A synthesizable hardware evolutionary algorithm design for unmanned aerial system real-time path planning

The main objective of this paper is to detail the development of a feasible hardware design based on Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) to determine flight path planning for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) navigating terrain with obstacle boundaries. The design architecture includes the hardware implementation of Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) terrain and EA population memories within the hardware, as well as the EA search and evaluation algorithms used in the optimizing stage of path planning. A synthesisable Very-high-speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL) implementation of the design was developed, for realisation on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) platform. Simulation results show significant speedup compared with an equivalent software implementation written in C++, suggesting that the present approach is well suited for UAV real-time path planning applications.

A circuit-breaker restrike diagnostic algorithm using ATP and wavelet transforms

Circuit breaker restrikes are unwanted occurrence, which can ultimately lead to breaker. Before 2008, there was little evidence in the literature of monitoring techniques based on restrike measurement and interpretation produced during switching of capacitor banks and shunt reactor banks. In 2008 a non-intrusive radiometric restrike measurement method, as well a restrike hardware detection algorithm was developed. The limitations of the radiometric measurement method are a band limited frequency response as well as limitations in amplitude determination. Current detection methods and algorithms required the use of wide bandwidth current transformers and voltage dividers. A novel non-intrusive restrike diagnostic algorithm using ATP (Alternative Transient Program) and wavelet transforms is proposed. Wavelet transforms are the most common use in signal processing, which is divided into two tests, i.e. restrike detection and energy level based on deteriorated waveforms in different types of restrike. A ‘db5’ wavelet was selected in the tests as it gave a 97% correct diagnostic rate evaluated using a database of diagnostic signatures. This was also tested using restrike waveforms simulated under different network parameters which gave a 92% correct diagnostic responses. The diagnostic technique and methodology developed in this research can be applied to any power monitoring system with slight modification for restrike detection.

Development of diagnostic and prognostic algorithms from vacuum circuit breaker restrike review and its validation proposal

The CIGRE WGs A3.20 and A3.24 identify the requirements of simulation tools to predict various stresses during the development and operational phases of medium voltage vacuum circuit breaker (VCB) testing. This paper reviews the modelling methodology [13], VCB models and tools to identify future research. It will include the application of the VCB model for the impending failure of a VCB using electro-magnetic-transient-program with diagnostic and prognostic algorithm development. The methodology developed for a VCB degradation model is to modify the dielectric equation to cover a restriking period of more than 1 millimetre.

Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC): New Discipline with an Old Learning Approach: A Syllabi Analysis

Marketing communications as a discipline has changed significantly in both theory and practice over the past decade. But has our teaching of IMC kept pace with the discipline changes? The purpose of this paper is to explore how far the evolving concepts of IMC are reaching university learners. By doing this, the paper offers an approach to assessing how well marketing curricula are fulfilling their purpose. The course outlines (syllabi) for all IMC courses in 30 universities in Australia and five universities in New Zealand were analyzed. The findings suggest that most of what is taught in the units is not IMC. It is not directed by the key constructs of IMC, nor by the research informing the discipline. Rather, it appears to have evolved little from traditional promotion management units and is close in content and structure to many introductory advertising courses. This paper suggests several possible explanations for this, including: (1) a tacit rejection of IMC as a valid concept; (2) a lack of information about what IMC is and what it is not; and (3) a scarcity of teaching and learning materials that are clearly focused on key constructs and research issues of IMC.