Moscow Power Engineering Institute Research Articles

In memory of Vyacheslav Vladimirovich Sychev

Vyacheslav Vladimirovich Sychev (December 11, 1933, Odessa February 14, 2023, Moscow) Soviet and Russian scientist, doctor of technical sciences, professor at the Moscow Power Engineering Institute (MPEI); specialist in thermodynamics; Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation (1996). His main areas of scientific interest were thermodynamics, thermophysics, and information technologies. He was an author of more than 200 printed works, including monographs and books that have been published many times: "Technical Thermodynamics", "Complex Thermodynamic Systems", "Differential Equations of Thermodynamics" and others.Full member of the International Academy of Sciences, Academy of Technological Sciences of the Russian Federation, Academy of Electrotechnical Sciences, International Academy of Cold, International Academy of Creativity. Member of the Expert Council of the Higher Attestation Commission (HAC) under the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation and the Dissertation Council of MPEI.
 Laureate of the State Prizes of the USSR (1976, 1988) and the State Prize of the Russian Federation (1996), the Polzunov Prize of the USSR Academy of Sciences (1984), J. Gibbs Prize and Medal of the International Academy of Creativity (1993), Moscow Power Engineering Institute Prize "Honor and Recognition of Generations" (2013). Laureate of the State Prizes of the USSR (1976, 1988) and the State Prize of the Russian Federation (1996). Awarded the Order of Friendship of Peoples, Order of Friendship of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Factors and mechanisms of mastering physical knowledge by technical university students

Introduction. Physics is one of the general professional disciplines at a technical university; its mastering is extremely important for future engineers. The process of formation of physical knowledge is accompanied by multiple difficulties, which actualises the problem of identifying the factors of assimilation thereof in students of a technical university as well as the mechanisms to influence these factors. The aim of the study is to identify and justify the factors of physical knowledge assimilation in students of a technical university as well as the mechanisms of influencing these factors. Materials and methods. The study involved 95 students of the National research university “MPEI” (Moscow Power Engineering Institute) (Russian Federation) majoring in the profiles: “Electric Power Engineering”, “Electrical Engineering”, “Biotechnical Systems”, “Electronics”. In order to assess the level of formation of students’ physical knowledge, a test comprising 15 questions was offered to them with a view to evaluate the students’ knowledge of the basic concepts and laws in the sections: “Mechanics”, “Molecular Physics” and “Electrodynamics”. The statistical analysis of test results was carried out by means of Mann-Whitney U test. Results. A number of factors influencing the formation of physical knowledge in students have been formulated, that were found to be in line with the objectives of studying physics at a technical university. The correctness of the revealed factors is confirmed by the statistics (Uemp. = 12 < Ucr. = 16; p < 0,01), i.e. the students who had poor performance at school or who failed the Unified State Examination are not motivated for studying physics at a university and have poor academic results in general physics. The success in test performance shown by students from weak Bachelor degree groups does not differ from the results of the same test performed by Master degree students (Uemp. = 47.5 > Ucr. = 16). This result is explained by the influence of such factor as low relevance of physical knowledge for Master degree students at a given stage of study. A set of mechanisms directly aimed at students’ assimilation of basic physical concepts and laws was developed. They include: development of cognitive abilities due to the systemic nature of physical knowledge, students’ strengthened intrinsic motivation to study physics, discussion of mathematical and verbal formulation of physical concepts and laws, regular directed testing in physics at all stages of studying at the university. Conclusion. The practical significance of the study is determined by the possibility to use its results for improving the process of formation of physical knowledge in students of technical universities.

