Anti-wind-up designs for dynamic positioning of marine vehicles with control allocation

This paper presents a framework for the design of a joint motion controller and a control allocation strategy for dynamic positioning of marine vehicles. The key aspects of the proposed designs are a systematic approach to deal with actuator saturation and to inform the motion controller about saturation. The proposed system uses a mapping that translates the actuator constraint sets into constraint sets at the motion controller level. Hence, while the motion controller addresses the constraints, the control allocation algorithm can solve an unconstrained optimisation problem. The constrained control design is approached using a multivariable anti-wind-up strategy for strictly proper controllers. This is applicable to the implementation of PI and PID type of motion controllers.

Stabilization of parametric roll resonance with active u-tanks via Lyapunov control design

Parametric ship roll resonance is a phenomenon where a ship can rapidly develop high roll motion while sailing in longitudinal waves. This effect can be described mathematically by periodic changes of the parameters of the equations of motion, which lead to a bifurcation. In this paper, the control design of an active u-tank stabilizer is carried out using Lyapunov theory. A nonlinear backstepping controller is developed to provide global exponential stability of roll. An extension of commonly used u-tank models is presented to account for large roll angles, and the control design is tested via simulation on a high-fidelity model of a vessel under parametric roll resonance.

Sensor fault-resilient control of interior permanent-magnet synchronous motor drives

In a conventional ac motor drive using field-oriented control, a dc-link voltage, speed, and at least two current sensors are required. Hence, in the event of sensor failure, the performance of the drive system can be severely compromised. This paper presents a sensor fault-tolerant control strategy for interior permanent-magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) drives. Three independent observers are proposed to estimate the speed, dc-link voltage, and currents of the machine. If a sensor fault is detected, the drive system isolates the faulty sensor while retaining the remaining functional ones. The signal is then acquired from the corresponding observer in order to maintain the operation of the drive system. The experimental results provided verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Mitigation of distorted and unbalanced stator voltage of stand-alone doubly fed induction generators using repetitive control technique

Unbalanced or non-linear loads result in distorted stator currents and electromagnetic torque pulsations in stand-alone doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs). This study proposes the use of a proportional-integral repetitive control (PIRC) scheme so as to mitigate the levels of harmonic and unbalance at the stator terminals of the DFIG. The PIRC is structurally simpler and requires much less computation than existing methods. Analysis of the PIRC operation and the methodology to determine the control parameters is included. Simulation study as well as laboratory test measurements demonstrate clearly the effectiveness of the proposed PIRC control scheme.

Paracrine interactions between LNCaP prostate cancer cells and bioengineered bone in 3D in vitro culture reflect molecular changes during bone metastasis

As microenvironmental factors such as three-dimensionality and cell–matrix interactions are increasingly being acknowledged by cancer biologists, more complex 3D in vitro models are being developed to study tumorigenesis and cancer progression. To better understand the pathophysiology of bone metastasis, we have established and validated a 3D indirect co-culture model to investigate the paracrine interactions between prostate cancer (PCa) cells and human osteoblasts. Co-culture of the human PCa, LNCaP cells embedded within polyethylene glycol hydrogels with human osteoblasts in the form of a tissue engineered bone construct (TEB), resulted in reduced proliferation of LNCaP cells. LNCaP cells in both monoculture and co-culture were responsive to the androgen analog, R1881, as indicated by an increase in the expression (mRNA and/or protein induction) of androgen-regulated genes including prostate specific antigen and fatty acid synthase. Microarray gene expression analysis further revealed an up-regulation of bone markers and other genes associated with skeletal and vasculature development and a significant activation of transforming growth factor β1 downstream genes in LNCaP cells after co-culture with TEB. LNCaP cells co-cultured with TEB also unexpectedly showed similar changes in classical androgen-responsive genes under androgen-deprived conditions not seen in LNCaP monocultures. The molecular changes of LNCaP cells after co-culturing with TEBs suggest that osteoblasts exert a paracrine effect that may promote osteomimicry and modulate the expression of androgen-responsive genes in LNCaP cells. Taken together, we have presented a novel 3D in vitro model that allows the study of cellular and molecular changes occurring in PCa cells and osteoblasts that are relevant to metastatic colonization of bone. This unique in vitro model could also facilitate cancer biologists to dissect specific biological hypotheses via extensive genomic or proteomic assessments to further our understanding of the PCa-bone crosstalk.

