Offline and online power aware resource allocation algorithms with migration and delay constraints

© . This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/In order to handle advanced mobile broadband services and Internet of Things (IoT), future Internet and 5G networks are expected to leverage the use of network virtualization, be much faster, have greater capacities, provide lower latencies, and significantly be power efficient than current mobile technologies. Therefore, this paper proposes three power aware algorithms for offline, online, and migration applications, solving the resource allocation problem within the frameworks of network function virtualization (NFV) environments in fractions of a second. The proposed algorithms target minimizing the total costs and power consumptions in the physical network through sufficiently allocating the least physical resources to host the demands of the virtual network services, and put into saving mode all other not utilized physical components. Simulations and evaluations of the offline algorithm compared to the state-of-art resulted on lower total costs by 32%. In addition to that, the online algorithm was tested through four different experiments, and the results argued that the overall power consumption of the physical network was highly dependent on the demands’ lifetimes, and the strictness of the required end-to-end delay. Regarding migrations during online, the results concluded that the proposed algorithms would be most effective when applied for maintenance and emergency conditions.Peer ReviewedPreprin

Analysis of AC link topologies in non-isolated DC/DC triple active bridge converter for current stress minimization

This paper presents analysis of the non-isolated DC/DC triple active bridge (TAB) converter under various purely inductor-based AC link topologies. The objective of the analysis is to find the topology that incorporates the least value of the AC link inductors which leads to reduced converter footprint in addition to minimum internal current stresses. Modelling of the TAB under each of the different topologies is presented in per unit expressions of power transfer and reactive power assuming fundamental harmonic analysis. The power expressions are used to calculate the inductor values necessary to achieve same rated power transfer of Dual Active Bridge (DAB) converter for the sake of standardizing comparison. On this basis, the topology requiring the least value of interface inductors, hence lowest footprint, is identified. Furthermore, based on phase shift control, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to calculate optimal phase shift ratios in each of the proposed topologies to minimize reactive power loss (hence current stress). The topology with minimum stresses is therefore identified and the results are substantiated using a Matlab-Simulink model to verify the theoretical analysis

Generic closed loop controller for power regulation in dual active bridge DC-DC converter with current stress minimization

This paper presents a comprehensive and generalized analysis of the bidirectional dual active bridge (DAB) DC/DC converter using triple phase shift (TPS) control to enable closed loop power regulation while minimizing current stress. The key new achievements are: a generic analysis in terms of possible conversion ratios/converter voltage gains (i.e. Buck/Boost/Unity), per unit based equations regardless of DAB ratings, and a new simple closed loop controller implementable in real time to meet desired power transfer regulation at minimum current stress. Per unit based analytical expressions are derived for converter AC RMS current as well as power transferred. An offline particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is used to obtain an extensive set of TPS ratios for minimizing the RMS current in the entire bidirectional power range of - 1 to 1 per unit. The extensive set of results achieved from PSO presents a generic data pool which is carefully analyzed to derive simple useful relations. Such relations enabled a generic closed loop controller design that can be implemented in real time avoiding the extensive computational capacity that iterative optimization techniques require. A detailed Simulink DAB switching model is used to validate precision of the proposed closed loop controller under various operating conditions. An experimental prototype also substantiates the results achieved

Experimental analysis of unreinforced and reinforced piled embankment subjected to cyclic loads

Reinforced piled embankment technique is becoming increasingly utilised for the construction over soft grounds. Most of the studies focused on studying the behaviour of piled embankments that are loaded with static surcharge load. However, less attention has been given to the behaviour of piled embankments under cyclic loading conditions. In this study, an experimental programme has been undertaken to improve our understanding for the behaviour of unreinforced and reinforced shallow piled embankments subject to cyclic loadings that are applied over a specific area of the embankment. The results showed that arching of the soil was adversely affected during the initial stages of cyclic loading regardless of the embankment height. However, regain of strength and recovery of the arching effect was observable during further stages of cyclic loadings. Inclusion of reinforcement layers was found to enhance the performance of load transfer mechanisms. The surface settlement increased with raising the embankment height and reduced with increasing the number of reinforcement layers. Two preliminary experimental studies have been carried out in order to be able to understand and design the main experiment. The results showed that with increasing number of reinforcement layers, enormous cycles of loading could be applied without experiencing excessive deformation or loss of bearing resistance. Furthermore, it was observed that alternating the direction of movement significantly affected the formation of arching during the initial cycles irrespective of the embankment height.Higher Education Institute of the Libyan Governmen

