Reliability Requirements Research Articles

Full duplex based collision detection to enhance the V2X sidelink autonomous mode

The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) recently introduced the fifth-generation (5G) new radio (NR) sidelink to enable vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications supporting advanced safety services. Nevertheless, improvements over the previous generation still pose challenges to meet the reliability and latency requirements of V2X communications, particularly in the allocation of distributed resources, i.e., Mode 2. In Mode 2, vehicles autonomously select radio resources for their message transmissions and can maintain the selected resources for a given reservation period to efficiently handle periodic data traffic. However, potential collisions during this period may remain undetected due to half-duplex communications and unacknowledged broadcast transmissions, resulting in persistent message losses and posing a threat to road safety. This paper aims to improve the 5G NR-V2X sidelink for systems beyond 5G-Advanced by exploiting full-duplex transceivers. We propose a novel medium access control (MAC) scheme where vehicles can detect collisions while transmitting, dynamically adapt the collision detection threshold according to the measured channel load, and react to detected collisions through appropriate resource reselection and retransmission procedures. Extensive simulations conducted under various settings show that this MAC scheme brings substantial performance gains in terms of reliability and latency, compared to the current legacy Mode 2 procedure and a benchmark full-duplex scheme from the literature.

Logistics Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction: Evidence from Salalah Port Oman

Objective: This study aims to explore the influence of the dimensions of service quality provided by Port of Salalah on customer satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach: The study modifies the SERVQUAL model to examine service quality dimensions in the Port setting with five dimensions namely tangibles, empathy, reliability, responsiveness and assurance (TERRA) requirements. The data were collected based on a sample of 300 Salalah Port customers from the administrators that provided logistics services in ports through a questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS. Research Findings: In the case of Port of Salalah, all five dimensions of service quality have a significant and positive impact on Salah Port customer satisfaction. Practical implications: This paper contributes to the existing literature by offering empirical findings. It highlights the important role of service quality; especially reliability in influencing customer satisfaction in this context. The results provide some useful references for port managers to improve the level of service quality and customer satisfaction as a means to strengthen competitiveness.

Lifetime prediction of copper pillar bumps based on fatigue crack propagation

2.5D package realizes the interconnection of multiple dies through Si interposers, which can greatly improve the data transmission rate between dies. However, its multi-layer structure and high package density also place higher reliability requirements on the interconnection structure. As a key structure for interconnection, copper pillar bump (CPB) has small size, high heat generation, and thermal mismatch with silicon chips. The thermal fatigue failure of CPB has gradually become the main failure mode in 2.5D package. Due to the small size of CPB and the large proportion of intermetallic compound (IMC) layers, the lifetime prediction method of spherical solder joints is no longer suitable for CPB. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a fatigue lifetime prediction method for CPB. This paper establishes a method for obtaining the lifetime of CPB based on the basic theory of fatigue crack propagation. Using the extended finite element simulation method, the crack propagation lifetime of CPB under thermal cycling was obtained, and the influence of different IMC layer thickness on the fatigue lifetime of CPB was analyzed. The results indicated that the fatigue lifetime of cracks propagating in the IMC layer is lower than that of cracks propagating in the solder layer, and an increase in the thickness of the IMC layer leads to a significant decrease in the fatigue lifetime of CPB. The lifetime prediction method for CPB proposed in this paper can be used for reliability evaluation of 2.5D package, and has certain reference value for the study of the lifetime of CPB.

Introduction to the design and verification of the cross-arm T pole for the 110kV transmission line and the single-loop T pole

Abstract With the development of various fields in China, users have higher and higher requirements for power reliability. In order to improve the reliability of 110 kV transmission lines, a new type of cross-arm T-connection technology came into being. This paper introduces the characteristics of the original T-connection technology and the new T-connection mode of the new T-connection technology, as well as the design verification of the new single-loop T-connection tower, and draws the conclusion that the new T-connection tower model is reasonable and the force of the rod can be effectively configured.

