Installation Costs Research Articles

Thermal performance of a solar-assisted slinky foundation heat exchanger coupled with a heat pump in a cold climate

Using the excavation of a building’s foundation offers a cost-effective solution to alleviate the high installation costs hindering the widespread adoption of ground-source heat pump systems. However, limited land space in urban areas and higher heating loads in cold climates pose challenges. Issues like ground thermal imbalances and prolonged freezing around the heat exchanger can impair performance. To address these, a novel solar-assisted ground source heat pump with a slinky foundation ground heat exchanger and a solar-heated recovery heat exchanger loop embedded in the building’s foundation is proposed. A 3D transient finite element numerical model is developed to evaluate the performance of the proposed system. Realistic building energy loads obtained from a building energy simulation with time-varying ambient temperature and solar irradiation are coupled to the foundation heat exchanger to predict the long-term transient performance of the system. Results show that implementing a solar-assisted foundation heat exchanger system reduces soil freezing from 58.3 % to 32.4 % of the year, and heat pump shut-off occurrences caused by low entering fluid temperature drop from 38.9 % to 5.8 %. Additionally, incorporating an auxiliary heater eliminates heat pump shut-offs and reduces the soil freezing period to 6.3 %. Moreover, extending the heat exchangers beyond the footprint of the house mitigates the soil freezing problem completely and reduces the demand for auxiliary heating.

Development of a portable testing chamber to assess imaging performance of laparoscopes in low- and middle-income countries.

Laparoscopic surgery is generally unavailable in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to the high cost of installation and lack of qualified personnel to maintain and repair equipment. We developed a low-cost, durable, reusable laparoscopic system, called the KeyScope laparoscope, for use in LMICs. To reliably build and service the KeyScope in LMICs, a portable testing chamber (PTC) is needed to assess image performance. A PTC was developed to characterize KeyScope laparoscope performance in LMICs. Images of standard resolution, color accuracy, distortion, and depth of field (DOF) targets were captured in both a standard optical bench setup (OBS) and the PTC. Measurements from the OBS and PTC were quantified and compared using standard software (ImageJ and Imatest). To further reduce cost, alternative paper imaging targets were identified and compared with standard glass targets. To improve usability, MATLAB applications (apps) were developed to automate image analysis and reduce cost. The PTC achieved similar results compared to the OBS for the image quality metrics, distortion and DOF. Further, the PTC presented similar results to the OBS for resolution at 4 to 7cm working distances and improved resolution at periphery working distances of 3 and 10cm. Color accuracy values were also improved in the PTC compared with those measured in the OBS. The low-cost resolution, color accuracy, and distortion targets resulted in similar image quality results to the standard image quality target. MATLAB apps produced similar results to Imatest and ImageJ software and decreased the time to complete image quality test analysis. The low-cost portable design of the PTC will facilitate the translation of the KeyScope by enabling accurate and fast characterization of laparoscopic imaging performance in LMICs.

Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Bearings Based on Acoustic Signals in Strong Noise Environments

Compared to vibration sensors, microphones offer several advantages, including non-contact detection, high sensitivity, low cost, and ease of installation. To address the challenges posed by the complex components and significant interference in rolling bearing sound signals, we proposed a fault diagnosis method for rolling bearing acoustic signals based on Secretary Bird Optimization Algorithm (SBOA)-optimized Feature Mode Decomposition (FMD). Initially, a microphone is utilized to collect sound data while the bearing operates, followed by the application of S-FMD (Secretary Bird Optimization Algorithm-optimized Feature Mode Decomposition) to decompose the sound signal and extract components that may contain fault information related to the bearing. The SBOA is employed to adaptively optimize four influencing parameters of FMD: mode number n, filter length L, frequency band cutting number K, and cycle period m. By minimizing envelope entropy as the objective function, we achieve FMD of the bearing sound signal with the assistance of the SBOA. Additionally, this paper introduces an Integrated Signal Evaluation Index (ISEI) to extract potential bearing failure characteristics from the filtered components. Simulation experiments and test results indicate that, compared to Empirical Mode Decomposition, Complementary Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition, fixed-parameter FMD, and adaptive variational mode decomposition methods, the proposed approach more effectively extracts weak characteristic information related to early faults in bearing sound signals.