Development of a System for Materials Science Studies on the T-15MD Tokamak

One of the main objectives pursued in carrying out materials science studies on the T-15MD tokamak is to insert samples, including large-scale ones, both for their long-term life cycle tests in the near-wall plasma areas and for studying the effect of impulse loads in the divertor section. A conceptual design of a system for carrying out materials science studies on the T-15MD tokamak has been developed at the Department of General Physics and Nuclear Fusion of the National Research University Moscow Power Engineering Institute. The system will open the possibility to carry out unique experiments on studying the state and composition of the divertor and first wall surfaces without the need to disturb the tokamak chamber vacuum and dismantle the components. It will be possible to perform such studies in the time intervals between tokamak pulses, which will make it possible to reveal changes on the divertor surface after each pulse and estimate correlations between the plasma parameters and changes on the first wall surface. In the attachment assembly, means are provided for cooling the mockups with both water flow and dispersed water-air flow. In addition, various diagnostic devices for monitoring the first wall and divertor surfaces can be installed on the attachment assembly.

Studying the Features of Streamer Formation and Development in Air by Using Computation Experiments

The aim of the work is to estimate the relevance and current state of the problem of mathematical modeling of streamer discharges in air, as well as to identify the features pertinent to formation and initial development stage of two-head streamers in air by using computational experiments. The streamer discharge mathematical model developed at the National Research University Moscow Power Engineering Institute Department of High Voltage Engineering and Electrophysics was used as the research tool. It is shown that mathematical modeling of a streamer discharge can be effectively used in its studies and in training specialists in the field of electric power engineering and high-voltage electrical technologies. The article presents the results of computational experiments on studying the occurrence of streamers in a discharge gap filled with dry air with a uniform electric field (EF) under standard atmospheric conditions. The initial conditions were chosen so that a single-avalanche-streamer formation mechanism was realized. It is shown that in the considered range of initial conditions, the distance between the anode and initial inhomogeneity has a weak, within 1%, influence on the minimum and maximum values of electric field strength in the streamer. A different picture is observed on the anode surface. When a two-head streamer is formed in the discharge gap depth, the field strength at the anode remains close to the average strength in it. As the negative streamer head approaches the anode, the field strength on its surface increases to values close to those achieved in the positive head. After that, the field at the anode weakens rapidly to a level at which effective impact ionization becomes impossible. The article will be of interest for specialists and graduate students working in the field of electric power engineering and high-voltage electrical technologies.

Staff Training and Scientific Research Activities on the Basis of the Moscow Power Engineering Institute’s Renewable Energy Sources Educational and Experimental Site

The Institute of Hydropower and Renewable Energy Sources at the National Research University Moscow Power Engineering Institute is the only one in the Russian Federation that unites departments implementing educational programs in the areas of electric power engineering, electrical engineering, and power machinery design and construction, with placing focus on power and hydraulic engineering facilities. The need of training high-skilled personnel with broad knowledge in the design and operation of hydroelectric, wind and solar power plants has led to the development of a unique laboratory complex. The article gives a retrospective review of the process through which the Joint Laboratory of the Institute of Hydropower and Renewable Energy Sources was established.

Peculiarities of Implementing a Practice-Oriented Approach to Engineering Education in the Digital Era

The current trends in engineering education are analyzed. The distinctive features of the conventional “knowledge” paradigm and the practice-oriented approach are described. An urgent need to strengthen the latter at the higher education stage is revealed. The peculiarities of practical training were studied, as an outcome of which a number of advantages of this method have been identified, and community of domestic and foreign trends in widening the role of practical training has been disclosed. The long-term successful experience in training technical specialists at the National Research University Moscow Power Engineering Institute served as the empirical basis for the research. Special attention is paid to changes in engineering and technology areas that have been caused by global digitalization, which lead to transformation of engineering work and, hence, set forth new objectives for education. The article also substantiates advisability to strengthen practical components in education, which will enable the graduates to successfully apply fundamental knowledge in their professional activity.

