A Fuzzy Control Heuristic Applied to Non-linear Dynamic System Using a Fuzzy Knowledge Representation

This paper presents the design of a fuzzy control heuristic that can be applied for modeling nonlinear dynamic systems using a fuzzy knowledge representation. Nonlinear dynamic systems have been modeled traditionally on the basis of connections between the subsystems that compose it. Nevertheless, this model design does not consider some of the following problems: existing dynamics between the subsystems; order and priority of the connection between subsystems; degrees of influence or causality between subsystems; particular state of each subsystem and state of the system on the basis of the combination of the diverse states of the subsystems; positive or negative influences between subsystems. In this context, the main objective of this proposal is to manage the whole system state by managing the state combination of the subsystems involved. In the proposed design the diverse states of subsystems at different levels are represented by a knowledge base matrix of fuzzy intervals (KBMFI). This type of structure is a fuzzy hypercube that provides facilities operations like: insert, delete, and switching. It also allows Boolean operations between different KBMFI and inferences. Each subsystem in a specific level and its connectors are characterized by factors with fuzzy attributes represented by membership functions. Existing measures the degree of influence among the different levels are obtained (negatives, positives). In addition, the system state is determined based on the combination of the statements of the subsystems (stable, oscillatory, attractor, chaos). It allows introducing the dynamic effects in the calculation of each output level. The control and search of knowledge patterns are made by means of a fuzzy control heuristic. Finally, an application to the co-ordination of the activities among different levels of the operation of an underground mine is developed and discussed

Homeostatic Control of Sustainable Energy Grid Applied to Natural Disasters

According to seismologists Chile has yet to face another big earthquake in the very near future, yet the country remains largely unprepared against massive electric power systems brake-down. The problem lies in the centralized electric power systems and the lack of adequate technologies and back-up/emergency power systems for disas- ter recovery. The flaws that are built into the very fabric of the presently centralized power systems were on full display in the February 27th earthquake in Chile. Nowhere it becomes more evident that hugely centralized power generation and distribution systems are extremely vulnerable and ineffective to disruptions from natural disasters, human error or other calamities. The large power networks that once proved very efficient and secure, are now at the center of discussion fueling the need for decentral- ization and the rapid growth of distributed generation (DG). Highly decentralized, diversified and DG-oriented energy matrix is notoriously much better suited to with- stand these disasters. In centralized electric power grids, servicing large metropolitan areas, albeit with some but limited differentiation in service, can only be on or off, so either everyone gets power or no one does. This makes recovering power service in an emergency situation a much more difficult task. On the other hand, decentralized power systems (DPS) reduce the obstacles to disaster preparation and recovery by allowing the focus to shift first to critical infrastructure and then to flow outward to less integrated outlets. A DG-based model for a smart micro-grid based on hybrid electric power systems (HEPS) using both renewable energy technologies (RET) and conventional power generation units is presented. The hybrid energy system may be portable or fixed in one place, highly reliable, easy to assemble, modular, flexible and cost-effective solution, that is ready-to-run and go to where it is needed to supply power in natural disaster

Decision Support for Healthcare ICT Network System Appraisal

A framework to support the appraisal process to improve the quality of service (QoS) of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) network system in health care service is presented. Most of health-related activities stand to benefit from ICT endorsement; however, technical problems may appear, as an inadequate physical infrastructure, insufficient access by the user to the hardware/software communication infrastructure and QoS issues. The aim is to develop a prototype assessment model based on data collected from the main users of a health network system An evaluation process is carried out to analyze and assess the support of QoS of ICT, its infrastructure and user interface perception of the QoS offered through case study for hospitals in Chile. Performance has been evaluated by simulation and modelling network Architecture. The Optimization Network Engineering Tool (OPNET) simulation platform is used to examine the network behaviour and performance to ensure consistency and reliability for thousands of staff across the hospital network

Homeostaticity of energy systems: How to engineer grid flexibility and why should electric utilities care

Today’s power generation and distribution industry is being faced with a number of issues, from violent weather phenomena to earthquakes, fires and landslides; including acts of arson, terrorism and vandalism, all of which pose serious concerns for the sustainability of the distribution and supply of electricity. Electric utilities like ENEL are cognizant of this fact and know they must take action. Moreover, they are required by law to be prepared and act proactively to prevent service disruption, by responding to such challenges rapidly and effectively so as to preserve stability and continuity of operation. Homeostaticity of energy systems seeks just that: to bring about a rapid, effective and efficient state of equilibrium between energy supply and expenditure at all times, whatever the circumstances, to preserve stability of systems operation. The paper presents a prescriptive energy homeostaticity model being considered by ENEL as a means to further the incorporation of renewables in the electricity generation and distribution industry. The aim is to enhance control and energy management systems in distributed generation installations tied to the grid for urban and rural communities, in order to complement and diversify their electric power distribution services. The theoretical groundwork underlying the subject as well as other relevant contextual factors are also discussed and simulation results are presented under different tariff scenarios, and energy storage alternatives, in order to compare the proposed model with the actual case. Energy storage (ES) is found to be of paramount importance in the overall analysis of the results as it enhances and reinforces thriftiness on energy consumption