Optimal sizing of energy resources considering configuration of energy storage systems in a microgrid

This paper studies the critical topic of optimal sizing of energy resources, focusing specifically on the configuration of storage system solutions within a microgrid framework. A microgrid is a localized energy system that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main power grid, and it is increasingly recognized for its potential to enhance energy resilience, efficiency, and sustainability. In this study, we examine a microgrid that integrates three key components: photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery storage, and fuel cell (FC) systems. Each of these technologies plays a vital role in the overall energy management strategy of the microgrid. In addition to installation costs, we also focus on minimizing net present costs (NPC), which encompass the total cost of ownership over the lifespan of the energy systems, including initial capital expenditures, operational and maintenance costs, and any potential revenue from energy sales or savings. By carefully analyzing the trade-offs between different system configurations, we seek to identify the most economically viable options. Another critical metric we consider is the loss of load expectation (LOLE), which quantifies the reliability of the energy supply. LOLE represents the expected number of hours per year during which the energy demand exceeds the available supply. By minimizing LOLE, we enhance the reliability and stability of the microgrid, ensuring that it can meet the energy needs of its users even during periods of high demand or low generation. Through a comprehensive analysis of these factors, this paper aims to provide valuable insights into the optimal sizing of energy resources within microgrids. By leveraging advanced modeling techniques and optimization algorithms, we seek to identify configurations that not only reduce costs but also enhance the overall performance and reliability of hybrid energy systems. Ultimately, our findings will contribute to the ongoing efforts to develop sustainable and resilient energy solutions that can meet the challenges of a rapidly changing energy landscape. The teaching-learning-based optimization (TLBO) metaheuristic algorithm is employed for configuring microgrids. Results from the algorithm demonstrate that TLBO offers a more effective resource configuration than alternative approaches.

Agrivoltaics Systems Potentials in Italy: State of the Art and SWOT–AHP Analysis

Agrivoltaics, the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems with agricultural activities, is gaining attention as an innovative solution to improve land use efficiency and address climate challenges. This study investigates the potential and challenges of the Agri-PV in the Italian context using a bottom-up SWOT–AHP methodology, incorporating data from stakeholders across various sectors. Key findings highlight significant strengths, such as increased land use efficiency and technological innovation, as well as opportunities such as renewable energy production and local economic growth. However, barriers such as high installation costs, regulatory ambiguity, and potential impacts on biodiversity remain crucial issues. SWOT–AHP analysis reveals balanced global priorities, with leading opportunities (26.8%) and stakeholder-specific differences that offer valuable insights for inclusive strategies. The research also estimates the technical potential of Agri-PV in Italy, showing that using a fraction (1% or 5%) of “Unused Agricultural Land” could triple the energy targets outlined in the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC).

Coaxial Cable Distributed Strain Sensing: Methods, Applications and Challenges

Distributed strain sensing is a powerful tool for in situ structural health monitoring for a wide range of critical engineering infrastructures. Strain information from a single sensing device can be captured from multiple locations simultaneously, offering a reduction in hardware, wiring, installation costs, and signal analysis complexity. Fiber optic distributed strain sensors have been the widely adopted approach in this field, but their use is limited to lower strain applications due to the fragile nature of silica fiber. Coaxial cable sensors offer a robust structure that can be adapted into a distributed strain sensor. They can withstand greater strain events and offer greater resilience in harsh environments. This paper presents the developments in methodology for coaxial cable distributed strain sensors. It explores the two main approaches of coaxial cable distributed strain sensing such as time domain reflectometry and frequency domain reflectometry with applications. Furthermore, this paper highlights further areas of research challenges in this field, such as the deconvolution of strain and temperature effects from coaxial cable distributed strain sensor measurements, mitigating the effect of dielectric permittivity on the accuracy of strain measurements, addressing manufacturing challenges with the partial reflectors for a robust coaxial cable sensor, and the adoption of data-driven analysis techniques for interrogating the interferogram to eliminate concomitant measurement effects with respect to temperature, dielectric permittivity, and signal-to-noise ratio, amongst others

