Control Equipment Research Articles

From Science Fiction to Reality: Exploring Brain-Computer Interfaces and their Human Applications

Direct control of mechanical or electrical equipment through mental activity is made possible by brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), often referred to as brain-machine interfaces (BMIs). Using only brain signals, users of BCIs can operate external systems without using neurostimulators, which trigger neural tissues. This allows users to avoid using peripheral neurological and muscle systems. The brain's ability to incorporate and regulate mechanical devices as extensions of its own physiological processes is demonstrated by this capability.When it comes to helping those with severe impairments, BCI systems have a lot of potential uses. For people who suffer from neurological conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, brainstem stroke, or spinal cord injury who are completely paralyzed or "locked in," they provide a substantial benefit in terms of communication. By directly converting brain intent into executable commands, BCI technology aims to enable communication. This is especially helpful for those who are unable to speak.Neuroprosthetics, which attempt to restore lost motor and sensory functions, have been the main focus of BCI research and development. These systems make use of artificial devices to treat brain-related illnesses, take over for faulty nervous system functions, and compensate for compromised sensory organs. As this science develops, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have the potential to improve cognitive capacities and the quality of life for people with severe disabilities.

Large eddy simulation of various EMBr effects on the fluid flow, heat transfer and solidification process in an ultra-high speed thin slab casting mould with multi-port SEN

Effective control of intense turbulence is a crucial challenge for achieving steady production with ultra-high casting speed in thin slab continuous casting. In thin slab casting process, specially designed multi-port submerged entry nozzle (SEN) with four outlets is utilised to ensure an ample supply of molten steel, necessitating the selection and optimisation of suitable Electromagnetic Braking (EMBr) equipment for steel jet control. This study established a comprehensive three-dimensional model of a funnel-type mould, employing a combined experimental-numerical approach to validate and investigate the flow, heat transfer, solidification and electromagnetic behaviour in the mould. The steel grade studied in the simulation is Q235B, and its physical properties were calculated based on its composition with a temperature range of 1450–1826 K. To analyse the influence of high casting speed on the flow and solidification behaviour in the mould, three casting speeds were selected for the study, which were 6, 7 and 8 m/min. The results indicate that the novel Bowl EMBr significantly suppressed the penetration of steel jet and thus enhanced the thickness and uniformity of the solidified shell. As the casting speed increases from 6 to 8 m/min, the solidified shell thickness at the mould exit decreases from 7.91 to 5.94 mm, with the stagnant growth region approaching the mould exit. This highlights the requirement to correspondingly increase EMBr strength under ultra-high casting speed condition to avoid remelting of the shell and the risk of molten steel leakage. The coupled mathematical model established in this study provides guidance for optimising EMBr structures and casting speed under special multi-port SEN conditions, offering recommendations for the rational control of flow, heat transfer and solidification process in the mould.

Analysis of EFT Transmission Characteristics in Armoured Shielded Cables

Abstract Electrical fast transient pulses (EFT) generated when a gas-isolated substation (GIS) is switched on and off. The EFT is transmitted to the control chamber through the secondary control cable, which will cause the failure of the control equipment. In this paper, the three-dimensional electromagnetic simulation software CST (Computer Simulation Technology) is used to study the transmission characteristics of EFT in armored shielded control cables. First, an EFT analog signal is generated using an interference generator. Analyze the difference between the EFT analog signal and the EFT model in the IEC standard. The conversion method of FFT is used to analyze the spectral characteristics of EFT analog signals. According to the structural parameters, a 20-meter-long model of an armored shielded control cable was built in the CST cable studio The effect of the grounding of the shield and armor layers on the attenuation and crosstalk of EFT signals in the cable is studied. Finally, the EFT experiment of 1m long armored shielded cable is carried out, and the reliability of the research method is verified by comparing with the simulation results.

