The analysis for the extension of the control system and proposal of controlling program for surveillance cameras and related theoretical analysis necessary for understanding problems. Proposal communication protocol to access all functions via TCP/IP communication. Subsequent protocol implementation into control program and a programmable controller. Programming application with a user interface for camera control and basic image processing. The program also represents the server for TCP/IP communication with clients over the proposed protocol. The proposed application has to fulfill high pretensions of data streaming from cameras. Extension of the existing control system of the telescope, dome and other systems. The addition of analog measurement and control of digital inputs and outputs. Furthermore, control of stepper motors to control focusers. The embedded communication protocol will be expanded of the new instruction.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The harvested energy of wind can be transferred to the generators either through a gearbox or through an intermediate medium such as hydraulic fluids. In this method, high-pressure hydraulic fluids are utilized to collect the energy of single or multiple wind turbines and transfer it to a central generation unit. In this unit, the mechanical energy of the hydraulic fluid is transformed into electric energy. The prime mover of hydraulic energy transfer unit, the wind turbine, experiences the intermittent characteristics of wind. This energy variation imposes fluctuations on generator outputs and drifts their angular velocity from desired frequencies. Nonlinearities exist in hydraulic wind power transfer and are originated from discrete elements such as check valves, proportional and directional valves, and leakage factors of hydraulic pumps and motors. A thorough understanding of hydraulic wind energy transfer system requires mathematical expression of the system. This can also be used to analyze, design, and predict the behavior of large-scale hydraulic-interconnected wind power plants. This thesis introduces the mathematical modeling and controls of the hydraulic wind energy transfer system. The obtained models of hydraulic energy transfer system are experimentally validated with the results from a prototype. This research is classified into three categories. 1) A complete mathematical model of the hydraulic energy transfer system is illustrated in both ordinary differential equations and state-space representation. 2) An experimental prototype of the energy transfer system is built and used to study the behavior of the system in different operating configurations, and 3) Controllers are designed to address the problems associated with the wind speed fluctuation and reference angular velocity tracking. The mathematical models of hydraulic energy transfer system are also validated with the simulation results from a SimHydraulics Toolbox of MATLAB/Simulink®. The models are also compared with the experimental data from the system prototype. The models provided in this thesis do consider the improved assessment of the hydraulic system operation and efficiency analysis for industrial level wind power application.

The electric power systems are currently being transformed through the integration of intermittent renewable energy resources and new types of electric loads. These developments run the risk of increasing mismatches between electricity supply and demand, and may cause non-favorable utilization rates of some power system components. Using Demand Response (DR) from flexible loads in the building stock is a promising solution to overcome these challenges for electricity market actors. However, as DR is not used at a large scale today, there are validity concerns regarding its cost-benefit and reliability when compared to traditional investment options in the power sector, e.g. network refurbishment. To analyze the potential in DR solutions, bottom-up simulation models which capture consumption processes in buildings is an alternative. These models must be simple enough to allow aggregations of buildings to be instantiated and at the same time intricate enough to include variations in individual behaviors of end-users. This is done so the electricity market actor can analyze how large volumes of flexibility acts in various market and power system operation contexts, but also can appreciate how individual end-users are affected by DR actions in terms of cost and comfort. The contribution of this thesis is bottom-up simulation models for generating load profiles in detached houses and office buildings. The models connect end-user behavior with the usage of appliances and hot water loads through non-homogenous Markov chains, along with physical modeling of the indoor environment and consumption of heating and cooling loads through lumped capacitance models. The modeling is based on a simplified approach where openly available data and statistics are used, i.e. data that is subject to privacy limitations, such as smart meter measurements are excluded. The models have been validated using real load data from detached houses and office buildings, related models in literature, along with energy-use statistics from national databases. The validation shows that the modeling approach is sound and can provide reasonably accurate load profiles as the error results are in alignment with related models from other research groups. This thesis is a composite thesis of five papers. Paper 1 presents