Module Design Optimization Research Articles

Machine learning and computational approaches for designing membrane distillation modules

Membrane distillation (MD) is a promising emerging water desalination technology. Commercialization of MD modules has been hindered by ineffective heat recovery and temperature polarization effect. Although hollow fiber (HF) membranes provide the highest area-per-module, they are under-investigated compared to flat-sheet membranes due to the interconnection of geometric, thermal, and hydrodynamic parameters in HF MD process. In this work, the parameters impacting HF MD module design are performed based on multiscale and deep neural network (DNN) models. MD experiments are conducted to train and validate the machine learning and multiscale models. The developed models are used either to explain the effects of geometric, thermal, and hydrodynamic parameters on the permeate flux or to predict the flux of a given set of parameters. The results revealed an increase in flux with the flow rate, velocity, and feed temperature. However, it decreased with shell diameter and module length. Compared to the experimental fluxes, flux predictions using multiscale and DNN approaches were within 14% and 1.2%, respectively. The DNN model converged to a mean squared error of 1.21% (R2 = 0.96) within a few minutes and demonstrated its potential as a favorable tool for module design optimization due to its accuracy, speed, and low computational requirements. The present study effectively exhibits the advantages of using machine learning as a next-generation model for fast module design, optimization, and scale-up of MD technology.

Construction of intelligent multi-construction management platform for bridges based on BIM technology

ABSTRACT In order to improve the efficiency of bridge intelligent multi-construction management, this paper combines BIM technology to build an intelligent multi-construction management platform for bridges, and studies the realization of vibration signal processing, feature extraction, fault diagnosis and wireless communication functions. Moreover, this paper completes the extraction of vibration signal features from three aspects: time domain, frequency domain and time–frequency domain, and manages the bridge construction process according to the extracted features. In addition, this paper establishes the integration between the bridge template design optimization module and the BIM model through the API interface of the Revit platform, realizes the extraction of design information from the BIM model of the bridge and combines template attribute information and safety design specifications to process it. From the simulation evaluation results, it can be seen that the bridge intelligent multi-construction management platform based on BIM technology proposed in this paper can effectively improve the management efficiency of bridge intelligent construction.

Optimization Design of an Intermediate Fluid Thermoelectric Generator for Exhaust Waste Heat Recovery

The intermediate fluid thermoelectric generator (IFTEG) represents a novel approach to power generation, predicated upon the principles of gravity heat pipe technology. Its key advantages include high-power output and a compact module area. The generator’s performance, however, is influenced by the variable exhaust parameters typical of automobile operation, which presents a significant challenge in the design process. The present study establishes a mathematical model to optimize the design of the IFTEG. Our findings suggest that the optimal module area sees substantial growth with an increase in both the exhaust heat exchanger area and the exhaust flow rate. Interestingly, the optimal module area appears to demonstrate a low sensitivity to changes in exhaust temperature. To address the challenge of determining the optimal module area, this study introduces the concept of peak power deviation. This method posits that any deviation from the optimal module area results in an equivalent power deviation. For instance, with an exhaust heat exchanger area of 1.6 m2, the minimum peak power deviation is 27.5%, corresponding to a design module area of 0.124 m2. As such, the actual output power’s deviation from the maximum achievable output power will not exceed 27.5% for any given set of exhaust parameters. This study extends its findings to delineate the relationship between the optimal design module area and the exhaust heat exchanger area. These insights could serve as a useful guide for the design of future power generators.

The Modification of A* Pathfinding Algorithm for Building Mechanical, Electronic and Plumbing (MEP) Path

This paper introduces a modified A* pathfinding algorithm that can be used in building Mechanical Electronic Plumbing (MEP) path design by revising nodes selection process and post-processing. The pathfinding algorithm is used when a computer calculates the optimal path in a given space by algorithmizing how humans intuitively calculate the optimal path. As construction technology is gradually advancing, buildings with large and complex internal structures are increasing, so there is a need to automatically optimize existing design methods that rely on human intuition for a more efficient design. In the case of building MEP design, it is time and money consuming to design paths since they are complexly arranged throughout the building, and designs are frequently changed in response to the nature of the construction industry, where construction errors are frequent. Therefore, an MEP path design optimization module, MEPAutoroute, was developed by implementing a modified A* pathfinding algorithm to solve these problems. Algorithm was applied to seven different exemplary structures with MEP equipment, and the results are analyzed to determine its efficiency.

