Equipment Configuration Research Articles

Depth accuracy analysis of the ZED 2i Stereo Camera in an indoor Environment

Accurate depth information is crucial for autonomous systems to navigate and interact safely with their surroundings. Passive stereo-vision cameras, such as the ZED 2i, obtain depth information through stereo-image analysis and triangulation. The study measures and assesses the true capabilities of the ZED 2i camera in a real indoor office environment. Furthermore, the study provides a standard test setup to reproduce similar benchmarks with different depth cameras. To achieve the set goals, an experiment was devised and carried out in an office environment to determine the camera depth error and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of the depth estimates at different distances using four different image resolutions. The results reveal that the depth error has heavy tails, implying that outliers substantially impact accuracy. Hence, depth errors should not be modeled as normally distributed errors. Moreover, only two out of four resolutions provided the capability of acquiring depth data up to 18 m. These insights provide guidelines for understanding the ZED 2i camera's true capabilities, determining its suitability for different applications and environments, and giving baselines for future tests of other competing sensor units. Furthermore, the study offers a simple, inexpensive, and laboratory space-free, yet effective setup that does not need extensive equipment or complex configurations to facilitate the benchmarking of depth cameras in different working environments.

Evaluation of orderliness of underground workplace system based on occupational ergonomics: A case study in Guangzhou and Chengdu metro depots.

An underground workplace (UGW) is a complex system with multiple subsystems that interact with each other. However, the research on UGW from a systemic perspective has not received due attention. This study constructs an evaluation approach to the orderliness of UGW and systematically evaluates the UGW with Guangzhou and Chengdu metro depots as case studies. First, the evaluation index system is established based on occupational ergonomics. Second, the system entropy model is constructed based on information entropy. Third, a dissipative structure judgment model is built based on the Brusselator. Fourth, the orderliness evaluation model is constructed based on information entropy and synergetics. The UGW of the metro depot has not yet reached the dissipative structure and is in a medium-order state. But the system is in the trend of orderly development. The entropy increase caused by the physical environment and health status is the main obstacle for the system to move toward order. The equipment configuration is an essential source of system negative entropy. The coordination between equipment configuration, health status, and physical environment is low, and that of work effectiveness, equipment aging and failure, and organizational environment is high. Equipment configuration cannot fully cope with the harsh physical environment and meet the needs of underground workers. Safety security equipment has more room for improvement. Humanized support facilities can introduce more negative entropy to the system. Organizational intervention can reduce the negative impact of adverse factors on the system.

Validation of Sensor Data Integrity in OT Environments Through Multisource Data Sensors

This research paper focuses on detecting cyber threats from the OT environment by combining data from multiple sources. Monitoring cyber security or hybrid threats in an industrial OT environment is difficult due to different equipment, protocols, environments, personnel management and training, etc. However, the OT environment can also be observed with a multisource sensor system, which can be used to collect data. By combining IT and OT data, additional cyber threats can be found. Especially concerning the integrity of OT command-and-control data. We deal with the key concepts and differences of the industrial operating environment, which create challenges compared to the traditional IT environment. This is important because the policies defined at the European level for the NIS2 regulation are coming to touch all member countries, regardless of what the national implementation schedule is. The increased standards for OT environment cyber security implementation and development will also have an impact on the personnel management and training to support the onboarding of the standards in practice. Critical infrastructure protection is important because, without the protection of critical infrastructure, vital functions cease to function. Hostile actors cause security challenges among Western actors. In this study, we delve into whether it is possible to find threats concerning OT command-and-control process. The increased data surface collected from the IT/OT environment improves the capabilities for the system to detect malicious attacks towards the OT system. With the help of test equipment, the goal is to demonstrate that it is possible to find threats by combining data from multiple sources. With the help of test equipment, we find out IT and OT capabilities, which we load with various attacks and anomalies. We produce added value compared to traditional monitoring method test cases by comparing data obtained from different sources. The research paper shows the importance of detecting OT threats. By monitoring IT and OT environments and combining their data, we can find hidden threats. Only one test equipment configuration has been used in the study, but the results can be generalized and classified. The study also provides guidelines for how the detection of cyber threat capabilities should be developed.

