Optimal unit commitment of a power plant using particle swarm optimization approach

Economic load dispatch among generating units is very important for any power plant. In this work, the economic load dispatch was made at Egbin Thermal Power plant supplying a total load of 600MW using six generating units. In carrying out this study, transmission losses were assumed to be included into the load supplied. Also three different combinations in the form of 6, 5 and 4 units commitment were considered. In each case, the total load was optimally dispatched between committed generating units using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). Similarly, the generation cost for each generating unit was determined. For case 1, the six generators were committed and the generation cost is 2,100,685.069$/h. For case 2, five generators were committed and the generation cost is 2,520,861.947$/h. For case 3, four generators were committed and the generation cost is 3,150,621.685$/h. From all considered cases, it was found that, the minimum generation cost was achieved when all six generating units were committed and a total of 420,178.878$/h was saved

Design topology of a remote-controlled bi-directional rotation of an A.C. fan with speed control

The use of remote control for alternating current fans in homes/offices is one of the applications of electronics that enhances human comfort. It should therefore not be seen as luxury, rather, it should be taken as a basic requirement of life. In this study, the bi-directional rotation and speed control of ac fan were achieved using ardiuno microcontroller and tuned capacitors circuit. The use of the new state-of- the art technique in this work is significant because it helped in over-coming the drawbacks associated with the use of inductive, resistive and phase angle controlled regulators. The significance of this study will be of great benefit to physically challenged and aged persons who need to have their comforts in their various places of sitting. The designed topology of the work was executed and achieved. Reliability test carried out on the finished work showed better efficiency