RETRACTED: Thyroid Tumour care risk based on medical IoT system

The thyroid gland is wrapped around the trachea (trachea), located in front of the neck. It is a small organ. This extends to the small side around the throat. In the middle are two broad wings shaped like a butterfly. It is the thyroid gland. Whole-body glands can create and release substances to help carry out specific things. The thyroid hormone enables the body to help control many important functions. The risk factors that increase the chance of people suffering from diseases such as cancer. Another cancer has a different risk factor. Some of the risk factors, such as smoking, can be changed. Internet thyroid monitoring sensors mono application using Intermittent Data Analysing Technique (IDAT). The proposed structure is humanitarian and ancient for the energy exchange funds. By monitoring the basal body temperature, the thyroid gland can do monitoring or in a blood sample. The amount of thyroid monitoring senses basal body temperature. A counter makes temperature acquisition and a controller, and a ring oscillator. Sensor design according to implementation of the calibration method and module design optimization, and has a dynamic temperature acquisition unit.

Twining plant inspired pneumatic soft robotic spiral gripper with a fiber optic twisting sensor.

The field of soft robotics has been significantly advanced with the recent developments of pneumatic techniques, soft materials, and high-precision motion control. While comprehensive motions can be achieved by sophisticated soft robots, multiple coordinated pneumatic controls are usually required to achieve even the simplest motions. Furthermore, most soft robotics are lacking the ability to sense the environment and provide feedback to the pneumatic control system. In this work, we design a twining plant inspired soft-robotic spiral gripper that requires only one single pneumatic control to perform the twining motion and to firmly hold onto a target object. The soft-robotic spiral gripper has an embedded high-birefringence fiber optic twisting sensor to provide critical information, including twining angle, presence of external perturbation, and physical parameter of the target object. Furthermore, finite element analyses (FEA) in parametric studies of the spiral gripper are performed for module design optimization. The unique single pneumatic channel design enables easy manipulation of the soft spiral gripper with a maximum of 540° twining angle and allows a firm grip of a target object as small as 1-mm in diameter. The embedded fiber optic sensor provides useful information of the target object as well as the twining angle of the soft robotic spiral gripper with high twining angle sensitivity of 0.03nm. The unique fiber-optic sensor embedded single-channel pneumatic spiral gripper that is made from non-toxic silicone rubber allows parallel and soft gripping of elongated objects located in a confined area, which is an essential building block for twining and twisting motions in soft robot.

Effects of Photovoltaic Module Materials and Design on Module Deformation Under Load

Quasi-static structural finite-element models of an aluminum-framed crystalline silicon photovoltaic module and a glass-glass thin-film module were constructed and validated against experimental measurements of deflection under uniform pressure loading. Specific practices in the computational representation of module assembly were identified as influential to matching experimental deflection observations. Additionally, parametric analyses using Latin hypercube sampling were performed to propagate input uncertainties related to module materials, dimensions, and tolerances into uncertainties in simulated deflection. Sensitivity analyses were performed on the uncertainty quantification datasets using linear correlation coefficients and variance-based sensitivity indices to elucidate key parameters influencing module deformation. Results identified edge tape and adhesive material properties as being strongly correlated to module deflection, suggesting that optimization of these materials could yield module stiffness gains at par with the conventionally structural parameters, such as glass thickness. This exercise verifies the applicability of finite-element models for accurately predicting mechanical behavior of solar modules and demonstrates a workflow for model-based parametric uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis. Applications of this capability include the assessment of field environment loads, derivation of representative loading conditions for reduced-scale testing, and module design optimization, among others.

