Software Solution for a Renewable Energy Microgrid Emulator

The paper presents a software solution and communication network used to implement and test management algorithms for different microgrid configurations. The results obtained are represented in a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Data is transferred between the devices and a central processing unit that has a communication protocol interpreter implemented using an RS-485 network. After being interpreted, the raw data containing useful information for the management algorithm is converted in numerical or Boolean values. These values are stored and used by the management algorithms implemented for cost optimization. A microgrid emulator is used for the proof of concept. The software solution and communication network together with the data interpreter can be easily used for other microgrid structures with or without modifications, depending on the number and types of equipment used. In the presented case the microgrid management control algorithm tries to keep the state of charge of the batteries between two values by using efficiently the available resources depicted by: solar energy, geothermal energy, and energy obtained from biomass. The microgrid setup has emulators for the geothermal and biomass generators and a photovoltaic system with storage capability and two inverters, a grid forming capable and a grid follower

An Indirect Method and Equipment for Temperature Monitoring and Control

A new temperature control method for a metallic filament used at high temperature values is proposed by the authors in this paper. The filament used is heated by a switch mode power supply built around a step-down converter. The method uses a microcontroller that implements the temperature control algorithm and also the power supply control loops. The temperature is controlled using a proposed new algorithm based on the output current and output voltage measurements of the power supply already available for implementing the average current mode control. In this way the resistance of the filament can be determined and controlled in a resistance feedback loop. The proposed algorithm will control the resistor value corresponding to the required temperature. The reference resistance value is computed based on the temperature-resistance characteristic of the filament each time a new temperature is introduced in dedicated computer software on a PC. The value is transmitted to the microcontroller via USB interface. The temperature control algorithm and experimentally results are presented in detail in the paper

Photovoltaic System with Smart Tracking of the Optimal Working Point

A photovoltaic (PV) system, based on a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller that extracts the maximum possible output power from the solar panel is described. Output efficiency of a PV energy system can be achieved only if the system working point is brought near the maximum power point (MPP). The proposed system, making use of several MPPT control algorithms (Perturb and Observe, Incremental conductance, Fuzzy Logic), demonstrates in simulations as well as in real experiments good tracking of the optimal working point

Single-stage Low Cost Grid Connected Inverter in Photovoltaic Energy Applications

International audienceDue to the rising fuel costs and growingworldwide demand for electricity, renewable energy sourcesbecome a necessity rather than a luxury. This paperpresents an original control strategy for a buck-boost basedconverter used as a low cost inverter in a photovoltaic (PV)system. The main objective of the inverter is to harvestmaximum power from the PV module and to inject it intothe grid. The design of the converter is detailed and,together with the control method, a macro-model for theinverter is proposed. The macro-model is developed in orderto have shorter simulation times and test various maximumpower point tracking (MPPT) algorithms. Simulations andexperimental results validate the proposed PV system

Multiorgan networks consisting of human microtissue spheroids on 96 well format-based microfludiic platform

A simple in vitro model for human organ-to-organ interaction studies was realized by using spherical microtissues (MTs) cultured in a 96-well-format-based microfluidic platform. The model was validated by comparing the bio-activation effects of an anti-cancer pro-drug, cyclophosphamide (CPA), under static and perfusion conditions in a liver-tumor network. Primary human liver (hLi) MTs and human colon carcinoma (HCT116) MTs were fluidically interconnected for realizing a liver-tumor model in a physiological environment. Medium was perfused through microfluidic channels without tubing and pumps by using a gravity-driven flow concept

SLFN11 informs on standard of care and novel treatments in a wide range of cancer models.

Background Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) has been linked with response to DNA-damaging agents (DDA) and PARP inhibitors. An in-depth understanding of several aspects of its role as a biomarker in cancer is missing, as is a comprehensive analysis of the clinical significance of SLFN11 as a predictive biomarker to DDA and/or DNA damage-response inhibitor (DDRi) therapies.Methods We used a multidisciplinary effort combining specific immunohistochemistry, pharmacology tests, anticancer combination therapies and mechanistic studies to assess SLFN11 as a potential biomarker for stratification of patients treated with several DDA and/or DDRi in the preclinical and clinical setting.Results SLFN11 protein associated with both preclinical and patient treatment response to DDA, but not to non-DDA or DDRi therapies, such as WEE1 inhibitor or olaparib in breast cancer. SLFN11-low/absent cancers were identified across different tumour types tested. Combinations of DDA with DDRi targeting the replication-stress response (ATR, CHK1 and WEE1) could re-sensitise SLFN11-absent/low cancer models to the DDA treatment and were effective in upper gastrointestinal and genitourinary malignancies.Conclusion SLFN11 informs on the standard of care chemotherapy based on DDA and the effect of selected combinations with ATR, WEE1 or CHK1 inhibitor in a wide range of cancer types and models