Meta-heuristic algorithms in car engine design: a literature survey

Meta-heuristic algorithms are often inspired by natural phenomena, including the evolution of species in Darwinian natural selection theory, ant behaviors in biology, flock behaviors of some birds, and annealing in metallurgy. Due to their great potential in solving difficult optimization problems, meta-heuristic algorithms have found their way into automobile engine design. There are different optimization problems arising in different areas of car engine management including calibration, control system, fault diagnosis, and modeling. In this paper we review the state-of-the-art applications of different meta-heuristic algorithms in engine management systems. The review covers a wide range of research, including the application of meta-heuristic algorithms in engine calibration, optimizing engine control systems, engine fault diagnosis, and optimizing different parts of engines and modeling. The meta-heuristic algorithms reviewed in this paper include evolutionary algorithms, evolution strategy, evolutionary programming, genetic programming, differential evolution, estimation of distribution algorithm, ant colony optimization, particle swarm optimization, memetic algorithms, and artificial immune system

The Comparison Study of Short-Term Prediction Methods to Enhance the Model Predictive Controller Applied to Microgrid Energy Management

Electricity load forecasting, optimal power system operation and energy management play key roles that can bring significant operational advantages to microgrids. This paper studies how methods based on time series and neural networks can be used to predict energy demand and production, allowing them to be combined with model predictive control. Comparisons of different prediction methods and different optimum energy distribution scenarios are provided, permitting us to determine when short-term energy prediction models should be used. The proposed prediction models in addition to the model predictive control strategy appear as a promising solution to energy management in microgrids. The controller has the task of performing the management of electricity purchase and sale to the power grid, maximizing the use of renewable energy sources and managing the use of the energy storage system. Simulations were performed with different weather conditions of solar irradiation. The obtained results are encouraging for future practical implementation

Real-Time Power Management of A Fuel Cell/Ultracapacitor Hybrid

This thesis presents the system architecture design, system integration methodology, and real-time control of a fuel cell/ultracapacitor hybrid power system. The main objective is for the hybrid system to respond to real-world fluctuations in power without negatively impacting fuel cell life. A Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell is an electrochemical device which converts the chemical energy of pure hydrogen into electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen. The high conversion efficiency, zero harmful emissions, high power-to-weight ratio, scalability, and low temperature operation make PEM fuel cells very attractive for stationary and portable power applications. However, fuel cells are limited in responding to fast transients in power demand, moreover power fluctuations have negative impact on fuel cell durability. This motivates the use of a supplementary energy storage device to assist the fuel cell by buffering sharp transients in power demand. The high power density, long cycle life, and efficiency of ultracapacitors make them an ideal solution for such auxiliary energy storage in a hybrid fuel cell system. The power management strategy that determines the power split between the fuel cell and ultracapacitor is key to the power following capability, long-term performance, and life-time of the fuel cell. In this thesis, a rule-based and a model predictive control strategy are designed, implemented and evaluated for power management of a fuel cell/ultracapacitor hybrid. The high-level control objectives are to respond to rapid variations in load while minimizing damaging fluctuations in fuel cell current and maintaining ultracapacitor charge (or voltage) within allowable bounds. An experimental test stand was created to evaluate the performance of the controllers. The test stand connects the fuel cell and ultracapacitor to an electronic load through two dc/dc converters, which provide two degrees of freedom, enabling independent low-level control of the DC BUS voltage and the current split between the fuel cell and ultracapacitor. Experiments show that both rule-based and model predictive power management strategies can be tuned to meet both high and low-level control objectives for a given power demand profile. However, the capability to explicitly enforce the constraints in model predictive scheme and its predictive nature in meeting power demands enables a more systematic design and results in general in smoother performance

Urban and extra-urban hybrid vehicles: a technological review

Pollution derived from transportation systems is a worldwide, timelier issue than ever. The abatement actions of harmful substances in the air are on the agenda and they are necessary today to safeguard our welfare and that of the planet. Environmental pollution in large cities is approximately 20% due to the transportation system. In addition, private traffic contributes greatly to city pollution. Further, “vehicle operating life” is most often exceeded and vehicle emissions do not comply with European antipollution standards. It becomes mandatory to find a solution that respects the environment and, realize an appropriate transportation service to the customers. New technologies related to hybrid –electric engines are making great strides in reducing emissions, and the funds allocated by public authorities should be addressed. In addition, the use (implementation) of new technologies is also convenient from an economic point of view. In fact, by implementing the use of hybrid vehicles, fuel consumption can be reduced. The different hybrid configurations presented refer to such a series architecture, developed by the researchers and Research and Development groups. Regarding energy flows, different strategy logic or vehicle management units have been illustrated. Various configurations and vehicles were studied by simulating different driving cycles, both European approval and homologation and customer ones (typically municipal and university). The simulations have provided guidance on the optimal proposed configuration and information on the component to be used