Regarding the question of usage of open-source evidence in criminal proceedings

The article is devoted to the study of the issue of using open-source evidence in criminal proceedings. Attention is drawn to the lack of a universally recognized definition of the term “open-source information”, a list of fundamental features of this type of information is provided, among which are: 1) accessibility of the information to the general public; 2) the author of the information may not be determined; 3) access to information can be provided both on a paid and free basis. The lack of an adequate volume of legislation aimed at regulating the procedure for usage of open-source evidence is emphasized. A study of the Berkeley Protocol, which was created jointly by the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and representatives of the United Nations, was carried out. In particular, the following is outlined: a list of the principles enshrined in the Berkeley Protocol, divided into professional, methodological and ethical, their content; the investigation process put forward in the Berkeley Protocol, that consists of the following stages: 1) online inquiries; 2) preliminary assessment; 3) collection of information; 4) preservation of information; 5) verification of information; 6) investigative analysis. Problems that may arise in the process of using open-source evidence are emphasized. The requirements of propriety, admissibility and reliability of open-source evidence are studied. The state of legal regulation of the issue of the usage of open-source evidence in national legislation is considered. The specific features of electronic (digital) evidence are singled out, which distinguish them from other types of evidence and determine the need to separate them in the criminal procedural legislation as a different type of evidence. The practice of national and international judicial institutions related to the use of open-source evidence is considered. The special role of this type of evidence for establishing the corpus delicti or circumstances of crimes against the foundations of national security, especially since the beginning of full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine, is emphasized.

Механизмы внедрения технологий искусственного интеллекта в здравоохранение: новые этические вызовы

Currently, systems based on artificial intelligence (AI) are finding increasing application in medicine. Acting as assistants of both the attending physician and managing physician, they can be a good help in solving a number of problems in modern healthcare, such as staff shortage, professional burnout and, in some cases, insufficient staff qualification. However, this leads to increased requirements for reliability of such systems. Introduction of a new advanced technology raises a number of ethical issues and problems, the solution of which is necessary to gain trust of people and reduce distrust associated with the use of AI technologies. It seems that if ethical standards determine and set the progressive development of artificial intelligence, this will lead to the maximum benefit from the use of this technology in healthcare. The paper examines the ethical aspects of transition of software into the category of medical devices. At the same time, legal and organizational mechanisms for solving ethical problems at both the international and domestic levels are provided. The activities of both public and government organizations in this field are considered. The need to obtain the permission of ethical committees for conducting clinical trials and ensuring informed consent of patients is emphasized. It also highlights the importance of integrating medical data into structured datasets that can be registered as databases. This will contribute to improved quality of medical research and practice.

Development of Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing System Using Distributed Architecture

Abstract With more rigorous requirements for reliability and safety of structures and materials, high resolution and fast imaging have been urgent needs of Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT). In order to improve the detection resolution and efficiency of complex structures and materials such as ultra-thick carbon steel and honeycomb plate, a PAUT system is proposed in this paper. The system uses a distributed architecture, which not only divides hardware resources, improves system performance, but also is scalable. PA, single- and multi-channel conventional UT, and TOFD (Time Of Flight Diffraction) modalities are combined, and PA modality is carried by the fully parallel non-multiplexed 128 PE (Pulse Echo) electronics with independently adjustable emitting and receiving parameters. In addition, the ultrasound analog front-end circuit is designed using discrete devices, providing more powerful analog performance than integrated chips. GTX (Gigabit Transceiver) and PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) are applied to high-speed data transmission, providing raw ultrasound data. Characterization and verification results indicate that the system is ideal for challenging inspections in many industries.

