Application of Evolutionary Computation Techniques to the Optimal Short-Term Scheduling of the Electrical Energy Production

In this paper, an evolutionary technique applied to the optimal short-term scheduling (24 hours) of the electric energy production is presented. The equations that define the problem lead to a nonlinear mixed-integer programming problem with a high number of real and integer variables. Consequently, the resolution of the problem based on combinatorial methods is rather complex. The required heuristics, introduced to assure the feasibility of the constraints, are analyzed, along with a brief description of the proposed genetic algorithm. Finally, results from realistic cases based on the Spanish power system are reported, revealing the good performance of the proposed algorithm, taking into account the complexity and dimension of the problem

Model reduction of weakly nonlinear systems

In general, model reduction techniques fall into two categories — moment —matching and Krylov techniques and balancing techniques. The present contribution is concerned with the former. The present contribution proposes the use of a perturbative representation as an alternative to the bilinear representation [4]. While for weakly nonlinear systems, either approximation is satisfactory, it will be seen that the perturbative method has several advantages over the bilinear representation. In this contribution, an improved reduction method is proposed. Illustrative examples are chosen, and the errors obtained from the different reduction strategies will be compared

Harmonic oscillators in the Nos\'e - Hoover thermostat

We study the dynamics of an ensemble of non-interacting harmonic oscillators in a nonlinear dissipative environment described by the Nos\'e - Hoover model. Using numerical simulation we find the histogram for total energy, which agrees with the analysis of the Nos\'e - Hoover equations effected with the method of averaging. The histogram does not correspond to Gibbs' canonical distribution. We have found oscillations at frequency proportional to $\sqrt{\alpha/m}$, $\alpha$ the dissipative parameter of thermostat and $m$ the characteristic mass of particle, about the stationary state corresponding to equilibrium. The oscillations could have an important bearing upon the analysis of simulating molecular dynamics in the Nos\'e - Hoover thermostat.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figure

Innovation Skills for the Self-Transformation of Underrepresented Engineering Students

Underrepresented engineering students typically face multiple challenges, for example, the lack of role models and familiar guidance during their studies. Successful students have specific characteristics (i.e. skills) that allow them to thrive. In this paper the authors explore the necessary skills that may allow students to self-transform and innovate into successful engineering students.Cockrell School of Engineerin

Mixed-integer Quadratic Programming is in NP

Mixed-integer quadratic programming is the problem of optimizing a quadratic function over points in a polyhedral set where some of the components are restricted to be integral. In this paper, we prove that the decision version of mixed-integer quadratic programming is in NP, thereby showing that it is NP-complete. This is established by showing that if the decision version of mixed-integer quadratic programming is feasible, then there exists a solution of polynomial size. This result generalizes and unifies classical results that quadratic programming is in NP and integer linear programming is in NP