Unlocking the Potential of Solar Energy in India: Regional Feasibility and Socio-Economic Impacts

India, as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, faces a substantial challenge in meeting its escalating energy demands. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India is expected to become the largest driver of global energy demand over the next few decades, with its energy consumption projected to grow by over 50% by 2040 [1]. Presently, the country relies heavily on conventional energy sources, primarily coal, to meet its energy needs, contributing to air pollution, environmental degradation, and significant carbon emissions. In light of these challenges, renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, have emerged as viable alternatives to ensure sustainable energy production while addressing environmental concerns [2]. India's geographic location provides it with an abundance of solar radiation, making it one of the most favorable regions for solar energy deployment. The country receives an average of 4–7 kWh/m² of solar radiation per day, with areas in the western and southern parts of India receiving the highest solar insolation levels [3]. Recognizing this vast potential, the Indian government has aggressively pursued the development of solar power through initiatives such as the National Solar Mission (NSM), which targets an installed capacity of 100 GW by 2022 and 500 GW by 2030 [4]. These ambitious targets are part of a broader strategy to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and transition to a low-carbon economy. The rapid growth of the solar sector is further supported by favorable policies, financial incentives, and a supportive regulatory environment designed to attract investments and accelerate the adoption of solar technologies. Despite its immense potential, the large-scale adoption of solar energy in India faces several hurdles. The initial capital cost of solar installations remains one of the most significant barriers, with the upfront investment for both residential and commercial systems being relatively high compared to conventional energy sources. Additionally, the intermittency of solar energy, along with a lack of adequate energy storage solutions, raises concerns regarding grid stability and reliability [5]. Moreover, the availability of financing options, access to skilled labor, and local infrastructure challenges can also impede the widespread deployment of solar technologies. These factors necessitate a comprehensive feasibility and economic analysis to evaluate the true potential of solar energy in India, taking into account both the technical and financial aspects of large-scale solar projects. This paper explores the potential of solar energy in India, with a focus on regional feasibility and socio-economic impacts. The study evaluates the financial viability, technical performance, and long-term benefits of solar energy installations across different regions, taking into account factors such as solar resource availability, land requirements, technological choices, and local economic conditions. The aim is to assess the feasibility of solar power projects at the regional level and examine the socio-economic outcomes, including job creation, income generation, and rural development. Through a comprehensive analysis of costs, benefits, and socio-economic impacts, this study seeks to provide insights into how solar energy can contribute to India’s energy security and sustainable development goals, while identifying strategies to overcome barriers to its wider adoption

Resilient isolation valve system design considering water shortage equity of water distribution system

The water distribution system (WDS) plays a crucial role in sustaining our society, serving as a vital lifeline. However, the performance of WDS is often compromised by various disturbances. To address this challenge and prevent functionality losses, isolation valves are strategically installed within the WDS. This study introduces a novel approach to isolation valve system (IVS) design, aiming to maximize equity during segment isolation. The proposed method utilizes an objective function centered on equity maximization. To achieve this, the study extends the conventional Gini coefficient by incorporating water demand ratio (reliability) instead of income. This adaptation results in the creation of the Water Lorenz Curve and Water Gini coefficient, which serve as essential metrics for assessing equity in the context of water distribution. An optimization model based on the genetic algorithm (GA) is developed, leveraging the newly introduced metrics. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed design approach, a comparison is drawn with the traditional reliability-based design approach. The study applies both models to five benchmark networks, providing insights into their respective performances. The application of these models to the benchmark networks highlights that, while the proposed approach may involve trade-offs in traditional reliability metrics, it excels in various performance indicators. This suggests the potential for a shift from reliability-based designs to equity-based designs without imposing significant cost burdens. Key performance metrics, including reliability, system robustness, resilience, hydraulic geodesic index, and valve installation cost, are employed to comprehensively compare the outcomes of the two design approaches.