a bottom-up simulation model to generate load profiles from space heating, hot water and appliances in detached houses. Paper 2 presents a data analytic framework for analyzing electricity-use from heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) loads and appliance loads in an office building. Paper 3 presents a non-homogeneous Markov chain model to simulate representative occupancy profiles in single office rooms. Paper 4 utilizes the results in paper 2 and 3 to describe a bottom-up simulation model that generates load profiles in office buildings including HVAC loads and appliances. Paper 5 uses the model in paper 1 to analyze the technical feasibility of using DR to solve congestion problems in a distribution grid. / Integrering av förnybara energikällor och nya typer av laster i de elektriska energisystemen är möjliga svar till klimatförändringar och uttömning av ändliga naturresurser. Denna integration kan dock öka obalanserna mellan utbud och efterfrågan av elektricitet, och orsaka en ogynnsam utnyttjandegrad av vissa kraftsystemkomponenter. Att använda efterfrågeflexibilitet (Demand Response) i byggnadsbeståndet är en möjlig lösning till dessa problem för olika elmarknadsaktörer. Men eftersom efterfrågeflexibilitet inte används i stor skala idag finns det obesvarade frågor gällande lösningens kostnadsnytta och tillförlitlighet jämfört med traditionella investeringsalternativ i kraftsektorn. För att analysera efterfrågeflexibilitetslösningar är botten-upp-simuleringsmodeller som fångar elförbrukningsprocesser i byggnaderna ett alternativ. Dessa modeller måste vara enkla nog för att kunna representera aggregeringar av många byggnader men samtidigt tillräckligt komplicerade för att kunna inkludera unika slutanvändarbeteenden. Detta är nödvändigt när elmarknadsaktören vill analysera hur stora volymer efterfrågeflexibilitet påverkar elmarknaden och kraftsystemen, men samtidigt förstå hur styrningen inverkar på den enskilda slutanvändaren.  Bidraget från denna avhandling är botten-upp-simuleringsmodeller för generering av elförbrukningsprofiler i småhus och kontorsbyggnader. Modellerna kopplar slutanvändarbeteende med elförbrukning från apparater och varmvattenanvändning tillsammans med fysikaliska modeller av värmedynamiken i byggnaderna. Modellerna är byggda på en förenklad approach som använder öppen data och statistisk, där data som har integritetsproblem har exkluderats. Simuleringsresultat har validerats mot elförbrukningsdata från småhus och kontorsbyggnader,  relaterade modeller från andra forskargrupper samt energistatistik från nationella databaser. Valideringen visar att modellerna kan generera elförbrukningsprofiler med rimlig noggrannhet. Denna avhandling är en sammanläggningsavhandling bestående av fem artiklar. Artikel 1 presenterar botten-upp-simuleringsmodellen för genereringen av elförbrukningsprofiler från uppvärmning, varmvatten och apparater i småhus. Artikel 2 presenterar ett dataanalytiskt ramverk för analys av elanvändningen från uppvärmning, ventilation, och luftkonditioneringslaster (HVAC) och apparatlaster i en kontorsbyggnad. Artikel 3 presenterar en icke-homogen Markovkedjemodell för simulering av representativa närvaroprofiler i enskilda kontorsrum. Artikel  4 använder resultaten i artiklarna  2 och 3 för att beskriva en botten-upp-simuleringsmodell för generering av elförbrukningsprofiler från HVAC-laster och apparater i kontorsbyggnader. Artikel  5 använder modellen i artikel 1 för att analysera den tekniska möjligheten att använda efterfrågeflexibilitet för att lösa överbelastningsproblem i ett eldistributionsnät. / <p>QC 20160329</p>

Establishing and maintaining successful communication stands as a critical prerequisite for achieving the goals of inducing and studying advanced computation in small-scale living neuronal networks. The following work establishes a novel and effective method for communicating arbitrary "sensory" input information to cultures of living neurons, living neuronal networks (LNNs), consisting of approximately 20 000 rat cortical neurons plated on microelectrode arrays (MEAs) containing 60 electrodes. The sensory coding algorithm determines a set of effective codes (symbols), comprised of different spatio-temporal patterns of electrical stimulation, to which the LNN consistently produces unique responses to each individual symbol. The algorithm evaluates random sequences of candidate electrical stimulation patterns for evoked-response separability and reliability via a support vector machine (SVM)-based method, and employing the separability results as a fitness metric, a genetic algorithm subsequently constructs subsets of highly separable symbols (input patterns). Sustainable input/output (I/O) bit rates of 16-20 bits per second with a 10% symbol error rate resulted for time periods of approximately ten minutes to over ten hours. To further evaluate the resulting code sets' performance, I used the system to encode approximately ten hours of sinusoidal input into stimulation patterns that the algorithm selected and was able to recover the original signal with a normalized root-mean-square error of 20-30% using only the recorded LNN responses and trained SVM classifiers. Response variations over the course of several hours observed in the results of the sine wave I/O experiment suggest that the LNNs may retain some short-term memory of the previous input sample and undergo neuroplastic changes in the context of repeated stimulation with sensory coding patterns identified by the algorithm.