Visualization in Mathematical Packages When Teaching with Information Technologies

A method has been obtained for the use of visualization in computer mathematical packages, which is an effective means of overcoming difficult situations that arise for students when mastering such packages and solving computational problems. Depending on the complexity of the problem being solved, either the teacher or the students themselves can create special visual graphic (animation) objects. Such objects allow, initially without going into the intricacies of the functioning of the package and the mathematical apparatus used, to competently describe a complete picture of a difficult situation for students and indicate ways to resolve it. The method is considered through the example of the process of solving systems of equations using the mathematical package Mathcad and the WolframAlpha online resource. Graphical and animated objects are presented that clearly demonstrate the areas of the location of initial approximations, allowing you to numerically obtain all the real roots of systems of trigonometric and nonlinear equations. Similar objects are built to find the critical points of the Himmelblau’s special test function. Visualization materials are confirmed by the presented computational calculations. The proposed method is implemented in the form of plans for lectures and practical classes on mathematical modeling using computer technologies. The method was tested with university students at the National Research University Moscow Power Engineering Institute.

Guest Editorial: Situational awareness of integrated energy systems

Guest Editorial: Situational awareness of integrated energy systems

Preface

The 4th International biannual conference “Electron Beam Welding and Related Technologies (EBW2021)” was held at National Research University “Moscow Power Engineering Institute (MPEI)” on November 16-19 2021 in Moscow, Russia. The host university MPEI is one of the leading academic institutions in Europe that conducts research in heat and electricity generation, electrotechnical instrumentation design and power engineering machinery building.The conference is dedicated to research, innovations and novel engineering solutions in electron beam welding (EBW), metals heat treatment, and electrotechnical engineering. More than 40 reports were presented in various areas of EBW technologies:• processing of metals with condensed energy flows;• technologies of electron beam wielding;• additive technologies;• equipment for electron beam wielding;• related fields of materials sciences.Reports subjects included the following areas: modeling of EBW processes (thermal fields, heat and mass transfer, electron beam energy, metal ionization, etc.), control of EBW parameters and welding equipment, additive manufacturing, diagnostics of mechanical and service properties of welded joints, electron beam welding equipment.List of Scientific Committee, Organizing Committee, Editor are available in this pdf.

Soft skills in engineering education. Practical approach of National Research University “Moscow Power Engineering Institute”

Soft skills have become an essential attribute for a successful career in engineering in recent decades. The role of soft skills in engineering qualifications increases each year. It is observed that this European trend has been adopted by other countries and at present is inherent throughout the world. For an engineer today it is extremely important to focus not only on technical or technological issues while studying but to acquire a wider range of abilities and skills that are aimed at expanding professional and career opportunities. A new course has been introduced into the Master's curriculum in National Research University “Moscow Power Engineering Institute” in 2020/2021 academic year to enhance soft-skills component in engineering training. Organizational Management is an interdisciplinary area of knowledge which is closely related to such fields as psychology, social sciences, management, economics, philosophy and history. As a part of curriculum this course is aimed at supplementing engineering qualifications with a whole range of skills and abilities of a social nature. Introduction of this course into the curriculum of the last year of the Master's program of engineer training permits to supplement technical and technological qualifications with a number of soft skills necessary not only for future professional activities, but also for the performance of a Master's thesis.

In Memoriam: Professor Pavel Leonidovich Kirillov (Aug. 20, 1927–Oct. 10, 2021)

Abstract Professor Pavel L. Kirillov has died on October 8th, 2021, on his 95th year after a life as a husband, father, and an internationally renowned scientist, researcher, and educator in the field of nuclear engineering, thermalhydraulics, heat transfer, and two-phase flow. He was a passionate and dedicated in everything, what he has done and leaves an incredible legacy to the profession. He was born on August 20th, 1927 in Russia, and received his M.A.Sc. degree in thermal physics in 1950 (Moscow Power-Engineering Institute (MPEI) (МосковскийЭнергетическйИнститут (МЭИ)), Faculty of Physics and Power Engineering (Физико-ЭнергетическийФакультет), Ph.D. and Doctor of Technical Sciences degrees in 1959 and 1969, respectively. Professor Pavel Leonidovich Kirillov was a respected technical leader, mentor, and friend to innumerable students, researchers, scientists, and engineers, and he will be sadly missed by all, who had the privilege to know him. He was an outstanding contributor in every aspect of his prolific work and career in the true traditions of technical excellence and critical thinking, and his irreplaceable loss is deeply felt worldwide.