A new framework for hierarchical multi-objective energy hub planning considering reliability

The concept of an Energy Hub (EH) is a promising approach for constructing a Multi-Energy System (MES). The configuration of equipment within the EH is crucial for ensuring the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability of MES. This paper introduces a novel hierarchical energy hub planning (H-EHP) approach for EH configuration, employing a multi-objective optimization algorithm to plan optimal EH configurations. Utilizing an epsilon constraint-based Pareto front technique, H-EHP optimizes EH capacity, location, and number of installations at each hierarchical level, and economic and reliability feasibility of the system is hierarchically evaluated. The H-EHP is modeled in three stages for result analysis: 1) Power-to-Power (P2P) equipment-based modeling, 2) Power-to-Gas (P2G) equipment-based modeling, and 3) Sector Coupling (SC) equipment-based modeling. The distribution network and various operating characteristics, along with constraints of EH equipment, are modeled. A novel analysis method based on Branch Rolling is introduced for the reliability assessment of EH-linked distribution network. Mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) is employed to identify the optimal H-EHP that minimizes both economic and reliability aspects through an epsilon-constrained Multi-Objective Problem (MOP). Testing on the IEEE-33 bus system and a 7-node gas system confirms the superiority of the proposed theory through three casestudies. The results show that cost-effectiveness and system reliability are analyzed for each EH stage. Notably, HL1, relying solely on electrical equipment, exhibits poor cost-effectiveness. HL2, incorporating P2G-based equipment, demonstrates significant improvements with F1 enhanced by 29.64 % and F2 by 19.07 %. The HL3 outcome highlights the Sector-Coupling (SC) effect, with F1 and F2 showing improvements of 34.85 % and 45.58 %, respectively, compared to HL1. The analysis of hierarchical EH configuration and results underscore the efficacy of the H-EHP method for optimal EH planning.

Memristor characteristics of a Ga–Al–O/Ga–Sn–O/Ga–Al–O stack device fabricated using mist chemical vapor deposition

The biological human brain-mimicking neuromorphic computing systems have drawn great attention recently. Synaptic elements of the neuromorphic computing systems are required to have high integration capability, low power consumption, and low cost. We have realized a memristor characteristic of a Ga–Al–O/Ga–Sn–O/Ga–Al–O stack device using mist-CVD (mist CVD). The mist CVD method is a thin film fabrication technology with a safe, simple equipment configuration, and low-cost environmental impact. It is achieved that hysteresis I–V curves of memristor characteristics were certainly obtained, and electric resistance for the high resistance state and the low resistance state were stably repeated at least 500 times. The results suggest a possibility that Ga–Sn–O thin films by mist CVD methods can be a key component of neuromorphic computing systems.

Segregation test—a standardisable test for suffusion assessment of granular soils

Suffusion is arguably the most complicated type of internal erosion. Although there are several popular assessment methods, the most realiable assessment is possibly still laboratory testing. However, there is not a standardised test for suffusion yet as different laboratories use different equipment and test configurations. Hence, a reliable comparison of outcomes across laboratories may not be able to achieve yet. This paper presents a new and simple, but very effective, way to test the susceptibility of soil to internal erosion using a novel segregation test. The test employs standard equipment which can be easily found in any geotechnical laboratory. There are some common characteristics of internal erosion and transport segregation, where fine particles are transported through the pore constrictions formed by the soil’s primary fabric. In segregation, particles are transported by gravitational/mechanical force to the bottom of the soil mass. Meanwhile, they are washed out of the soil mass by hydraulic force in internal erosion. Laboratory testing for internal erosion often requires specific equipment and a long duration. Meanwhile, segregation test could be undertaken with standardised sieving tower, which is available in any geotechnical laboratory. The approach was verified with an acrylic setup and some 3D-printed details. Later, the tests of 25 mixtures were undertaken with standard sieving sets. The correlation of laboratory results shows good agreement and prompts the common application of the new approach. The new test may not be able to completely replace the conventional suffusion test yet as it overlooks the critical hydraulic gradients at this stage, but it can be very useful if the research focuses on only the erodible mass and susceptibility to suffusion. In addition, it is a standardisable test with no specific requirements on equipment. The new approach may also be a starting point to study other types of internal erosion.