The Application of Touch Sensors

Touch sensors have a wide range of applications in smart homes, enabling the control of lighting, air conditioning, curtains, and other equipment. This paper summarizes the principles, applications, and future developments of touch sensors, including capacitive, resistive, and piezoelectric sensors. The capacitive touch sensor operates based on the capacitance formula, the resistive sensor on the resistivity formula, and the piezoelectric sensor on the piezoelectric effect. Capacitive touch sensors can detect the movement and position of objects and respond quickly, but they require power. Resistive sensors have a fast response time, long durability, low cost, and high sensitivity, but they also require power. Piezoelectric sensors do not require power, can detect dynamic physical quantities, but are unable to detect static ones. Both capacitive and piezoelectric sensors are used in smart mobile devices, while resistive sensors are used in all-in-one machines. Given their principles and current applications, touch sensors are expected to be utilized in the touch screens of operation interfaces in more machines and the bionic skin of androids.

Study on Power Equipment Control Using Low-Latency, High-Reliability Wireless Communication Technology

Study on Power Equipment Control Using Low-Latency, High-Reliability Wireless Communication Technology

Utilizing a optimized method for evaluating vapor recovery equipment control efficiency and estimating evaporative VOC emissions from urban oil depots via an extensive survey

As an important intermediary between upstream refineries and downstream urban gas stations, volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from urban oil depots were often disregarded, underestimating their environmental and health implications. An extensive investigation of urban depots' fuel composition and operational dynamics was conducted nationwide. We developed a novel approach that integrates theoretical models with easily measurable operational data from the depots to evaluate the efficiency of post-treatment devices in actual situations. Even in well-managed oil depots, the actual control efficiency of vapor recovery units fluctuates between 63 % and 85 %, depending on the concentration of hydrocarbon vapors in the intake of the device. The national emission factors for gasoline, diesel, and aviation kerosene at a national level were 6.64 ± 1.16, 2.07 ± 0.42, and 6.17 ± 1.05 tons per 10,000 tons, respectively. In 2019, China's urban oil depots emitted 165 thousand tons of VOC. Enhancing control strategies by optimizing the physical and chemical parameters of refined oil, improving storage capacity and turnover efficiency, and upgrading storage tanks had the potential to reduce emissions by more than 60 %. However, a 30 % failure rate in these systems could negate the benefits of these improved strategies.

Application of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Security of Cyber-Physical Systems

Cybersecurity questions of cyber-physical systems (CPS) have become ever more vital in recent times. Advances in technology and digitization have posed new weaknesses in CPS and cyber attackers take advantage of it. Viruses, malware, and sophisticated forms of cyberattacks have become a dangerous reality for critical infrastructure CPS. Lately, artificial intelligence (AI) technology has been extensively applied in the struggle against cyber threats in CPS. AI may improve system security by providing tools to quickly detect cyberthreats and automatically resolve them. Digitization of critical infrastructures (energy distribution networks, smart systems, oil and gas industry, water infrastructure, etc.) has increased their efficient management and at the same time, the number of cyber attackers on sensors, actuators, network and control equipment has also increased. Cyber security of critical objects can be ensured through AI. This article explores the theoretical foundations, application fields, and AI conceptual models. It analyzes the benefits and shortcomings of applying AI technologies to the security of the abovementioned systems. Mechanisms for detecting cyber threats in cyber-physical systems with the help of AI and predicting and preventing security threats are proposed.

Evaluation of Pathology Resources for Cervical Cancer Detection Between 2018 & 2022: a Retrospective Study at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Western Kenya.