Impact of Aggregate Characteristics on Frictional Performance of Asphalt-Based High Friction Surface Treatments

High Friction Surface Treatments (HFST) are recognized for their effectiveness in enhancing skid resistance and reducing road accidents. While Epoxy-based HFSTs are widely applied, they present limitations such as compatibility issues with existing pavements, high installation and removal costs, and durability concerns tied to substrate quality. As an alternative to traditional Epoxy-based HFSTs, this study investigated the effects of aggregate gradation as designated by agencies on the performance of asphalt-based HFST. Various aggregate types were assessed to evaluate friction performance and the impact of polishing cycles on non-Epoxy HFST. It was found that adjustments in aggregate size and gradation may be necessary when transitioning to asphalt-based HFSTs, given the different nature of asphalt as more temperature susceptible compared to Epoxy. Various asphalt binder grades were considered in this study. A series of tests, including the British Pendulum Test (BPT), Dynamic Friction Tester (DFT), Circular Track Meter (CTM), Micro-Deval (MD), and Aggregate Imaging Measurement System (AIMS), were conducted to measure Coefficient of Friction (COF), Mean Profile Depth (MPD), texture, and angularity before and after polishing cycles. The results showed that the COF in asphalt-based slabs decreased more significantly than in Epoxy-based slabs as polishing cycles increased for HFST and medium gradations. However, in coarse gradation, the COF of slabs using asphalt-based binder matched or even surpassed that of Epoxy after polishing. Notably, the PG88-16 binder for Calcined Bauxite (CB) had the smallest reduction in COF after 140K polishing cycles, with only a 19% decrease compared to a 23% reduction for Epoxy.

Farming the sun: the political economy of agrivoltaics in the European Union

AbstractWhat kind of agricultural practices do agrivoltaic systems incentivise? Under what circumstances can they deliver the promised benefits, and who is likely to bear the costs? Presented as a win–win solution for developing solar energy while enhancing farmland productivity, agrivoltaics offer several advantages—including decentralised electrification, improved crop yield, and thus increased farmers’ income. Compared to traditional utility-scale solar, however, agrivoltaics generally entail higher installation costs and material requirements, lower energy generation, and thus increased cost of electricity production. Drawing on William Kapp’s theory of social costs and ecological political economy, this article examines agrivoltaics developments within the latest EU-level policy initiatives on energy, agriculture, and climate change. Despite room for optimism regarding the comparative advantages of agrivoltaics, the findings reconcile these benefits with multiple trade-offs inherent in alleged ‘win–win’ solutions. Addressing the dual objectives of energy and agricultural transitions, the uncritical deployment of agrivoltaics risks perpetuating the prevailing ‘cheaper food paradigm’, characterised by capital and energy-intensive agricultural techniques, trade globalisation, wage compression, and the displacement and/or deferral of environmental harm. Additionally, rent-seeking behaviour among landowners leasing to energy developers could inflate agricultural land prices, thus exacerbating land ownership intensification and the financialisation of European farmland. This article concludes by advancing a few avenues to reinvest the rental income of agrivoltaics to facilitate the transition to agroecological farming practices.

Lightweight photovoltaic modules technologies: reliability evaluation and market opportunity