Equivalence of the schemes of programs based on the algebraic approach to setting the semantics of programming languages

Objectives . The paper deals with the equivalence of program schemes. According to A.A. Lyapunov and Yu.I. Yanov, the founders of this theory, a program scheme is understood as a program model wherein abstraction from contensive values of operators and expressions is performed. In this case, the program structure containing symbolic notation of operators and expressions remains unchanged while maintaining their execution sequence. The programming language model presented in the paper contains basic constructs of sequential languages and is the core of the existing sequential programming languages. The paper aimed at developing an effective algorithm for studying equivalence (nonequivalence) of program schemes of sequential programming languages. Methods . An algebraic approach to specifying semantics of programming languages was used for studying the equivalence of program schemes. Results . A process semantics being the new algebraic approach to specifying the formal semantics of sequential programming languages was proposed. The process semantics was specified by matching programs (program schemes) with a set of computation sequences. The computation sequence was understood as the execution sequence of actions (commands and tests) of the program. Two types of concatenation operations (test–command and command–command) and the merge operation, which properties are given by axiomatic systems, were defined in the introduced semantic domain. The finiteness of the semantic value representation in the form of systems of recursive equations was proved. The algorithm for proving the equivalence (nonequivalence) of systems of recursive equations characterizing semantic values for a pair of program schemes was proposed, which implies the equivalence (nonequivalence) of programs in the strong sense. Conclusions . The paper demonstrates the efficient use of the proposed algorithm for proving the equivalence of sequential program schemes excluding side effects when calculating expressions, i.e., sequential computation of the expression more than once does not change anything. The example of proving the equivalence of program schemes by two methods—the well-known de Bakker–Scott fixed-point induction method and the method proposed by the author—is given. Comparison of the above methods testifies not only to the new method′s effectiveness but also to its significant simplicity, proved in practice by students who performed corresponding tasks when studying the Semantics of Programming Languages at the Institute of Information and Computing Technologies at the National Research University Moscow Power Engineering Institute (Moscow, Russia).

Основатели механико-математических специальностей на энергомашиностроительном факультете МЭИ

The article describes the historical stages through which disciplines of the mechanical and mathematical profile were formed and developed at the Moscow Power Engineering Institute. The scientific activities of V.V. Bolotin, I.V. Novozhilov, and Yu.G. Martynenko, who were the founders of these scientific schools, are outlined.

Research of the applicability of machine learning methods for assessment of departments’ performance

Currently, a number of educational organizations in Russia and abroad, including the National Research University “Moscow Power Engineering Institute” (MPEI), are introducing the European improvement model EFQM, designed to analyze and improve the educational, scientific and other activities of the departments. In accordance with this model, each university department is assigned a score equal to the sum of points for two groups of criteria: criteria from the group of opportunities and criteria from the group of results. To obtain such assessments, a commission consisting of external experts, EFQM assessors and university staff meets with heads of departments. Based on the results of the discussion of the results of the meetings, the commission determines the score and rating of the departments in accordance with the EFQM model.The purpose of the work presented in the article is to study the possibility of using machine learning to simplify the work of experts in terms of obtaining estimates according to criteria from a group of results.The article proposes a system for evaluating the activities of departments according to criteria from a group of results based on machine learning. A program in the Python programming language has been developed, which evaluates the activities of departments according to these criteria for each department of the MPEI. The program receives the initial data for such assessments from the monitoring system of key performance indicators implemented in MPEI.

