Automated optimal design of wells for electromagnetic cell stimulation

In the paper, a device for in vitro electromagnetic stimulation of cells at low frequency (75 Hz) is considered. In particular, shape and position of a well-plate are identified in order to obtain a homogeneous stimulation and to maximize the space allotted to cell culture. To this end, the BiMO and micro-BiMO optimization algorithms, which have shown good performances in multi-objective optimization of electromagnetic devices, are applied

Cost-effective optimal synthesis of the efficiency map of permanent magnet synchronous motors

In the paper an original approach to efficiency map optimal synthesis is presented. A permanent magnet motor, working as controlled AC motor of synchronous type (PMSM), is selected as a case study. The first target of this research is to derive a lumped-parameter model of the motor (low-fidelity model), validated by magnetic field analysis (high-fidelity model). In turn, the end target is these two models application in a cost-effective optimisation procedures, where the goal is to identify the motor geometry maximizing the map area which is encompassed by a prescribed value for the motor efficiency

Optimal shape design of a class of permanent magnet motors in a multiple-objectives context

Purpose: This paper aims to deal with the optimal shape design of a class of permanent magnet motors by minimizing multiple objectives according to an original interpretation of Pareto optimality. The proposed method solves a many-objective problems characterized by five objective functions and five design variables with evolution strategy algorithms, classically used for single- and multi-objective (two objective functions) optimization problems. Design/methodology/approach: Two approaches are proposed in the paper: the All-Objectives (AO) and the Many-Objectives (MO) optimization approach. The former is based on a single-objective optimization of a preference function, i.e. a normalized weighted sum. In contrast, in the MO a multi-objective optimization algorithm is applied to the minimization of a weight-free preference function and simultaneously to a maximization of the distance of the current solution from the prototype. The optimizations are based on an equivalent circuit model of the Permanent Magnet (PM) motor, but the results are assessed by means of finite element analyses (FEAs). Findings: An extensive study of the solutions obtained by means of the different optimization approaches is provided by means of post-processing analyses. Both the approaches find non-dominated solutions with respect to the prototype that are substantially improving the initial solution. The points of strength along with the weakness points of each solution with respect to the prototype are analysed in depth. Practical implications: The paper gives a good guide to the designers of electric motors, focussed on a shape design optimization. Originality/value: Considering simultaneously five objective functions in an automated optimal design procedure is challenging. The proposed approach, based on a well-known and established optimization algorithm, but exploiting a new concept of degree of conflict, can lead to new results in the field of automated optimal design in a many-objective context

Improvements in the ModSCA simulator: A tool helping to analyze energy efficiency of a compressed air system

This paper reports the improvement of ModSCA, a simulation model for compressed air systems (CAS). It was conceived to figure out how CAS work and what their weaknesses are, either in a design or in a retrofitting phase, from an energy conversion standpoint. It can be used to evaluate energy savings resulting from retrofitting works, before setting them in place, or to design a new compressed air system from scratches, hence the aim is not only educational, but it is functional to support facility managers. The original ModSCA frame is designed in Simulink in a modular way suitable for further developments, as the ones described in such a work. Special attention is focused on the following topics: (i) further development of the network layout, implementation of new modules (ii) to dynamically assess pressure drops in filters and (iii) to assess the energy role of mass losses. A new control scheme, based on Model Predictive Control (MPC), for variable speed compressors, has been included and some simulations are shown. Besides, an electrical equivalence of the CAS is introduced and its effectiveness shown, as a standalone simulation; this approach shows to be suitable to be embedded in ModSCA, in a further release. The improvements in the behavior of the simulator against real complex system make it keen to be used both by industry and academia

A study on atmospheric aerosol particles size distribution in several sites in Lombardia region by an optical particle counter

In Lombardia, a project (Particolato fine in Lombardia \u2013 PARFIL \u2013 2004\uf72006) aiming at the chemical and physical characterisation of atmospheric aerosol related with pollution sources is in progress. Sixteen measurement sites with different topography and urbanization are continuously monitored as for PM10/PM2.5/PM1 mass concentration and chemical composition. Moreover, particle number concentration was assessed at five sites (2 urban, 1 rural, 1 pre-alpine and 1 alpine) using an Optical Particle Counter (OPC) working on 15 classes over the size range 0.3\u201330 \ub5m. In each site both winter and summer campaigns were performed. In order to investigate similarities in the behaviour of different sized particles, cluster analysis was applied on the dimensional classes. The autocorrelation function was determined on the clusters to estimate particles residence times and/or response time to variation of the system on local scale. Number concentration series were also analysed in relation to main meteorological parameters as air temperature and humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, rainfall and Pasquill categories. The results of the study highlight the role played by local sources for the coarse fraction, while meteorological conditions, seasonal changes and pollution emissions on the Po valley have a significant influence on the sub-micron sized particles

Shape synthesis of a well-plate for electromagnetic stimulation of cells

In the paper, a device for in vitro electromagnetic stimulation of cells at low frequency (75 Hz) is studied and synthesized. In particular, shape and position of a well plate are identified to obtain a homogeneous stimulation and to maximize the space allotted to cell culture

Automated Optimal Design of Wells for Electromagnetic Cell Stimulation

In the last decades, the electromagnetic stimulation in vitro and in vivo has become a promising research field because it allows to modulate the behavior of cells and tissues. In particular, when the cells are exposed to a time-varying magnetic field, an electric field is induced and thus a current density arises, because the cell culture is in contact with a conductive medium. The interaction between the induced current density and the time-varying magnetic field gives rise to mechanical stress acting on the cells. In this paper, new kind of wells for obtaining a homogeneous stress and stimulation of a considerable large number of cells are designed. This design problem is formulated as a multi-objective one and its solution is found by means of the μ-BiMO algorithm

Numerical dosimetry inside an extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic bioreactor

We have implemented field models and performed a detailed numerical dosimetry inside our extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic bioreactor. The numerical dosimetry permitted to map the magnetic induction field (maximum module equal to about 3.3 mT) and to discuss its biological effects in terms of induced electric current and induced biophysical forces (compression and traction)