Module Layout Research Articles

Optimizing lift operations and vessel transport schedules for disassembly of multiple offshore platforms using BIM and GIS

Abstract As the coming decades will witness a big trend in the decommissioning of offshore platforms, simultaneously disassembling topsides of multiple offshore platforms is getting increasingly common. Considering high risk and cost of offshore operations, module lift planning among multiple offshore platforms with transport vessels is required to be carefully conducted. The lift planning usually contains two main parts: module layout on vessels planning and vessel transport schedules arrangement. In contrast to the current experience-driven module lift planning, this paper formulates the lift planning optimization problem and develops a web system integrating building information modeling (BIM) and geographical information system (GIS) to efficiently disassemble topsides for multiple offshore platforms. BIM provides detailed information required for planning module layout on vessels and GIS contains the management and analysis of geospatial information for the vessel transport schedule arrangement. As for module layout optimization, three heuristic algorithms, namely genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and firefly algorithm (FA) are implemented and compared to obtain the module layout with the minimum total lift time. While for vessel transport schedule, graph search technique is integrated with a developed schedule clash detection function to obtain the transport schedule with the minimum sailing time. The proposed optimization algorithms and techniques are integrated into a developed BIM/GIS-based web system. An example of three offshore platforms with eighteen modules in total is used to illustrate the developed system. Results show that the developed system can significantly improve the efficiency of lift planning in multiple topsides disassembly. The developed BIM/GIS-based web system is also effective and practical in the resource allocation and task assignment among multiple locations, such as construction sites, buildings, and even cities.

Compact liquid cooling strategy with phase change materials for Li-ion batteries optimized using response surface methodology

The hybrid system that integrates active cooling into phase change materials (PCMs)/expanded graphite (EG) shows great prospects for power battery thermal management. But because of the heavy weight, the system need to be optimized with a balance of the cooling capacity contributed by the active and passive cooling. This study develops an optimization method based on the response surface methodology (RSM) and a numerical heat transfer model to minimize the weight and volume of such a battery thermal management system. With the PCM thermo-physical property models incorporated, the method can optimize the PCM composition along with the active cooling structure – taking the contributions of both the active and passive cooling into account. We minimize the PCM mass of the system with this method, and analyze the effects of the PCM composition, the battery module layouts and the active cooling configuration on the thermal management performance. Then we present an optimal design for this hybrid thermal management system, which helps save the PCM mass by up to 94.1% and the volume by up to 55.6%. The thermal management performance of the design is verified with an experiment. The results show the maximum battery temperature in a 20-battery module during the 1.5C discharge is limited to 37.0 °C while the maximum temperature difference is limited to be smaller than 3 °C. Compared with the conventional liquid cooling system, the hybrid system is not only highly efficient, but lightweight, with simple structure and flexible to the batteries with arbitrary shapes.

Hardware base and experimental potential of a smart building prototype

The concept of a model of a building for laboratory interdisciplinary experimental research to systems of a smart house is offered. At the first stage, the principal provisions of the future experiment are determined, the core of the system is constructed and its functional capabilities are determined. As a result, the Arduino-based processor was adopted as the core of the system, a circuit was built that reads data from two sensors and outputs control signals. The principle of assembly of a layout is developed, allowing to expand a control kernel and to connect any number of modules a lot at home. The main modules of the smart house have been determined, which will be experimentally investigated first. These are energy management modules from solar and wind power plants and control of the entire power system of the house, a coordination module with the BIM model, a structural monitoring module, ventilation, air conditioning and water supply modules, a dynamic layout module, and an Internet module for things and object tracking.

An improved planar module automatic layout method for large number of dies

The layout of power modules is one of the key points in power module design, especially for silicon carbide module, which may parallel more devices compared with silicon counterpart. In this paper, along with the design example, a improved layout design method for planar power modules is presented. Some practical considerations and implementations are also introduced in the optimization of module layout design.