Linear viscoelastic characterization of electrically conductive adhesives used as interconnect in photovoltaic modules

AbstractElectrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) are incorporated into recent designs of photovoltaic (PV) modules and replace the traditional metallic solders as interconnects. This transition depicts a significant material change, and a proper understanding of the interconnects' mechanical response has not yet been established. However, such an understanding is necessary to (a) identify the driving forces for module degradation and failure, (b) allow for module design optimization, and (c) enable accurate lifetime predictions. This study summarizes the framework for the mechanical materials characterization and modeling of ECAs for PV applications. Only high‐fidelity material models are able to capture the rate and temperature dependency of the ECA interconnect and allow for accurate modeling of the materials response. A linear viscoelastic representation is found to describe the mechanical response of the ECAs sufficiently well. The effects of curing conditions and environmental exposure are investigated, and material models for a variety of ECAs are reported and prepared for the use in numerical simulations. A finite element simulation of a generic submodel of a shingled cell module is used to highlight the need for high‐fidelity material models and demonstrates the error made in the predicted stress states by using less sophisticated models.

Optimal rail system design with multiple layers of fault and event trees

A rail system comprises several subsystems and corresponding components. Each element has its life cycle cost (LCC), reliability, and consequences of failure (as described by historical data or an event tree). Determining the optimal rail system design reveals different trends in these characteristics. This research develops an optimization process using two modules to assist the operator in deciding such optimal design. The conversion module first transforms multiple fault tree layers into a simple structure and avoids nonlinear formulation in the optimization model. Then, the optimal system design module identifies the optimal investment plan for rail systems according to available alternatives. Two empirical cases demonstrate the applicability of the proposed optimization process. The first case proves that the conversion module efficiently transforms a fault tree structure. Note that considering data uncertainty into the failure rate requires additional budget allocation to reduce delay costs under ideal and practical situations. The second case indicates that the optimization model can solve a multi-objective problem while considering the LCC and consequences of failure, as well as assist the operator in deciding the appropriate requirement according to their demand.

Optimization of Liquid Rocket propulsion system for Reusable Orbital Transfer Vehicle

The work is devoted to the investigation of possible ways to increase the efficiency of reusable orbital transfer vehicle (R-OTV) by using a multi-criteria optimization procedure of liquid rocket propulsion system (LRPS) design parameters. The “Federation” spacecraft is considered as an example payload of R-OTV for orbital transfer mathematical modeling, due to its known initial mass of 16,500 kg and other design parameters. Payload mass and specific cost of payload transfer are chosen as optimality criteria.Multiple tasks are solved during the work: mathematical model and corresponding software for determining the optimal design parameters of R-OTV LRPS by mass and cost criteria are developed, R-OTV and LRPS calculation and optimization are conducted, the technical appearance of LRPS is designed.Mathematical modeling is used to solve the presented problem. A developed mathematical model has a modular structure, in particular, it has modules for liquid rocket engine (LRE) mass calculating, OTV (Orbital Transfer Vehicle) mass calculating module, payload mass, design cost and manufacturing cost calculating modules for LRE and OTV and module for calculating the specific cost of payload transfer to target orbit. The intermediate result is used by LRPS project parameters design optimization module, then by technical appearance design module and LRPS units design module.Multiple calculations are conducted with a developed mathematical model. Verification of the model is carried out by developing the technical appearance of real OTVLRPS. Several variants of LRPS for spacecraft “Federation” type OTV are designed for low lunar orbit, OTV parameters are compared with optimized LRPS and with existing LRPS.