Generalized small-signal modelling of dual active bridge DC/DC converter

this paper presents a novel generalised approach of the small-signal modelling of dual active bridge (DAB) DC/DC converter. The adopted analysis is based on a per-unit fundamental frequency representation of the DAB. The outcome of the proposed modelling approach is a small signal, linearised, state-space DAB model; which is considered as a main building block for future control applications. The developed small signal DAB model includes all possible degrees of freedom affecting the performance of the DAB; this includes the voltage conversion ratio to allow the study of all DAB operation modes (i.e.: unity-gain and buck/boost modes.). Furthermore, since triple phase shift control (TPS) is used in this development work, the proposed model incorporates phase shift in addition to duty ratios. This feature allows for bridge voltage regulation, which is essential for efficient DAB operation in the case of buck/boost operation. Another key achievement is that the proposed small signal modelling methodology can be applied to any bidirectional DC-DC converter regardless of ratings, parameter values and number of ports. Extensive simulation is carried out to verify the proposed analysis

Essays on carbon disclosure and financial consequences

PhD ThesisIn boardrooms around the world, climate change has recently emerged as a major issue, matching the level of public concern. This thesis is motivated by the growing interest in assessing the financial consequences of corporate involvement in climate change beyond regulatory compliance, as evidenced by firms’ voluntary participation in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). This thesis contributes to the ongoing literature by extending insights into three financial consequences of voluntary carbon disclosure, namely, financial performance, firm risk, and market reaction. We empirically investigate these financial consequences by conducting three essays using a unique dataset containing firms listed on the London Stock Exchange’s FTSE350 index for the period 2007 to 2015. In the first essay, we empirically conceptualise and investigate the impact of adopting proactive carbon strategies on financial performance, building on the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm as a theoretical framework. For this, we employ a panel data approach. The finding provides strong evidence that voluntary carbon disclosure and firm financial performance are positively associated. In the second essay, we build on the RBV theory and consider the potentially positive association between information asymmetry and firm risk, and subsequently the relationship between corporate carbon disclosure and firm risk, by appointing the panel data approach. We find that the adoption of carbon strategies significantly reduces the firm’s total, systematic, and idiosyncratic risks. In the third essay, we examine the market reaction to carbon disclosure announcements by adopting an event study method. This is done by considering investors’ perspective on the costs and benefits of carbon disclosure. The results show that the market reacts significantly negatively to carbon disclosure announcements via the CDP. Furthermore, additional tests are applied, including investigating the influence of the global financial crisis and industry status on the examined relationships. Our research findings offer fresh insights and updated policy implications for investors, management, regulators, and sustainability institutions.The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training in the State of Kuwai

Effects of machining system parameters and dynamics on quality of high-speed milling

This dissertation outlines research on studying the effects of machining parameters such that cutting speed, feed rate, axial depth of cut, radial depth of cut and helix angle on system dynamic stability and the surface quality of high-speed milling. With the use of structural tool modal parameters, the material cutting force coefficients and the axial depth of cut, the system can avoid the chatter phenomenon of the tool at high cutting speeds. The surface roughness finish in the milling process is determined by the machining parameters and tool structure dynamics. To perform high-speed milling, the chance of tool vibration (chatter phenomenon) which affects the cutting tool, must be minimized or eliminated. In this research, the linear and nonlinear mathematical force models including the effect of the helix angle are presented for an end-milling process. The linear force model includes cutting-edge coefficients. The cutting force coefficients are determined for an end-milling process using two methods, the average force method and the optimization technique method. The second method is developed to identify the cutting force coefficients in the milling process by forming the objective functions using the optimization technique to minimize the error between the experimental and the analytical forces. Moreover, this method produced a good force model that approximates the experimental force results, which compared with the average force method. The stability lobe diagrams are created using the analytical method to determine whether the cut is stable or unstable. In addition, simulations are performed to predict stability of the milling process. By comparing simulated and experimental results, the dynamics and stability of the milling operation can be easily identified before performing any cutting operation. The slot milling experiments show that while the system in the chatter region close to the stability limits and the axial depth of cut increased, the system changes from stable chatter to chaotic chatter. Furthermore, the nature of bifurcation in milling is investigated by performing experiments and simulations. The linear and nonlinear mathematical force models are used for simulating end-milling process. Simulated bifurcation diagrams are generated using both models and compared to experimental results. In addition, the effect of the feed rate on the location of the bifurcation point (start and end of bifurcation) is studied. By comparing simulated and experimental results, the simulation using a nonlinear force model is found more accurate in predicting the dynamics and stability of the milling operation. The applications of Taguchi and response surface methodologies (RSM) are used to minimize the surface roughness in the end milling process. Taguchi’s method for optimum selection of the milling process parameters is applied based on the signal to noise ratio and ANOVA analysis of the surface finish. A second-order model contains quadratic terms that have been created between the cutting parameters and surface roughness using response surface methodology (RSM). Surface roughness of the machined surfaces are measured and used to identify the optimum levels of the milling parameters. Based on Taguchi, ANOVA, and RSM analyses, the end milling process can be optimized to improve surface finish quality and machining productivity