Evacuation simulation and layout optimization of cruise ship based on cellular automata

ABSTRACTThis paper focuses on the pedestrian evacuation simulation and layout optimization of the cruise ship on the basis of cellular automata. The deck is meshed, and coordinate difference method is used to obtain the distance from cell to the exit and influencing factors of the static floor field for pedestrian. Influencing factors of the dynamic floor field are also obtained with the attraction of mainstream crowd for pedestrians and mutual exclusivity of pedestrians taken into account. The transition probability of pedestrian is calculated by weighting influencing factors of the static floor field and the dynamic floor field and then establishing attraction factors for the global cell. The evacuation process is simulated with VC++, and the total of evacuation time steps is obtained. Based on this, cabins are converted to layout modules, and different attribute values are assigned to different types of modules. With changing positions of modules, new layout schemes are developed using genetic algorithm, and meanwhile, attraction factors of cells are updated. The layout scheme is optimized for smallest total of evacuation time steps which is 14.5% smaller than the original scheme. Furthermore, the influence of different factors on the evacuation efficiency is discussed.

Performance enhancement of PV system using proposed array topologies under various shadow patterns

Abstract In this paper, a comprehensive study is carried out on the solar photovoltaic (PV) array topologies under diagonally shading scenario. The aim of extensive analysis is to investigate the power mismatch losses in PV array under non-uniform irradiations. The partial shading affects not only power but also exhibits extreme non-linearity along with multiple maximum power points on P-V and I-V characteristics. The investigation is based on designing of the optimal layout of PV modules in a array to extract maximum power under partial shading conditions (PSCs). In this context, a novel structure (NS) of PV array is designed and compared with the classical configurations such as total cross-tied (TCT), hybrid series-parallel-total cross-tied (SP-TCT), bridge link-total cross tied (BL-TCT) and bridge link-honey comb (BL-HC) under considered shadowing scenario. The modeling of all the considered PV array configurations has been done in MATLAB/Simulink environment. The performance of proposed NS configuration is found superior for some cases of shading effect. NS configuration of PV array has minimum power losses and improved fill factor (FF) as compared to others under PSCs.

A Review of SiC Power Module Packaging: Layout, Material System and Integration

Silicon-Carbide (SiC) devices with superior performance over traditional silicon power devices have become the prime candidates for future high-performance power electronics energy conversion. Traditional device packaging becomes a limiting factor in fully realizing the benefits offered by SiC power devices, and thus, improved and advanced packaging structures are required to bridge the gap between SiC devices and their applications. This paper provides a review of the state-of-art advanced module packaging technologies for SiC devices with the focuses on module layout, packaging material system, and module integration trend, and links these packaging advancements to their impacts on the SiC device performances. Through this review, the paper discusses main challenges and potential solutions for SiC modules, which is critical for future SiC applications.

High-performance color-tunable red organic light-emitting diodes for the application of an advanced adaptive rear-lighting system

ABSTRACTAdaptive Rear-lighting System (ARS) in stoplight has been widely used in various vehicles to catch following drivers' attention with special information about light brake, heavy brake and slamming brake, which greatly improves traffic safety. However, most of the existing vehicle ARS usually employ multi light source, leading to complicated layout, circuit and bulky module and high current drain, resulting in high cost. Recently, ARS based on organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) as single light source has attracted attention as a competitive alternative to the conventional ARS. The OLEDs are known for their lower lost, environment protection, broad adjustability and color range, lightness and simple product process. Herein, we designed an advanced ARS based on single OLED module, automatically adjusting the color of stoplight among light red, pure red, deep red in accordance with light brake, heavy brake and slamming brake, respectively. This novel ARS for a vehicle stoplight includes the brake pedal assembled with pressure sensor and an OLED module.

