Prediction interval estimation for wind farm power generation forecasts using support vector machines

Accurate forecasting of wind power generation is quite an important as well as challenging task for the system operators and market participants due to its high uncertainty. It is essential to quantify uncertainties associated with wind power generation forecasts for their efficient application in optimal management of wind farms and integration into power systems. Prediction intervals (PIs) are well known statistical tools which are used to quantify the uncertainty related to forecasts by estimating the ranges of the future target variables. This paper investigates the application of a novel support vector machine based methodology to directly estimate the lower and upper bounds of the PIs without expensive computational burden and inaccurate assumptions about the distribution of the data. The efficiency of the method for uncertainty quantification is examined using monthly data from a wind farm in Australia. PIs for short term application are generated with a confidence level of 90%. Experimental results confirm the ability of the method in constructing reliable PIs without resorting to complex computational methods.

Language and power in vocational education and training

In this paper I explore the way language is used in Training Packages, and the impact this language has when Training Packages are used to support work-based vocational programs. Training Packages are a fundamental component of the regulatory framework of the national vocational education and training (VET) system [in Australia]. The national strategy for VET places employers and individuals at the centre of VET, and policy commitments to access and equity are enshrined in the auditable standards of the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). Yet Training Packages and related official VET texts are written in an abstract, generalised and complex language form which acts as an insurmountable barrier to many people at the front line of VET. My PhD research (a work in progress) explores the proposition that this language form is representative of, and constructive in, unequal power relationships. Early data analysis suggests that VET practitioners and training participants talk about their experience of this language in terms of power and exclusion. In contrast, the official VET response generally leaves the official language form above challenge, and instead largely focuses on the presumed deficient language and literacy skills of those who are excluded by these texts.

TDOA based transmitter localization with minimum number of teceivers and power measurements

This paper investigates the problem of localizing a wireless transmitter using a minimum number of receivers and other readily available means in a time difference of arrival (TDOA) setting. Using the necessary and sufficient conditions for unique solution, we use power measurements to compensate for the reduced number of receivers. In other words, if the transmitter is not located in the unique solution area, we provides a technique to find the true location via the measured received signal power. Our approach neither requires the knowledge of the transmission power nor the path loss exponent.

The effects of general strength, maximal strength and plyometric training on leg strength and power in soccer players

The study compared the effects of a maximal strength training method with a form of explosive jump training (plyometrics) on soccer players. Overall, the results showed that weight training and jumping groups improved strength and power better than just regular soccer training. There was no difference between the weight lifting and the jumping groups on the strength and power tests.