Search results for "flexibility"

Using an Object-Oriented Approach for Scalable Flexibility in Manufacturing

2012

In this paper, it is briefly explained how to configure the different resource modules that actually control the tasks of the physical device and put together a work cell consisting of other FMS resources. Finally, an example on building a workcell using a hierarchical approach is presented.

Cognitive Radio Application for Smart Grid

2012

The communication infrastructure between energy generation, transmission, distribution and utilization will require multi-way communications, interoperability between the advanced and existing system, and end-to-end reliable and secure communications with low-latencies. Revolutionary communication architecture is required for effective operation and control of smart grid, and cognitive radio based communication architecture can provide a unique solution. By leveraging cognitive radio technology, the suggested communications infrastructure promises to utilize potentially all available spectrum resources efficiently in the smart grid. The radio agility allows the smart grid devices to sense t…

Hydraulic vs. Electric: A Review of Actuation Systems in Offshore Drilling Equipment

2016

This article presents a survey on actuation systems encountered in offshore drilling applications. Specifically, it focuses on giving a comparison of hydraulic and electric drivetrains along with detailed explanations of their advantages and drawbacks. A significant number of industrial case studies is examined in addition to the collection of academic publications, in order to accurately describe the current market situation. Some key directions of research and development required to satisfy increasing demands on powertrains operating offshore are identified. The impact of the literature and application surveys is further strengthened by benchmarking two designs of a full-scale pipe handl…

A Simultaneous Approach for IMS Design: a Possibility Based Approach

1999

IMS investments are characterised by high fixed costs and long life cycles. On the other hand, their redditivity and risk coverage depend on their manufacturing efficiency that is mainly defined during the design phase by fixing the system configuration. Due to the flexibility required to IMS, system configuration depends not only from technological information, such as product routing table and service times, but also from marketing data such as the typology of products to be manufacture and their production volumes. Moreover, the evaluation of the redditivity and the risk of the investment depends on market information such as product prices as well. Such interdependencies make the invest…

Modeling the energy and environmental life cycle of buildings: A co-simulation approach

2017

Abstract Building simulation is currently looking towards interdisciplinary experiences, aiming to the integration of simulation tools in different technical domains. At the same time, the interest of the building community to high performance buildings has also strengthened the interest on Life Cycle performances of such buildings, due to the reduction in their operational stage impacts. In this context, the paper proposes an integration of building simulation and Life Cycle Assessment through the programming of a TRNSYS component. It can perform Life Cycle Assessment studies, while having as output as well energy balances and energy and environmental payback times. Currently, the tool is …

The future use of structural composite materials in the automotive industry

2007

The automotive industry's use of structural composite materials began in the 1950s. Since those early days, it has been demonstrated that composites are lightweight, fatigue resistant and easily moulded to shape in other words, a seemingly attractive alternative to metals. However, there has been no widespread switch from metals to composites in the automotive sector. This is because there are a number of technical issues relating to the use of composite materials that still need to be resolved including accurate material characterisation, manufacturing and joining. This paper reports the findings of a recent European initiative that examined the future use of composite materials in the aut…

Obstacle Detection in an Unstructured Industrial Robotic System: Comparison of Hidden Markov Model and Expert System

2012

Abstract This paper presents a comparison of two approaches for detecting unknown obstacles inside the workspace of an industrial robot using a laser rangefinder for 2-D measurements. The two approaches are based on Expert System (ES) and Hidden Markov Model (HMM). The results presented in the paper demonstrate that both approaches are able to correctly detect and classify unknown objects. The ES is characterised by low computational requirements and an easy setup when relatively few known objects are to be included inside the workspace. HMMs are characterised by a higher flexibility and the ability to handle a larger amount of known objects inside the workspace. Another significant benefit…

Discussion of “Shakedown under Elastic Support Conditions”

1982

Temperature Rise Estimation of Induction Motor Drives Based on Loadability Curves to Facilitate Design of Electric Powertrains

2017

Thermal protection limits are equally important as mechanical specifications when designing electric drivetrains. However, properties of motor drives like mass/length of copper winding or heat dissipation factor are not available in producers’ catalogs. The lack of this essential data prevents the effective selection of drivetrain components and makes it necessary to consult critical design decisions with equipment's suppliers. Therefore, in this paper, the popular loadability curves that are available in catalogs become a basis to formulate a method that allows to estimate temperature rise of motor drives. The current technique allows for evaluating a temperature rise of a motor drive for …

General and flexible methodology and architecture for CAPP: GF-CAPP system

2003

Although all researchers insist on the need to develop computer-aided process planning (CAPP) systems, they agree that one of its most significant shortfalls is the low level of generality and flexibility present in current proposals. One of the outcomes of this low level of generality--apart from its limited application domain--is the low level of integration achieved with CAD, CAM and PP&C systems. To ensure optimized running of the production system, it is also important to stress the need to develop alternative process planning that enables it to adapt to disruptions in production. Several factors play an important role in implementing these features, among which the following may be hi…