Optimization design and experimental study of thermoelectric dehumidifier

Small dehumidifiers are commonly used to reduce indoor relative humidity and provide comfortable conditions. Thermoelectric dehumidifier (TED) has drawn more attentions due to advantages of environmentally friendly, compact size and quiet. However, the practical application of TED is limited because of the low performance. In this study, we experimentally investigate the influences of structural parameters and operating conditions on the moisture removal rate of TED. A series of prototypes are designed and tested using the orthogonal experiment design method. The impacts of the layout of thermoelectric modules (TEMs), air duct size, heat sink size and the number of TEMs have been discussed. A novel prototype is proposed and investigated to enhance the moisture removal rate. This novel prototype with two cold-side heat sinks and two hot-side heat sinks ensures sufficient cooling capacity for dehumidification. It demonstrates that the moisture removal rate of this novel prototype is up to 33.1gh−1 and the corresponding COP is 0.75 when the air flow velocity of air duct is 1.74m/s. Moreover, the novel configuration significantly improves the moisture removal rate by 7.0gh−1 in comparison with conventional configuration.

A BIM-based framework for lift planning in topsides disassembly of offshore oil and gas platforms

Abstract Offshore oil and gas platforms (OOGPs) usually have a lifetime of 30–40 years. An increasing number of OOGPs across the world will be retired and decommissioned in the coming decade. Therefore, a safe and efficient approach in planning the disassembly of the topsides of OOGPs is required. One commonly applied disassembly method is reverse installation, which moves the OOGP modules from the platform deck to a heavy lift vessel (HLV) in reverse order of their installation. Considering the high risk and cost of working offshore, shortening the lift time is crucial. In contrast to the traditional experience-driven lift operations, this paper describes minimizing the lift path for each OOGP module during disassembly, leveraging building information modeling (BIM) technology and an improved A* algorithm. BIM models provide accurate component-based geometric and semantic information that can be used for planning and optimization. However, there has been no previous study on the use of BIM for offshore disassembly. Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), which is a neutral data model of BIM, is used in this study to represent OOGP models. In particular, the IfcBuildingElementProxy entity is used to represent the OOGP components, and the information in IfcBuildingElementProxy is automatically extracted to obtain the location and dimension information of each OOGP module. Then, for a given layout of modules on the removal vessel, the lift path and removal sequence of different modules, with the shortest lift path distance, are obtained. The lift path distance is calculated using the A* algorithm, which has been widely applied in 2D environments and is modified in this study to suit the 3D environment. Finally, the genetic algorithm (GA) technique is applied to optimize the layout plan on the removal vessel by minimizing the total lift path distance. The developed BIM-based framework is illustrated and evaluated through an illustrative example. The results show that the proposed framework can generate and visualize the shortest lift path for each OOGP module directly and automatically, and significantly improve the efficiency of OOGP disassembly.

Next Generation IGBT and Package Technologies for High Voltage Applications

In this paper, we will present an overview of the latest results covering both Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and packaging technologies intended for demanding high-power applications. We will present the recently developed press pack module rated at 4500 V and 3000 A utilizing an advanced reverse conducting RC-IGBT for hard switching application, which together with the improved module layout yields the most powerful IGBT-based device up to date. For applications that require isolated modules, we will show our new dual IGBT module rated up to 3.3 kV and 450 A. The module layout was optimized to allow highly scalable converter designs with overall low stray inductances. This opens up new possibilities to further reduce losses due to the fact that the devices can be made thinner than today’s limits for achieving lower switching losses with soft performance. We will show the latest results from the enhanced trench IGBT-cell development and give an outlook for the power levels that can be achieved by combining the new cell with the RC-IGBT concept.

Shaping Design Layout of a Combined Insertion Module with Chemical Acceleration and Electric Cruising Units in Creo Elements/Pro Environment

The paper considers shaping the design layout of a combined insertion module, with chemical acceleration unit and electric propulsion cruising unit, intended to deliver payload to geostationary orbit, in the three dimensional design environment Creo elements/Pro.The result of the work are the design layout of an insertion module, including DM-03 chemical and electric propulsion cruising thrusters, satisfying the requirements set by the Angara A5 carrier and its nose cones.

