Engineering Commons^™

Power System Dynamic Control And Performance Improvement Based On Reinforcement Learning, Wei Gao

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of using Reinforcement Learning (RL) techniques for power system dynamic control, particularly voltage and frequency control. The conventional control strategies used in power systems are complex and time-consuming due to the complicated high-order nonlinearities of the system. RL, which is a type of neural network-based technique, has shown promise in solving these complex problems by fitting any nonlinear system with the proper network structure.

The proposed RL algorithm, called Guided Surrogate Gradient-based Evolution Strategy (GSES) determines the weights of the policy (which generates the action for our control reference signal) without back-propagation process …

Artificial Emotional Intelligence In Socially Assistive Robots, Hojjat Abdollahi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Artificial Emotional Intelligence (AEI) bridges the gap between humans and machines by demonstrating empathy and affection towards each other. This is achieved by evaluating the emotional state of human users, adapting the machine’s behavior to them, and hence giving an appropriate response to those emotions. AEI is part of a larger field of studies called Affective Computing. Affective computing is the integration of artificial intelligence, psychology, robotics, biometrics, and many more fields of study. The main component in AEI and affective computing is emotion, and how we can utilize emotion to create a more natural and productive relationship between humans …

Prediction Of Ka-Band Radar Cross Section With Thz Scale Models With Varying Surface Roughness, Andrew J. Huebner

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Radar cross section (RCS) of electrically large targets can be challenging and expensive to measure. The use of scale models to predict the RCS of such large targets saves time and reduces facility requirements. This study investigates Ka-band (27 to 29 GHz) RCS prediction from scale model measurements at 500 to 750 GHz. Firstly, the coherent quasi-monostatic turntable RCS measurement system is demonstrated. Secondly, three aluminum 18:1 scale dihedrals with surface roughness up to 218 icroinches are measured to investigate how the roughness affects the Ka-band prediction. The measurements are compared to a parametric scattering model for the specular response, …

Comparing The Iwl-Mvm-Rs And Minstrel-Ht Rate Adaptation Algorithms Under Different Local Error Conditions, Luhan Wang, Mark Davis

Conference papers

WLAN technology has grown rapidly and now provides increasingly reliable and fast wireless connectivity. A number of Rate Adaptation Algorithms (RAAs) which are designed to select the optimal line rate according to the channel conditions have been proposed. Iwl-Mvm-Rs RAA which is implemented in the Intel wireless chips and Minstrel-HT RAA which is implemented in the Linux kernels are two such well known algorithms. Many existing papers evaluate these two algorithms with regard to device mobility and signal fading. However, the causes of frame errors can be divided into two categories: weak signal reception and collisions. Therefore, in this paper, …

Simultaneous Measurement Of Gas Pressure And Temperature Using A Microbubble Resonator Combined With An Fbg, Ketan Dong, Ke Tian, Chuanzhen Zhao, Huibin Li, Jibo Yu, Angzhen Li, Xiaoling Sun, Elfed Lewis, Gerald Farrell, Pengfei Wang

Conference Papers

We propose and demonstrate a microbubble resonator combined with a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) for simultaneous measurement of gas pressure and temperature. The approach used allows for very close proximity (<200 >μm) between the FBG and the microbubble resonator. The microbubble resonator is fabricated in a section of hollow-core fiber (HCF), spliced to a single-mode fiber (SMF) with a pre-inscribed FBG to form a single-ended open structure. Fresnel reflection from the HCF cleaved end means that broadband light is reflected backwards in the same direction as the Bragg wavelength from the FBG. A tapered fiber couples the reflected broadband light …

Tunable Erbium-Doped Fiber Ring Laser With A Polymer Micro Bottle Resonator, Anuradha Rout, Zhe Wang, Zhuochen Wang, Yuliya Semenova

Conference Papers

A new tunable fiber laser structure based on an erbium-doped fiber ring laser (FRL) and a polymer-based microbottle resonator (PMBR) as the wavelength selective filter is proposed and demonstrated. The tunability of the laser output in response to axial strain of up to 253.6 με applied to the PMBR is demonstrated experimentally. When the strain was applied to the PMBR’s long axis, the central lasing wavelength shifted towards shorter wavelengths in a linear fashion. The laser's strain sensitivity was determined to be 0.69 pm/με. The proposed strain-tunable PMBR laser offers the advantages of simple structure, low cost, robust performance, and …

