Biologically Inspired Optimization of Building District Heating Networks

In this paper we show that a biologically inspired model can be successfully applied to problems of building optimal district heating network. The model is based on physiological observations of the true slime mold Physarumpolycephalum, but can also be used for path-finding in the complicated networks of mazes and road maps. A strategy of optimally building heating distribution network was guided by the model and a well-tuned ant colony algorithm and genetic algorithm. The results indicate that although there are not large-scale efficiency savings to be made, the biologically inspired amoeboid movement model is capable of finding results of equal or better optimality than a comparable ant colony algorithm and genetic algorithm. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/telkomnika.v11i12.389

Three-layer Composite Filter Media Containing Electrospun Polyimide Nanofibers for the Removal of Fine Particles

Polyimide (P84) nanofibers of 200-500 nm were deposited uniformly on needle punched aramid felt with basis weight of 260-350 g/m(2) by optimized electrospinning. High temperature adhesive was then electro-sprayed on the nanofiber side deliberately to bind a thin protective layer made of temperature-resistant non-wovens. The three layer structure was afterwards enforced by hot pressing to form composite filter media. The application of the adhesive was tailored not to affect the permeability of the substrate felt while exerting adhesion strength of over 1000 kPa for the media to be suitable for flue gas dust treatment under 240 degrees C. When 0.3-10 mu m NaCl aerosols were used as the simulated dusts, it was found that even a small amount of P84 nanofibers could obviously elevate the filtration efficiency. The composite showed 100 % removal efficiency of particles equal and greater than 2.0 mu m, and 99.5 % for particles 1.0-2.0 mu m in diameter.</p