This study aims at performing an assessment of lightweight photovoltaic (PV) module's reliability by comparing module's performances and reliability of several manufacturers. Lightweight modules are characterized by a reduced weight compared to classical PV modules with usually less than 10 kg/m2 allowing its installation on rooftops with low bearing capacity without the need of reinforcing the roof structure. Even if this PV technology has higher costs than classical modules due to lower capacity production and often specific module material like transparent composite instead of glass, it represents an efficient technical and commercial solution for specific applications with lower transportation, installation, and maintenance costs. Nevertheless, very few information is available on the reliability of these emerging products. The large variety of module components used by the manufacturers do not help into selecting the best modules available on the market. In this work, after introducing the potential capacity of low bearing rooftop market for France, we detailed a first reliability benchmark of market available lightweight module's products. This benchmark was carried out through indoor experimental work under accelerated aging testing as well as outdoor exposure conditions based on IEC61215 and IEC61730 qualification standards. The accelerated aging sequence results highlight high power degradation discrepancies between the five technologies investigated with some of them degrading more than 50% after a damp heat − UV − thermal cycling testing sequence. The power generation obtained in outdoor conditions underlines lower energy yield obtained by installing photovoltaic module directly on a flat roof caused by their orientation and tilt (0 to 10°) entailing sometimes higher soling losses. Based on all these results, LCOE estimations are performed and show an over-cost between 10 and 100% compared to the use of standard module option with roof reinforcement.

Evaluation Study of Rooftop Solar Power System (RSPS) Utilisation Off Grid System at Ash Yard Office of Steam Power Plant (SPP) Mine Mouth (MT) Sumsel-82x660 MW

Indonesia is currently facing various challenges in meeting its national energy needs. About 60% of the country's electricity production depends on coal, making it crucial to reduce this dependence to achieve energy balance, enhance energy resilience, and develop environmentally friendly renewable energy sources. In this study, the feasibility of investing in off grid solar rooftop systems is evaluated, considering technical performance, environmental impact, and economic aspects, including installation costs and potential energy savings. This research proves that the design and installation of the off grid rooftop solar power system function well, with a performance ratio (PR) value of 83.22%, indicating that the system meets the expected standards (above 70%). In addition, the off grid rooftop solar power system is capable of producing electricity with an average annual value of 5,572 kWh. This off grid rooftop solar power system contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions at the research site by 50,531 tons of CO2e in one year, in line with the research objectives related to environmental aspects. The off grid rooftop solar power system at the Ash Yard Office is a feasible and profitable investment due to the power cable connection from the Sumsel-8 coal-fired power plant and the use of 20kV medium voltage electricity from PLN. It has a Payback Period of 19 (nineteen) years, which indicates that the investment in the rooftop solar power system at the Ash Yard Office is still worth pursuing because the Payback Period is shorter than the project's lifespan.

A REVIEW OF WIND ENERGY IN INDIA - A PANACEA FOR GREENHOUSE GASES

Electrical power demand is ever increasing in India due to rapid development in various sectors. Use of fossil fuels to meet this demand adds to the problem by not only polluting the environment by increasing the emission of green-house gases but also depleting the nonrenewable sources of fossil fuels from the earth. It is therefore important that we focus our attention towards renewable sources of energy. Wind energy is one of the promising sources of clean and green energy which can prove to be reliable and help in meeting the energy demands. There are some challenges and limitations of wind energy. The requirement of a large area for installation of windmills, cost of installation and maintenance are some of the factors which need optimal planning. This paper explores the potential of wind energy in India, the challenges in shifting our dependency from non-renewable to a renewable source and government policies to promote wind energy in India.

Study on Enhancing Adsorption Efficiency in Best Available Techniques for Arsenic Reduction in Water

The Integrated Environmental Management System promotes the treatment of emissions, wastewater, and waste using Best Available Techniques (BAT), accounting for environmental, economic, and technical factors. Heavy metals in wastewater, including arsenic, a highly toxic and carcinogenic substance, have raised significant global water quality concerns. Adsorption technology for arsenic removal is favored due to low installation and operational costs and its stability across water quality variations. While magnesium oxide-based adsorbents are actively researched, conventional methods often require surfactants, making large-scale production costly. This study developed a porous, layered magnesium oxide adsorbent by calcining a precursor of magnesium ions and ethylene glycol. The adsorbent showed strong affinity for pentavalent arsenic ions, and structural and adsorption mechanisms were analyzed. SEM analysis revealed surface characteristics, and BET analysis showed a specific surface area of 34.98 m²/g. Kinetic experiments (0-12 hours) applied pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order models, and adsorption isotherms, tested for initial concentrations of 10-1000 mg/L, were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich models with a q<sub>max</sub> of 817.8 mg/g. Results indicated that the pseudo-second-order (R²=0.881) and Freundlich models (R²=0.968) best fit the data, suggesting physical, multilayer adsorption. Higher initial pH improved performance, and FT-IR and XPS analysis compared the adsorbent before and after adsorption.