Hybrid energy storage systems via power electronic converters

In recent years, many research lines have focused their efforts on improving energy efficiency and developing renewable energy sources. In this context, the use of energy storage systems is on the rise, as they can contribute to the integration of renewables to the main electrical grid. However, energy storage systems are divided into high energy or high power devices. Due to the lack of a solution covering both aspects, researchers are forced to find alternatives. The hybridization of different energy storage technologies is presented as a suitable solution for this problem, since it combines high power and high energy within the same system. The main goal of this thesis is the design and implementation of a hybrid energy storage system (HESS), capable of improving the performance provided by a single storage technology. As a first step in this direction, this document reviews and classifies the most relevant HESS topologies found in the literature. This allows a better understanding of the drawbacks and benefits of each configuration. To ensure the optimal use of this HESS, it is essential to design a suitable energy management strategy and a proper power electronic converter control. To this end, the control structure has been analyzed from different approaches. On the one hand there would be the classic multilevel control structure, which usually consists of three levels among which are the operating constraints, the power sharing and at the lowest level the control of the converter. On the other hand there would be the single level control structure in which both, the power distribution and the control of the converter, are integrated within the same level by using modern MPC control algorithms. Finally, three different case studies are presented to show the practical application of the developed control strategies together with the main conclusions of the thesis.Azken urteetan, ikerketa-lerro askok eraginkortasun energetikoa hobetzeko eta energia berriztagarriak garatzeko ahaleginak egin dituzte. Testuinguru honetan, energia metatze sistemen erabilera geroz eta handiagoa da, berriztagarrien integrazioa sare elektrikoarekin erraztu dezaketelako. Hala ere, energia altuko edo potentzia altuko metatze sistemak bakarrik aukeratu daitezke. Horregatik, ikertzaileek alternatiba berriak bilatzera behartuta daude. Energia metatze sistema desberdinen hibridazioa, arazo horri irtenbidea ematen dio. Honekin, potentzia eta energia maila altuak sistema bakar batetan batu daitezke. Tesi honen helburu nagusia, energia metatze sistema hibrido (HESS sigla, ingelesetik Hybrid Energy Storage System) bat diseinatzea eta inplementatzea da. Sistema honek, teknologia bakar batek eskaintzen duen errendimendua hobetzeko gai izan beharko luke. Lehen urratsa bezala, dokumentu honek literaturan aurkitutako topologia hibrido garrantzitsuenak laburbildu eta batzen ditu. Honi esker, konfigurazio bakoitzaren abantaila eta desabantailak hobeto ulertzea ahal da. HESS honen erabilera optimoa bermatzeko, ezinbestekoa da energia kudeatzeko estrategia on bat diseinatzea bihurgailu elektronikoaren kontrol egokiarekin batera. Horretarako, kontrol egitura ikuspegi desberdinetatik aztertuko da. Alde batetik, maila anitzeko kontrol egitura klasikoa egongo litzateke, normalean hiru mailaz osatua dagoena. Goi mailan funtzionamendu eta segurtasun mugak egongo lirateke, erdiko mailan potentzia banaketa, eta azkenik bihurgailuaren maila baxuko kontrola. Bestalde, maila bakarreko kontrol egitura egongo litzateke non mugak, potentzia banaketa eta bihurgailuaren kontrola maila berean integratzen dira kontrol iragarleko algoritmoen bidez (MPC). Azkenik, hiru kasu desberdin aurkezten dira garatutako kontrolen aplikazio praktikoa erakusteko tesiaren ondorio nagusiekin batera.En los últimos años, numerosas líneas de investigación han centrado sus esfuerzos en mejorar la eficiencia energética junto con el desarrollo de fuentes de generación renovables. En este contexto, el uso de sistemas de almacenamiento de energía está al alza, ya que estos pueden contribuir a la integración de las renovables en la red eléctrica convencional. Sin embargo, la necesidad de elegir entre dispositivos de alta energía o alta potencia, obliga a los investigadores a buscar otras alternativas. La hibridación de diferentes sistemas de almacenamiento se presenta como una solución apropiada para este problema, ya que combina alta energía y alta potencia dentro de un mismo sistema. El objetivo principal de esta tesis es el diseño e implementación de un sistema híbrido de almacenamiento de energía (sigla HESS, del inglés Hybrid Energy Storage System), capaz de mejorar las prestaciones que proporcionaría el uso de una única tecnología. Como primer paso en esta dirección, en este documento resume y clasifica las topologías de hibridación más relevantes encontradas en la literatura. Esto permite una mejor comprensión de los beneficios e inconvenientes de cada configuración. Para garantizar el uso óptimo de dicho HESS, es esencial diseñar una estrategia adecuada de gestión de energía junto con un control óptimo del convertidor electrónico de potencia. Para lograr este fin, la estructura de control ha sido analizada desde diferentes enfoques. Por un lado se encontraría la estructura de control multinivel clásica, la cual generalmente consta de tres niveles. En el nivel más alto se encontrarían las restricciones operativas y de seguridad, en el intermedio se encontraría la división de potencia, y por último el control de nivel bajo del convertidor. Por otro lado, se encontraría la estructura de control de un único nivel, en la que tanto las restricciones, el reparto de potencia y el control del convertidor se integran dentro del mismo nivel mediante algoritmos de control predictivo (MPC). Finalmente, se presentan tres casos de estudio para mostrar la aplicación práctica de las estrategias de control desarrolladas junto con las principales conclusiones de la tesis