Modular Ship Design

In this paper, we introduce a modular approach to ship design, utilizing design modules to streamline the initial design phases. Ships are conceived as combinations of a primary 'ship module' and various 'design modules' tailored for specific spaces. These modules encompass predefined geometries, layouts, and equipment configurations. We introduce an optimization model that integrates decision variables for ship attributes and configuration variables for module selection. Through this framework, we aim to simplify design complexities, accelerate the production of detailed drawings, and foster innovation in ship design methodologies.

Optimal Capacity Planning of Green Electricity-Based Industrial Electricity-Hydrogen Multi-Energy System Considering Variable Unit Cost Sequence

Utilizing renewable energy sources (RESs), such as wind and solar, to convert electrical energy into hydrogen energy can promote the accommodation of green electricity. This paper proposes an optimal capacity planning approach for an industrial electricity-hydrogen multi-energy system (EHMES) aimed to achieve the local utilization of RES and facilitate the transition to carbon reduction in industrial settings. The proposed approach models the EHMES equipment in detail and divides the system’s investment and operation into producer and consumer sides with energy trading for effective integration. Through this effort, the specialized management for different operators and seamless incorporation of RES into industrial users can be achieved. In addition, the variations in investment and operating costs of equipment across different installed capacities are considered to ensure a practical alignment with real-world scenarios. By conducting a detailed case study, the influence of various factors on the capacity configuration outcomes within an EHMES is analyzed. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively address the capacity configuration of equipment within EHMES based on the local accommodation of RES and variable unit cost sequence. Wind power serves as the primary source of green electricity in the system. Energy storage acts as crucial equipment for enhancing the utilization rate of RES.

Application and configuration analysis of electric muck transfer equipment in plateau railway tunnel: a case study in southwest China

The burgeoning development of railway construction in plateau regions of southwest China necessitates innovative and environmentally sustainable approaches, particularly in the realm of tunnel construction, where the transfer of muck poses significant operational and environmental challenges. This research, pivoting around the application and configuration of electric muck transfer equipment in plateau railway tunnels, seeks to dissect the potentialities and impediments of transitioning from conventional diesel-powered machinery to electric alternatives, with a spotlight on mitigating environmental impacts and enhancing operational efficiency. Through an analytical lens, the study employs a case study methodology, leveraging data and insights from existing electric equipment models and their applications, provided by major manufacturers in China, to weave a comprehensive narrative around the practicalities, specifications, and challenges embedded in the adoption of electric machinery in plateau environments. The findings unveil a nuanced landscape, where the environmental and operational advantages of electric equipment are juxtaposed against a backdrop of technological, financial, and infrastructural hurdles, thereby crafting a complex tapestry of opportunities and challenges. The research further extrapolates policy recommendations and practical guidelines, advocating for a harmonized amalgamation of governmental policies, technological advancements, and strategic planning to navigate through the identified challenges and optimize the integration of electric equipment in tunnel construction practices. Envisaging future research pathways, the study underscores the criticality of perpetuating technological innovations, policy adaptations, and interdisciplinary research to further refine and enhance the application of electric muck transfer equipment in plateau railway tunnel projects, thereby contributing to the broader narrative of sustainable construction practices in challenging terrains.