A Non-Dominated Sorting Cooperative Co-Evolutionary Differential Evolution Algorithm for Multi-Objective Layout Optimization

Different from traditional multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAS), multi-objective cooperative co-evolutionary algorithms (MOCCEAs) divide the decision variables into several subproblems to optimize. Solutions of each subproblem are evaluated by complete solutions formed through combining representative solutions from all subproblems. Therefore, the combination of representative solutions is a key issue in MOCCEAs. To improve the capability of MOCCEAs to complex multi-objective optimization problems, we propose a non-dominated sorting cooperative co-evolutionary differential evolution algorithm (NSCCDE). The proposed NSCCDE uses an external archive for storing complete solutions to establish a new collaboration mechanism, which forms a complete solution by combining collaborators from each subpopulation as well as from the external archive. On the one hand, the external archive is updated continuously through non-dominated sorting of complete solutions, which is conducive to speeding up the convergence. On the other hand, the external archive evolves itself through spatial dispersal and mutation operation to increase the diversity. The performance of proposed NSCCDE is then evaluated on a suite of satellite module layout optimization problem. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms NSCCGA and NSGA- II.

Optimization of bus stops layout under the conditions of coordinated control

Abstract Arterial coordinated control and transit signal priority are effective ways to alleviate traffic congestion. Transit vehicles must enter the bus stops for passenger boarding and alighting. The research of transit signal priority should consider the impact of bus stop locations under the condition of arterial coordinated control. The objective of this paper is to analyze and optimize the bus stops layout under the conditions of coordinated control. The restrictions of relocated bus stops on public transportation planning were explained, and the impact of relocated bus stop on bus trajectory and arterial coordinated control was analyzed. The simulated optimization method was applied to optimizing bus stops layout when compared with the mathematical optimization method. Then, the arterial simulation model with ten signal controls and eight bus stops was built, and typical layouts of bus stops were planned. One bus stop at one link was defined as “single” layout, near- and far-side bus stops at the same link was defined as “pairing” layout. Single layout for some bus stops and pairing layout for others defined as “mixed” layout. Simulation experiments of each layout at the same coordinated control and traffic volume were carried out, and performance index such as delay was evaluated. The simulation result shown that delay of all bus stops at pairing layout was less than all at single or mixed layout. Furthermore, the ideal layout module composed with three bus stops at some segments was proposed, and suggestion of relocated bus stops based on ideal layout module was presented.

A new energy landscape paving heuristic for satellite module layouts

This article describes a study of the satellite module layout problem (SMLP), which is a three-dimensional (3D) layout optimization problem with performance constraints that has proved to be non-deterministic polynomial-time hard (NP-hard). To deal with this problem, we convert it into an unconstrained optimization problem using a quasi-physical strategy and the penalty function method. The energy landscape paving (ELP) method is a class of Monte-Carlo-based global optimization algorithm that has been successfully applied to solve many optimization problems. ELP can search for low-energy layouts via a random walk in complex energy landscapes. However, when ELP falls into the narrow and deep valleys of an energy landscape, it is difficult to escape. By putting forward a new update mechanism of the histogram function in ELP, we obtain an improved ELP method which can overcome this drawback. By incorporating the gradient method with local search into the improved ELP method, a new global search optimization method, nELP, is proposed for SMLP. Two representative instances from the literature are tested. Computational results show that the proposed nELP algorithm is an effective method for solving SMLP with performance constraints.

A flexible labour division approach to the polygon packing problem based on space allocation

This paper deals with the two-dimensional satellite module polygon packing problem. Based on the duality of material and space, it regards the polygon packing problem as a space allocation problem, which involves allocating the container space to the given polygons reasonably and efficiently. Ant colony’s labour division is essentially a kind of task allocation. Using this task allocation to achieve the space allocation in polygon packing problems, a flexible labour division approach (FLD) is proposed based on the response threshold model. According to the characteristics of space allocation in polygon packing problems, FLD designs three actions for polygons to occupy the container space. With the interaction between environmental stimulus and response threshold, each polygon takes an appropriate action to complete the space allocation and a layout that meets the requirements of satellite module layout is obtained. The results of standard test instances demonstrate the effectiveness of FLD when compared with self-organisation emergence algorithm. Moreover, experiments on the general polygon packing problem also show that FLD is competitive with other existing algorithms.