Application of virtual flight test framework with derivative design optimization

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is a development of a virtual flight test framework with derivative design optimization. Aircraft manufactures and engineers have been putting significant effort into the design process to lower the cost of development and time to a minimum. In terms of flight tests and aircraft certification, implementing simulation and virtual test techniques may be a sufficient method in achieving these goals. In addition to simulation and virtual test, a derivative design can be implemented to satisfy different market demands and technical changes while reducing development cost and time.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a derivative design optimization was applied to Expedition 350, a small piston engine powered aircraft developed by Found Aircraft in Canada. A derivative that changes the manned aircraft to an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for payload delivery was considered. An optimum configuration was obtained while enhancing the endurance of the UAV. The multidisciplinary design optimization module of the framework represents the optimized configuration and additional parameters for the simulator. These values were implemented in the simulator and generated the aircraft model for simulation. Two aircraft models were generated for the flight test.FindingsThe optimization process delivered the UAV derivative of Expedition E350, and it had increased endurance up to 21.7 hours. The original and optimized models were implemented into virtual flight test. The cruise performance exhibited less than 10 per cent error on cruise performance between the original model and Pilots Operating Handbook (POH). The dynamic stability of original and optimized models was tested by checking Phugoid, short period, Dutch roll and spiral roll modes. Both models exhibited stable dynamic stability characteristics.Practical implicationsThe original Expedition 350 was generated to verify the accuracy of the simulation data by comparing its result with actual flight test data. The optimized model was generated to evaluate the optimization results. Ultimately, the virtual flight test framework with an aircraft derivative design was proposed in this research. The additional module for derivative design optimization was developed and its results were implemented to commercial off-the-shelf simulators.Originality/valueThis paper proposed the application of UAV derivative design optimization for the virtual flight test framework. The methodology included the optimization of UAV derivative utilizing MDO and virtual flight testing of an optimized result with a flight simulator.

Improving the reliability of ball grid arrays under random vibration by optimization of module design

In this work, three different arrangements of circuit board in an electronic device were designed and the effects of random vibration frequencies on the reliability of ball grid arrays (BGA) in these arrangements were evaluated. The failure criterion in solder balls was the root mean square of peeling stress exerted during the dynamical loadings. According to the finite element method (FEM) results, the uttermost stress concentration was generated at the interface of printed circuit board (PCB) and the solder balls. It was also revealed that the increase of input power spectral density (PSD) decreased the fatigue life of solder joint in all the arrangements. Considering the arrangements of circuit boards, it was found that the maximum domain of peeling stress had a minimum effect on the solder balls when the heat sinks were away from the packages. The microstructural characterization of critical zone in solder balls indicated that with the increase of maximum peeling stress, the crack initiated and propagated along the interface.

Design of horizontal airspace dividing radar antenna array

Antenna array has been widely used due to its advantages of high gain, low side lobe and narrow beam. For vehicle radar, antenna array is required to have narrow beam, wide measurement range, middle and long distance coverage in order for the high accuracy, wide angle range, middle and long distance of detection. Therefore, according to the Taylor polynomial microstrip antenna array theory, a 16-unit series-fed microstrip antenna array was designed in this study. Based on this and the beam forming technology, the 3-beam transmission antenna was designed to realize the division of airspace. Then the high frequency structure simulator and the optimization design module of the advanced design system are adopted for the frequency sweeping analysis, and the design size model data of antenna is optimized. The final experimental result shows that the design is qualified for the requirement of spatial division of narrow antenna beam.

Integrating material engineering with module design optimization: A new design concept for thermoelectric generator

A new thermoelectric (TE) module design concept and a related TE composite are presented in this work to minimize or even to eliminate heat loss between the hot and the cold junctions, to lower the effective thermal conductivity of the composite, and thus, to enhance the module performance. An analytical thermoelectric model is formulated based on the TE energy transport equation, the heat balance equation at the junctions, and Ohm's law to determine TE module performance and the difference in performance between the new and the traditional module designs. Different TE composites and parameters that affect the performance of the TE module were examined using the TE model. Comparing to the traditional module design, the new TE module design can enhance the power generation by 8–30% and the efficiency by 40–60%. When the transport properties of the TE composite is optimized to have higher electrical conductivity than its thermal conductivity, the effective figure of merit (Z) of the composite becomes higher than the Z of the hosting TE materials of the composite such that the module performance can surpass the upper bound set forth by the figure of merit of the hosting TE materials in the traditional module design.

Morphology Optimization Design Based on Hyperworks Block

different from ANSYS and other analysis software, it is more professional and fine in Pre processing of model, through meticulous pre processing technology, we can fully ensure the accuracy in the late optimization design. The optimization design of this thesis is to use the optimization module of Hyperworks software to optimize the design. The Optimization module has topology optimization, size optimization, shape optimization of the three optimization design module, one is selected as the design analysis, design parameters according to the physical characteristics of the workpiece, including material properties assignment, elastic modulus, density and Poisson's ratio of the input. The parameters setting is complete, analysis of constraints on the artifact and stress condition to determine whether it is displacement constraint or stress constraint, constraint is established again in the workpiece surface or a point exerts a force. Then according to the objective function established the response, the specific constraints limit the value of input to the responses of the dialog bar, and finally establish a working loadsteps and solution, and to obtain the optimum effect diagram, can browse and adjust by Hyperview.