Reliability assessment of an aircraft locking mechanism considering tribocorrosion and correlated failure modes in a marine environment

Landing gear door locking mechanisms are critical for aircraft safety, as their failure can lead to severe accidents. Therefore, these mechanisms must meet stringent reliability requirements. This study introduces a reliability evaluation method for a locking mechanism operating in a marine environment, which integrates dynamic simulation with a tribocorrosion experiment of the joints. Initially, a multibody dynamic model of the locking mechanism was developed to establish the boundary conditions for the joints. Subsequently, an accelerated tribocorrosion experiment was performed to assess the tribocorrosion behavior of these joints. Based on the experimental outcomes, the motion torque and output of the locking mechanism were determined. Considering the correlation between failures due to insufficient accuracy and jamming, an improved response surface methodology utilizing cross-utilization of experimental points was developed. Reliability of the locking mechanism was subsequently confirmed. The present findings indicated that the maximum wear depth in the corrosive environment increased by 25.28 μm (37.15 %) compared to a non-corrosive, dry friction environment. Similarly, the maximum friction coefficient in the corrosive environment increased by 0.0818, which corresponds to an increase of approximately 11.76 %. Furthermore, the proposed reliability evaluation method proved to be 33 % more efficient than the traditional response surface method.

Optimal Reactive Power Dispatch Using Artificial Gorilla Troops Optimizer Considering Voltage Stability

The power system has been expanded to supply and fulfil the consumers’ requirements for reliability, affordability, and power quality. Power loss reduction and voltage stability enhancement are important points and have been considered interesting subjects for researchers and utilities. Furthermore, reactive power plays an important role in power system stability, security, and voltage improvement, and it is known as reactive power dispatch (RPD). In this paper, a newly developed meta-heuristic optimization technique that inspired the gorilla troop’s social intelligence in nature is applied. It is named Artificial Gorilla Troop Optimization (GTO). In addition, GTO is utilized to solve the optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) problem, whose real active power and voltage deviation reduction are the objective functions of this study. Generator voltage, transformer tap-changers, and reactive power compensators are the controlled variables that are optimized for achieving the minimum real power loss and bus voltage deviation. To illustrate the efficiency and performance of the proposed algorithm, IEEE 14-bus and 30-bus systems are employed. Moreover, the obtained results are compared with those obtained with other three already existing optimization algorithms, including the genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and whale optimization algorithm (WOA). Obviously, the proposed approach can prove the optimal values of controlled variables in solving the ORPD problem by giving the minimum real power loss and voltage deviation than those from compared techniques with less computation time.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP, ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE, MOTIVATION AND COMPETENCY TOWARDS THE PRODUCTIVITY OF PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS IN THE FIELD OF PRIMARY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF BATAM CITY

This research aims to obtain information regarding the relationship between independent variables, namely; Transformational leadership (X1), organizational culture (X2), work motivation (X3), and Competency (X4) with the dependent variable being the work productivity of the Principal of the State Elementary School (Y) Primary School Development Sector of the Batam City Education Service, both individually and collectively. The population of this study was all employees of the Head of SDN for Primary School Development at the Batam City Education Department, totaling 145 people. In this study, there was no classification of differences between State Primary School Principals based on type or class status, both types of State Primary School Principals had the same treatment. Samples were taken using simple random sampling techniques. By using the Slovin formula, a sample of 59 people was obtained. The research results show a significant positive influence of transformational leadership (X1), organizational culture (X2), work motivation (X3), and Competency (X4) on the work productivity of State Elementary School Principals (Y) as indicated by the F valuecount amounting to 30,627. This value is much smaller than the F valuecount at the alpha significance level of 0.05, namely 2.95, or F = 30.627 < F0,05(4:57) = 2.54. The relationship pattern of the four variables is expressed by the multiple regression equation = -9,643 + 0,357X1 + 0,328X2 + 0,167X3 + 0.597X4. This means that the better the transformational leadership of the Principal of the State Primary School, the better the organizational culture in which the Principal of the State Primary School works, the higher the work motivation of the Principal of the State Primary School, and the higher the competency received by the Principal of the State Primary School, the higher the work productivity will be. Principal of the State Elementary School. Previously, based on validity and reliability tests, all instruments met the validity and reliability requirements. If calculated per variable, the variable that has the most influence is the organizational culture variable, which has a coefficient of determination of 54.1%. This means that organizational culture is the factor that most influences the work productivity of State Elementary School Principals.