A new distributed control strategy to coordinate multiple dstatcoms in LV network

Voltage rise is the main issue which limits the capacity of Low Voltage (LV) network to accommodate more Renewable Energy (RE) sources. In addition, voltage drop at peak load period is a significant power quality concern. This paper proposes a new robust voltage support strategy based on distributed coordination of multiple distribution static synchronous compensators (DSTATCOMs). The study focuses on LV networks with PV as the RE source for customers. The proposed approach applied to a typical LV network and its advantages are shown comparing with other voltage control strategies.

The making of control : an ethnomethodology of choosing management accounting systems [La fabrique du controle : une ethnomethodologie du choix des outils de gestion]

This paper sets out to contribute to the literature on the design and the implementation of management control systems. To this end, we question what is discussed when a management control system is to be chosen and on what decision-making eventually rests. This study rests upon an ethnomethodology of the Salvation Army’s French branch. Operating in the dual capacity of a researcher and a counsellor to management, between 2000 and 2007, we have unrestricted access to internal data revealing the backstage of management control: discussions and interactions surrounding the choosing of control devices. We contribute to understanding the arising of a need for control, the steps and process followed to decide upon a management control system, and controls in nonprofits. [Cet article vise à contribuer à la littérature sur la mise en place des systèmes de contrôle de gestion. À cette fin, nous questionnons ce qui est discuté lors du choix d’un système de contrôle et sur quoi repose in fine la décision. Cet article est fondé sur une approche ethnométhodologique de l’Armée du Salut en France permise par notre double qualité de chercheurs mais également de conseiller auprès de la direction de l’organisation entre 2000 et 2007. Un accès illimité à des données internes nous permet ainsi de mettre en lumière les aspects méconnus et invisibles du contrôle de gestion : les discussions et interactions entourant le choix d’outils. Nous contribuons à la compréhension de l’émergence du besoin de contrôle, des étapes et du processus de choix d’outils et enfin du contrôle de gestion dans une organisation à but non lucratif.]

Modeling and sensorless direct torque and flux control of a dual-airgap axial flux permanent-magnet machine with field-weakening operation

This paper presents the modeling and motion-sensorless direct torque and flux control of a novel dual-airgap axial-flux permanent-magnet machine optimized for use in flywheel energy storage system (FESS) applications. Independent closed-loop torque and stator flux regulation are performed in the stator flux ( x-y) reference frame via two PI controllers. This facilitates fast torque dynamics, which is critical as far as energy charging/discharging in the FESS is concerned. As FESS applications demand high-speed operation, a new field-weakening algorithm is proposed in this paper. Flux weakening is achieved autonomously once the y-axis voltage exceeds the available inverter voltage. An inherently speed sensorless stator flux observer immune to stator resistance variations and dc-offset effects is also proposed for accurate flux and speed estimation. The proposed observer eliminates the rotary encoder, which in turn reduces the overall weight and cost of the system while improving its reliability. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme has been verified by simulations and experiments on a machine prototype.

Smart resource control in distribution network to improve the integration level of PV

This project was an innovative approach in developing smart coordination of available energy resources to improve the integration level of PV in distribution network. Voltage and loading issues are considered as the main concerns for future electricity grid which need to be avoided using such resources. A distributed control structure was proposed for the resources in distribution network to avoid noted power quality issues.