Preface - Biotechnology is generally considered to be the wave of the future. To facilitate accurate and rapid development of medication and treatments, it is critical that we are able to simulate the human body. One section of this complex model would be the human energy system. Pharmaceutical companies are currently pouring vast amounts of capital into research regarding general simulation of cellular structures, protein structures and bodily processes. Their aim is to develop treatments and medication for major diseases. Some of these diseases are epidemics like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, stress, obesity, etc. One of the most important causes of these diseases is poor blood glucose control. Current management methods for insulin dependent diabetes are limited to trial and error systems: clearly ineffective and prone to errors. It is critical that better management systems be developed, to ease the diabetic epidemic. The blood glucose control system is one of the major systems in the body, as we are in constant need of energy to facilitate the optimum functioning of the human body. This study makes use of a developed simulation model for the human energy system to ease the management of Diabetes mellitus, which is a malfunction of the human energy system. This dissertation is presented in two parts: The first part discusses the human energy simulation model, and the verification thereof, while the second presents possible applications of this model to ease the management of Diabetes. The human energy system simulation model - This section discusses the development and verification of the model. It also touches on the causes, and current methods, of managing diabetes, as well as the functioning of the human energy system. The human energy model is approached with the conservation of energy in mind. A top down model is developed, using data from independent studies to verify the model. Application of human energy simulation model - The human energy simulation model is of little use if the intended audience cannot use it: people suffering from malfunctioning energy systems. These include people having trouble with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc. To facilitate this, we need to provide a variety of products useable by this group of people. We propose a variety of ways in which the model can be used: Cellular phone applications, Personal digital assistants (PDAs) applications, as well as computer software. By making use of current technology, we generate a basic proof-of-concept application to demonstrate the intended functionality. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering) North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004

Preface - Biotechnology is generally considered to be the wave of the future. To facilitate accurate and rapid development of medication and treatments, it is critical that we are able to simulate the human body. One section of this complex model would be the human energy system. Pharmaceutical companies are currently pouring vast amounts of capital into research regarding general simulation of cellular structures, protein structures and bodily processes. Their aim is to develop treatments and medication for major diseases. Some of these diseases are epidemics like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, stress, obesity, etc. One of the most important causes of these diseases is poor blood glucose control. Current management methods for insulin dependent diabetes are limited to trial and error systems: clearly ineffective and prone to errors. It is critical that better management systems be developed, to ease the diabetic epidemic. The blood glucose control system is one of the major systems in the body, as we are in constant need of energy to facilitate the optimum functioning of the human body. This study makes use of a developed simulation model for the human energy system to ease the management of Diabetes mellitus, which is a malfunction of the human energy system. This dissertation is presented in two parts: The first part discusses the human energy simulation model, and the verification thereof, while the second presents possible applications of this model to ease the management of Diabetes. The human energy system simulation model - This section discusses the development and verification of the model. It also touches on the causes, and current methods, of managing diabetes, as well as the functioning of the human energy system. The human energy model is approached with the conservation of energy in mind. A top down model is developed, using data from independent studies to verify the model. Application of human energy simulation model - The human energy simulation model is of little use if the intended audience cannot use it: people suffering from malfunctioning energy systems. These include people having trouble with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc. To facilitate this, we need to provide a variety of products useable by this group of people. We propose a variety of ways in which the model can be used: Cellular phone applications, Personal digital assistants (PDAs) applications, as well as computer software. By making use of current technology, we generate a basic proof-of-concept application to demonstrate the intended functionality. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering) North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004

Over the last decade, power systems have evolved dramatically around the world, owing to higher demand, stringent requirements on quality and environmental concerns that are becoming increasingly critical. With the introduction of new technologies like large-scale renewable energy, wide-area measurement based on phasor measurement units (PMUs) and consumer interaction in the distribution system, the power grid today has become more potent than ever before. Most of the defining features of the smart grid today rest on the integration of advanced communication capabilities into the grid. While communication infrastructure has become a key enabler for the smart grid, it also introduces new and complex control challenges that must be addressed. As we increasingly rely on information transmitted to distant areas over communication networks, it becomes imperative to model the effects of the communication system on the stability of the power grid. Several approaches exist in control theory to study such systems, widely referred to as Networked Control Systems (NCS). Networked control theory provides mathematical tools for system stability analysis and control in the presence of communication delays, packet dropouts and disordering due to transmission of sensor and actuator signals via a limited communication network. In this thesis, a networked control framework for smart grids with integrated commu-nication infrastructure (ICT) is developed. In particular, a networked control systems perspective is developed