Search results for "racking"

Slewing mirror telescope of the UFFO-pathfinder: first report on performance in space

2017

To observe the early optical emissions from gamma ray bursts (GRBs), we built the Slew Mirror Telescope. It utilizes a 150 mm motorized mirror to redirect incoming photons from astrophysical objects within seconds and to track them as compensating satellite movements. The SMT is a major component of the UFFO-pathfinder payload, which was launched on April 28, 2016, onboard the Lomonosov satellite. For the first time, the slewing mirror system has been proven for the precision tracking of astrophysical objects during space operation. We confirmed that the SMT has 1.4 seconds of response time to the X-gamma-ray trigger, and is able to compensate for satellite drift and to track astrophysical …

Brittle failure in polycrystalline RVEs by a grain-scale cohesive boundary element formulation

2013

Polycrystalline materials are commonly employed in engineering structures. For modern applica- tions a deep understanding of materials degradation is of crucial relevance. It is nowadays widely recognized that the macroscopic material properties depend on the microstructure. The polycrystalline microstructure is characterized by the features of the grains and by the phys- ical and chemical properties of the intergranular interfaces, that have a direct influence on the evolution of the microstructural damage. The experimental investigation of failure mechanisms in 3D polycrystals still remains a challenging task. A viable alternative, or complement, to the experiments is Computational Microm…

Selezione di Portafoglio e Metaeuristiche

2013

Il problema della selezione del portafoglio (PSP) ha come obiettivo quello di determinare, disponendo di un dato insieme di titoli, il portafoglio che minimizza una misura di rischio per un dato livello di rendimento minimo richiesto. Sebbene nella sua formulazione originaria il PSP può essere risolto utilizzando algoritmi di programmazione lineare o quadratica, l'inclusione di ulteriori vincoli ed obiettivi rende il problema computazionalmente difficile. Nel presente lavoro viene proposto un approccio metaeuristico al PSP in cui vengono considerate diverse misure di distanza tra i portafogli della frontiera efficiente (Mean-Variance) ed il portafoglio ottimo che si ottiene in corrispondenz…

Power management of grid-connected photovoltaic inverter with storage battery

2011

With increased penetration of PV generation in the power grid, it becomes necessary to control the PV generation similar to the conventional power sources. Grid-connected PV systems equipped with storage batteries are capable of active power control. PV power generation can be either fed into the grid or stored in the battery. This paper presents a deterministic power management algorithm that uses closed-form approximations derived from analytical loss models. It can be configured to maximize the efficiency or the revenue in a liberalized electricity market. The battery controller emulates an optimum load-line in which the PV power is autonomously shared between the battery and the feed-in…

Hydrogen back-up power system with photovoltaic direct energy transfer regulation and interleaved boost for space applicattions

2012

This work details a power conditioning unit for photovoltaic/hydrogen based energy systems in space applications. The power conversion techniques applied are similar to the ones used on photovoltaic/battery space power systems. A direct energy transfer photovoltaic regulator is devised for feeding two outputs; the first output corresponds to the main unregulated battery bus and the second output sets a power path to feed an electrolyser. A modular fuel cell converter completes the system and operates when photovoltaic energy is not available or load demand exceeds the generated photovoltaic power, providing electrical power from a fuel cell. An ancillary battery, located in the main bus, di…

Design of a solar-battery-thermoelectric power converter prototype

2015

In this paper a multisource renewable energy system for high-current applications is proposed. The power architecture is based on a multi-input power converter including control and reconfiguration subsystems. Independently of the type of connected renewable sources, a proper control of the output DC voltage bus is provided as well as a proper control on the operating point of each renewable source to achieve the maximum power transfer. A 48V thermoelectric-photovoltaic-battery system in a three input configuration is designed. Three interacting feedback networks are implemented: the outer loop which controls the output voltage and as many inner loops as connected renewable sources to achie…

Performance evaluation of a multisource renewable power converter prototype

2014

On the influence of context-based complexity on information search patterns: An individual perspective

2014

Although context-based complexity measured as the similarity and conflict across alternatives is dependent on individual preference structures, existing studies investigating the influence of context-based complexity on information search patterns have largely ignored that context-based complexity is user- and preference-dependent. Addressing this research gap, this article elicits the individual preferences of decision makers by using the pairwise-comparison-based preference measurement (PCPM) technique and records individuals' search patterns using eye tracking. Our results show that an increased context-based complexity leads to an increase in information acquisition and the use of a mor…

The Influence of Context-Based Complexity on Decision Processes

2011

In this chapter, we present an empirical study which investigates the influence of context-based complexity on decision processes.1 To determine context-based complexity accurately, we measure each subject’s preferences individually with two advanced techniques from marketing research: choice-based conjoint analysis (CBC, Haaijer and Wedel 2007) and pairwise-comparison-based preference measurement (PCPM, Scholz et al. 2010), rather than relying on less precise estimates of preferences. Furthermore, we use eye tracking to trace the process of information acquisition precisely. Our results show that low context-based complexity leads to less information acquisition and more alternative-wise s…

IM-5 zeolite for steam catalytic cracking of naphtha to produce propene and ethene. An alternative to ZSM-5 zeolite

2013

Steam catalytic cracking of naphtha in smaller FCC units can be considered an option to produce more ethene and propene. These units will operate at high reaction temperatures and in the presence of steam. The profitability of these units could be improved with the use of new catalysts with higher activity and hydrothermal stability, without compromising the selectivity to light olefins. We have explored the possibilities of IM-5 zeolite for high temperature steam catalytic cracking (SCC) of a naphtha, as an alternative to commonly used ZSM-5 zeolite. So, we compare the catalytic activity, the effect of operating variables of the process and the yields of interest products between the two z…