Location of bioelectricity plants in the Madrid Community based on triticale crop: a multicriteria methodology

This paper presents a work whose objective is, first, to quantify the potential of the triticale biomass existing in each of the agricultural regions in the Madrid Community through a crop simulation model based on regression techniques and multiple correlation. Second, a methodology for defining which area has the best conditions for the installation of electricity plants from biomass has been described and applied. The study used a methodology based on compromise programming in a discrete multicriteria decision method (MDM) context. To make a ranking, the following criteria were taken into account: biomass potential, electric power infrastructure, road networks, protected spaces, and urban nuclei surfaces. The results indicate that, in the case of the Madrid Community, the Campiña region is the most suitable for setting up plants powered by biomass. A minimum of 17,339.9 tons of triticale will be needed to satisfy the requirements of a 2.2 MW power plant. The minimum range of action for obtaining the biomass necessary in Campiña region would be 6.6 km around the municipality of Algete, based on Geographic Information Systems. The total biomass which could be made available in considering this range in this region would be 18,430.68 t.

An Adjustable Compliant Joint for Lower-Limb Exoskeletons

The field of exoskeletons and wearable devices for walking assistance and rehabilitation has advanced considerably over the past few years. Currently, commercial devices contain joints with stiff actuators that cannot adapt to unpredictable environments. These actuators consume more energy and may not be appropriate for human-machine interactions. Thus, adjustable compliant actuators are being cautiously incorporated into new exoskeletons and active orthoses. Some simulation-based studies have evaluated the benefits of incorporating compliant joints into such devices. Another reason that compliant actuators are desirable is that spasticity and spasmodic movements are common among patients with motor deficiencies; compliant actuators could efficiently absorb these perturbations and improve joint control. In this paper, we provide an overview of the requirements that must be fulfilled by these actuators while evaluating the behavior of leg joints in the locomotion cycle. A brief review of existing compliant actuators is conducted, and our proposed variable stiffness actuator prototype is presented and evaluated. The actuator prototype is implemented in an exoskeleton knee joint operated by a state machine that exploits the dynamics of the leg, resulting in a reduction in actuation energy demand and better adaptability to disturbances.