for two scenarios - wide-area monitoring control, and coordinated control of distributed generation sources. The effects of communication delays and packet dropouts on power system stability are modeled in detail. In the wide-area monitoring control problem, system state measurements are trans-mitted from remote locations through a communication network. The system is modeled as an NCS and a control design approach is presented to damp inter-area oscillations arising from various power system disturbances in the presence of communication constraints. In the coordinated control scenario, a power system with geographically dispersed sources is modeled as an NCS. A networked controller is designed to stabilize the system in the presence of small signal disturbances when system measurements are subject to communication delays and packet dropouts. A realistic output feedback networked control scheme that only uses voltage measurements from PMUs is also developed for practical implementation. The networked controllers designed in this thesis are validated against controllers designed by standard methods, by simulation on standard test systems. The networked controllers are found to enhance power system stability and load transfer capability even in the presence of severe packet dropouts and delays. Several extensions and theoretical problems motivated by this thesis are also proposed.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The compressed air system is widely used throughout the industry. Air compressors are one of the most costly systems to operate in industrial plants in terms of energy consumption. Therefore, it becomes one of the primary targets when it comes to electrical energy and load management practices. Load forecasting is the first step in developing energy management systems both on the supply and user side. A comprehensive literature review has been conducted, and there was a need to study if predicting compressed air system’s load is a possibility. System’s load profile will be valuable to the industry practitioners as well as related software providers in developing better practice and tools for load management and look-ahead scheduling programs. Feed forward neural networks (FFNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) techniques have been used to perform 15 minutes ahead prediction. Three cases of different sizes and control methods have been studied. The results proved the possibility of the forecast. In this study two control methods have been developed by using the prediction. The first control method is designed for variable speed driven air compressors. The goal was to decrease the maximum electrical load for the air compressor by using the system's full operational capabilities and the air receiver tank. This goal has been achieved by optimizing the system operation and developing a practical control method. The results can be used to decrease the maximum electrical load consumed by the system as well as assuring the sufficient air for the users during the peak compressed air demand by users. This method can also prevent backup or secondary systems from running during the peak compressed air demand which can result in more energy and demand savings. Load management plays a pivotal role and developing maximum load reduction methods by users can result in more sustainability as well as the cost reduction for developing sustainable energy production sources. The last part of this research is concentrated on reducing the energy consumed by load/unload controlled air compressors. Two novel control methods have been introduced. One method uses the prediction as input, and the other one doesn't require prediction. Both of them resulted in energy consumption reduction by increasing the off period with the same compressed air output or in other words without sacrificing the required compressed air needed for production. / 2019-12-05

Preface - Biotechnology is generally accepted to be the next economical wave of the future. In order to attain the many benefits associated with this growing industry simulation modelling techniques have to be implemented successfully. One of the simulations that ne' ed to be performed is that of the human energy system. Pharmaceutical companies are currently pouring vast amounts of capital into research regarding simulation of bodily processes. Their aim is to develop cures, treatments, medication, etc. for major diseases. These diseases include epidemics like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, stress, hypertension, etc. One of the most important driving forces behind these diseases is poor blood sugar control. The blood glucose system is one of the major subsystems of the complete human energy system. In this study a simulation model and procedure for simulating blood glucose response due to various external influences on the human body is presented. The study is presented in two parts. The first is the development of a novel concept for quantifying glucose energy flow into, within and out of the human energy system. The new quantification unit is called ets (equivalent teaspoons sugar). The second part of the study is the implementation of the ets concept in order to develop the simulation model. Development of the ets concept - In the first part of the study the ets concept, used for predicting glycaemic response, is developed and presented. The two current methods for predicting glycaemic response due to ingestion of food are discussed, namely carbohydrate counting and the glycaemic index. Furthermore, it is shown that it is currently incorrectly assumed that 100% of the chemical energy contained in food is available to the human energy system after consumption. The ets concept is derived to provide a better measure of available energy from food. In order to verify the ets concept, two links with ets are investigated. These are the links with insulin response prediction as well as with endurance energy expenditure. It is shown that with both these links linear relationships provide a good approximation of empirical data. It is also shown that individualised characterisation of different people is only dependent on a single measurable variable for each link. Lastly, two novel applications of the ets concept are considered. The first is a new method to use the ets values associated with food and energy expenditure in order to calculate both short-acting and long-acting insulin dosages for Type 1 diabetics. The second application entails a new quantification method for describing the effects of stress and illness in terms of ets. Development of the blood glucose simulation model - The second part of the study presents a literature study regarding human physiology, the development for the blood glucose simulation model as well as a verification study of the simulation model. Firstly, a brief overview is given for the need and motivation behind simulation is given. A discussion on the implementation of the