Probabilistic resistance predictions of laterally restrained cellular steel beams by natural gradient boosting

Accurate and reliable cellular steel beam resistance predictions are essential for economical and safe designs of steel-framed buildings with such beams. This paper proposes a new machine-learning (ML) model based on the natural gradient boosting (NGBoost) algorithm to predict probabilistic load-bearing capacities of laterally restrained cellular beams subjected to uniformly distributed loads, considering all possible failure modes and their interactions. The NGBoost model was developed based on a database with 14,094 numerical simulation results and interpreted using the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method commonly used for ML model explanation and interpretation. The resistance reduction factors required for the NGBoost model to meet the reliability requirements of the European and US design frameworks were determined via reliability analyses using the methods given in the respective standards and the improved Hasofer–Lind–Rackwitz–Fiessler (iHL-RF) method. Comparisons of the developed NGBoost model with other ML models and existing design provisions indicate that the former is as accurate as other ML models (while offering probabilistic predictions) and significantly outperforms the existing design provisions. A web application was developed and deployed online to predict the ultimate uniform loads of laterally restrained cellular beams with the developed NGBoost model. The proposed NGBoost model can facilitate preliminary cellular steel beam designs and investigating parameters affecting their resistance.

Development of an Energy-Efficient Method of Obtaining Polymer-Modified Bitumen with High Operational Characteristics via Polymer–Bitumen Concentrate Application

New requirements for the operational reliability of roads make the utilization of polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) more common in road construction. The application of polymer-modified bitumen based on traditional technology for the production of asphalt mixtures is associated with technological and economic difficulties and does not provide proper adhesion to the mixture’s mineral components. In addition, the method of producing a binder over a long time at high process temperatures leads to increased aging, which significantly reduces the service life of the material in the pavement. This paper presents the results of studies on the effect of polymer–bitumen concentrate (PBC) consisting of styrene–butadiene–styrene, plasticizer, and surfactant on the bitumen characteristics. It has been established that the use of PBC in the bitumen binder leads to an increase in the temperature range of plasticity, softening temperature, elasticity, and cohesive strength with a decrease in the viscosity of the modified bitumen. With a complex modifier rational content of 8% by weight of bitumen, the temperature range of plasticity is 79 °C, and elasticity is 82%, which exceeds the parameters of the factory PMB-60 based on SBS polymer. Tests of binders using the Superpave method allow classifying the modified binder to the PG 64-28, which shows an increase in the temperature range of viscoelastic properties by 6 °C compared with the binder produced by traditional methods. Thus, the expediency of using a complex additive containing a polymer and surface-active substances (surfactants) that can be distributed in bitumen without the use of a colloid agitator and plasticizer has been proven to improve the quality of an organic binder.

Second Life for Lithium-Ion Traction Batteries

For the reuse of traction batteries, many different scenarios exist, for example, stationary storage farms or fast charging stations. Another second-life usage scenario is the reuse of batteries as home energy storage in combination with a photovoltaic installation in a private household. This application is the focus of the present study. Home energy storage is a reasonable possibility for storing renewable energy and conserving resources, but it also includes multiple challenges regarding reliability and safety requirements. Within this study, these challenges are investigated. A battery inspection concept was developed, and a logistic model for considering the legal requirements was created. Data from different use cases were selected, and their structure was homogenized. To assess their safety, fire tests were performed. In addition, a concept for a reliability assessment that provides the possibility to evaluate the suitability of a battery for a second-life application based on usage data in its first life was developed. Based on the results, a prototype of a second-life storage system was built from traction battery cells removed from electric vehicles. This prototype is currently used to store energy from a photovoltaic system, and its usage data were collected.

