The connection of high penetrations of new low carbon technologies such as PV and electric vehicles onto the distribution network is expected to cause power quality problems and the thermal capacity of feeder cables may be exceeded. Replacement of existing infrastructure is costly and so feeder cables are likely to be operated close to their hosting capacity. Network operators therefore require accurate simulation models so that new connection requests are not unnecessarily constrained. This work has reviewed recent studies and found a wide range of assumptions and approximations that are used in network models. A number of these have been investigated further, focussing on methods to specify the impedances of the cable, the impacts of harmonics, the time resolution used to model demand and generation, and assumptions regarding the connectivity of the neutral and ground conductors. The calculation of cable impedances is key to the accuracy of network models but only limited data is available from design standards or manufacturers. Several techniques have been compared in this work to provide guidance on the level of detail that should be included in the impedance model. Network modelling results with accurate impedances are shown to differ from those using published data. The demand data time resolution has been shown to affect estimates of copper losses in network cables. Using analytical methods and simulations, the relationship between errors in the loss estimates and the time resolution has been demonstrated and a method proposed such that the accuracy of loss estimates can be improved. For networks with grounded neutral conductors, accurate modelling requires the resistance of grounding electrodes to be taken into account. Existing methods either make approximations to the equivalent circuit or suffer from convergence problems. A new method has been proposed which resolves these difficulties and allows realistic scenarios with both grounded and ungrounded nodes to be modelled. In addition to the development of models, the voltages and currents in a section of LV feeder cable have been measured. The results provide a validation of the impedance calculations and also highlight practical difficulties associated with comparing simulation models with real measurement results.

Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM) is a nontraditional machining process used for machining intricate shapes in high strength and temperature resistive (HSTR) materials. WEDM provides high accuracy, repeatability, and a better surface finish; however the tradeoff is a very slow machining rate. Due to the slow machining rate in WEDM, machining tasks take many hours depending on the complexity of the job. Because of this, users of WEDM try to predict machining rate beforehand so that input parameter values can be pre-programmed to achieve automated machining. However, partial success with traditional methodologies such as thermal modeling, artificial neural networks, mathematical, statistical, and empirical models left this problem still open for further research and exploration of alternative methods. Also, earlier efforts in applying the decision tree rule induction algorithms for predicting the machining rate in WEDM had limitations such as use of coarse grained method of discretizing the target and exploration of only C4.5 as the learning algorithm. The goal of this dissertation was to address the limitations reported in literature in using decision tree rule induction algorithms for WEDM. In this study, the three decision tree inductive algorithms C5.0, CART and CHAID have been applied for predicting material removal rate when the target was discretized into varied number of classes (two, three, four, and five classes) by three discretization methods. There were a total of 36 distinct combinations when learning algorithms, discretization methods, and number of classes in the target are combined. All of these 36 models have been developed and evaluated based on the prediction accuracy. From this research, a total of 21 models found to be suitable for WEDM that have prediction accuracy ranging from 71.43% through 100%. The models indentified in the current study not only achieved better prediction accuracy compared to previous studies, but also allows the users to have much better control over WEDM than what was previously possible. Application of inductive learning and development of suitable predictive models for WEDM by incorporating varied number of classes in the target, different learning algorithms, and different discretization methods have been the major contribution of this research.

Este trabalho visa analisar a influência das taxas de resfriamento e temperatura no último passe de laminação a quente de fio máquina de um aço DIN 41Cr4 sobre a microestrutura obtida após a laminação e a sua correlação com aquela resultante do tratamento térmico de esferoidização. Foi avaliado a influência da microestrutura prévia de laminação nos tempos e taxa de resfriamento do tratamento térmico necessários para garantir adequada microestrutura do aço DIN 41Cr4. Foram aplicados conceitos de laminação termomecânica através da variação dos parâmetros: temperatura no último passe de laminação (acabador) e após o último passe de laminação (formador de espiras); velocidade das esteiras do “cooling conveyor” e consequente tempo de permanência das espiras sobre a região de ventiladores e alguns parâmetros no ciclo de tratamento térmico: tempo em patamar e taxa de resfriamento durante a produção de fio máquina redondo de bitolas entre 15,88mm e 16,15mm. A avaliação da resposta às variações impostas ao processo foi realizada através de análises metalográficas de microestrutura no material laminado e no material esferoidizado (grau de esferoidização), descarbonetação e de ensaios de propriedades mecânicas como dureza e tração. A partir dos resultados buscou-se determinar a influência dos parâmetros de laminação na microestrutura do material laminado e a influência desta na resposta ao tratamento térmico de esferoidização. Foram analisadas oito diferentes condições e os resultados mostraram que maiores taxas de resfriamento resultam em microestruturas mais refinadas proporcionando uma simplificação no tratamento térmico, atendendo as propriedades desejáveis no produto final (fio máquina redondo esferoidizado). / This work aims to analyze the influence of the cooling rate, the temperature of the finishing pass and at the coil-forming during hot rolling of DIN 41Cr4 steel wire rod on the microstructure and its influence on plateau times and cooling rate during the spheroidizing heat treatment. For this study thermomechanical rolling concepts were applied through the variation of some hot rolling parameters such as: temperature at the finishing pass and at the coils-former, the cooling conveyor belts velocity and some parameters in the heat treatment cycle: soak temperature and cooling rate during the production of round wire rod with 15,88 mm and 16,15 mm diameter. The evaluation response to changes imposed on the process was evaluated by metallographic analysis of microstructure in hot rolled and spheroidized material (spheroidizing degree), hardness, decarburization and tensile test. Eight rolling conditions and cooling rates were analyzed and results showed that higher cooling rates result in finer microstructures allowing a reduction in heat treatment time to achieve the desirable properties in the final product (spheroidized round wire rod).