techniques for construction of the model is also shown. The procedure for solving the model is then outlined. During the literature study regarding human physiology two detailed schematic layouts are presented and discussed. The first layout involves the complex flow pathways of energy through the human energy system. The second layout presents a detailed discussion on the control system involved with the glucose energy pathway. Following the literature review the model for predicting glycaemic response is proposed. The design of the component models used for the simulations of the internal processes are developed in detail as well as the control strategies implemented for the control system of the simulation model. Lastly, the simulation model is applied for glycaemic response prediction of actual test subjects and the quality of the predictions are evaluated. The verification of the model and the procedure is performed by comparing simulated results to measured data. Two evaluations were considered, namely long-term and short-term trials. The quality of both are determined according to certain evaluation criteria and it is found that the model is more than 70% accurate for long-term simulations and more than 80% accurate for short-term simulations. Conclusion - In conclusion, it is shown that simplified simulation of the human energy system is not only possible but also relatively accurate. However, in order to accomplish the simulations a simple quantification method is required and this is provided by the ets concept developed in the first part of this study. Some recommendations are also made for future research regarding both the ets concept and the simulation model. Finally, as an initial endeavour the simulation model and the ets concept proposed in this study may provide the necessary edge for groundbreaking biotechnological discoveries. / PhD (Mechanical Engineering) North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2003

Preface - Biotechnology is generally accepted to be the next economical wave of the future. In order to attain the many benefits associated with this growing industry simulation modelling techniques have to be implemented successfully. One of the simulations that ne' ed to be performed is that of the human energy system. Pharmaceutical companies are currently pouring vast amounts of capital into research regarding simulation of bodily processes. Their aim is to develop cures, treatments, medication, etc. for major diseases. These diseases include epidemics like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, stress, hypertension, etc. One of the most important driving forces behind these diseases is poor blood sugar control. The blood glucose system is one of the major subsystems of the complete human energy system. In this study a simulation model and procedure for simulating blood glucose response due to various external influences on the human body is presented. The study is presented in two parts. The first is the development of a novel concept for quantifying glucose energy flow into, within and out of the human energy system. The new quantification unit is called ets (equivalent teaspoons sugar). The second part of the study is the implementation of the ets concept in order to develop the simulation model. Development of the ets concept - In the first part of the study the ets concept, used for predicting glycaemic response, is developed and presented. The two current methods for predicting glycaemic response due to ingestion of food are discussed, namely carbohydrate counting and the glycaemic index. Furthermore, it is shown that it is currently incorrectly assumed that 100% of the chemical energy contained in food is available to the human energy system after consumption. The ets concept is derived to provide a better measure of available energy from food. In order to verify the ets concept, two links with ets are investigated. These are the links with insulin response prediction as well as with endurance energy expenditure. It is shown that with both these links linear relationships provide a good approximation of empirical data. It is also shown that individualised characterisation of different people is only dependent on a single measurable variable for each link. Lastly, two novel applications of the ets concept are considered. The first is a new method to use the ets values associated with food and energy expenditure in order to calculate both short-acting and long-acting insulin dosages for Type 1 diabetics. The second application entails a new quantification method for describing the effects of stress and illness in terms of ets. Development of the blood glucose simulation model - The second part of the study presents a literature study regarding human physiology, the development for the blood glucose simulation model as well as a verification study of the simulation model. Firstly, a brief overview is given for the need and motivation behind simulation is given. A discussion on the implementation of the techniques for construction of the model is also shown. The procedure for solving the model is then outlined. During the literature study regarding human physiology two detailed schematic layouts are presented and discussed. The first layout involves the complex flow pathways of energy through the human energy system. The second layout presents a detailed discussion on the control system involved with the glucose energy pathway. Following the literature review the model for predicting glycaemic response is proposed. The design of the component models used for the simulations of the internal processes are developed in detail as well as the control strategies implemented for the control system of the simulation model. Lastly, the simulation model is applied for glycaemic response prediction of actual test subjects and the quality of the predictions are evaluated. The verification of the model and the procedure is performed by comparing simulated results to measured data. Two evaluations were considered, namely long-term and short-term trials. The quality of both are determined according to certain evaluation criteria and it is found that the model is more than 70% accurate for long-term simulations and more than 80% accurate for short-term simulations. Conclusion - In conclusion, it is shown that simplified simulation of the human energy system is not only possible but also relatively accurate. However, in order to accomplish the simulations a simple quantification method is required and this is provided by the ets concept developed in the first part of this study. Some recommendations are also made for future research regarding both the ets concept and the simulation model. Finally, as an initial endeavour the simulation model and the ets concept proposed in this study may provide the necessary edge for groundbreaking biotechnological discoveries. / PhD (Mechanical Engineering) North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2003