Structural performance evaluation of mobile solar-powered battery swap station for electric motorcycles

This study introduces a structural design and static analysis of a Mobile Battery Swap Station for electric motorcycles, powered by solar energy, to address the critical need for sustainable and off-grid charging infrastructure. As the adoption of electric motorcycles continues to grow, driven by the demand for eco-friendly transportation alternatives, the lack of widespread and accessible charging infrastructure poses a significant barrier to their widespread use. In many regions, the expansion of traditional grid-connected charging stations is hindered by high installation costs, space limitations in urban environments, and logistical challenges in remote or underserved areas. The design focuses on a robust, mobile frame made from hollow iron of AISI 1010 steel, supporting the integration of photovoltaic (PV) panels to supply renewable energy directly to the battery-swapping system. Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the station’s structural integrity was evaluated under a uniformly distributed load of 700 kg, simulating real-world loading conditions for components essential to electric motorcycle operations, including PV mounts and battery racks. Results show a maximum displacement of 4.541 mm, a peak stress of 57.716 MPa, and a Factor of Safety (FOS) of 2.9, confirming the design’s ability to securely and stably support the necessary equipment for battery swapping. This mobile, solar-powered solution advances sustainable infrastructure for electric motorcycles, enabling flexible, grid-independent battery swapping that is particularly beneficial in urban areas and remote locations. This station contributes to greener mobility solutions tailored for electric motorcycles, aligning with broader efforts to support eco-friendly transportation systems

Lighting design affects the uniformity and growth of plants in a vertical farming system

Light is essential for plant production and has various effects on plant quality. Vertical farms typically use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources. However, the cost of LEDs varies with wattage and the initial installation costs are generally high. Therefore, to explore more cost-effective LED designs, we aimed to investigate the impact of red LED chips density on light distribution and plant growth under the same total electricity consumption. To this end, we exposed baby leaf soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.; 5 days) and kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala; 18 days) to LEDs light with different arrangements of red and white chips. Plants were exposed to either 2 W chips with a red: white ratio of 4: 64 (2W4R treatment) or 1 W chips with a red: white ratio of 8: 64 (1W8R treatment) across the entire LED bar. We observed that the distribution of red light in the cultivation room differed depending on the density of the red LED chips. We found that arranging low-power red LED chips at narrow intervals resulted in uniform light distribution across the entire cultivation bed, positively affecting crop growth. Baby leaf soybean and kale exhibited uniform growth under 1W8R and growth was particularly enhanced in kale. This may be because of the dense leaf structure of kale, which promotes photosynthesis under a uniform light environment. The results of this study demonstrate that a favorable light environment can be created by altering the position and distribution of red LED chips, thereby inducing uniform growth in plants.

Development and Optimization of a Recyclable Non-Embedded Support System for Thermal Pipeline Trenches in Urban Environments.