Power buffer with model predictive control for stability of vehicular power systems with constant power loads

Electrification of vehicular systems has gained increased momentum in recent years with particular attention to constant power loads (CPLs). Since a CPL potentially threatens system stability, stability analysis of hybrid electric vehicle with CPLs becomes necessary. A new power buffer configuration with battery is introduced to mitigate the effect of instability caused by CPLs. Model predictive control (MPC) is applied to regulate the power buffer to decouple source and load dynamics. Moreover, MPC provides an optimal tradeoff between modification of load impedance, variation of dc-link voltage and battery current ripples. This is particularly important during transients or starting of system faults, since battery response is not very fast. Optimal tradeoff becomes even more significant when considering low-cost power buffer without battery. This paper analyzes system models for both voltage swell and voltage dip faults. Furthermore, a dual mode MPC algorithm is implemented in real time offering improved stability. A comprehensive set of experimental results is included to verify the efficacy of the proposed power buffer.

Modeling and position-sensorless control of a dual-airgap axial flux permanent magnet machine for flywheel energy storage systems

This paper presents the modeling and position-sensorless vector control of a dual-airgap axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machine optimized for use in flywheel energy storage system (FESS) applications. The proposed AFPM machine has two sets of three-phase stator windings but requires only a single power converter to control both the electromagnetic torque and the axial levitation force. The proper controllability of the latter is crucial as it can be utilized to minimize the vertical bearing stress to improve the efficiency of the FESS. The method for controlling both the speed and axial displacement of the machine is discussed. An inherent speed sensorless observer is also proposed for speed estimation. The proposed observer eliminates the rotary encoder, which in turn reduces the overall weight and cost of the system while improving its reliability. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme has been verified by simulations and experiments on a prototype machine.

Herbivores and nutrients control grassland plant diversity via light limitation

Human alterations to nutrient cycles1, 2 and herbivore communities3, 4, 5, 6, 7 are affecting global biodiversity dramatically2. Ecological theory predicts these changes should be strongly counteractive: nutrient addition drives plant species loss through intensified competition for light, whereas herbivores prevent competitive exclusion by increasing ground-level light, particularly in productive systems8, 9. Here we use experimental data spanning a globally relevant range of conditions to test the hypothesis that herbaceous plant species losses caused by eutrophication may be offset by increased light availability due to herbivory. This experiment, replicated in 40 grasslands on 6 continents, demonstrates that nutrients and herbivores can serve as counteracting forces to control local plant diversity through light limitation, independent of site productivity, soil nitrogen, herbivore type and climate. Nutrient addition consistently reduced local diversity through light limitation, and herbivory rescued diversity at sites where it alleviated light limitation. Thus, species loss from anthropogenic eutrophication can be ameliorated in grasslands where herbivory increases ground-level light.

Non-linear model predictive control for UAVs with slung/swung load

Suspended loads on UAVs can provide significant benefits to several applications in agriculture, law enforcement and construction. The load impact on the underlying system dynamics should not be neglected as significant feedback forces may be induced on the vehicle during certain flight manoeuvres. Much research has focused on standard multi-rotor position and attitude control with and without a slung load. However, predictive control schemes, such as Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC), have not yet been fully explored. To this end, we present software and flight system architecture to test controller for safe and precise operation of multi-rotors with heavy slung load in three dimensions.

Integrated access control for smart buildings using building information models

This thesis investigates the use of building information models for access control and security applications in critical infrastructures and complex building environments. It examines current problems in security management for physical and logical access control and proposes novel solutions that exploit the detailed information available in building information models. The project was carried out as part of the Airports of the Future Project and the research was modelled based on real-world problems identified in collaboration with our industry partners in the project.

The challenge to know and control: Disease outbreak surveillance and alerts in China and India

Since the revisions to the International Health Regulations (IHR) in 2005, much attention has been turned to how states, particularly developing states, will address core capacity requirements. The question often examined is how states with poor health systems can strengthen their capacity to identify and verify public health emergencies of international concern. A core capacity requirement is that by 2012 states will have a surveillance and response network that operates from the local community to the national level. Much emphasis has turned to the health system capacity required for this task. In this article, I seek to understand the political capacity to perform this task. This article considers how the world's two most populous states,1 1. For the purposes of this paper, I use the word ‘state’ as a shorthand for the nation-state of China and India, or member state as used by the United Nations. View all notes China and India, have sought to communicate outbreak events in times of crisis and calm. I consider what this reporting performance tells us of their capacity to meet their IHR obligations given the two countries differing political institutions.