Investigation of the effects of main geometric parameters and flow characteristics on secondary flow losses in a turbine cascade

This paper presents numerical simulation results of a three-dimensional (3D) transitional flow in a stator cascade of an axial turbine. The influences of the main geometric parameters and flow characteristics including, the blade aspect ratio, pitch-to-chord ratio, inlet flow angle, and exit Mach number, on secondary flows development and end-wall losses, were studied. The numerical results were validated by the results of experiments conducted in the laboratory of the steam and gas turbine faculty of the Moscow Power Engineering Institute. The maximum difference between computed and experimental results was 2.4 %. The total energy losses decrease by 20 % when the exit Mach number changes from 0.38 to 0.8. Numerical results indicated that the blade aspect ratio had the most effect on secondary flow losses. The total energy losses increase by 46.6 % when the aspect ratio decreases from 1 to 0.25. The total loss of energy by 13.2 % decreases by increasing the inlet flow angle from 60 degrees to 90 degrees. Then by increasing the inlet flow angle from 90 to 110 degrees, the total loss rises by 3.6%. As the pitch-to-chord ratio increases from 0.7 to 0.75, the total energy losses are reduced by 12.2 %. Then by increasing the pitch-to-chord ratio from 0.75 to 0.8, the total energy losses increase by 6 %. As with experimental data, the numerical results showed that the optimal inlet flow angle and relative pitch for the cascade are 90 degrees and 0.75, respectively.

Analyzing Possible Applications for Multilevel Inverters Designed for Energy-Saving Electrical Machines Utilized in the Non-Ferrous Metals Industry

This paper uses multilevel inverter diagrams to describe some optional applications for such inverters in order to enhance the efficiency, electromagnetic compatibility and service life of electric motors utilized in the non-ferrous metals industry. The authors consider using active rectifiers with a five-level structure that serve as variable reactivity units and reactive power compensators. They also consider using a five-level independent voltage source inverter as a part of the variable frequency drive system. An option is described that can help optimize the control algorithm and voltage rectification in the DC link capacitor in the five-level active rectifier circuit. For the variable frequency drive with a five-level independent voltage source inverter, it is proposed to change the circuit topology to introduce a transformerless power circuit. The proposed solutions were analyzed for efficiency with the help of MatLab simulation package. The paper considers the problem of voltage accuracy as maintained by each DC link capacitor. Each DC link capacitor has its features typical of both studied circuits in both transient and steady-state conditions. In the circuit involving a multilevel active rectifier, the authors simulated conditions when the variable reactivity drastically changes from the initial steady-state equivalent capacitance mode to equivalent inductance. A soft start was simulated in the circuit involving a multilevel independent voltage source inverter. A feasibility study was conducted that proved the feasibility of the proposed solutions when adopted by concentrator plants and non-ferrous metals producers.This research was carried out as part of a governmental assignment, Project No. FSWF-2020-0019.This research was carried out at the facilities of the Shared Knowledge Centre High-Voltage Research & Development Complex, a part of Moscow Power Engineering Institute.

Preface

The conference “Optical Methods of Flow Investigation” (OMFI) has been regularly held since 1989 at intervals of 2 years. The All-Union Seminar was held in 1989, I and II All-Union Conferences (founder – Institute of Thermal Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences) was held in 1991 and 1993. Since 1995, conferences have been held at the Moscow Power Engineering Institute (MPEI) under the auspices of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, the co-founders were MPEI and the Institute of Thermophysics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Since 2019 Scientific and Technological Center of Unique Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences has also become a co-organizer of the conference.This issue of the Journal is devoted to research and studies presented at the XVI International Scientific and Technical Conference “Optical Methods of Flow Investigation” (OMFI-2021). The conference was held in Moscow Power Engineering Institute, Moscow, Russia, on 28 June – 02 July 2021. The National Research University “Moscow Power Engineering Institute” is one of the leading technical universities in Russia having about 15,000 students from more than 60 countries. MPEI is one of the largest technical universities in Russia. It provides the specialist’s training and scientific research in the field of energy, electrical engineering, radio electronics, computer engineering.The conference brought together experts from different organizations to initiate discussions on topics that are of interest to the conference attendees. The conference papers presented in the following areas: laser anemometry, flow visualization, development of quantum-optical devices, computer methods of signal and image processing, laser and optical interferometry, application of optical methods, acousto-optics and optoacoustic, optical methods in biomedicine and ecology, also included papers of the Youth workshop «Modern Methods of Flow Investigation – 2021».List of Organizing and program committees of the conference are available in this pdf.