A Hybrid Multifunctional Physicochemical Sensor Suite For Continuous Monitoring Of Crop Health, Nafize Ishtiaque Hossain, Shawana Tabassum

Electrical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

This work reports a first-of-its-kind hybrid wearable physicochemical sensor suite that we call PlantFit for simultaneous measurement of two key phytohormones, salicylic acid, and ethylene, along with vapor pressure deficit and radial growth of stem in live plants. The sensors are developed using a low-cost and roll-to-roll screen printing technology. A single integrated flexible patch that contains temperature, humidity, salicylic acid, and ethylene sensors, is installed on the leaves of live plants. The strain sensor with in-built pressure correction capability is wrapped around the plant stem to provide pressure-compensated stem diameter measurements. The sensors provide real-time information on plant health …

Merit Study Of Battery Or Hydrogen Energy Storage For Large Scale, Combined Wind And Solar Electricity Generation, Ashley K. Moore

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

In the past several years, the energy sector has experienced a rapid increase in renewable energy installations due to declining capital costs for wind turbines, solar panels, and batteries. Wind and solar electricity generation are intermittent in nature which must be considered in an economic analysis if a fair comparison is to be made between electricity supplied from renewables and electricity purchased from the grid. Energy storage reduces curtailment of wind and solar and minimizes electricity purchases from the grid by storing excess electricity and deploying the energy at times when demand exceeds the renewable energy supply. The objective of …

Towards Explainable Ai Using Attribution Methods And Image Segmentation, Garrett J. Rocks

Honors Undergraduate Theses

With artificial intelligence (AI) becoming ubiquitous in a broad range of application domains, the opacity of deep learning models remains an obstacle to adaptation within safety-critical systems. Explainable AI (XAI) aims to build trust in AI systems by revealing important inner mechanisms of what has been treated as a black box by human users. This thesis specifically aims to improve the transparency and trustworthiness of deep learning algorithms by combining attribution methods with image segmentation methods. This thesis has the potential to improve the trust and acceptance of AI systems, leading to more responsible and ethical AI applications. An exploratory …

Investigating The Application And Sustained Effects Of Stochastic Resonance On Haptic Feedback Sensitivity In A Laparoscopic Task, Kara Liane Wilcox

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Stochastic resonance (SR) is a phenomenon that can enhance the detection or transmission of weak signals by adding random noise to a non-linear system. SR introduced into the human motor control system as a subthreshold mechanical vibration has shown promise to improve sensitivity to haptic feedback. SR can be valuable in a laparoscopic surgery application, where haptic feedback is critical. This research sought to find if applying SR to the human motor control system improves performance in a laparoscopic probing task, if the performance differs based on the location of stochastic resonance application, and if there are sustained effects from …

Scheduling Electric Vehicle Charging For Grid Load Balancing, Zhixin Han, Katarina Grolinger, Miriam Capretz, Syed Mir

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have been widely adopted because of their environmental benefits. However, the increasing volume of EVs poses capacity issues for grid operators as simultaneously charging many EVs may result in grid instabilities. Scheduling EV charging for grid load balancing has a potential to prevent load peaks caused by simultaneous EV charging and contribute to balance of supply and demand. This paper proposes a user-preference-based scheduling approach to minimize costs for the user while balancing grid loads. The EV owners benefit by charging when the electricity cost is lower, but still within the user-defined preferred charging …

Handheld Concentric Tube Robot For Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy, Filipe Pedrosa, Ruisi Zhang, Navid Feizi, Dianne Sacco, Rajni V. Patel, Jagadeesan Jayender

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

The field of continuum robotics continues to advance rapidly, giving these manipulators potential to change the paradigm of minimally invasive medical surgery (MIS) in a near future. As MIS techniques are refined to improve recovery and cosmesis and reduce invasiveness and co-morbidity, continuum robot requirements in MIS applications have become ever stricter. One such application is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL), a first-choice minimally invasive urological procedure for the extraction of large renal calculi (kidney stones) > 2 cm. The standard of care in PCNL entails the percutaneous insertion of a nephroscope via a small incision in the lumbar or lateral abdominal wall …

Design And Calibration Of A Robot-Driven Catheter Actuation System, Navid Feizi, Filipe C. Pedrosa, Elaheh Arefinia, Jagadeesan Jayender, Rajni V. Patel

