Conventional Operation Method Research Articles

Energy Consumption of an Liquid Desiccant System depanding on Operation Method

The objective of this paper is to investigate the applicability of a suggestion operation method applied to an liquid desiccant system (LD). The LD system which is divided into an absorber and a regenerator needs heating and cooling sources for appropriate dehumidification performance. To reduce the energy consumption of the heating and cooling sources in the LD, the suggestion operation method unlike conventional operation method which operates absorber and regenerator simultaneously was to control the operation of the absorber continuously and the regenerator as on and off. the simulation of the energy consumption was conducted to estimate the energy consumption of the LD operation with the proposed method using a commercial engineering equation solver (EES). The suggestion operation method was applied to an liquid desiccant and evaporative cooling-assisted 100% outdoor air system (LD- IDECOAS). As a result, the suggestion operation method showed 30% and 33% reduction in the load of heating and cooling source compared to the conventional operation method in LD-IDECOAS.

Optimal operation of active distribution systems based on microgrid structure

This paper presents a novel probabilistic-based procedure for improving the operation quality of the active distribution systems (ADSs) which have high penetration level of the renewable distributed generations (RDGs). In the proposed policy, the energy storage devices (ESDs) as important parts of the microgrid (MG) are sized and sited in ADS and the operation of ADS is performed simultaneously by integrated management and coordination of all distributed energy resources (i.e. RDGs and ESDs). To model the state of the charge (SOC) of ESDs at each hour, it is combined with the probability density functions (PDFs) of RDGs and loads by Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) algorithm. This issue has not been stated in the previous researches. Also, in an innovative approach, the operation quality is examined more accurately by testing the possibility of MG construction in the modified ADS based on technical criteria such as adequacy, efficiency, voltage profile indices. A powerful multi-objective optimization method named non-dominated genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) is employed for solving the problem. The results of the proposed model are compared with those of conventional operation methods by implementation on a 33-bus test ADS.

Multi-microgrids approach for design and operation of future distribution networks based on novel technical indices

Clustering the large scale active distribution networks (ADNs) into a set of smaller microgrids (MGs) or multi-microgrids (MMGs)-based operation of ADNs can have several benefits for the utility, electric power consumers, and distributed generation (DG) owners such as easier control strategy, distributed control among MGs, load routing and transfer among MGs and reliability enhancement. This research proposes a novel program for optimal operation of ADNs based on the MMGs approach. Initially, the operation of ADNs was carried out by integrated management of all distributed energy resources (DERs) using probabilistic forward-backward load flow using Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) algorithm. In this stage, energy storage devices (ESDs) as one of the significant components of MG are sized and sited in ADN. In the second stage, the operation quality is scrutinized accurately by testing the possibility of MG construction in the modified ADN based on various technical criteria such as adequacy, efficiency, voltage profile, and reliability. This issue has not been addressed in the previous researches. Finally, the results of the proposed model are compared with conventional operation method in different scenarios by implementation on IEEE 33-bus ADN and an actual Portuguese distribution network using a powerful multi-objective optimization tool known as non-dominated genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II).

Use of an anatomical self-gripping Progrip™ laparoscopic mesh in TAPP hernia repair. Possible standard? Preliminary results of a prospective study

Background By common perspective, it is generally considered that laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs (LIHR) are comparable to conventional operative methods, as an equivalent treatment methodology in the management of inguinal hernias. The results of current studies, however, favour an LIHR in comparison to an open mesh repair (OMR) in selected patient populations. The advantages of LIHR lie in the clearer view of the spermatic cord contents it offers, and, as a result, it is a safer method in the preservation of testicular function, with fewer incidences of acute and chronic pain, and a significantly better quality of life postoperatively in comparison to OMR. One of the last unexplained questions regarding LIHR techniques (especially concerning the transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TAPP) operation) was with regards to the fixation of the mesh. The goal of this study, based on single-centre prospective collection of data from the Internet-based multicentre Herniamed® register, is to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the use of Parietex™ ProGrip™ Laparoscopic mesh in standardized LIHR with the TAPP technique.

Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of the segmental Glissonian pedicle: A new technique for anatomic liver resection

Anatomic liver resection is widely accepted as the optimal surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the complexity of conventional operative methods limits their use. To explore the possibility of using modern techniques to achieve a simpler approach, we have evaluated ultrasound-guided segmental radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the Glissonian pedicle before liver resection in a porcine model and in HCC patients. This study had 2 stages. First, we piloted anatomic liver resection using ultrasound-guided RFA of the segmental Glissonian pedicle in 6 Bama miniature pigs. Having found this technique safe and effective, we selected 21 HCC patients to treat with the same approach. The pigs had no postoperative mortality or morbidity. Demarcation areas were apparent in all targeted segments. The mean length of segmental portal, arterial, and biliary tract branches ablated was 1.7, 1.4, and 1.6 cm, respectively. Human HCC operations consisted of 8 subsegmentectomies, 8 segmentectomies, and 5 multisegmentectomies. The procedure was feasible in all patients, with no mortality, morbidity, or need for blood transfusions. A demarcation area was apparent in all patients within 157 seconds of RF application for each target feeding vessel. The mean number of target feeding vessels was 2 (range, 1-7). Our study demonstrates that ultrasound-guided RFA ablation of the segmental Glissonian pedicle is expedient, safe, and effective, and is suitable for resection of any hepatic segments or subsegments, from segments 2 to 8.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for midshaft clavicular fractures using superior anatomic plating

The minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis procedure has been widely applied for long-bone fixations; however, this technique is not commonly used for clavicular midshaft fractures. In this study, we introduced this technique for midshaft clavicular fractures using superior anatomic locking plates and evaluated its clinical and radiographic outcomes. From June 2013 to July 2014, 15 patients with acute midshaft clavicular fractures were treated with the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique using a 3.5-mm clavicular superior anatomic locking plate. Anteroposterior plain X-ray images of the clavicle were taken at 4-week intervals until union was observed. The last clinical follow-up assessments were performed postoperatively at a mean of 16.54 months (range, 10-23 months). In addition, for clinical evaluations, the Constant score and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score were assessed. The average operative time was 60.2 ± 20.1 minutes (range, 40-80 minutes), with blood loss of 25 ± 5 mL (range, 20-30 mL) during the operation. The mean union time for the patients was 10.1 ± 1.4 weeks (range, 8-12 weeks), and no delayed union or nonunion was observed. There were no major complications, including infections, plate breakages, or neurovascular injuries. No skin irritation was observed, and only 2 patients felt local incision numbness. All patients obtained satisfactory shoulder functions. The mean Constant score was 99 ± 1.8 (range, 95-100), and the mean Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 3.8 ± 2.9 (range, 0-10) at the last control visit. The minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis procedure that was introduced in this study for midshaft clavicular fractures with superior anatomic locking plate is a reproducible procedure and an alternative to conventional operative methods.

1E21 Study of practical Energy-saving Operation for Electric Railway Vehicle(Environment and Energy)

One method of saving energy on the railroad is energy-saving operation of electric railway vehicles. However, there have been only a few reports on the benefits of energy-saving operation when put into practical use. JR West has been promoting energy-saving operation to further improve railway energy efficiency. In this paper, we report on the effectiveness of practical energy-saving operation methods and the results of applying them to the actual train schedule. First, we studied changing the train operation method while keeping the journey time as-is. Our approach to energy-saving operation studied in this paper is to reduce energy consumption by shortening the powering time and keeping the same journey time as conventional operation methods by increasing deceleration by braking. Next, to estimate the effects of energy-saving operation by shortening the powering time, we analyzed data from commercial trains to understand the relationship of their powering time, powering energy and energy consumption. The results show that shortening the powering time can reduce the powering energy and consequently the energy consumption. Next, we estimated the effects of a reduction of powering energy with energy-saving operation by shortening the powering time in a simulation. The results of the simulation show that shortening the powering time lowers the maximum velocity, resulting in lower powering energy. Next, to estimate the effects of energy-saving operation on actual lines, we carried out a test run. The results show that energy-saving operation can reduce 22.8% powering energy. As it has been demonstrated that this energy-saving operation method can save energy, we have promoted the adoption of energy-saving operation methods among our train drivers. After promoting the adoption of such energy-saving operation methods to our drivers, we collected data on the effects. On one particular line, we achieved an 11.5% reduction in energy consumption compared with conventional operation methods.