Model-free neural network-based predictive control for robust operation of power converters

An accurate definition of a system model significantly affects the performance of model-based control strategies, for example, model predictive control (MPC). In this paper, a model-free predictive control strategy is presented to mitigate all ramifications of the model’s uncertainties and parameter mismatch between the plant and controller for the control of power electronic converters in applications such as microgrids. A specific recurrent neural network structure called state-space neural network (ssNN) is proposed as a model-free current predictive control for a three-phase power converter. In this approach, NN weights are updated through particle swarm optimization (PSO) for faster convergence. After the training process, the proposed ssNN-PSO combined with the predictive controller using a performance criterion overcomes parameter variations in the physical system. A comparison has been carried out between the conventional MPC and the proposed model-free predictive control in different scenarios. The simulation results of the proposed control scheme exhibit more robustness compared to the conventional finite-control-set MPC

Contributions on DC microgrid supervision and control strategies for efficiency optimization through battery modeling, management, and balancing techniques

Aquesta tesi presenta equips, models i estratègies de control que han estat desenvolupats amb l'objectiu final de millorar el funcionament d'una microxarxa CC. Es proposen dues estratègies de control per a millorar l'eficiència dels convertidors CC-CC que interconnecten les unitats de potència de la microxarxa amb el bus CC. La primera estratègia, Control d'Optimització de Tensió de Bus centralitzat, administra la potència del Sistema d'Emmagatzematge d'Energia en Bateries de la microxarxa per aconseguir que la tensió del bus segueixi la referència dinàmica de tensió òptima que minimitza les pèrdues dels convertidors. La segona, Optimització en Temps Real de la Freqüència de Commutació, consisteix a operar localment cada convertidor a la seva freqüència de commutació òptima, minimitzant les seves pèrdues. A més, es proposa una nova topologia d'equilibrador actiu de bateries mitjançant un únic convertidor CC-CC i s'ha dissenyat la seva estratègia de control. El convertidor CC-CC transfereix càrrega cel·la a cel·la, emprant encaminament de potència a través d'un sistema d'interruptors controlats. L'estratègia de control de l'equalitzador aconsegueix un ràpid equilibrat del SOC evitant sobrecompensar el desequilibri. Finalment, es proposa un model simple de degradació d'una cel·la NMC amb elèctrode negatiu de grafit. El model combina la simplicitat d'un model de circuit equivalent, que explica la dinàmica ràpida de la cel·la, amb un model físic del creixement de la capa Interfase Sòlid-Electròlit (SEI), que prediu la pèrdua de capacitat i l'augment de la resistència interna a llarg termini. El model proposat quantifica la incorporació de liti al rang de liti ciclable necessària per a aconseguir els límits de OCV després de la pèrdua de liti ciclable en la reacció secundària. El model de degradació SEI pot emprar-se per a realitzar un control predictiu de bateries orientat a estendre la seva vida útil.Aquesta tesi presenta equips, models i estratègies de control que han estat desenvolupats amb l'objectiu final de millorar el funcionament d'una microxarxa CC. Es proposen dues estratègies de control per a millorar l'eficiència dels convertidors CC-CC que interconnecten les unitats de potència de la microxarxa amb el bus CC. La primera estratègia, Control d'Optimització de Tensió de Bus centralitzat, administra la potència del Sistema d'Emmagatzematge d'Energia en Bateries de la microxarxa per aconseguir que la tensió del bus segueixi la referència dinàmica de tensió òptima que minimitza les pèrdues dels convertidors. La segona, Optimització en Temps Real de la Freqüència de Commutació, consisteix a operar localment cada convertidor a la