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

Flexible steerable tendon-driven systems are crucial in medical interventions, due to their ease of access to narrow spaces and safe operation [1]. Two examples of these systems are ablation and intra-cardiac echocardiog- raphy (ICE) catheters, used for non-invasive ultrasound imaging and ablation in cardiac procedures inside the heart. However, precise positioning of these devices to obtain optimal anatomical views is challenging for the cardiologist and requires specialized training [2]. Custom-made tendon-driven robots have been developed and modeled using Cosserat rod theory [3], [4]. How- ever, most of these efforts have been directed towards creating new flexible robots with known parameters …

Optimal Management And Sizing For Battery Energy Storage Systems For Grid Applications, Abdullah Muslih Alharbi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) play a dominant role in the reliability, resiliency, economics, and operational flexibility of the power grid. As such, the BESS is a promising and reliable green technology for supporting power grid facilities. However, the integration of BESS technology into power projects can be expensive and challenging, both technologically and in terms of regulation compliance. Thus, it is necessary to examine best practices for fully optimizing BESS sizing, operation, and scheduling in the context of benefiting BESS operators and investors by fully exploiting the valuable economic and technical benefits of BESSs. In this research, we identify …

Utilizing Data Analytics On Single-Phase Ac Arc Flash Testing And Model Development, Po-Chen Chen

Electrical Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Arc flash events could result in injuries, fatalities, and lead to severe medical expenses, equipment replacement cost, and even litigation, fines, and loss of business. Such events could also tremendously traumatize the personnel psychosocially and neurologically. Therefore, it is critical to accurately understand the potential arc flash hazards from all the real applications. Yet, due to the random complex nature of arc flash events and great number of uncertain variables involved, there are challenges to provide mathematical models for equipment designers in determining the arc-flash fault current and the incident energy of various types of events. The early arc flash …

Three-Port Bi-Directional Dc–Dc Converter With Solar Pv System Fed Bldc Motor Drive Using Fpga, Arun Kumar Udayakumar, Raghavendra Rajan Vijaya Raghavan, Mohamad Abou Houran, Rajvikram Madurai Elavarasan, Anushkannan Nedumaran Kalavathy, Eklas Hossain

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The increased need for renewable energy systems to generate power, store energy, and connect energy storage devices with applications has become a major challenge. Energy storage using batteries is most appropriate for energy sources like solar, wind, etc. A non-isolated three-port DC–DC-converter energy conversion unit is implemented feeding the brushless DCmotor drive. In this paper, a non-isolated three-port converter is designed and simulated for battery energy storage, interfaced with an output drive. Based on the requirements, the power extracted from the solar panel during the daytime is used to charge the batteries through the three-port converter. The proposed three-port converter …

Investigating R(T) Functions For Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity In Memristive Neural Networks, Farhana Afrin, Kurtis D. Cantley

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Brain-inspired neuromorphic computation can be extremely efficient at very large scales due to inherent parallelism, scalability, and fault and failure tolerance. One widely used, biologically plausible synaptic learning mechanism is spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). The proposed generic model of time-varying resistance, or R(t) elements in this work, can produce classical and beyond classical STDP in electronic spiking neural networks with memristive synapses. Hebbian and Anti-Hebbian STDP is verified with the proposed generic R(t) model by tuning the R(t) function. By appropriately placing R(t) functions with selective resistance values, symmetric or non-classical STDP learning behavior is achieved.

Coalition Formation And Beamsteering Optimization For Directional Software-Defined Radios, Sayanta Seth

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA), also known as Dynamic Spectrum Management, is the method of utilizing a set of spectrum techniques in real time to provide the ability to share wireless channels between Primary (or licensed) users (PUs) and Secondary (or unlicensed) users (SUs). The system is so designed that under normal circumstances, the PUs always get priority, but DSA enables the SUs to use the licensed bands as long as they do not create any interference on the PUs. Hence, the goal of utilizing the spectrum more efficiently can be achieved. Though DSA has been researched extensively as a new …

High-Efficieny Ultrafast Mid-Infrared Source For Strong Field Science, Fangjie Zhou