Cervical cancer cases are increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Kenya, exacerbated by inadequate histopathology resources, posing a significant barrier to timely diagnosis and treatment. There has been little research on the availability and evolution of histopathology resources for diagnosing cervical cancer over the years. This retrospective study evaluated this evolution at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya between 2018 and 2022. We used a mixed-methods approach. An in-depth interview was conducted with one of MTRH's pathology laboratory staff to assess the equipment, personnel, and quality control trends between 2018 and 2022. A thematic analysis was conducted in NVivo. We also retrospectively conducted a comprehensive inventory review of laboratory resources from 2018-2022 via purposive sampling. Microsoft Excel and Stata version 17 were utilized for descriptive statistical analysis. Turnaround time (TAT) was assessed against the UK's National Health Service Cervical Screening Program guidelines. The number of histopathology laboratory personnel at MTRH increased from 2018 to 2022, during which the facility included two pathologists, one records person, and one office administrator. Patient annual visits increased from approximately 350,000 in 2018 to approximately 500,000 in 2022. However, the histopathology personnel-to-population ratio decreased from 1.5 pathologists and 2.7 histo-technicians per 100,000 in 2018 to 1.4 pathologists and 1.8 histo-technicians per 100,000 in 2022. Despite this decrease, lab equipment, automatic tissue processors and embedding machines were added, and an average 14-day turnaround time was maintained for pathology reports. Despite a decreased personnel-to-patient ratio, the addition of crucial histopathology equipment mirrors the operational commitment of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. The 14-day TAT is commendable, contributes to operational effectiveness and significantly contributes to timely detection. The hospital's dedication to upgrading its infrastructure underscores a proactive approach to addressing growing healthcare demands and improving patient outcomes, even with limited human resources. The decline in the personnel-to-patient ratio underscores challenges in diagnosis, emphasizing the need to address workforce and infrastructure gaps to improve patient care within similar low-resource settings.

Design of an active wing-folding biomimetic flapping-wing air vehicle

In nature, birds and bats dynamically alter their wing shapes to suit various flight environments and tasks. This paper focuses on the design and validation of a biomimetic flapping-wing aerial vehicle, named FlexiWing, which features a unique mechanism for active wing deformation. This mechanism allows the wings to adjust their shapes flexibly in response to flight demands, significantly enhancing attitude control and maneuverability.’ ‘This study began with an in-depth exploration of biomimetic principles, focusing particularly on how birds and bats achieve precise control during flight through active wing deformation. Subsequently, we present a detailed account of the design and fabrication process of the active folding biomimetic flapping-wing aerial vehicle, including the design of mechanical mechanisms and material selection. Utilizing lightweight nylon materials and hollow carbon fiber rods, we successfully constructed a mechanically foldable wing structure. To achieve precise control over the aircraft’s movement, an embedded control system was designed, comprising an onboard embedded flight controller and ground-based equipment. The onboard controller uses a high-performance ESP32-C3 processor and a JY901 inertial measurement unit to acquire real-time attitude information of the aircraft. The control system incorporates Wi-Fi communication technology, enabling operators to send commands via a remote control or personal computer to manage flight modes and attitudes. Ultimately, a series of flight experiments were conducted to validate the performance of FlexiWing. The results demonstrate that FlexiWing exhibits remarkable maneuverability and stability, capable of achieving high-precision attitude control through active wing folding, making it adaptable to complex environments and tasks.’

A hierarchical energy management strategy for DC microgrid hybrid energy storage systems based on fractional-order sliding mode controller

A hierarchical energy management strategy (EMS) for a fuel cell (FC)-supercapacitor (SC)‑lithium battery hybrid energy storage system (HESS), based on a fractional-order sliding mode controller (FOSMC), is proposed to address the nonlinear behavior of low-voltage direct current (DC) microgrid HESS. To fully exploit the energy of the SC, the system management layer divides the EMS into maximum power operation mode and state machine control algorithm operation mode. For the first time in equipment control layer, a FOSMC, more suitable for handling nonlinear characteristics, is employed, and its stability is evaluated using the Lyapunov method. Finally, a 48 V HESS experimental platform is constructed for validation, demonstrating that the proposed EMS enhances the stability, response speed, and robustness of the HESS. Compared to conventional sliding mode controller (SMC) and integral sliding mode controller (ISMC), the adoption of a FOSMC reduces the steady-state error of the bus voltage by at least 9.1 % and increases the response speed by at least 11.1 %, while exhibiting good robustness to external disturbances and uncertainties in controller parameters. This fills the current research gap in parameter robustness validation.

A Low-power Environmental Supervision System Suitable for Livestock and Poultry Breeding

This paper is a kind of low power consumption environment suitable for livestock and poultry breeding regulation system, the system consists of livestock breeding related sensors, actuators, control equipment, LoRa gateway and control web parts, when the environment, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, ammonia gas and hydrogen sulfide harmful gas concentration over the threshold will alarm and the system will take corresponding measures to ensure the production efficiency of animal husbandry and food safety, and reduce the incidence of livestock and poultry disease and environmental pollution.

