Multi-layer Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Networks: Modeling and Performance Analysis

Since various types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with different hardware capabilities are introduced, we establish a foundation for the multi-layer aerial network (MAN). First, the MAN is modeled as K layer ANs, and each layer has UAVs with different densities, floating altitudes, and transmission power. To make the framework applicable for various scenarios in MAN, we consider the transmitter- and the receiver-oriented node association rules as well as the air-to-ground and air-to-air channel models, which form line of sight links with a location-dependent probability. We then newly analyze the association probability, the main link distance distribution, successful transmission probability (STP), and area spectral efficiency (ASE) of MAN. The upper bounds of the optimal densities that maximize STP and ASE are also provided. Finally, in the numerical results, we show the optimal UAV densities of an AN that maximize the ASE and the STP decrease with the altitude of the network. We also show that when the total UAV density is fixed for two layer AN, the use of single layer in higher(lower) altitude only for all UAVs can achieve better performance for low(high) total density case, otherwise, distributing UAVs in two layers, i.e., MAN, achieves better performance

Cooperative and Distributed Localization for Wireless Sensor Networks in Multipath Environments

We consider the problem of sensor localization in a wireless network in a multipath environment, where time and angle of arrival information are available at each sensor. We propose a distributed algorithm based on belief propagation, which allows sensors to cooperatively self-localize with respect to one single anchor in a multihop network. The algorithm has low overhead and is scalable. Simulations show that although the network is loopy, the proposed algorithm converges, and achieves good localization accuracy

Optimal Charging of Electric Vehicles in Smart Grid: Characterization and Valley-Filling Algorithms

Electric vehicles (EVs) offer an attractive long-term solution to reduce the dependence on fossil fuel and greenhouse gas emission. However, a fleet of EVs with different EV battery charging rate constraints, that is distributed across a smart power grid network requires a coordinated charging schedule to minimize the power generation and EV charging costs. In this paper, we study a joint optimal power flow (OPF) and EV charging problem that augments the OPF problem with charging EVs over time. While the OPF problem is generally nonconvex and nonsmooth, it is shown recently that the OPF problem can be solved optimally for most practical power networks using its convex dual problem. Building on this zero duality gap result, we study a nested optimization approach to decompose the joint OPF and EV charging problem. We characterize the optimal offline EV charging schedule to be a valley-filling profile, which allows us to develop an optimal offline algorithm with computational complexity that is significantly lower than centralized interior point solvers. Furthermore, we propose a decentralized online algorithm that dynamically tracks the valley-filling profile. Our algorithms are evaluated on the IEEE 14 bus system, and the simulations show that the online algorithm performs almost near optimality ($<1$ relative difference from the offline optimal solution) under different settings.Comment: This paper is temporarily withdrawn in preparation for journal submissio

Out of the musical box

The present paper explores the correlations of music and architecture through a design studio project carried out by second year students of the Architecture programme at Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom. In addition the paper looks into some of the most representative architects and composers who have materialized this connectivity between space and music. Last but not least this appraisal intends to illustrate how the students’ creative process and spatial understanding may be influenced by introducing music as an analogue to understand architecture

Making information accessible for the conservation and use of biodiversity. A novel initiative to facilitate access to information and use of agricultural and tree biodiversity

Poster presented at Science Week 2014 - Bioversity International HQ, Rome (Italy), 24-27 Feb 201