Optimization Design of Arm Frame of Folding Arm Type Tower Crane Based on ANSYS

Aiming at the problem of the light weight of the arm frame structure of some folding arm type tower crane at present. The folding arm type tower crane jib is analyzed based on the APDL language, including parametric modeling module and optimization design module, Finite element analysis is carried out on the condition of the most dangerous position at the end of the arm frame. Under the condition of the strength, rigidity and stability of the boom, the optimization function of ANSYS is used to reduce the weight of the boom. Through analysis, the optimization results are compared with the original design scheme and the weight of the arm is reduced by 14.89%. The optimization effect is good, which greatly improves the quality and efficiency of the design. The reference is provided for the design of the metal structure or similar structure of the arm frame of the folding arm type tower crane.

A two-way FSI analysis of multiphase flow in hydrodynamic journal bearing with cavitation

This work deals with a study of a three-dimensional CFD analysis and multi-phase flow phenomena for hydrodynamic journal bearing with integrated cavitation. The simulations are carried out considering the realistic bearing deformations by two-way fluid–structure interactions (FSI) along with cavitation using ANSYS®Workbench software. The design optimization module is used to generate the optimized solution of the attitude angle and eccentricity for the combination of operating speed and load. Bearings with and without cavitation are investigated. A drop in maximum pressure value is observed when cavitation is considered in the bearing. The rise in oil vapor distribution is noted with an increase in shaft speed which lowers the magnitude of the pressure build up in the bearing. The bearing deformations are analyzed numerically and found increasing with an increase in shaft speed. The experimental data obtained for pressure distribution showed good agreement with numerical data along with a considerable reduction in computation time.

具有随机参数的盾构管片弹性密封垫防水性能优化分析

Geometric parameters of elastic rubber gaskets in shield tunnels often present stochasticity influenced by the manufacturing process. Accordingly, the waterproof performance of elastic rubber gaskets will be affected. The coordinates of the hole center, the hole diameter, the section width and height were selected as the input random variables, and the sensitivity values with respect to these random parameters of the gasket’s waterproof performance were obtained by means of the ANSYS PDS module. The results show that the hole diameter has larger effect on the closure pressure and the contact stress than other geometric parameters. At the same time, the vertical position of the hole has greater influence than the horizontal one. On this basis, the closure pressure and the contact stress on the lower surface were selected as state variables, and the maximum contact stress was deemed as the objective function with the closure pressure not higher than a set value. The ANSYS design optimization module was used to conduct the parameter optimization for rubber gaskets, and give a new optimal gasket section geometry for one shield tunnel. The full-size test results verify the reliability of the optimal analysis.

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.

Use of design optimization techniques in solving typical structural engineering related design optimization problems

High powered computers and engineering computer systems allow designers to routinely simulate complex physical phenomena. The presented work deals with the analysis of two finite element method optimization techniques (First Order Method-FOM and Subproblem Approximation Method-SAM) implemented in the individual Design Optimization module in the Ansys software to analyze the behavior of real problems. A design optimization is a difficult mathematical process, intended to find the minimum or maximum of an objective function, which is mostly based on iterative procedure. Using optimization techniques in engineering designs requires detailed knowledge of the analyzed problem but also an ability to select the appropriate optimization method. The methods embedded in advanced computer software are based on different optimization techniques and their efficiency is significantly influenced by the specific character of a problem. The efficiency, robustness and accuracy of the methods are studied through strictly convex two-dimensional optimization problem, which is represented by volume minimization of two bars plane frame structure subjected to maximal vertical displacement limit. Advantages and disadvantages of the methods are described and some practical tips provided which could be beneficial in any efficient engineering design by using an optimization method.