Risk Analysis on Downstream of a Reservoir when the Flood Control Forecast Operation Method is Used - An Example of Shenwo Reservoir

The present article aims to introduce the authors research on the method of flood control forecast operation that a reservoir can actualize in a flood season. Though it is an effectual measure to resolve the discrepancy between the flood control and the water resource utilization, the risk for a reservoir to actualize the flood control forecast operation method decides whether it can be actualized as compared to the conventional operation method. So far, there is not an effective quantitative method to calculate the above risk. Having analyzed the risk factors of the flood control operation, a kind of numerical analysis method has been put forward to calculate such risks based on the distribution of the flood runoff of a reservoir and the forecast errors of the runoff. Thus, the risk to the downstream of a reservoir caused by the forecast errors can be calculated quantitatively and the present article has done such practical flood control forecasts. Taking Shenwo reservoir for example, the authors have introduced the ideas and calculation methods in a detailed way. The calculation results of Shenwo reservoir show that the risk is tolerable or acceptable with Shenwo reservoir in contrast to the conventional operation method.

Torque Coordination Control During Mode Transition for a Series–Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle

Mode transitions are significant events in the operation of series-parallel hybrid electric vehicles (SPHEVs) with a clutch serving as the key enabling actuator element. Due to the friction-induced discontinuity of the clutch torque, seamless transition is difficult to achieve. In this paper, a model reference control (MRC) law is proposed to coordinate the motor torque, engine torque, and clutch torque to manage transitions. The control system is overactuated in the sense that three inputs (i.e., three torques) can be manipulated to control the two outputs (angular speeds of the two sides of the clutch). The effects of using different input combinations are analyzed to exploit the overactuation feature of the system, and performance sensitivities to various design factors are studied. The simulation and experimental results from an SPHEV bus demonstrate that the MRC achieves reduced torque interruption, less vehicle jerk, and smaller frictional losses, compared to the conventional operation method.

Short-term scheduling of cascade reservoirs using an immune algorithm-based particle swarm optimization

This paper presents a new approach for short-term hydropower scheduling of reservoirs using an immune algorithm-based particle swarm optimization (IA-PSO). IA-PSO is employed by coupling the immune information processing mechanism with the particle swarm optimization algorithm in order to achieve a better global solution with less computational effort. With the IA-PSO technique, the hydro-electrical optimization model of reservoirs is formulated as a high-dimensional, dynamic, nonlinear and stochastic global optimization problem of a multi-reservoir hydropower system. The purpose of the proposed methodology is to maximize total hydropower production. Here it is applied to a reservoir system on the Qingjiang River, in the Yangtze watershed, that consists of two reservoirs. The results are compared with the results obtained through conventional operation method, the dynamic programming and the standard PSO algorithm. From the comparative results, it is found that the IA-PSO approach provides the most globally optimum solution at a faster convergence speed.

Adaptive target detection with a polarization-sensitive optical system

We developed an adaptive polarimetric target detector (APTD) to determine the optimum combination strategy for a multichannel polarization-sensitive optical system. The proposed algorithm is based on scene-derived polarization properties of the target and background, and it seeks to find an optimum multichannel combination of linear polarizing filters that maximizes the signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR) in intensity and Stokes parameter images. The algorithm is validated by performing RX anomaly detection and a generalized likelihood ratio test on both synthetic and real imagery. The experimental results are analyzed through calculated SCR and receiver operating characteristic curves. Compared with several conventional operation methods, we find that better target detection performance is achieved with the APTD algorithm.

