Search results for "Integer"
showing 10 items of 250 documents
Ecological stoichiometry: a link between developmental speed and physiological stress in an omnivorous insect
2019
The elemental composition of organisms is a part of a suite of functional traits that may adaptively respond to fluctuating selection pressures. Life history theory predicts that predation risk and resource limitations impose selection pressures on organisms’ developmental time and are further associated with variability in energetic and behavioral traits. Between-individual differences in developmental speed, behaviors and physiology have been explained using the pace-of-life syndrome (POLS) hypothesis. However, how an organism’s developmental speed is linked with elemental body composition, metabolism and behavior is not well understood. We compared elemental body composition, latency to …
Inquiry-Based Approach and Numerical Simulations: A Powerful Integration in Condensed Matter Physics Education
2020
In this chapter, we present and discuss two inquiry-based learning paths on condensed matter physics topics in which numerical simulations play a relevant role. The first one addresses the study of the electron transport dynamics via simulative explorations in 3D semiconductors. His emphasis is not on student modelling skills, but rather on a chain of reasoned investigations performed within a learning environment aimed at supporting a valuable understanding of the physics concepts underlying the complex world of semiconductor electronics. The second learning path is a 5E-cycle-based workshop of advanced physics targeted to strengthen student’s understanding of the various aspects of the Ha…
A polynomial algorithm solving a special class of hybrid optimal control problems
2006
Hybrid optimal control problems are, in general, difficult to solve. A current research goal is to isolate those problems that lead to tractable solutions [5]. In this paper, we identify a special class of hybrid optimal control problems which are easy to solve. We do this by using a paradigm borrowed from the Operations Research field. As main result, we present a solution algorithm that converges to the exact solution in polynomial time. Our approach consists in approximating the hybrid optimal control problem via an integer-linear programming reformulation. The integer-linear programming problem is a Set-covering one with a totally unimodular constraint matrix and therefore solving the S…
A Multi-Objective Approach to Optimize a Periodic Maintenance Policy
2012
The present paper proposes a multi-objective approach to find out an optimal periodic maintenance policy for a repairable and stochastically deteriorating multi-component system over a finite time horizon. The tackled problem concerns the determination of the system elements to replace at each scheduled and periodical system inspection by ensuring the simultaneous minimization of both the expected total maintenance cost and the expected global system unavailability time. It is assumed that in the case of system elements failure they are instantaneously detected and repaired by means of minimal repair actions in order to rapidly restore the system. A nonlinear integer mathematical programmi…
An Effective Multirestart Deterministic Annealing Metaheuristic for the Fleet Size and Mix Vehicle-Routing Problem with Time Windows
2008
This paper presents a new deterministic annealing metaheuristic for the fleet size and mix vehicle-routing problem with time windows. The objective is to service, at minimal total cost, a set of customers within their time windows by a heterogeneous capacitated vehicle fleet. First, we motivate and define the problem. We then give a mathematical formulation of the most studied variant in the literature in the form of a mixed-integer linear program. We also suggest an industrially relevant, alternative definition that leads to a linear mixed-integer formulation. The suggested metaheuristic solution method solves both problem variants and comprises three phases. In Phase 1, high-quality init…
Decentralized price-driven grid balancing via repurposed electric vehicle batteries
2017
Abstract The share of electricity generated from intermittent renewable sources, e.g., wind and solar grows rapidly. This affects grid stability and power quality. If the share of renewable power generation is to be increased further, additional flexibilities must be introduced. Aggregating small, distributed loads and energy storage facilities is a good medium-term option. In this paper, the suitability of decentralized and on-site optimized storage system consisting of repurposed electric vehicle batteries for grid balancing is investigated. Battery operation is controlled via an optimization procedure, which relies on a one-way communicated pseudo-cost function (PCF). Day-ahead electrici…
Heuristic-Based Shiftable Loads Optimal Management in Smart Micro-Grids
2015
In this paper, an optimal power dispatch problem on a 24-h basis for distribution systems with distributed energy resources (DER) also including directly controlled shiftable loads is presented. In the literature, the optimal energy management problems in smart grids (SGs) where such types of loads exist are formulated using integer or mixed integer variables. In this paper, a new formulation of shiftable loads is employed. Such formulation allows reduction in the number of optimization variables and the adoption of real valued optimization methods such as the one proposed in this paper. The method applied is a novel nature-inspired multiobjective optimization algorithm based on an original…
A GRASP algorithm for the container stowage slot planning problem
2016
This work presents a generalization of the Slot Planning Problem which raises when the liner shipping industry needs to plan the placement of containers within a vessel (stowage planning). State-of-the-art stowage planning relies on a heuristic decomposition where containers are first distributed in clusters along the vessel. For each of those clusters a specific position for each container must be found. Compared to previous studies, we have introduced two new features: the explicit handling of rolled out containers and the inclusion of separations rules for dangerous cargo. We present a novel integer programming formulation and a Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure (GRASP) to solv…
An Optimal Monitoring Program for Obtaining Voltage Sag System Indexes
2006
This paper presents a meter placement method for voltage sags monitoring in large transmission systems. An integer programming-based modeling is proposed for choosing the locations of power quality meters. A branch-and-bound-type algorithm is used to solve the optimization problem. A large transmission network is used to validate the method. Stochastic assessment of voltage sags is applied to the test network to obtain simulated monitoring results. Voltage sags system indexes are calculated from monitoring programs designed according to the optimization method. Comparisons with the system indexes obtained from a full monitoring program show the applicability of the method.
A comprehensive tool for efficient design and operation of polygeneration-based energy μgrids serving a cluster of buildings. Part I: Description of …
2013
Polygeneration systems with thermal energy storage represent promising solutions to achieve energy saving and emissions reduction in the civil sector. The definition of customer-oriented design and operation strategies represents a most challenging task, in order to maximize the profitability and make the investment attractive. A large potential is often recognized for the installation of centralized plants serving a cluster of buildings located over a small area; in such cases the design problem becomes extremely complex and the analyst needs reliable instruments to identify the optimal solution. This paper in two parts presents a scientific tool for the optimization of design and operatio…