Robust integrated design of processes with terminal penalty model predictive controllers

[EN] In this work, a novel methodology for the Integrated Design (ID) of processes with linear Model Predictive Control (MPC) is addressed, providing simultaneously the plant dimensions, the control system parameters and a steady state working point. The MPC chosen operates over infinite horizon in order to guarantee stability and it is implemented with a terminal penalty. The ID methodology considers norm based indexes for controllability, as well as robust performance conditions by using a multi-model approach. Mathematically, the ID is stated as a multiobjective nonlinear constrained optimization problem, tackled in different ways. Particularly, objective functions include investment, operating costs, and dynamical indexes based on the weighted sum of some norms of different closed loop transfer functions of the system. The paper illustrates the application of the proposed methodology with the ID of the activated sludge process of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).[ES] Este trabajo aborda una nueva metodología para el Diseño Integrado (ID) de procesos con Control Predictivo Modelo (MPC) lineal, que proporciona simultáneamente las dimensiones de la planta, los parámetros del sistema de control y un punto de trabajo en estado estacionario. El MPC elegido opera sobre horizonte infinito para garantizar la estabilidad. La metodología de ID considera los índices basados en la norma para la controlabilidad, así como las robustas condiciones de rendimiento mediante el uso de un enfoque multi-modelo. Matemáticamente, la ID se declara como un problema de optimización no lineal multiobjetivo restringido, abordado de diferentes maneras. Particularmente, las funciones objetivas incluyen inversión, costos de operación e índices dinámicos basados en la suma ponderada de algunas normas de diferentes funciones de transferencia en bucle cerrado del sistema. El trabajo ilustra la aplicación de la metodología propuesta con el ID del proceso de lodos activados de una planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales (EDAR)

Model predictive control for the self-optimized operation in wastewater treatment plant : analysis of dynamic issues

[EN] This paper describes a procedure to find the best controlled variables in an economic sense for the activated sludge process in a wastewater treatment plant, despite the large load disturbances. A novel dynamic analysis of the closed loop control of these variables has been performed, considering a nonlinear model predictive controller (NMPC) and a particular distributed NMPC-PI control structure where the PI is devoted to control the process active constraints and the NMPC the self-optimizing variables. The well-known self-optimizing control methodology has been applied, considering the most important measurements of the process. This methodology provides the optimum combination of measurements to keep constant with minimum economic loss. In order to avoid non feasible dynamic operation, a preselection of the measurements has been performed, based on the nonlinear model of the process and evaluating the possibility of keeping their values constant in the presence of typical disturbances.[ES] Este trabajo describe un procedimiento eficiente para encontrar las mejores variables para el proceso de lodos activados en una planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales, a pesar de las grandes perturbaciones de carga. Se ha realizado un nuevo análisis dinámico del control en bucle cerrado de estas variables, considerando un controlador predictivo de modelo no lineal (NMPC) y una estructura de control NMPC-PI distribuida. Se ha aplicado la conocida metodología de control de auto-optimización, considerando las mediciones más importantes del proceso. Esta metodología proporciona la combinación óptima de mediciones para mantener constante con pérdidas económicas mínimas. Para evitar un funcionamiento dinámico no factible, se ha realizado una preselección de las mediciones, basándose en el modelo no lineal del proceso y evaluando la posibilidad de mantener constantes sus valores en presencia de perturbaciones típicas

Integrated design and control of chemical processes : Part II: an illustrative example

[EN] In this paper, the integrated design paradigm is illustrated with several examples taken from the wide range of methodologies developed in last decades and presented in the first article of this series [Part 1]. The techniques included here belong to the category of simultaneous design and control in an optimization framework, and they have been developed by the authors’ research group and applied to the simultaneous process and control system design of the activated sludge process in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). In the present article, new aspects and results of those methodologies are presented for further understanding. The scope of the problem considers both a fixed plant layout and the plant structure selection by defining a simple superstructure. The control strategy chosen is a linear Model Predictive Controller (MPC) with terminal penalty in order to guarantee stability. As for the evaluation of the controllability, norm based indexes have been considered, and a multi-model approach to represent the uncertainty and assure robustness. The formulation of the optimization problem can be stated either as a multiobjective one considering costs and controllability, or as monoobjective adding some controllability constraints. Several strategies for solving the optimization problem are presented, mixing stochastic and deterministic methods, and genetic algorithms.[ES] En este artículo, el paradigma de diseño integrado se ilustra con varios ejemplos tomados de la amplia gama de metodologías desarrolladas en las últimas décadas y presentadas en el primer artículo de esta serie. Las técnicas utilizadas pertenecen a la categoría de diseño y control simultáneo en un marco de optimización siendo desarrolladas por el grupo de investigación de los autores y aplicadas al diseño simultáneo de procesos y sistemas de control del proceso de lodos activados en una planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales. El alcance del problema considera tanto una disposición fija de la planta como la selección de la estructura de la planta definiendo una superestructura simple. La estrategia de control elegida es un controlador predictivo modelo lineal (MPC). En cuanto a la evaluación de la controlabilidad, se han considerado índices basados en normas, y un enfoque multi-modelo para representar la incertidumbre y asegurar robustez. La formulación del problema de optimización se puede plantear bien como un objetivo multiobjetivo que considera costos y controlabilidad, o como monoobjetivo que añade algunas restricciones de controlabilidad. Se presentan varias estrategias para resolver el problema de optimización, mezclando métodos estocásticos y determinísticos, y algoritmos genéticos

