Feasibility Study of a Satellite Solar Power Station

A feasibility study of a satellite solar power station (SSPS) was conducted to: (1) explore how an SSPS could be flown and controlled in orbit; (2) determine the techniques needed to avoid radio frequency interference (RFI); and (3) determine the key environmental, technological, and economic issues involved. Structural and dynamic analyses of the SSPS structure were performed, and deflections and internal member loads were determined. Desirable material characteristics were assessed and technology developments identified. Flight control performance of the SSPS baseline design was evaluated and parametric sizing studies were performed. The study of RFI avoidance techniques covered (1) optimization of the microwave transmission system; (2) device design and expected RFI; and (3) SSPS RFI effects. The identification of key issues involved (1) microwave generation, transmissions, and rectification and solar energy conversion; (2) environmental-ecological impact and biological effects; and (3) economic issues, i.e., costs and benefits associated with the SSPS. The feasibility of the SSPS based on the parameters of the study was established

Automated pallets tracking system for manufacturing assembly area

Efficiency in production job floor is a very important element for manufacturer to keep their company competitive. A good material handling system and good inventory control system are some of the factors that can contribute to high efficiency of production job floor.The purpose of this study is to solve a real industry-related problem in material handling that affect production efficiency at PHN Industry Sdn Bhd. The problem currently being faced at PHN is that the pallets are not available at the right time as needed due to the absence of a system that monitors the movement of these pallets based on some pre-define schedules. The problem can be solved by developing an Automated Pallets Tracking System. This study involved software and hardware development. The system used Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) as identification and tracking device. The Visual Basic Programming is used to design Graphic User Interface (GUI) system while Microsoft SQL is used as pallets database. The Arduino Microcontroller is used as interface medium for RFID system and GUI. The hardware and software components were successfully integrated into a system and the performance is validated. The validation results showed the capability of the system to identify and track pallets in real-time. However, several modifications and improvements are desired before the system could be applied in actual industrial environment

AI and OR in management of operations: history and trends

The last decade has seen a considerable growth in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for operations management with the aim of finding solutions to problems that are increasing in complexity and scale. This paper begins by setting the context for the survey through a historical perspective of OR and AI. An extensive survey of applications of AI techniques for operations management, covering a total of over 1200 papers published from 1995 to 2004 is then presented. The survey utilizes Elsevier's ScienceDirect database as a source. Hence, the survey may not cover all the relevant journals but includes a sufficiently wide range of publications to make it representative of the research in the field. The papers are categorized into four areas of operations management: (a) design, (b) scheduling, (c) process planning and control and (d) quality, maintenance and fault diagnosis. Each of the four areas is categorized in terms of the AI techniques used: genetic algorithms, case-based reasoning, knowledge-based systems, fuzzy logic and hybrid techniques. The trends over the last decade are identified, discussed with respect to expected trends and directions for future work suggested

Traceability system for capturing, processing and providing consumer-relevant information about wood products: System solution and its economic feasibility

Current research and practice reports indicate the existence of purchase barriers concerning eco-friendly products, e.g. wood products. These can be ascribed to consumers' mistrust regarding the non-observable environmental impact of wood products. To counter the mistrust, wood products are commonly endowed with eco-labels, which may be perceived mostly as a marketing tool, therefore not fulfilling their intended purpose. Current studies have shown that providing consumers with wood product information based on traceability systems increases product trust and purchase intentions, with those information items most valued by consumers being identified as well. Based on this, the paper proposes a traceability information system for the capturing, processing, and provision of product information using examples of wood furniture. Furthermore, a cost-benefit model for the proposed solution is developed. The calculations indicate the possibility of implementing traceability at the item level based on a four-layer system architecture enabling the capture and delivery of all information valued by consumers at acceptable costs. The proposed system helps to overcome purchase barriers of eco-friendly products, increasing consumers' product trust and purchase intentions

E-Tickets and Advanced Technologies for Efficient Construction Inspections

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), like many state transportation agencies, has seen demand for high-quality infrastructure skyrocket even as it endures reductions in staff numbers. To mitigate the effects of declining staff and bolster construction efficiency, the Cabinet has experimented with a variety of e-construction technologies, the goal of which are to abolish paper-based workflows and improve project-site monitoring activities. This research investigated the performance of three e-construction technologies on KYTC pilot projects — e-ticketing, paver mounted thermal profilers, and intelligent compaction. E-ticketing reduced the amount of time needed to retrieve material tickets and facilitated comparisons of theoretical tonnages to actual tonnages. Inspectors also reduced their exposure to hazardous jobsite conditions through the use of e-ticketing, while contractors strengthened their operational efficiencies. Paver mounted thermal profilers collected temperature data whose accuracy was not significantly different from temperature data gathered using conventional infrared guns. The spatially continuous data generated by profilers can aid in later monitoring of pavement performance and can be used to perform forensic investigations of pavement distress. Although other state transportation agencies have adopted intelligent compaction with considerable success, it produced inaccurate data on asphalt temperature and roller passes. Several factors may have contributed to this unexpected result, such as poor communication between project stakeholders and incorrectly executed equipment setup. The three technologies could potentially be adopted on a more widespread basis; however, it is critical to offer adequate training to equipment and software users, ensure that project stakeholders coordinate and communicate with one another, and be conscientious in the deployment and management of equipment