Le principal objectif de cette thèse est de définir les conditions d’obtention de nanocomposites sous forme de fils de polyéthylène téréphtalate chargés dont la capacité d’absorbant hyperfréquence est exaltée dans le domaine 300 MHz à 3 GHz. Le procédé de fabrication de fil repose sur une technique d’extrusion qui a été adaptée de l’échelle industrielle vers l’échelle du laboratoire.Cet objectif principal se subdivise ainsi en plusieurs objectifs secondaires :Rationalisation et compréhension du procédé d’extrusion à l’échelle industrielle : les paramètres expérimentaux de la ligne d’extrusion ont été établis empiriquement par un industriel. Ces valeurs paramétrées de températures et de vitesses conditionnent ainsi la résistance mécanique et le diamètre du fil produit. Un des problèmes récurrents dans la plasturgie est la variabilité des lots de matière première et l’ajustement des paramètres expérimentaux qui en découlent. L’influence de chacun de ses paramètres sur les caractéristiques physico-chimiques du fil à chaque étape de la ligne est actuellement inconnue des industriels. Une compréhension de ces paramètres expérimentaux pourrait permettre un ajustement plus simple de ceux-ci en fonction des lots et une optimisation du procédé d’extrusion.Étude de l’homothétie entre la réplique miniature et la ligne d’extrusion originale : la ligne d’extrusion de laboratoire a été créée à partir du modèle de la ligne d’extrusion industrielle. Les dimensions ont ainsi été réduites et la disposition des différents éléments a été adaptée. Ce redimensionnement pose le problème de la réelle homothétie entre les deux lignes. Des critères de conformité seront ainsi établis pour permettre une comparaison entre les deux lignes.Étude de la matière polyéthylène téréphtalate : l’objectif est d’étudier les différentes transitions de phases d’un polymère semi-cristallin pouvant se produire lors du procédé d’extrusion. Les mécanismes de cristallisation et la nature des cristallites qui sont formées sont effectivement déterminants pour la tenue mécanique du fil ciblée par l’industriel.Blindage électromagnétique et permittivité diélectrique : les processus et les grandeurs physiques à l’origine de l’interaction d’une onde électromagnétique avec un matériau permettront d’aboutir aux propriétés physiques ciblées pour le blindage électromagnétique. La permittivité diélectrique et notamment la partie imaginaire relative aux pertes est une grandeur déterminante pour notre application.Nanocomposites pour le blindage électromagnétique : une étude bibliographique approfondie permettra de déterminer une liste d’additifs potentiels pour le blindage électromagnétique. Cette étude se focalisera sur les matériaux compatibles avec la nature de la matrice polymère polyéthylène téréphtalate. L’axe de recherche principal portera sur les matériaux absorbants dans la gamme des hyperfréquences.Étude du niveau de blindage électromagnétique apporté par les charges : des échantillons de polyéthylène téréphtalate vierge et chargés, sous forme de plaques, permettront de chiffrer l’efficacité de blindage électromagnétique avec un dispositif de mesure créé au laboratoire.Conception de fil conformément aux attentes de l’industriel : un des objectifs ciblés est de réussir à transposer les paramètres d’extrusion de fil de polyéthylène téréphtalate à un fil de nanocomposite chargé. Ceci passera par une étude complète des caractéristiques physico-chimiques et des mécanismes de cristallisation.Enfin, un des objectifs ciblés par cette thèse est de proposer aux industriels une technique d’analyse fiable, simple et rapide pour caractériser et identifier leurs produits. / The main objective of this thesis is to define the conditions for manufacturing a nanocomposites in the form of charged polyethylene terephthalate wires suitable for an electromagnetic shielding. The wire manufacturing process is based on an extrusion technique that has been adapted from the industrial scale to the laboratory scale.This main objective of this study is then subdivided into several secondary objectives:Rationalization and understanding of the extrusion process on an industrial scale: the experimental parameters of the extrusion line were established empirically by an industrialist. These parameterized values of temperatures and drawing rates thus condition the mechanical strength and the diameter of the wire produced. One of the recurring problems in the plastics industry is the variability of batches of raw material and the adjustment of experimental parameters that results. The influence of each of its parameters on the physicochemical characteristics of the wire at each step of the line is currently unknown to industrialists. An understanding of these experimental parameters could lead to a simpler adjustment of these parameter and to an optimization of the extrusion process.Study of the homothety between the miniature replica and the original extrusion line: the laboratory extrusion line was created from the model of the industrial extrusion line. The dimensions have been reduced and the layout of the various elements has been adapted. This resizing poses the problem of the real homothety between the two lines. Compliance criteria will be established to allow a comparison between the two lines.Study of the polyethylene terephthalate material: the objective is to study the different phase transitions of a semicrystalline polymer that may occur during the extrusion process. The crystallization mechanisms and the nature of the crystallites that are formed are indeed determining for the mechanical strength of the yarn targeted by the manufacturer.Electromagnetic shielding and dielectric permittivity: the processes and the physical quantities at the origin of the interaction of an electromagnetic wave with a material will lead to the targeted physical properties for the electromagnetic shielding. The dielectric permittivity and in particular the imaginary part relating to losses is a determining variable for our application.Nanocomposites for Electromagnetic Shielding: An in-depth literature review will determine a list of potential additives for electromagnetic shielding. This study will focus on materials compatible with the nature of the polyethylene terephthalate polymer matrix. The main research focus will be on absorbent materials in the microwave range.Study of the level of electromagnetic shielding provided by the charges: samples of raw polyethylene terephthalate and loaded, in the form of plates, will be used to quantify the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness with a measurement device created in the laboratory.Wire manufacturing at the laboratory scale : one of the targeted objectives is to successfully transpose the extrusion parameters of polyethylene terephthalate wire to a loaded nanocomposite wire. This will go through a complete study of physicochemical characteristics and crystallization mechanisms.Finally, one of the objectives targeted by this thesis is to offer manufacturers a reliable, simple and fast analysis technique to characterize and identify their products.