Low-Carbon-Oriented Capacity Optimization Method for Electric–Thermal Integrated Energy System Considering Construction Time Sequence and Uncertainty

The interdependence of various energy forms and flexible cooperative operation between different units in an integrated energy system (IES) are essential for carbon emission reduction. To address the planning problem of an electric–thermal integrated energy system under low-carbon conditions and to fully consider the low carbon and construction sequence of the integrated energy system, a low-carbon-oriented capacity optimization method for the electric–thermal integrated energy system that considers construction time sequence (CTS) and uncertainty is proposed. A calculation model for the carbon transaction cost under the ladder carbon trading mechanism was constructed, and a multi-stage planning model of the integrated energy system was established with the minimum life cycle cost, considering carbon transaction cost as the objective function, to make the optimal decision on equipment configuration in each planning stage. Finally, a case study was considered to verify the advantages of the proposed capacity optimization method in terms of economy and environmental friendliness through a comparative analysis of different planning cases. Simulation results show that, compared with the scenario of completing planning at the beginning of the life cycle at one time, the proposed low-carbon-oriented capacity optimization method that considers construction time sequence and uncertainty can not only reduce the cost of the integrated energy system, but also help to enhance renewable energy utilization and reduce the system’s carbon emissions; the total cost of phased planning is reduced by 11.91% compared to the total cost of one-time planning at the beginning of the year.

Characterization of ZnO Crystals of Various Geometries Grown by Mist Chemical Vapor Deposition on a c‐Plane Sapphire Substrate

ZnO nanowires, nanowalls, and thin‐film‐like crystals are grown simultaneously on a c‐plane sapphire substrate by mist chemical vapor deposition (mist‐CVD) at a high growth temperature. Mist‐CVD is expected to be a potentially low‐environment‐impact and low‐cost crystal growth technique. Using mist‐CVD techniques, a spatial distribution of crystal growth is obtained owing to equipment configurations that enable the simultaneous fabrication of ZnO crystals of various geometries. Their crystallinity and photoluminescence properties are examined to clarify their potential applications and to investigate low‐cost photonic applications based on these properties.

An Internet-of-Things-Based Dynamic Scheduling Optimization Method for Unreliable Flexible Manufacturing Systems under Complex Operational Conditions

The dynamic scheduling problem (DSP) in unreliable flexible manufacturing systems (UFMSs) with concurrency, conflicts, resource sharing, and sequential operations is a complex optimization problem that requires the use of efficient solution methodologies. The effectiveness of scheduling UFMSs relies on the quality of equipment maintenance. Currently, UFMSs with consistently large queues of parts awaiting service employ a repair-after-failure approach as a standard maintenance procedure. This method may require unexpected resources, incur costs, consume time, and potentially disrupt the operations of other UFMSs, either partially or fully. This study suggests using a predictive maintenance (PdM) strategy that utilizes the Internet of Things (IoT) to predict and avoid early mechanical equipment failures before they happen in UFMSs, thereby reducing unplanned downtime and enhancing reliability. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to construct timed Petri net (TPN) models using the IoT for the PdM configuration of mechanical equipment in the dynamic scheduling problem of UFMSs. This necessitates that users represent the specific problem using TPNs. The process of PN modeling requires the utilization of domain knowledge pertaining to the target problems as well as to machine information. However, it is important to note that the modeling rules for PNs are straightforward and limited in number. Consequently, the TPN model is applied to generate and formulate mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) instances accurately. This is done to identify the optimal production cycle time, which may be implemented in real-life scenarios. Several UFMS instances are used to demonstrate the applications and effectiveness of the proposed method. The computational results demonstrate that the proposed method shows superior solution quality, effectively solves instances for a total of 10 parts and 6 machines, and achieves a solution in a reasonable CPU time.