Microcontroller-based integrated data logging system for solar air heater performance assessment

ABSTRACT Efficiency curves for assessing solar air heater (SAH) performance are determined by measuring different parameters under certain operating conditions recommended by different test standards such as American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. In this work, development and testing of a low cost integrated datalogging system for tracing efficiency curves are presented. Pyranometer (CMP11) and temperatures sensors (DS18B20) are integrated with microcontroller (AT89S52) for continuous data recording at desired time interval. Switching devices are integrated to automatically control operations of electric heater for maintaining inlet air stream temperature as per testing requirements. Using the system, efficiency curves of a 1.46 m2 SAH installed in Tezpur University, India, are determined at two mass flow rates of air. Results are comparable with published literatures revealing negative slope (energy loss component, F R U L ) and positive intercept (energy absorption component, F R (τα) n ) of efficiency curves. SAH shows better performance at lower mass flow rate of air (0.0235 kg/m2-s), with F R U L as 13.5 W/m2-K compared to operation at 0.0430 kg/m2-s mass flow rate of air where slope increases by around 23% with same intercept. Higher slopes of the SAH demonstrate its highest sensitivity to prevailing wind compared to three previously published designs. Present study shows that the integrated system can replace individual traditional measuring instruments for respective parameters like solar irradiance and temperatures as well as additional control equipment required to maintain desired test conditions. Further development of the system can lead to a modular and portable efficiency curve tracer for SAH performance assessment.

Framework for ergonomic design of control centres in underground coal mines - A Serbian experience

We present a framework for solving the problem of functional compatibility between process control equipment in control centres at underground mines and operator capabilities. The equipment incorporates displays of current ventilation, gas, and fire hazard data, status of alarm and early warning systems, a voice communication subsystem, and facilities for recording and printing of data and reports. The layout of the existing control panel is compared with a recommended design. The basic principles of ergonomic design and arrangement of the controls and indicators, as well as ease of use, type of operations carried out with these controls, and operators' viewing angles are discussed. The objective is to improve the usability of control panels, display boards, and graphic screens so as to enhance the functioning of control centres and optimize control of technological processes in coal mines.

Autonomous Devices with an Evaporation–Condensation Cycle for Thermal Control of Heat-Loaded Equipment

Autonomous Devices with an Evaporation–Condensation Cycle for Thermal Control of Heat-Loaded Equipment

Research and practice of virtualization PLC (vPLC) technology in 5G industrial network

Abstract Under the influence of information technology innovation, the empowerment of 5G and industrial internet in the steel industry has gradually expanded from production assistance to industrial control. In this paper, a deep integration network of 5G and industrial control is constructed, and a virtualization PLC(vPLC) system solution deployed on private cloud servers is proposed. Secondly, IoT protocols and security policies for cloud control are designed. Finally, the proposed scheme was successfully applied to the remote control of equipment in the steelmaking production process of a certain steel enterprise. At the same time, the real-time performance, reliability and stability of the 5G-enabled vPLC system were tested. The result indicated that the 5G industrial network can work stably with a delay of less than 10 ms and 99.99% reliability. The vPLC system ran continuously for 2000 hours and maintained stable control functions. This result can provide a research foundation and technical direction for achieving centralized control and one-stop production management in the future.

Optimization of electrical control equipment interface layout with cognitive load based on pso algorithm

Abstract Addressing the complexity of current impregnation machine electrical control interfaces, this study proposes optimization methods for their layout design. It incorporates factors affecting cognitive load during interface interaction, formulating three principles: highlighting essential elements, operation sequence, and element relevance. These principles guide the construction of a mathematical model for the optimization of electrical equipment control interface layouts. The Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm is applied to solve the model’s objective function, producing optimized layouts, which are then validated through eye-tracking experiments. The results demonstrate the method’s effectiveness in optimizing control interface layouts, aligning with operators’ intuitive logic.