Existing support systems for thermal pipeline trenches often fail to meet the specific needs of narrow strips, tight timelines, and short construction periods in urban environments. This study introduces a novel recyclable, non-embedded support system composed of corrugated steel plates, retractable horizontal braces, angle steel, and high-strength bolts designed to address these challenges. The system's effectiveness was validated through prototype testing and optimized using Abaqus finite element simulations. The research hypothesizes that this new support structure will enhance construction efficiency, reduce installation costs, and provide adaptable and sustainable solutions in urban trench applications. Prototype tests demonstrated that the proposed support had maintained safety and stability in trenches of 2 m and 3 m depth under a 58 kPa load and rainfall, as well as the 4 m deep trenches under asymmetric loading of 80 kPa. Optimization of the proposed system included installing two screw jacks on each horizontal brace and adjusting the corrugated plates, resulting in reduced weight, improved node strength, and enhanced screw jack adjustability. Numerical simulations confirmed the optimized system's reliability in trenches up to 3 m deep, with caution required for deeper applications to avoid structural failure. The proposed support system offers notable advantages over traditional methods by improving construction efficiency, flexibility, and adaptability while also reducing costs, ensuring safety, and promoting environmental sustainability. Its modular design allows for rapid installation and disassembly, making it suitable for projects with strict deadlines and diverse construction conditions. The findings uphold the initial hypotheses and demonstrate the system's practicality in urban trench projects.

Optimization of Video Surveillance System Deployment Based on Space Syntax and Deep Reinforcement Learning

With the widespread deployment of video surveillance devices, a large number of indoor and outdoor places are under the coverage of cameras, which plays a significant role in enhancing regional safety management and hazard detection. However, a vast number of cameras lead to high installation, maintenance, and analysis costs. At the same time, low-quality images and potential blind spots in key areas prevent the full utilization of the video system’s effectiveness. This paper proposes an optimization method for video surveillance system deployment based on space syntax analysis and deep reinforcement learning. First, space syntax is used to calculate the connectivity value, control value, depth value, and integration of the surveillance area. Combined with visibility and axial analysis results, a weighted index grid map of the area’s surveillance importance is constructed. This index describes the importance of video coverage at a given point in the area. Based on this index map, a deep reinforcement learning network based on DQN (Deep Q-Network) is proposed to optimize the best placement positions and angles for a given number of cameras in the area. Experiments show that the proposed framework, integrating space syntax and deep reinforcement learning, effectively improves video system coverage efficiency and allows for quick adjustment and refinement of camera placement by manually setting parameters for specific areas. Compared to existing coverage-first or experience-based optimization, the proposed method demonstrates significant performance and efficiency advantages.

МЕМБРАННЫЙ ДАВИД И РАМНЫЙ ГОЛИАФ

The article is devoted to explaining the advantages of membrane structures in comparison with frame structures, which are traditionally produced in large quantities by Russian metal structures factories. With the mass application of membrane structures, it is possible to reduce the cost of building structures, as well as significantly reduce the cost of manufacturing and installation, which will significantly reduce the total cost of the building structure of a building or structure. To promote the mass application of membrane structures in construction production, the authors invite interested organizations to cooperate and to combat nfair competition.

Design, Implementation, and Analysis for Reducing Energy Losses in Solar Inverters through the Use of SiC MOSFETs

The integration of Silicon Carbide (SiC) Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) in solar inverters has emerged as a promising solution for enhancing energy conversion efficiency. This study presents the design and performance analysis of a high-efficiency solar inverter utilizing SiC MOSFETs, targeting increased power output and improved reliability in photovoltaic (PV) systems. The proposed inverter design focuses on reducing switching losses, minimizing heat dissipation, and achieving higher switching frequencies compared to traditional silicon-based devices. The adoption of SiC technology enables reduced conduction and switching losses due to its superior thermal properties and high breakdown voltage, making it ideal for solar inverter applications. Simulation results demonstrate significant improvements in efficiency—exceeding 98%—under varying load conditions. Additionally, the inverter’s performance was evaluated in terms of total harmonic distortion (THD), with values well within acceptable limits, ensuring clean and stable power output. The thermal management capabilities of SiC MOSFETs are also highlighted, showing reduced heat sink requirements and longer operational lifetimes. This research further explores the practical implementation challenges, such as gate driver considerations and EMI suppression, to optimize inverter design for real-world scenarios. The findings suggest that utilizing SiC MOSFETs in solar inverters not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to system compactness, potentially reducing the overall cost of PV installations. The study concludes with recommendations for future developments in SiC-based power electronics for renewable energy applications.