Breaking a Combinatorial Symmetry Resolves the Paradox of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen and Bell

We present a Monte Carlo model of Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen experiments that may be implemented on two independent computers and resembles the measurements of the Clauser–Aspect–Zeilinger-type which are performed in two distant stations SA and SB. Our computer model is local deterministic because we show that a theorist in station SB is able to conceive the products of the measurement outcomes of both stations, conditional to any possible equipment configuration in station SA. We show that the Monte Carlo model violates Bell-type inequalities and approaches the results of quantum theory for certain relationships between the number of measurements performed and the number of possible different physical properties of the entangled photon pairs. These relationships are clearly linked to Vorob’ev cyclicities, which always enforce Bell-type inequalities. The realization of this cyclicity depends, however, on combinatorial symmetry considerations that, in turn, depend on the mathematical properties of Einstein’s elements of physical reality. Because these mathematical properties have never been investigated and, therefore, may be free to be chosen in the models for all published experiments, Einstein’s physics does not contradict the experimental findings, instantaneous influences at a distance are put into question and the paradox of Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen and Bell is, thus, resolved.

Co-Operatively Increasing Smoothing and Mapping Based on Switching Function

Collaborative localization is a technique that utilizes the exchange of information between multiple sensors or devices to improve localization accuracy and robustness. It has a wide range of applications in autonomous driving and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In the field of UAVs, collaborative localization can help UAVs perform autonomous navigation and mission execution in complex environments. However, when GNSS is not available, it becomes challenging to position the UAV swarm relative to each other. This is because the swarm loses its perception and constraint of the position relationship between each member. Consequently, the swarm faces the problem of the serious drift of relative accuracy for an extended period. Furthermore, when the environment is faced with complex obstruction challenges or a camera with low texture scenes, noise can make it more difficult to solve the relative position relationship between drones, and a single UAV may lose positioning capability. To solve these specific problems, this paper studies a swarm co-operative localization method in a GNSS-denied environment with loud noise interference. In this paper, we proposed a method that utilizes a distributed scheme based on an incremental smoothing and mapping (iSAM) algorithm for state estimation. It incorporates new anchor-free topological constraints to prevent positioning failures and significantly improve the system’s robustness. Additionally, a new switching function is applied in front of each factor of the loss function, which adjusts the switches in real time in response to the input information to improve observably the accuracy of the system. A novel co-operative incremental smoothing and mapping (CI-SAM) method is proposed and the method does not require a complete relative position measurement, which reduces the need for vehicle measurement equipment configuration. The effectiveness of the method is verified by simulation.

Data-Driven Construction of Operation Evaluation System for Large Medical Equipment in Children's Hospital

Through data collection and analysis, the method of evaluating the operation quality of large medical equipment in children's hospital is explored and suggestions on the use and configuration of large medical equipment is put forward. Collect the equipment operation data through the Internet of Things, and combine the hospital HIS, RIS, HRP and other information system data to establish the operation evaluation system of large medical equipment of children's hospital. CRITIC method is used to quantitatively evaluate single type of equipment and single equipment. Hospital big data platform realizes the longitudinal analysis of the operation data of a single large equipment and forms a visual chart, which is displayed on the PC and mobile terminals. Municipal platform can conduct horizontal analysis on the equipment operation data to realize the comprehensive quantitative evaluation of the operation level of large equipment of children's hospital and put forward suggestions for use and configuration. A large equipment operation evaluation system for children's hospital is established through data collection and analysis, and the fine management level of large medical equipment is improved.

Improving feedstock quality control in formaldehyde-based resin and wood-based panel production through near infrared spectroscopy

To assure the quality control of industrial processes, it is important to adopt reproducible and efficient methodologies. Spectroscopic methods, such as near infrared (NIR), are a good option as they are fast and may be used to indirectly estimate multiple physicochemical properties. In this study, NIR spectra of key feedstock samples used in the production of formaldehyde-based resin and wood-based panels, namely urea, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, sodium hydroxide, and acetic acid, were acquired. Multivariate data analysis was applied to establish the correlation between the spectra and the properties being measured. Quantitative models were then created using partial least squares regression to predict the concentrations of feedstock samples. This study presents quantitative models that were created by combining spectra measured on two probes, which achieved similar prediction results as single-probe based models. The performances of the best models were compared with the reference methods for each of the evaluated samples. For the samples under study, the proposed approach is suitable for routine analysis across multiple equipment configurations using the same quantitative model. NIR spectroscopy combined with chemometric models could be a valuable complement to support in-line raw material monitoring and plant digitalization in the wood panels industry.

