposition approach. The objective minimizes power losses, balancing load among feeders and subject to constraints: capacity limit of branches, minimum and maximum power limits of substations or distributed generators, minimum deviation of bus voltages and radial optimal operation of networks. The Generalized Benders decomposition algorithm is applied to solve the problem. The formulation can be embedded under two stages; the first one is the Master problem and is formulated as a mixed integer non-linear programming problem. This stage determines the radial topology of the distribution network. The second stage is the Slave problem and is formulated as a non-linear programming problem. This stage is used to determine the feasibility of the Master problem solution by means of an OPF and provides information to formulate the linear Benders cuts that connect both problems. The model is programmed in GAMS. The effectiveness of the proposal is demonstrated through two examples extracted from the literature. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Synthesis of flavour esters using free Candida antarctica lipase B in ionic liquids

FLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 5 2008
A. P. de los Ríos
Abstract The enzymatic synthesis of flavour esters by trans-esterification from vinyl esters and alcohols catalysed by free Candida antarctica lipase B (CaLB) in ionic liquids has been studied. The influence of different parameters, such us pH, temperature and ionic liquid nature, on activity and selectivity has been carefully analysed, using as reaction model the synthesis of butyl butanoate. Finally, a broad range of flavour esters were sucessfully synthesized using the optimal operation conditions previously established. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Computational study of a novel continuous solar adsorption chiller: performance prediction and adsorbent selection

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 10 2007
Evan Voyiatzis
Abstract A novel solar adsorption chiller intended for domestic use is presented. The chiller can be integrated with existing solar systems based on flat plate collectors, and, contrary to commercial chillers, it operates continuously. A detailed analysis of both the simple and the heat-integrated cycle is carried out so as to select the optimal adsorbent and operating conditions. The employed integral thermodynamic model takes into account the inert masses that limit the performance of the chiller, such as the metal frame, the thermo-fluid, and the non-adsorbed steam, by introducing heat capacity effects. Given the adsorption equilibrium data, the energy balances, the performance, and the useful thermal loads of the system can be calculated at any operating conditions. The results indicate that silica gel Type A is a more efficient adsorbent compared to silica gel Type RD or Type 3A. Furthermore, the total porosity has a slight effect on system performance, while optimal operation can be achieved when the condenser temperature is less than 326 K and the evaporator temperature greater than 280 K. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Application of local and global particle swarm optimization algorithms to optimal design and operation of irrigation pumping systems,

IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE, Issue 3 2009
M. H. Afshar
stations de pompage; conception et exploitation; optimisation par essaims particulaires locale et globale Abstract A particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used in this paper for optimal design and operation of irrigation pumping systems. An irrigation pumping systems design and management model is first introduced and subsequently solved with the newly introduced PSO algorithm. The solution of the model is carried out in two steps. In the first step an exhaustive enumeration is carried out to find all feasible sets of pump combinations able to cope with a given demand curve over the required period. The PSO algorithm is then called in to search for optimal operation of each set. Having solved the operation problem of all feasible sets, the total cost of operation and depreciation of initial investment is calculated for all the sets and the optimal set and the corresponding optimal operating policy is determined. The proposed model is applied to the design and operation of a real-world irrigation pumping system and the results are presented and compared with those of a genetic algorithm. Two global and local versions of the PSO algorithm are used and their efficiencies are compared to each other and that of a genetic algorithm (GA) model. The results indicate that the proposed model in conjunction with the PSO algorithm is a versatile management model for the design and operation of real-world irrigation pumping systems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Un algorithme d'optimisation par essaims particulaires (PSO en anglais) est employé dans cet article pour la conception et l'exploitation optimale des systèmes d'irrigation avec pompages. Un modèle de conception et de gestion du système est d'abord présenté et ensuite résolu avec le nouvel algorithme PSO. La solution du modèle est effectuée dans deux étapes. Dans la première étape une énumération exhaustive est effectuée pour trouver toutes les combinaisons possibles de pompes capables de répondre à une courbe de demande donnée pendant la période souhaitée. L'algorithme d'optimisation par essaims particulaires est alors utilisé pour rechercher la gestion optimale de chaque ensemble. Ayant résolu le problème de gestion de toutes les combinaisons possibles, le coût d'exploitation et d'amortissement de l'investissement initial est calculé pour chacune et la combinaison optimale et sa stratégie de gestion optimale est déterminée. Le modèle proposé est appliqué à la conception et l'exploitation d'un système irrigué réel et les résultats sont présentés et comparés à ceux d'un algorithme génétique. Deux versions globales et locales de l'algorithme PSO sont employées et leurs efficacités sont comparées entre eux et avec celles d'un modèle à algorithme génétique. Les résultats indiquent que le modèle proposé associé à l'algorithme d'optimisation par essaims particulaires est un modèle souple pour la conception et l'exploitation systèmes irrigués réels avec pompage. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Designing man-portable power generation systems for varying power demand

AICHE JOURNAL, Issue 5 2008
Mehmet Yunt
Abstract Portable electronic devices operate at varying power demand levels. This variability of power demand must be considered explicitly in the design of man-portable power generation systems for acceptable performance and portability. In this regard, a mathematical programming based design method is proposed. The method transcribes optimal operation of the system at a given power demand into a mathematical program. The power demand specific programs are incorporated into another upper level mathematical program encoding design requirements to form a final two-stage formulation. The design and operational parameters of the power generation system comprise a solution of the formulation. Unlike designs, based on a nominal power demand, the design guarantees that each power demand and all operational requirements can be satisfied. A detailed study of a microfabricated fuel-cell based system is performed. The proposed method produces smaller designs with significantly better performances than nominal power demand based approaches. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008 [source]


Natural gas storage valuation and optimization: A real options application

NAVAL RESEARCH LOGISTICS: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009
Matt Thompson
Abstract In this article, we present an algorithm for the valuation and optimal operation of natural gas storage facilities. Real options theory is used to derive nonlinear partial-integro-differential equations (PIDEs), the solution of which give both valuation and optimal operating strategies for these facilities. The equations are designed to incorporate a wide class of spot price models that can exhibit the same time-dependent, mean-reverting dynamics, and price spikes as those observed in most energy markets. Particular attention is paid to the operational characteristics of real storage units. These characteristics include working gas capacities, variable deliverability and injection rates, and cycling limitations. We illustrate the model with a numerical example of a salt cavern storage facility that clearly shows how a gas storage facility is like a financial straddle with both put and call properties. Depending on the amount of gas in storage the relative influence of the put and call components vary. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 2009 [source]


Optimal Pressure Regulation of the Pneumatic Ventricular Assist Device With Bellows-Type Driver

ARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 8 2009
Jung Joo Lee
Abstract The bellows-type pneumatic ventricular assist device (VAD) generates pneumatic pressure with compression of bellows instead of using an air compressor. This VAD driver has a small volume that is suitable for portable devices. However, improper pneumatic pressure setup can not only cause a lack of adequate flow generation, but also cause durability problems. In this study, a pneumatic pressure regulation system for optimal operation of the bellows-type VAD has been developed. The optimal pneumatic pressure conditions according to various afterload conditions aiming for optimal flow rates were investigated, and an afterload estimation algorithm was developed. The developed regulation system, which consists of a pressure sensor and a two-way solenoid valve, estimates the current afterload and regulates the pneumatic pressure to the optimal point for the current afterload condition. Experiments were performed in a mock circulation system. The afterload estimation algorithm showed sufficient performance with the standard deviation of error, 8.8 mm Hg. The flow rate could be stably regulated with a developed system under various afterload conditions. The shortcoming of a bellows-type VAD could be handled with this simple pressure regulation system. [source]