(Invited) Solid Oxide Cell Design for High Power Density and Reliability: Applications in Power and Fuels Production

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) offer a carbon-neutral solution to power generation, fuel flexibility, and robust design suitable for stationary and air transportation applications. OxEon Energy developed an air electrode supported (AES) cell design that demonstrated 63% increase in power density compared with its heritage cell design in short stack tests.OxEon Energy team has been advancing solid oxide technology for over three decades and the stacks operate fully reversibly in fuel cell and electrolysis cell modes. The SOEC/SOFC technology builds on the success of the SOEC stack installed on NASA’s Mars Perseverance Rover as part of the MOXIE (Mars Oxygen In-situ resource utilization Experiment) mission. The MOXIE stack produced propellant grade, high-purity O2 by electrolyzing Mars atmosphere CO2. MOXIE stack used an electrolyte supported design to meet the reliability requirements for a space mission.An infiltrated air electrode cell design was developed to increase fuel cell stack specific power (kW/kg). Electrolyte thickness, the most resistive element of the SOFC, was reduced from ~250 microns to 70 microns. The fabrication process results in a bi-layer of dense scandia stabilized zirconia (ScSZ) electrolyte and a porous yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) matrix for air electrode infiltration. Fuel electrodes are screen printed. The reduced thickness of the electrolyte offers a compromise between improved performance over electrolyte supported design, while meeting robustness required for aerospace applications.Producing infiltrated electrodes with well-adhered and homogeneous distribution of active material is a challenge that requires multiple infiltration-calcination cycles to deposit sufficient material. Key variables are precursor chemistry to reduce the number of infiltrations and prevent interaction between electrode layers; intermediate calcination temperatures; and process development using infiltration equipment that enables volume production. OxEon partnered with National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) for electrode infiltration process development and PNNL for button cell and short stack validation testing.SOFC fuel flexibility was demonstrated in button cells and stacks previously; performance was nearly identical among hydrogen, ammonia, and reformed natural gas. Durability testing shows similarly stable performance in each fuel.A 10-cell AES stack was tested in SOFC mode at 800 °C in H2 and NH3 fuel feeds at 0.7 V/cell, and the same stack was operated in steam electrolysis to produce H2. SOFC testing demonstrated powder density of 0.35 W/ cm2 at 0.7 V/cell in the AES stack in ammonia feed; an electrolyte supported stack with equivalent materials measured 0.20 W/cm2 at 0.7 V. Long term testing in steam electrolysis showed stable performance at 800 °C and 1.2 V/ cell.Button cell tests show the thin electrolyte cell structure is capable of an area specific resistance (ASR) of 0.25 Ω-cm2 in H2- and NH3 fuel feeds. OxEon’s continued AES cell development is focused on improving manufacturability, infiltrated electrode stability, and implementing degradation mitigation strategies developed for electrolyte supported cell structures. Improved performance with AES cell design has critical implications for future integration in OxEon’s technology suite: SOEC systems to generate H2 and syngas from renewable energy, and Fischer-Tropsch to produce synthetic fuels.This material is based on research sponsored by Air Force Research Laboratory under agreement number FA8649-22-P-0792. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. Figure 1

Enhancing qualification via the use of diagnostics and prognostics techniques

AbstractQualification is a process that demonstrates whether a product meets or exceeds specified requirements. Testing and data analysis performed within a qualification procedure should verify that products satisfy those requirements, including reliability requirements. Most of the electronics industry qualifies products using procedures dictated within qualification standards. A review of common qualification standards reveals that those standards do not consider customer requirements or the product physics‐of‐failure in that intended application. As a result, qualification, as represented in the reviewed qualification standards, would not meet our definition of qualification for reliability assessment. This paper introduces the application of diagnostics and prognostics techniques to analyze real‐time data trends while conducting qualification tests. Diagnostics techniques identify anomalous behavior exhibited by the product, and prognostics techniques forecast how the product will behave during the remainder of the qualification test and how the product would have behaved if the test continued. As a result, combining diagnostics and prognostics techniques can enable the prediction of the remaining time‐to‐failure for the product undergoing qualification. Several ancillary benefits related to an improved testing strategy, parts selection and management, and support of a prognostics and health management system in operation also arise from applying prognostics and diagnostics techniques to qualification.