seva freqüència de commutació òptima, minimitzant les seves pèrdues. A més, es proposa una nova topologia d'equilibrador actiu de bateries mitjançant un únic convertidor CC-CC i s'ha dissenyat la seva estratègia de control. El convertidor CC-CC transfereix càrrega cel·la a cel·la, emprant encaminament de potència a través d'un sistema d'interruptors controlats. L'estratègia de control de l'equalitzador aconsegueix un ràpid equilibrat del SOC evitant sobrecompensar el desequilibri. Finalment, es proposa un model simple de degradació d'una cel·la NMC amb elèctrode negatiu de grafit. El model combina la simplicitat d'un model de circuit equivalent, que explica la dinàmica ràpida de la cel·la, amb un model físic del creixement de la capa Interfase Sòlid-Electròlit (SEI), que prediu la pèrdua de capacitat i l'augment de la resistència interna a llarg termini. El model proposat quantifica la incorporació de liti al rang de liti ciclable necessària per a aconseguir els límits de OCV després de la pèrdua de liti ciclable en la reacció secundària. El model de degradació SEI pot emprar-se per a realitzar un control predictiu de bateries orientat a estendre la seva vida útil.This dissertation presents a set of equipment, models and control strategies, that have been developed with the final goal of improving the operation of a DC microgrid. Two control strategies are proposed to improve the efficiency of the DC-DC converters that interface the microgrid’s power units with the DC bus. The first strategy is centralized Bus Voltage Optimization Control, which manages the power of the microgrid’s Battery Energy Storage System to make the bus voltage follow the optimum voltage dynamic reference that minimizes the converters’ losses. The second control strategy is Online Optimization of Switching Frequency, which consists in locally operating each converter at its optimum switching frequency, again minimizing power losses. The two proposed optimization strategies have been validated in simulations. Moreover, a new converter-based active balancing topology has been proposed and its control strategy has been designed. This equalizer topology consists of a single DC-DC converter that performs cell-to-cell charge transfer employing power routing via controlled switches. The control strategy of the equalizer has been designed to achieve rapid SOC balancing while avoiding imbalance overcompensation. Its performance has been validated in simulation. Finally, a simple degradation model of an NMC battery cell with graphite negative electrode is proposed. The model combines the simplicity of an equivalent circuit model, which explains the fast dynamics of the cell, with a physical model of the Solid-Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) layer growth process, which predicts the capacity loss and the internal resistance rise in the long term. The proposed model fine-tunes the capacity loss prediction by accounting for the incorporation of unused lithium reserves of both electrodes into the cyclable lithium range to reach the OCV limits after the side reaction has consumed cyclable lithium. The SEI degradation model can be used to perform predictive control of batteries oriented toward extending their lifetime

Power Electronics Applications in Renewable Energy Systems

The renewable generation system is currently experiencing rapid growth in various power grids. The stability and dynamic response issues of power grids are receiving attention due to the increase in power electronics-based renewable energy. The main focus of this Special Issue is to provide solutions for power system planning and operation. Power electronics-based devices can offer new ancillary services to several industrial sectors. In order to fully include the capability of power conversion systems in the network integration of renewable generators, several studies should be carried out, including detailed studies of switching circuits, and comprehensive operating strategies for numerous devices, consisting of large-scale renewable generation clusters