Применение когнитивного моделирования для обоснования выбора бизнес-модели экономической организации

This article considers the urgent scientific and practical task of developing analytical tools to justify the choice and transformation of a business model for an economic organization in a rapidly changing business environment. The mathematical apparatus of cognitive modelling is proposed to use to solve this problem, which makes it possible, based on the analysis of cause- effect relationships between the most significant conditions and factors affecting the economic efficiency and competitiveness of doing business, to improve the reasonableness and reduce the subjectivity of the decisions made by its owners and top managers. An algorithm to justify the choice of a business model for an organization based on the construction and analysis of fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM) of business models is proposed. A common list of business factors (concepts) and a set of causality relations between each pair of concepts has been defined, and a basic FCM of the business model is developed as the basis for constructing FCM models of specific businesses. An example of the application of the developed toolkit in a strategic analysis of the conditions and factors of an organization undertaking the production of furniture, carried out to justify a change in competitive strategy and the associated transformation of the business model, is considered. The analysis has been performed using specialized cognitive modelling software developed at the department of information technologies in economics and management, branch of the National Research University Moscow Power Engineering Institute in Smolensk. The proposed toolkit improves methods and algorithms for intelligent decision-making support in the management of economic and social objects and can find practical application in the strategic management of commercial organizations in various fields, as well as be used by professional consultants in the preparation of recommendations for business model change.

Flat design as a marker of hypermodernism

The subject of this research is flat design as the basic sylistics and visual expression of the era of hypermodernism. Since modern design no longer corresponds to the characteristics of postmodernism, an assumption is made on the advent of the new period in design – hypermodernism. Hypermodernism is the term that implies the enhancement of design trends founded in the era of modernism: orientation towards modernity, design for manufacturability, split with the past, and absence of aesthetic hierarchy. Flat design is a style that visually expresses the aforementioned trends. The research material includes the final research projects in graphic design, interior design and industrial design, completed by the students of the department of Design of the Moscow Power Engineering Institute and the department of Graphic Design and Visual Communications of the Russian State University named after A. N. Kosygin. The article employs the method of semiotic analysis, which allows determining the key attributes used in flat design explicating the essential characteristics of flat design. The conclusion is made that flat design reflects the basic request of the era of hypermodernism – democratization of mentality, leveling of any differences up to the destruction of individuality. The idea of leveling of social differences, underlying the design of modernism, in hypermodernism reaches the idea of erasing any differences, any hierarchy, including the aesthetic. The presence of aesthetic hierarchy in design suggests the use of expressive means – index signs, iconic signs, and symbolic signs. The deconstruction of aesthetic hierarchy leads to the use of unexpressive signs – simulacrums. Most unexpressive sign is the fourth-stage simulacra – the sign, which relationship to any reality is reduced to zero. Flat design uses fourth-stage simulacra as the main form, thus meeting the demand of hypermodernism.

Общество и технологии: возможности и риски коэволюционного развития. (Обзор)

Digital technologies have become an integral part of our lives, transforming not only the technological sphere, but also society as a whole. Thus, there is a coevolution-mutually conditioned changes in technology and society. In December 2020, a conference was held to discuss the key issues of co-evolution of technology and society in the context of the digital age. It was organized by the Moscow Power Engineering Institute and the Institute of Scientific Information on Social Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences. This review presents the issues raised in the framework of this conference.