OPTIMAL CONTROL OF A HYBRID PV-WIND POWER SYSTEM FOR ISLANDED HYBRID MICROGRID USING MOGA-FUZZY LOGIC CONTROLLER

The paper presents a comprehensive approach to managing the complexities associated with the integration of photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy systems in islanded microgrid environments. These microgrids, often isolated from the main power grid, face unique challenges due to the variability and intermittency of renewable energy sources, which can lead to instability and inefficiencies in power supply. To address these challenges, the study introduces a novel control strategy that combines a Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) with a Fuzzy Logic Controller. The MOGA is utilized to explore a broad solution space and identify optimal control parameters that balance multiple objectives, including minimizing power fluctuations, maximizing the utilization of renewable energy, and ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. This optimization is crucial in islanded microgrids, where the lack of a larger grid connection necessitates highly efficient and responsive energy management systems to maintain stability. The Fuzzy Logic Controller, on the other hand, provides a flexible and adaptive control mechanism that responds to the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of renewable energy generation. By interpreting input variables in a way that mimics human decision-making, the Fuzzy Logic Controller can effectively handle the inherent uncertainties and non-linearities in the power system, adjusting the operation of the PV and wind power sources, as well as any supplementary energy storage systems, to optimize performance. This adaptive capability is particularly beneficial in scenarios where rapid changes in weather conditions can significantly impact energy generation and consumption patterns. The integration of MOGA with Fuzzy Logic not only enhances the decisionmaking process but also allows for the simultaneous consideration of multiple objectives, which is a critical advancement over traditional single-objective optimization techniques. This dual approach ensures that the hybrid PV-wind power system operates at its highest efficiency, balancing the need for sustainability with the practical requirements of reliability and economic viability. The results from extensive simulations, which model various operational scenarios and disturbances, demonstrate that the proposed MOGA-Fuzzy Logic Controller significantly improves the stability and efficiency of the islanded microgrid. The system is shown to effectively manage power flows, reduce dependency on fossil fuel-based backup generators, and increase the overall penetration of renewable energy. The proposed MOGA-Fuzzy Logic Controller stands out as a promising solution for the optimal control of hybrid PV-wind power systems, offering a viable pathway for achieving sustainable energy goals in islanded and other decentralized grid settings. This work not only advances academic knowledge but also has practical implications for the design and operation of future energy systems, making it a significant contribution to the field of renewable energy and power system engineering.

Questionnaire of Natural Disaster for Mitigational Education

Mitigation knowledge is essential, especially for those who live in areas with annual disasters. Therefore, analyzing children's knowledge about mitigation is also necessary because it is the basis for preparing lessons about introducing natural disaster preparedness. This research aims to develop a questionnaire related to natural disaster preparedness based on the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains. This research is quantitative research using a quantitative descriptive approach. The sampling method used was purposive sampling. The questionnaire development method in this research consists of several stages: itemm preparation, item selection, item sorting, and item validation. The subjects of this research were 5 lecturers, 30 students at the item preparation stage, 2 lecturers and 2 practitioners at the item selection stage, 150 elementary school students at the sorting stage, and 170 elementary school students at the validation stage. The data collection method used is cross-sectional. Then, the questionnaire was created and tested for validity and reliability. The research results show that the developed natural disaster questionnaire for mitigation education meets the requirements for validity and reliability. The research implies that this research can improve disaster mitigation education in schools.

Mechanical simulation analysis of an electric scroll compressor

Abstract As a precision automotive component, electric scroll compressors have high requirements for reliability. In order to save the cost of environmental testing and shorten the market cycle of new products, the modal parameters of a compressor are measured, and the first six modal parameters are obtained. Secondly, the simplified finite element model of the compressor is established, modal analysis is carried out, and the modal frequency error obtained by the two methods is controlled within a reasonable range to ensure the accuracy of the modeling. Finally, based on the established simulation model, the structural response and stress of the compressor under various working conditions, such as sinusoidal vibration and random vibration, are analyzed, and the extreme values of displacement and stress are obtained. The results show that the structural design of the compressor meets the requirements of the environmental test of on-board equipment. The test and simulation methods used in this paper also have certain reference significance for other mechanical equipment.