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The potential of high-energy sources within the mid-infrared region (3-8 μm) has garnered significant attention for diverse research and industrial applications. Millijoule pulses extending beyond 3 μm can facilitate the production of x-rays with photon energies in the keV range through high harmonic generation (HHG). These high-energy x-ray pulses enable the characterization of electron dynamics within molecules and condensed matter materials. Additionally, the atmospheric transmission window between 3-5 μm allows lasers within this spectral range to deliver energy efficiently to distant targets via optical filaments without divergence, highlighting promising prospects for defense applications. In contrast to laser amplifiers, which are …

Developing A Standardized Gis Model Capable Of Identifying Areas To Implement Wind Power Generation Infrastructure, Namidu Vishwanath De Silva

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This project involves the use of multi-source GIS data, suitability analysis, and spatial modeling techniques to identify the most suitable areas for improving renewable energy infrastructures, primarily focusing on wind energy, within a given region. Previous literature conducted on the subject matter shows research being done in isolated areas or states. The primary objective of this project is to develop a GIS model and scripting tool that has the capability to test any input region to find the most suitable area within the given region that would be ideal for implementing new wind power infrastructure. The success rate of the …

Investigation Of Dielectric And Mechanical Properties Of Lignocellulosic Rice Husk Fibril For High And Medium Voltage Electrical Insulation Applications, T. Rajamanikandan, S. Banumathi, B. Karthikeyan, R. Palanisamy, Mohit Bajaj, Hossam Zawbaa, Salah Kamel

Articles

The insulating material is made from rice husk and epoxy resin which are ecologically friendly and incredibly durable. When coarse Rice husk is mechanically disintegrated, fibrils are formed. By weaving together fibrillated threads, and robust biodegradables, lightweight dielectric fibers are created. Then the Composites are examined utilizing a blend of agave Rice husk fibers (10–35%) and an epoxy resin solution. The Chemical treatment of the Rice husk fibers increases the composites’ mechanical strength and electrical insulating properties. The tensile strength of Rice husk in epoxy composites is increased from 37.84 MPa to 48.32 MPa. The experimental results are compared using …

Optical Design Study Of A High-Resolution Spectrograph Utilizing Photonic Lanterns For A Large Fiber Array Telescope, Richard D'Alo

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

Large area fiber array telescopes are a relatively modern development in the long history of telescope design and effectively create a single large equivalent aperture by combining many smaller unit telescopes at a fraction of the cost. In this study a spectrograph optical design is demonstrated that utilizes photonic lanterns in the input fiber feed for the Large Fiber Array Spectroscopic Telescope (LFAST) design concept, where photonic lanterns provide a simplified approach to the fiber feed originally proposed for LFAST. Conservation of etendue is applied to derive the relationship between slit size and photonic lantern ratio, and classical echelle spectrograph …

Biocybersecurity And Deterrence: Hypothetical Rwandan Considerations, Issah Samori, Gbadebo Odularu, Lucas Potter, Xavier-Lewis Palmer

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Digitalization and sustainability are popular words within modern disciplines as practitioners each look toward the future of their respective fields. Specifically for the African continent, which is making great strides in developmental targets, those two terms are central to core aspects of policy initiatives that may foster cooperation across its varied lands and nations. One of the underlying challenges that confront Africa is a lack of strong regional integration across socioeconomic and political programs; there is value in African regions having more regional connectedness. We assess the rate of regional integration and development in Africa and discuss how to alleviate …

Utilizing Machine Learning Algorithm In Predicting The Power Conversion Efficiency Limit Of A Monolithically Perovskites/Silicon Tandem Structure, Moustafa Ganoub, Omar Elsaban, Sameh O. Abdellatif Dr, Khaled Kirah, Hani Ghali

Electrical Engineering

Tandem structures have been introduced to the photovoltaics (PV) market to boost power conversion efficiency (PCE). Single-junction cells’ PCE, either in a homojunction or heterojunction format, are clipped to a theoretical limit associated with the absorbing material bandgap. Scaling up the single-junction cells to a multi-junction tandem structure penetrates such limits. One of the promising tandem structures is the perovskite over silicon topology. Si junction is utilized as a counter bare cell with perovskites layer above, under applying the bandgap engineering aspects. Herein, we adopt BaTiO3/CsPbCl3/MAPbBr3/CH3NH3PbI3/c-Si tandem structure to be investigated. In tandem PVs, various input parameters can be tuned …