Optimal Energy Configuration of Integrated Energy Community Considering Carbon Emission

An integrated energy community with a distributed utilization of renewable energy and complementary electricity–gas–cold–heat integrated energy will play an important role in energy conservation and emission reduction. In addition, compared with traditional thermoelectric power equipment, solid oxide fuel cells have many advantages, such as a high energy utilization rate, good waste heat quality, and low carbon emissions. Therefore, the SOFC-based multi-energy and energy storage sharing operation model of an integrated energy community with an electricity–gas–cooling–heat integrated energy system is constructed, and a bi-objective optimal configuration model considering the carbon emission index is established. Considering the economic objective of the smallest annual total operating cost as the most important objective in optimizing the planning model, the ε-constraint method is used to transform the environmental objective function with the smallest annual total carbon emission into a constraint condition under the decision making of an economic single objective function, and then the planning model is linearized and solved by using the Big-M method and the McCormick relaxation method. By calculating and analyzing the energy allocation results in five scenarios, the effectiveness and rationality of the model built in this article are verified. At the same time, the calculation example analysis results show that as the ε value decreases, the energy configuration of the integrated energy community will shift from natural gas to clean energy. From this perspective, the energy equipment configuration and operating costs will increase. However, the heat storage system and power storage system sharing can effectively reduce the energy allocation capacity and costs.

Design of Automatic Fire Extinguishing Control System for 500kV Transformer Water Spray

In view of the problems existing in the water spray automatic fire extinguishing control system of 500kV transformer, the overall solution of the control system is proposed from the perspective of the independence, reliability and overall monitoring of the system to ensure the safe and reliable operation of fire fighting in 500kV substation. First of all, this paper optimizes the equipment configuration and control loop of the main control system of water spray, and details the design of the various boxes and cabinets in the system; secondly, five starting design schemes of transformer fire pump are put forward; Finally, design schemes can be proposed for auxiliary circuits such as anti-interference measures and signal monitoring of the control system.

Precision space telescope attitude determination and control system design principles

In order to preclude the impact of atmospheric factors on the quality of received data, state of the art astronomy research projects require spacecraft mounted telescopes. However, such designs entail the issue of sustaining the accuracy of telescope boresight attitude relative to the object of observation for the required period of time. This paper is a summary of design principles for an attitude determination and control system of a space telescope mounted rigidly onboard a spacecraft. The paper formulates requirements for attitude accuracy, and proposes a viable equipment configuration as well as a three- stage attitude control algorithm. The first stage of the algorithm ensures primary boresight pointing towards the target object prior to the object being captured in the telescope’s FoV based on star tracker and angular rate sensor data. The second stage of the algorithm ensures boresight positioning relative to the target object direction up to an error value allowing for the required image quality, based on telescope readings. The third stage of the algorithm ensures telescope boresight holding relative to the target object direction with a required accuracy for the duration of exposure. Interferences from operating satellite equipment are reviewed, and the principles of reducing their impact on sighting accuracy are formulated. Low inclination, low eccentricity geostationary orbit is recommended as the best operating environment for the space telescope’s scientific instrumentation, as well as for providing a continuous data interface between spacecraft and ground segment.

Особенности эксплуатации синтетических смазочно-охлаждающих жидкостей в централизованных системах применения при металлообработке

The development and transformation of ideas about the system resource-saving ecological technology of application, which led to the synthesis of the «VITA» system technology at industrial enterprises of the USSR, is described. The tendency towards replacing water-soluble coolants with synthetic ones and attempts to substitute process liquids with them during metalworking is revealed. A morphological tree of mathematical models is shown, which provides the possibility of forming a system complex that allows solving the problems of developing a resource-saving, environmentally friendly technological process for the use of synthetic coolant. A range of issues has been revealed that require solving in order to optimize equipment configurations, techniques and means for utilization of synthetic coolants.