A cloud–edge collaboration based quality-related hierarchical fault detection framework for large-scale manufacturing processes

Against the backdrop of the new-generation intelligent manufacturing and Industrial Internet of Things, manufacturing processes are evolving towards integration, large-scale operations, and complexity, and the requirements for process safety and product quality reliability are constantly improving. However, these processes are generally distinguished by multi-production sub-processes with cooperative coupling, and multi-hierarchical levels integrated automation systems, where any deviation or abnormality occurring within a sub-process or system level will lead to the extensive propagation and evolution of faults, making the comprehensive quality-related fault detection face increasing challenges in practice. In response, a novel cloud–edge collaboration-based quality-related hierarchical fault detection framework is constructed in this paper, which can facilitate interconnected communication between sub-processes and enhance collaborative interactions at different hierarchical levels to improve fault detection accuracy and reliability. First, two quality supervised training mechanisms based on minimal gated unit are introduced for capturing different scale dynamics features on the cloud side and edge side. These methods enable more adequate extraction of quality-related deep hidden features, particularly in the presence of nonlinearity and dynamics. Subsequently, a federated bi-directional knowledge distillation-based strategy is proposed, leveraging the concept of federated learning. Quality knowledge such as prediction and quality-related features from both the cloud side and edge side are integrated into the training steps of federated learning, thereby strengthening the interaction between multiple sub-processes and distinct levels. Furthermore, comprehensive quality-related fault detection strategies are formulated based on the quality-related features of the cloud side and each sub-process on the edge side, respectively. Finally, the proposed framework is deployed into a cloud–edge-device collaborative prototype system based on a real hot strip mill process to demonstrate its effectiveness and applicability.

Assessment of Technoeconomic Opportunities in Automation for Nuclear Microreactors

Achieving full decarbonization of all economic sectors remains a challenge, especially in niche markets. For example, remote communities and industrial or mining activities detached from the main electric grid heavily rely on fossil fuels, similar to urban and industrial microgrids with combined heat and power needs. A combination of renewables and energy storage is often not suitable due to cost, reliability, intermittency, and large storage requirements. Small nuclear reactors with a flexible purpose could serve these applications. Microreactors (MR) are a class of reactors that are compact, factory manufactured, transportable, and self-regulating. Typically, they generate much less power than their large reactor counterparts. The main advantages of microreactors include the versatile nature of the energy produced, the reliability of supply, and freedom from having to transport and store large quantities of fuels on-site, coupled with the absence of dependence on an electrical grid. A strong business case is needed to move from the microreactor prototype to the commercialization phase. In fact, fossil fuels are still relatively inexpensive, and in the near term, carbon credits will be available to virtually compensate for emissions. For microreactors, one of the main costs in operation and maintenance (O&M) is their staffing levels. In this study, we investigate how to optimize the number (and thus the cost) of workers, moving from a traditional, fully manned, on-site personnel approach to an unmanned, remote personnel approach. We examine four different staffing models that can be implemented as the technology matures and evolves. We estimate the staffing needs of each model and build a business case to justify the substitution of on-site personnel with adequate technologies. To do so, we propose a cost model to quantify potential cost reductions from automating O&M activities. The model accounts for both the reduction in cost derived from the reduced number of full-time-equivalent (FTE) employees and the increase in cost derived from the need to buy new control hardware as needed. Applying the cost model that we created to different scenarios, an on-site O&M cost reduction exceeding 80% can be expected. Additionally, we found that it is more impactful to focus on automating routine O&M tasks rather than attempting to automate transient management (shutdowns, restarts, monitoring condition deviations). In fact, transients typically account for less than 1% of the total FTE time spent on the reactors.