생활폐기물 관로이송용 터보블로어 운전 및 설계 최적화 연구

Optimal operation of turbo blowers connected in serial is analyzed by experimental measurements and numerical simulation with three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations. The turbo blower system considered in the present study is widely used for the refuse collection system. Design optimization of the turbo blower using some design variables is also studied to enhance the performance of the blower. Throughout numerical simulation, it is found that the input energy reduction by optimal operation of the turbo blowers with the proper changes of the rotor`s rotating frequency can be reduced a input energy for operating the blower system compared to the conventional on-off operation method theoretically. It is also found that the optimal design method is effective to enhance the performance of the turbo blower.

Predicting real-time coagulant dosage in water treatment by artificial neural networks and adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system

Coagulation is an important component of water treatment. Determining the optimal coagulant dosage is vital, as insufficient dosage will result in unqualified water quality. Traditionally, jar tests and operators’ own experience are used to determine the optimum coagulant dosage. However, jar tests are time-consuming and less adaptive to changes in raw water quality in real time. When an unusual condition occurs, such as a heavy rain, the storm water brings high turbidity to water source, and the treated effluent quality may be inferior to drinking water quality standards, because the conventional operation method can be hardly in time to adjust to the proper dosage. An optimal modeling can be used to overcome these limitations. In this paper, artificial neural network (ANN) and adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) models were used to model poly aluminum chloride (PAC) dosing of northern Taiwan's surface water. Each of them was built based on 819 sets of process-controlled data. The performance of the models was found to be sufficient. Two simulation tools, ANN and ANFIS, were developed that enabled operators to obtain real-time PAC dosage more easily. The self-predicting model of ANFIS is better than ANN for PAC dosage predictions.

Quantification of mentolabial profile using lateral roentgen cephalography and profile reconstruction by mandibular osteotomy in healthy adults and patients with scar contracture following severe facial burns

Here mentolabial form including lateral facial contour and bony contour in healthy adults was studied to refer to values of normal mentolabial form using lateral roentgen cephalography. In soft tissue of healthy adults, thickness of mentolabial soft tissue was greater for men than for women. Degree of mentolabial curvature was greater for men than for women. In severe facial burn patients, the micrognathia-like deformity was evaluated compared with the reference values. In soft tissue of severe facial burn patients, loss of mentolabial sulcus and eversion of the lower lip were characteristically analyzed, suspecting that the major cause was scar contracture. These statistical data contribute to reconstruction of micrognathia-like deformity after severe facial burn to lead to favorable mentolabial form. It is shown that osteotomized genio-advancement produced ideal mentolabial form in severe facial burn patients, who had not been satisfied with the form by conventional operative methods, free skin flap, skin flap or free skin graft. And that the analyzed data, especially in the parameter of thickness of mentolabial sulcus, was improved.

腰部脊柱管狭窄症に対するきょく突起正中縦割進入法を用いた腰椎椎弓形成術の治療経験

Recently we performed lumbar laminoplasty by the midline spinous splitting approach as an operation method for lumbar spinal canal stenosis in order to preserve posterior support tissue, especially the paravertebral muscle and facet. We investigated and compared lumbar laminoplasty by the midline spinous splitting approach and conventional operation method concerning operation time and blood loss.Between October 2002 and July 2004, 21 patients underwent the conventional operation, and the number of decompression lamina was 56 levels, where 16 were male and 5 were female (mean 2.7 levels per patient). After July 2004, 13 patients underwent lumbar laminoplasty by the midline spinous splitting approach, and the number of decompression lamina was 30 levels, where 9 were male and 4 were female (mean 2.3 levels per patient). The operation time of the conventional operation method for one level was 58.3 minutes on average, and blood loss was 89.8g. That of lumbar laminoplasty by the midline spinous splitting approach for one level was 52.4 minutes on average, and blood loss was 58.3g.