Improvement Of The Break And Steering System For The Golf-Cart, Rami Raed Mustafa

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

This project aims to gain knowledge and test theories related to autonomous vehicles using an electric golf cart as a test platform. There are several goals set, including obtaining electrical and controls experience related to autonomous driving and expanding their electrical engineering skills. The project has the potential to benefit the general population, as the electric golf cart shares similar attributes to a motor vehicle. Through diligent work and research, three key objectives have been achieved: transforming the previous single Arduino system into two mega Arduinos, reconfiguring the placement of the steering motor, and implementing an emergency braking system. Improving …

Decarbonization Analysis For Thermal Generation And Regionally Integrated Large-Scale Renewables Based On Minutely Optimal Dispatch With A Kentucky Case Study, Donovin Lewis, Aron Patrick, Evan S. Jones, Rosemary E. Alden, Abdullah Al Hadi, Malcolm D. Mcculloch, Dan Ionel

Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky Faculty Publications

Decarbonization of existing electricity generation portfolios with large-scale renewable resources, such as wind and solar photo-voltaic (PV) facilities, is important for a transition to a sustainable energy future. This paper proposes an ultra-fast optimization method for economic dispatch of firm thermal generation using high granularity, one minute resolution load, wind, and solar PV data to more accurately capture the effects of variable renewable energy (VRE). Load-generation imbalance and operational cost are minimized in a multi-objective clustered economic dispatch problem with various generation portfolios, realistic generator flexibility, and increasing levels of VRE integration. The economic feasibility of thermal dispatch scenarios is …

Improved Decap Model And Placement Optimization Algorithm For Power Distribution Network Design, Jack Juang

Masters Theses

"Decoupling capacitors (decaps) are used in power distribution network (PDN) design to act as a low impedance return path for noise and act as a local source of charge when required by integrated circuits (IC). For placement of decaps, which can number even to the hundreds, many algorithms have been proposed including genetic algorithms (GA), iterative algorithm, and machine learning methods.

One limitation of iterative decap placement algorithms (adding one decap at a time) is how the construction of the algorithm affects the form of the final solution. For example, if the reward function (used in GA and machine learning …

Static I-V Curve And Aging Test For Pim Characterization In Metallic Contacts, Kalkidan Anjajo

Masters Theses

"Spring clips and fabric-over-foams (FOFs) are widely used in mobile devices for electrical connection purposes. However, the imperfect metallic connections tend to induce passive intermodulation (PIM), resulting in a receiver sensitivity degradation, known as RF desensitization. Due to the complexity of the PIM characterization, there is not yet a way to evaluate PIM performance using a simple setup for environments like factories. In this study, a current-voltage (I-V) behavior-based PIM evaluation method is proposed and validated with various metallic contacts and contact forces. The test results demonstrated the feasibility of the PIM performance evaluation based on the measured static I-V …

Analysis Of Dual-Element Antenna Configurations, Grant J. Evans

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Dual-dipole antennas have been extensively researched previously for their bandwidth enhancing effect on Yagi type antennas. In this thesis, dual-dipole antennas are fabricated and measured. These experimental measurement results are verified with simulated values. First, a standard dual-dipole antenna is investigated and found that the high magnitude, opposite current directions on the dipole arms are the reasoning behind the creation of a high gain mode. This pattern is similar to a Yagi antenna. Next, a dual-band implementation of the dual-dipole antenna is shown, with two distinct resonances in a lower band and an upper band. Both bandwidths exhibit a dipole …

Embedded Aperture-Based Fss Sensor, Lauryn Morris, Swathi Muthyala Ramesh, Logan M. Wilcox, Doyle T. Motes, Kristen M. Donnell

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSSs) Are Two-Dimensional Periodic Arrays of Electrically Conductive Elements or Apertures that Have a Specific Electromagnetic Reflection And/or Transmission Response. in This Work, an Aperture-Based Sensor Design Was Proposed that is Capable of Sensing Strain When Embedded in a Layered Dielectric Structure (I.e., an Embedded Sensor). an Aperture Approach Was Selected Due to the Potential for Operation in Reflection Mode Without a Conductive Backplane. the Sensor Was Designed to Operate within the K-Band to Improve the Potential Strain Measurement Resolution, as the Unit Cell Dimensions Are Inversely Related to the Operating Frequency and Directly Related to Strain …