Alleviation of unbalanced rotor loads by single blade controllers

A novel approach to reducing the unbalance rotor loads by pitch control is presented in this paper. Each blade has its own actuator, sensors and controller. These localised blade control systems operate in isolation without need of communication with each other. This single blade control approach to regulation of unbalanced rotor loads has several advantages including being straightforward to design and easy to tune. Furthermore, it does not affect the operation of the central controller and the latter need not be re-designed when used in conjunction with the single blade controllers. Their performance is assessed using BLADED simulations

A novel approach to structural load control using intelligent actuators

The recent trend towards large multi-MW wind turbines resulted in the role of the control system becoming increasingly important. The extension of the role of the controller to alleviate structural loads has motivated the exploration of novel control strategies, which seek to maximise load reduction by exploiting the blade pitch system. The reduction of blade fatigue loads through individual blade pitch control is one of the examples. A novel approach to reduction of the unbalanced rotor loads by pitch control is presented in this paper. Each blade is equipped with its own actuator,sensors and controller. These local blade control loops operate in isolation without a need of communication with each other. The single blade control approach to regulation of unbalanced rotor loads presented in this paper has an important advantage of being relatively easy to design and tune. Furthermore, it does not affect the operation of the central controller and the latter need not be re-designed when used in conjunction with the single blade controllers. Their performance is assessed using BLADED simulations

Reduction of late stillbirth with the introduction of fetal movement information and guidelines – a clinical quality improvement

We have performed a full cross-validation of this clinical Femina data collection against the routinely collected data of the Medical Birth Registry of Norway to validate the estimates of reduced mortality in the total population. The original estimate of fewer deaths during the intervention with OR 0.7 remains virtually unchanged for the original data collection

Uncharted Territory: Choosing An Effective Approach in Transgender-Based Asylum Claims

This Article focuses on individuals who believe that they are born with the wrong anatomical sex and who suffer persecution as a result of their transgender identity. The Article discusses existing precedent in the context of transgender asylum seekers and suggests possible theories for framing successful transgender asylum claims

The effectiveness of a multidisciplinary frailty team in reducing anticholinergic burden in frail older patients

Increasing evidence suggests drugs known to have anticholinergic properties are an important safety concern in frail older patients and are known to cause cognitive and physical impairment.1,2,3 Prevalent medications such as antimuscarinics, psychotropic drugs and antihistamines amongst others have been demonstrated to possess anticholinergic activity.4 These drugs are commonly used for conditions such as urinary incontinence, behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and vertigo. Anticholinergic agents block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the peripheral and central nervous systems, resulting in inhibition of parasympathetic nerve impulses causing delirium, constipation, dry mouth and agitation.5 Although useful in conditions such as those highlighted above, adverse outcomes such as falls, cognitive decline, delirium and increased mortality are frequently overlooked and underestimated by prescribers.6 Unwanted anticholinergic activity is often referred to as ‘burden’ and interventions to reduce this burden may provide benefit. <br