Multi-objective layout optimization of a satellite module using the Wang-Landau sampling method with local search

The layout design of satellite modules is considered to be NP-hard. It is not only a complex coupled system design problem but also a special multi-objective optimization problem. The greatest challenge in solving this problem is that the function to be optimized is characterized by a multitude of local minima separated by high-energy barriers. The Wang-Landau (WL) sampling method, which is an improved Monte Carlo method, has been successfully applied to solve many optimization problems. In this paper we use the WL sampling method to optimize the layout of a satellite module. To accelerate the search for a global optimal layout, local search (LS) based on the gradient method is executed once the Monte-Carlo sweep produces a new layout. By combining the WL sampling algorithm, the LS method, and heuristic layout update strategies, a hybrid method called WL-LS is proposed to obtain a final layout scheme. Furthermore, to improve significantly the efficiency of the algorithm, we propose an accurate and fast computational method for the overlapping depth between two objects (such as two rectangular objects, two circular objects, or a rectangular object and a circular object) embedding each other. The rectangular objects are placed orthogonally. We test two instances using first 51 and then 53 objects. For both instances, the proposed WL-LS algorithm outperforms methods in the literature. Numerical results show that the WL-LS algorithm is an effective method for layout optimization of satellite modules.

Thin-film silicon tandem (MICROMORPH™) module design and key reliability topics

Thin-film silicon tandem (MICROMORPH™) module design optimization process for performance maximization is described together with an analysis of some key reliability topics.In the first part, the procedure for module layout optimization to achieve the maximum module power output is described. In monolithic thin-film modules the layout is realized through a laser scribing interconnection process: a well-controlled laser scribing process is therefore essential to ensure optimal module performance and to minimize unwanted losses.The second part of the paper focuses on some of the materials used in the fabrication of a solar cell and module of such technology and the processes used to achieve such module assembly, as well as a description of some of the possible failure modes. Special attention is paid to the zinc oxide transparent conductive oxide (ZnO TCO) layers used for the front and back contacts.The bottom cell (BoCe) and its stability is also analyzed in detail: the influence of process parameters on the BoCe degradation behavior including the differences observed using different thin-film silicon (TF-Si) deposition reactor types, different lamination foils and the impact using different front contact haze is discussed.In the final part of the paper the effect of particle contamination on the module performance is reviewed: specifically contamination by particles generated during deposition and handling processes. Finally relevant countermeasures to prevent additional module performance loss are discussed.

Multi-stage dual neighborhood artificial bee colony algorithm for satellite module layout optimization problem

This paper presents an improved artificial bee colony algorithm with dual neighborhood, and combines it with a multi-stage solving strategy to form a multi-stage dual neighborhood artificial bee colony algorithm (MS-DABC) for the three-dimensional satellite module layout optimization problem (3DSMLOP). 3DSMLOP is a complex multi-constrained coupling problem whose solution space is non-continuous, non-linear, multi-modal. MS-DABC decomposes 3DSMLOP into several subsystems, and divides the optimization process into two stages according to the coupling relationship on optimization goals between subsystems. In the first stage, each subsystem uses the dual neighborhood artificial bee colony algorithm (DABC) to optimize no-coupling optimization goals independently. Based on the optimal solution obtained in the first stage, the coupling optimization goals are solved by the collaborative rotation between the subsystems in the second stage. The rotation angles are optimized by the artificial bee colony algorithm. Numerical experiment results show that MS-DABC is very effective and has outstanding performance for solving the 3DSMLOP example.

User Preferences for Web-Based Module Design Layout and Design Impact on Information Recall Considering Age

Research in design of Web-based modules should incorporate aging as an important factor given the diversity of the current workforce. This work aims to understand how Web-Based Learning modules can be designed to accommodate young (25-35 years) as well as older (55-65 years) users by: (1) identifying how information sources (instructor video, banners, and PowerPoint slides) within a Web-based module impact user information recall; and (2) distinguishing if there are any module layout preferences based on module content, participant gender, and age group. The results from the study show that information recall significantly varied based on age group and Web-based module content, and provide empirical evidence to suggest a general preference for placing the video in the left-upper corner of a Web module screen.