Electromagnetic Device Optimization with Stochastic Methods

none1Device optimization using metaheuristic methods has been successfully applied to electromagnetic devices since their development in the early 1980s. Some recent examples of the application of metaheuristics in electromagnetic device design include, among others, genetic algorithms [Zaoui2007], evolution strategies [Coelho2007], Tabu search [Cogotti2000], artificial immune systems [Campelo2006], particle swarm optimization (PSO) [Ciuprina2002]. In this chapter the author summarizes some of his experiences in the use of two stochastic optimization techniques which are very suitable to typical electromagnetic devices and systems. First the algorithms are briefly introduced and then their application to typical challenging problems, including Polymer Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC), high- field-uniformity solenoids and Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) systems, is presented.noneP. AlottoAlotto, Piergiorgi

A Second-Order Cell Method for Poisson's Equation

The Cell Method, similar to the Finite Integration Technique, is a well-established numerical method for the solution of field problems, however an often raised criticism is that it is limited to constant fields within elements. In this paper we show that for the case of Poisson’s equation the Cell Method can be extended to the second order convergence. Numerical results showing the order of convergence of the method are presented

Dual-PEEC Modeling of a Two-Port TEM Cell for VHF Applications

Two-port TEM cells with rectangular cross section are commonly used to produce plane electromagnetic waves with high electric field. The non-uniform structure makes the use of numerical methods extremely useful in the design phase in order to achieve a very good behavior of the TEM cell over a wide frequency range of operation. In this paper an extended version of PEEC is used to study a real device and results are compared with experimental ones

A validated dynamical model of a kW-class Vanadium Redox Flow Battery

The development of redox flow batteries depends on the research on new materials as well as on the technological development, but also on appropriate models which allow to simulate their performance in operative conditions. Very few investigations are reported in the literature concerning the technology, modeling and simulation of large-scale Vanadium Redox Flow Battery systems, built around multi-cell stacks. This paper regards the modeling of an industrial-sized 9 kW test facility. In particular, a complete dynamic model is presented, that takes into account all thermal effects occurring inside the stack, resulting in a complex non-linear coupled formulation, that allows to simulate the battery operation in any realistic conditions. The model is able to simulate the thermal behavior both in standby, i.e. without power and reactant flow, as well as in load operation, i.e. in charge and discharge. The numerical implementation of the model is described in detail. The model validation is also described, consisting in comparing computed data with experimental measurements taken on the available test facility

Uncertainty Quantification for SAE J2954 Compliant Static Wireless Charge Components

The present work aims at quantifying how, and how much, the uncertainties on the components and material parameters of a wireless power transfer (WPT) system for the static charge of electric vehicles affect the overall efficiency and functionality of the final produced device. With the aim of considering the perspective of a possible industrial developer, the parameters selected for the uncertainty quantification are chosen to be the capacitance values of the compensation capacitors and the electromagnetic material parameters used for the construction of the magnetic structure of a WPT system, i.e. the parameters of the elements to be purchased. The analysis is based on a standard system among the ones provided by the current SAE J2954 recommended practice

Magnetic loss analysis in coaxial magnetic gears

This paper proposes a procedure for computing magnetic losses in coaxial magnetic gears. These magnetic structures are made of permanent magnets and ferromagnetic poles in relative motion transferring torque between two shafts in a contactless way. The loss computation in magnetic materials is crucial to define the system performance. The flux distribution inside the iron parts is computed by means of the finite element method and a model of iron losses taking into account the rotational nature of the flux loci is applied. The procedure highlights where the major loss sources are present and gives the opportunity to evaluate some corrective measures to reduce their effects. Particular attention is devoted to the 2D modeling in presence of permanent magnets segmentatio

Glycerol treatment as recovery procedure for cryopreserved human skin allografts positive for bacteria and fungi

Human donor skin allografts are suitable and much used temporary biological (burn) wound dressings. They prepare the excised wound bed for final autografting and form an excellent substrate for revascularisation and for the formation of granulation tissue. Two preservation methods, glycerol preservation and cryopreservation, are commonly used by tissue banks for the long-term storage of skin grafts. The burn surgeons of the Queen Astrid Military Hospital preferentially use partly viable cryopreserved skin allografts. After mandatory 14-day bacterial and mycological culture, however, approximately 15% of the cryopreserved skin allografts cannot be released from quarantine because of positive culture. To maximize the use of our scarce and precious donor skin, we developed a glycerolisation-based recovery method for these culture positive cryopreserved allografts. The inactivation and preservation method, described in this paper, allowed for an efficient inactivation of the colonising bacteria and fungi, with the exception of spore-formers, and did not influence the structural and functional aspects of the skin allografts

Systems of Differential Algebraic Equations in Computational Electromagnetics

Starting from space-discretisation of Maxwell's equations, various classical formulations are proposed for the simulation of electromagnetic fields. They differ in the phenomena considered as well as in the variables chosen for discretisation. This contribution presents a literature survey of the most common approximations and formulations with a focus on their structural properties. The differential-algebraic character is discussed and quantified by the differential index concept

Activin A Induces Langerhans Cell Differentiation In Vitro and in Human Skin Explants

Langerhans cells (LC) represent a well characterized subset of dendritic cells located in the epidermis of skin and mucosae. In vivo, they originate from resident and blood-borne precursors in the presence of keratinocyte-derived TGFβ. Ιn vitro, LC can be generated from monocytes in the presence of GM-CSF, IL-4 and TGFβ. However, the signals that induce LC during an inflammatory reaction are not fully investigated. Here we report that Activin A, a TGFβ family member induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines and involved in skin morphogenesis and wound healing, induces the differentiation of human monocytes into LC in the absence of TGFβ. Activin A-induced LC are Langerin+, Birbeck granules+, E-cadherin+, CLA+ and CCR6+ and possess typical APC functions. In human skin explants, intradermal injection of Activin A increased the number of CD1a+ and Langerin+ cells in both the epidermis and dermis by promoting the differentiation of resident precursor cells. High levels of Activin A were present in the upper epidermal layers and in the dermis of Lichen Planus biopsies in association with a marked infiltration of CD1a+ and Langerin+ cells. This study reports that Activin A induces the differentiation of circulating CD14+ cells into LC. Since Activin A is abundantly produced during inflammatory conditions which are also characterized by increased numbers of LC, we propose that this cytokine represents a new pathway, alternative to TGFβ, responsible for LC differentiation during inflammatory/autoimmune conditions