Simultaneous Microsurgical Spermatic Vein Ligation and Sclerotherapy

Objectives: Microsurgical ligation as well as antegrade sclerotherapy have been established in varicocele treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a combination of microsurgery and sclerotherapy can provide a safe and effective treatment of varicocele recurrence or persistence. Methods: Nine patients with recurrent or persistent varicoceles were operated by means of the combination method. Under microscopic control varix veins were ligated selectively preserving lymphatics and arteries. Ectopic veins as a possible source for varicocele persistence or recurrence were also ligated. Finally, an intraoperative venography with subsequent sclerotherapy was performed through one of the dissected veins. Results: Despite difficult anatomical situations after previous surgical interventions, the operations were performed successfully without any complications. Clinical controls showed varicocele disappearance without damage of the testis. No varicocele recurrence or persistence was observed. Conclusions: This method combines the advantages of both methods. Precision of the microsurgical technique is combined with velocity of sclerotherapy. Thus, it may represent an interesting alternative to conventional operation methods especially in the treatment of recurrent or persistent varicoceles.

距腿関節固定術の経験

Six elderly patients with degenerative painful ankle joints were operated on with arthrodesis of the talo-fibular joint. Average age at operation was 61 years. As well as conventional operation methods, with or without tibial sliding bone grafting, the medial and lateral malleoli were fixed firmly to the talus by loop wiring. Bony fusion of ankle joints was achieved in 8 to 12 weeks post-operatively, with solid, stable and painless ankles obtained in all patients. Clinical outcome was excellent, even allowing Japanese-style sitting.The authors emphasize that arthrodesis remains a method of choice for the treatment of the painful degenerative ankle joint.

Optimal Operation of a Multiple Reservoir System

Author(s): Marino, Miguel A; Loaiciga, Hugo A | Abstract: This report presents a methodology to obtain optimal reservoir operation policies for a large-scale reservoir system. The model maximizes the system annual energy generation while satisfying constraints imposed on the operation of the reservoir network. The model incorporates the stochasticity of river flows and keeps future operating schedules up-to-date with the actual realization of those random variables. It yields medium-term (one-year ahead) optimal release policies that allow the planning of activities within the current water year, with the possibility of updating preplanned activities to account for uncertain events that affect the state of the system. The solution approach is a sequential dynamic decomposition algorithm that keeps computational requirements and dimensionality problems at low levels. The model is applied to a nine-reservoir portion of the California Central Valley Project and the results are compared with those from conventional operation methods currently in use, showing that the use of the model can improve the levels of energy production (about 30 percent increase) while the optimal release policies meet satisfactorily all other functions of the reservoir system. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to assess the optimality of the solutions and several alternative formulations of the model are developed and tested, the results showing the robustness of the optimal policies to the choice of model.

Use of cryoprecipitate coagulum in extracting renal calculi

Human cryoprecipitated plasma can form an extractable coagulum which will effectively remove renal calculi in selected cases. We successfully used this blood product and a simplified injection technique in 30 patients undergoing surgery for upper tract calculi. Coagulum pyelolithotomy was performed in 24 cases with removal of all stones in 23 (96 per cent). In 6 patients incomplete stone removal by conventional operative methods was successfully completed by using the coagulum as an adjunctive procedure. In 10 of the 30 cases (33 per cent) radiographically “silent” calculi were recovered within the cryoprecipitate clot. The advantages of cryoprecipitate over previously reported blood products, certain technical simplifications, and the appropriate clinical indications for the coagulum procedure are discussed.

The surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism: a 20 year experience.

Analysis of a series of 200 surgically treated cases of primary hyperparathyroidism was carried out in an effort to identify not only the changing clinical patterns and improved diagnostic methods but also to assess the long term results of our conventional operative methods in light of recent reports of a high incidence of diffuse hyperplasia and a high recurrence rate when surgery is restricted to removal of the adenoma. As reported by others the "chemical diagnosis" of primary hyperparathyroidism, the clinical setting in which unsuspected hypercalcemia is demonstrated on routine blood analysis, accounts for the majority of diagnoses today. Impending or actual "parathyroid crisis" has been observed with alarming frequency. The use of the thiazide challenge test provides a useful diagnostic aid in many instances. The incidence of diffuse hyperplasia was 6% in this series while an adenoma was present in 88%. No instance of recurrence was observed in either the cases of adenomas or diffuse hyperplasia.