An Optimal Design Method for Lightweight Heating Film of Anisotropic Heat Conduction Substrate Based on Surrogate Model.

In space missions, heating films are crucial for uniformly heating onboard equipment for precise temperature control. This study develops an optimization method using surrogate models for lightweight anisotropic substrate thermal conductive heating films, meeting the requirements of uniform heating in thermal control for space applications. A feedforward neural network optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO) was employed to create a surrogate model, mapping design parameters to the temperature uniformity of the heating film. This model served as the basis for applying the NSGA-II algorithm to quickly optimize both temperature uniformity and lightweight characteristics. In this study, the PSO-BP surrogate model was trained using heating film thermal simulation data, and the surrogate model demonstrated an accurate prediction of the mean square error (MSE) of the predicted temperature difference within 0.0168 s. The maximum temperature difference in the optimal model is 1.188 ℃, which is 30.5 times lower than before optimization, and the equivalent density is only increased by 3.9%. In summary, this optimization design method effectively captures the relationships among various parameters and optimization objectives. Its superior computational accuracy and design efficiency offer significant advantages in the design of devices such as heating films.

E-maintenance in hydropower energy generation: A case study of Enel Colombia

Traditionally, maintenance in the hydropower industry has been a labour-intensive and time-consuming process. It often relies on scheduled inspections and manual intervention. E-maintenance in hydropower plants can help to address this challenge by allowing remote monitoring and control of plant equipment, enabling timely detection and diagnosis of potential problems. This paper presents a case study of the implementation of an e-maintenance strategy for hydropower infrastructure at one of the largest generation companies in the Colombian electricity market. A machine learning model, implemented by Enel Colombia, is fed with recorded data on turbine bearing temperature and active power generation to predict problems in hydropower generators. The results show how e-maintenance can reduce operating costs and avoid breakdowns in hydro generation.

Establishment of constitutive model and simulation study on sealing performance of special-shaped rubber cylinder for inner packer in deepwater pipeline

It’s important to improve the sealing performance of the inner packer in deepwater pipelines, which is an emergency sealing and oil control equipment. The deformation characteristics and sealing stress conditions of the packer’s sealant cylinder are analyzed, and the hyperelastic constitutive model is determined based on uniaxial tensile experiments. The effective contact stress and effective contact range between the rubber cylinder and the pipe wall are the main parameters for evaluating the sealing performance. Through simulation, it was found that the rubber cylinder on the force application side plays a major sealing role, and severe stress can lead to shoulder protrusions. The location of fatigue damage on the rubber cylinder’s shoulder is consistent with the sea trial. Therefore, special-shaped rubber cylinders with different structures are designed to address the shoulder protrusion. The simulation shows that the sealing performance of the right-angled trapezoidal double-layer rubber cylinder with force applied on the slope side(S-RARC) is significantly better than the original rubber cylinder(ORC), and it does not produce shoulder protrusions.

Rekayasa SmartHome System Berbasis Internet of Things

In the current digital era, the Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a concept that presents new opportunities to expand sustainable internet connectivity. In the context of Smarthome, IoT enables the control of electronic devices through smartphone applications using internet connectivity, bringing various benefits, including increased comfort, enhanced security, better electricity savings, and introducing innovative solutions that not only allow real-time monitoring of home environments but also provide accessibility by considering the needs and preferences of various users, including families, busy individuals, and people with disabilities. The implementation of an IoT-based Smarthome system utilizes NodeMCU 8266 as a microcontroller, MIT App Inventor as a control tool, Thingspeak as a data processing platform, ESP32-CAM as a camera, and Telegram bot as a notification sender. This system includes the control of lights, fan, environmental monitoring, motion detection, gas leak detection, and fire detection. Various sensors are used, including Flame sensors for fire detection, MQ5 sensors for gas leak detection, and light sensors for automatically turning on lights. Relays are also applied to connect electronic devices to the system. Testing and system analysis show that equipment control operates according to the given commands, provided that the internet connection remains stable and continuous. This underscores the importance of a reliable network infrastructure in supporting the smooth operation of IoT-based Smarthome systems.