This thesis consists of description of design and construction of device for measuring air velocity created in it´s practical part. In introduction is mentioned basic theoretical information related to given problem, in the next chapters is descripted design and construction of measuring device along with description of calibration proces. At the end is placed chapter about testing the final device.

This master’s thesis familiarizes reader with technology of machine grinding – it’s history, principle, general use, related tools, achievable parameters and kinematics of grinding process. The core of work is analysis of jig-grinder Hauser H45-400, it’s kinematics, machine technical data, options and accessories. Work concludes with technical and economical assessment of machining of several parts with this machine and compares results to alternative options of machining.

This diploma thesis deals with the issue of electroerosion machining of materials used in the aerospace industry. The introductory part presents the layout of aerospace materials and the methods by which they can be machined. The next chapter describes the basic principles of EDM. The experimental part is focused on electroerosive cutting of NIMONIC 263 alloy. The greatest emphasis was placed on determining the influence of the cutting wire material on the rate of contamination of the surface layer of the workpiece. The quality of the machined surface was assessed depending on the used wire and the selected machining parameters.

Content of the Bachelor Thesis covers design and realisation of an unit for multipoint temperature measuring in cooling and freezing equipments in food stores and shops. As a controlling microcomputer is used an Atmel ATMega128, temperature sensors are realised by DS18S20 digital thermometers, connected via 1-wire bus. Unit can read temperature from 32 temperature sensors, includes memory for measured data, real time clock, Ethernet interface and display with buttons for basic user control. Temperatures are measured periodically with user defined interval, values are stored into internal memory and showed on display. Measured data can also be transferred via Ethernet to clinent PC, where can be viewed in form of table and graphs.

This work deals with an origin of the harmonic currents, their classification into symmetrical components and their influence on neutral conductor in distribution systems. It analyses the heat strain increase in distribution cables and distortion of supply tension in consequence of harmonic zero component flows in distribution system and it provides possibilities of neutral conductor overload and break-in protection.

The subject of this thesis is a method proposed for automated evaluation of the parameters of X-ray of cystic disorders in human jawbones. The main problem in medical diagnostic is the low repeatability due to the subjective evaluation of images without using a tool for image processing. In this thesis are described the basic steps of image processing, various methods of image segmentation and chosen segmentation method live-wire. Selected segments were processed in the ImageJ Java environment. In the cystic regions their basic statistical and shape properties were evaluated. The obtained values were used for learning the classification model (decision tree) in the environment RapidMiner. This model was used to create a plug-in for automatic classification of the type of cysts in the program ImageJ.