Conceptual Analysis for the Strategic and Operational Knowledge Man-agement of a Port Community

Ports working in a network-community that is composed of a group of associative enterprises and logistic chains require managing their strategic and operational knowledge for achieving the efficiency of their activities at both levels. A conceptual model is presented that allows the development of a strategy for a port community through a strategic planning approach using operational knowledge. The different actors that participate in the community, their roles, and the main processes in which they participate are characterized. Then the vision and the mission of the community, and the strategic objectives in the four perspectives of the Balanced Scorecard: financial, clients, processes, and learning and growth, are defined. Finally, a set of indicators oriented toward the knowledge management of the main actors participating in the community is designed

An Intelligent Supervising System for the Operation of an Underground Mine

This paper presents a conceptual model for an Intelligent System built to support the scheduling for an underground mine in order to supervise its operation. The system is composed by a Simulation Model linked to a Knowledge Based System designed by means of hierarchical, colored and temporal Petri Nets. Simulation Model allows simulating the operation of the production, reduction and transport levels in the mine. Knowledge Based System is activated by events produced in daily operations and yields the results of registered events and the actions taken to solve the problem, generating operation rules. The proposed model allows different types of mine operations and scenarios providing data for decision-making. The system helps to evaluate different policies for programming the activities in the mine thus seeking to enlarge the equipment productivity. The model also allows the feasibility assessment of the Daily Master Plan based on the input data of the simulation model

A Proposal of Logistic Services Innovation Strategy for a Mining Company

A logistic service innovation strategy for a mining company and their key suppliers is presented, using the win-win concept with the objective of improve its position, policies, strategic objectives and relationships between companies. The strategy allows increasing the business profitability, to diminish the operational costs and the times of negotiation and learning. The chain value of the productive process is analyzed and also the business strategies of each company in order to identify the key factors involved in the strategic alliance. Contracts negotiation between the company and its suppliers is examined by SWOT analysis, Pareto´s ABC tool and expert knowledge of the process. The strategy is applied to a mining company and its key suppliers working in the modality of strategic long term alliances

Grid-Tied Distributed Generation Systems to Sustain the Smart Grid Transformation: Tariff Analysis and Generation Sharing

In this paper a novel model is being proposed and considered by ENEL—the largest electric utility in Chile—and analyzed thoroughly, whereby electric power control and energy management for a 60-apartments’ residential building is presented as an example of the utility’s green energy program, part of its Smart Grid Transformation plan to install grid-tied distributed generation (DG) systems, namely microgrids, with solar generation and energy storage in Santiago, Chile. The particular tariffs scheme analysis shown is part of the overall projected tentative benefits of adopting the new scheme, which will require the utility’s customers to adapt their consumption behavior to the limited supply of renewable energy by changing energy consumption habits and schedules in a way that maximizes the capacity and efficiency of the grid-tied microgrid with energy storage. The change in behavior entails rescheduling power consumption to hours where the energy supply capacity in the DG system is higher and price is lower as well as curtailing their power needs in certain hourly blocks so as to maximize DG system’s efficiency and supply capacity. Nevertheless, the latter presents a problem under the perspective of ENEL’s renewable energy sources (RES) integration plan with the electric utility’s grid supply, which, up until now and due to current electric tariffs law, has not had a clear solution. Under said scenario, a set of strategies based on energy homeostasis principles for the coordination and control of the electricity supply versus customers’ demand has been devised and tested. These strategies which consider various scenarios to conform to grid flexibility requirements by ENEL, have been adapted for the specific needs of these types of customers while considering the particular infrastructure of the network. Thus, the microgrid adjusts itself to the grid in order to complement the grid supply while seeking to maximize green supply capacity and operational efficiency, wherein the different energy users and their energy consumption profiles play a crucial role as “active loads”, being able to respond and adapt to the needs of the grid-connected microgrid while enjoying economic benefits. Simulation results are presented under different tariff options, system’s capacity and energy storage alternatives, in order to compare the proposed strategies with the actual case of traditional grid’s electricity distribution service, where no green energy is present. The results show the advantage of the proposed tariffs scheme, along with power control and energy management strategies for the integration of distributed power generation within ENEL’s Smart Grid Transformation in Chile