Integration of set point optimization techniques into nonlinear MPC for Improving the operation of WWTPs

[EN] Optimization and control strategies are necessary to keep wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) operating in the best possible conditions, maximizing effluent quality with the minimum consumption of energy. In this work, a benchmarking of different hierarchical control structures for WWTPs that combines static and dynamic Real Time Optimization (RTO) and non linear model predictive control (NMPC) is presented. The objective is to evaluate the enhancement of the operation in terms of economics and effluent quality that can be achieved when introducing NMPC technologies in the distinct levels of the multilayer structure. Three multilayer hierarchical structures are evaluated and compared for the N-Removal process considering the short term and long term operation in a rain weather scenario. A reduction in the operation costs of approximately 20% with a satisfactory compromise to Effluent Quality is achieved with the application of these control scheme.[ES] Las estrategias de optimización y control son necesarias para que las plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales funcionen en las mejores condiciones posibles, maximizando la calidad de los efluentes con el mínimo consumo de energía. En este trabajo, se presenta un benchmarking de diferentes estructuras de control jerárquico para WWTP que combina Optimización en tiempo real estática y dinámica (RTO) y control predictivo modelo no lineal (NMPC). El objetivo es evaluar la mejora de la operación en términos de economía y calidad del efluente que se puede lograr al introducir las tecnologías NMPC en los distintos niveles de la estructura multicapa. Se evalúan y comparan tres estructuras jerárquicas multicapa para el proceso considerando la operación a corto y largo plazo en un escenario de lluvia. Con la aplicación de este esquema de control se logra una reducción de los costos de operación de aproximadamente el 20% con un compromiso satisfactorio a la calidad del efluente

Integrated design and control of chemical processes : part I : revision and clasification

[EN] This work presents a comprehensive classification of the different methods and procedures for integrated synthesis, design and control of chemical processes, based on a wide revision of recent literature. This classification fundamentally differentiates between “projecting methods”, where controllability is monitored during the process design to predict the trade-offs between design and control, and the “integrated-optimization methods” which solve the process design and the control-systems design at once within an optimization framework. The latter are revised categorizing them according to the methods to evaluate controllability and other related properties, the scope of the design problem, the treatment of uncertainties and perturbations, and finally, the type the optimization problem formulation and the methods for its resolution.[ES] Este trabajo presenta una clasificación integral de los diferentes métodos y procedimientos para la síntesis integrada, diseño y control de procesos químicos. Esta clasificación distingue fundamentalmente entre los "métodos de proyección", donde se controla la controlabilidad durante el diseño del proceso para predecir los compromisos entre diseño y control, y los "métodos de optimización integrada" que resuelven el diseño del proceso y el diseño de los sistemas de control a la vez dentro de un marco de optimización. Estos últimos se revisan clasificándolos según los métodos para evaluar la controlabilidad y otras propiedades relacionadas, el alcance del problema de diseño, el tratamiento de las incertidumbres y las perturbaciones y, finalmente, el tipo de la formulación del problema de optimización y los métodos para su resolución

People detection and stereoscopic analysis using MAS

This paper presents a multiagent system that can process stereoscopic images and detect people with a stereo camera. In the first of two phases, the system creates a model of the environment using a disparity map. It can be constructed in real time, even if there are moving objects present in the area (such as people passing by). In the second phase, the system is able to detect people by combining a series of novel techniques. A multi-agent system (MAS) is used to deal with the problem. The system is based on cooperative and distributed mechanisms and was tested under different conditions and environments

Verificación en dos pasos en el proceso enseñanza/aprendizaje

Al igual que en otros sectores, en el proceso de enseñanza/aprendizaje existe la necesidad de mantener protegida las cuentas de usuario y el acceso a diferentes servicios de la comunidad universitaria: correo electrónico, repositorios en la nube como Drive o Dropbox dónde el profesor almacena el material de trabajo y exámenes y los alumnos sus trabajos, listado de todos los alumnos, las plataforma de formación, servicio de grabar el resultado de las evaluaciones, datos personales del trabajador y estudiante en el centro educativo, etc. La forma de conseguir esa seguridad en los servicios on-line es identificando o validando la identidad del usuario a través de diferentes métodos. Actualmente no es suficiente un único método y se recurre al uso de un segundo factor de autenticación, bien sea en formato software o hardware. Presentamos el estudio realizado en la Universidad de Salamanca y planteamos diferentes propuestas de segundo factor de autenticación, analizando ventajas e inconvenientes de cada una de ellas

Diseño e implementación de una herramienta en Studium para evitar los plagios en asignaturas de Ingeniería

Memoria ID-0076. Ayudas de la Universidad de Salamanca para la innovación docente, curso 2017-2018

Sistema inmersivo para la tutorización virtual con Oculus Go

Memoria ID-080. Ayudas de la Universidad de Salamanca para la innovación docente, curso 2018-2019

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London