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At least 829 records · Page 46

Connected Vehicle-Based Traffic Signal Coordination

This study presents a connected vehicles (CVs)-based traffic signal optimization framework for a coordinated arterial corridor. The signal optimization and coordination problem are first formulated in a centralized scheme as a mixed-integer nonlinear program (MINLP). The optimal phase durations and offsets are solved together by minimizing fuel consumption and travel time considering an individual vehicle’s trajectories. Due to the complexity of the model, we decompose the problem into two levels: an intersection level to optimize phase durations using dynamic programming (DP), and a corridor level to optimize the offsets of all intersections. In order to solve the two-level model, a prediction-based solution technique is developed. The proposed models are tested using traffic simulation under various scenarios. Compared with the traditional actuated signal timing and coordination plan, the signal timing plans generated by solving the MINLP and the two-level model can reasonably improve the signal control performance. When considering varies vehicle types under high demand levels, the proposed two-level model reduced the total system cost by 3.8% comparing to baseline actuated plan. MINLP reduced the system cost by 5.9%. It also suggested that coordination scheme was beneficial to corridors with relatively high demand levels. For intersections with major and minor street, coordination conducted for major street had little impacts on the vehicles at the minor street.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Investigation on the use of optimization techniques for helicopter airframe vibrations design studies

Results of the investigation of formal nonlinear programming-based numerical optimization techniques of helicopter airframe vibration reduction are summarized. The objective and constraint function and the sensitivity expressions used in the formulation of airframe vibration optimization problems are presented and discussed. Implementation of a new computational procedure based on MSC/NASTRAN and CONMIN in a computer program system called DYNOPT for optimizing airframes subject to strength, frequency, dynamic response, and dynamic stress constraints is described. An optimization methodology is proposed which is thought to provide a new way of applying formal optimization techniques during the various phases of the airframe design process. Numerical results obtained from the application of the DYNOPT optimization code to a helicopter airframe are discussed.

Sreekanta Murthy, T.↗

Automated design and optimization of flexible booster autopilots via linear programming, volume 1

A nonlinear programming technique was developed for the automated design and optimization of autopilots for large flexible launch vehicles. This technique, which resulted in the COEBRA program, uses the iterative application of linear programming. The method deals directly with the three main requirements of booster autopilot design: to provide (1) good response to guidance commands; (2) response to external disturbances (e.g. wind) to minimize structural bending moment loads and trajectory dispersions; and (3) stability with specified tolerances on the vehicle and flight control system parameters. The method is applicable to very high order systems (30th and greater per flight condition). Examples are provided that demonstrate the successful application of the employed algorithm to the design of autopilots for both single and multiple flight conditions.

Hauser, F. D.↗

Second-Order-Potential Analysis and Optimization

Optimum camber designed for supersonic and hypersonic vehicles. Second Order Potential Analysis and Optimization (SOPA) package set of computer programs used to predict aerodynamic characteristics and design optimum camber for both supersonic and hypersonic vehicles. Analysis program incorporates second-order-potential, small-disturbance theory for analysis of wing/body configurations. Optimization program uses analysis results to generate optimum camber, twist, or flap deflections by minimizing zero suction drag. SOPA written in FORTRAN V for batch execution.

Clever, W. C.↗

Retargetable Optimizing Compilers for Quantum Accelerators via a Multi-Level Intermediate Representation

In this work, we present a multi-level quantum-classical intermediate representation (IR) that enables an optimizing, retargetable compiler for available quantum languages. Our work builds upon the Multi-level Intermediate Representation (MLIR) framework and leverages its unique progressive lowering capabilities to map quantum languages to the LLVM machine-level IR. We provide both quantum and classical optimizations via the MLIR pattern rewriting sub-system and standard LLVM optimization passes, and demonstrate the programmability, compilation, and execution of our approach via standard benchmarks and test cases. In comparison to other standalone language and compiler efforts available today, our work results in compile times that are 1000x faster than standard Pythonic approaches, and 5-10x faster than comparative standalone quantum language compilers. Our compiler provides quantum resource optimizations via standard programming patterns that result in a 10x reduction in entangling operations, a common source of program noise. We see this work as a vehicle for rapid quantum compiler prototyping.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Application of mathematical optimization procedures to a structural model of a large finite-element wing

An optimization system is described that consists of the finite-element analysis program known as Engineering Analysis Language (EAL), the CONMIN optimization program, and a piecewise linear analysis. The optimization analysis system (OPTEAL) is used to minimize the mass of a transport wing subject to stress constraints for two static load conditions. The optimization procedure and the optimization analysis system (OPTEAL) are described and the optiomized results with fully stressed design results compared.

Walsh, J. L.↗

Optimum Multi-Impulse Rendezvous Program

OMIRPROGRAM determines optimal n-impulse rendezvous trajectories under the restrictions of two-body motion in free space. Lawden's primer vector theory is applied to determine optimum number of midcourse impulse applications. Global optimality is not guaranteed.

Glandorf, D. R.↗

Direct Multiple Shooting Optimization with Variable Problem Parameters

Taking advantage of a novel approach to the design of the orbital transfer optimization problem and advanced non-linear programming algorithms, several optimal transfer trajectories are found for problems with and without known analytic solutions. This method treats the fixed known gravitational constants as optimization variables in order to reduce the need for an advanced initial guess. Complex periodic orbits are targeted with very simple guesses and the ability to find optimal transfers in spite of these bad guesses is successfully demonstrated. Impulsive transfers are considered for orbits in both the 2-body frame as well as the circular restricted three-body problem (CRTBP). The results with this new approach demonstrate the potential for increasing robustness for all types of orbit transfer problems.

Whitley, Ryan J.↗

Advancement of the General Aviation Synthesis Program Using Python to Enable Optimization-Based Hybrid-Propulsion Aircraft Design

In support of the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstrator and Advanced Air Transport Technologies projects at NASA, a new tool has been developed at NASA’s Ames and Glenn Research Centers to enable coupled engine and airframe optimization and analysis. The new tool combines the engineering-level analysis methods and empirical models of the FORTRAN General Aviation Synthesis Program (GASP) with the Python-based OpenMDAO framework to provide a modular framework for efficient gradient-based optimization with the aim of incorporating new subsystem models for unconventional configurations. The tool has been verified against GASP analyses of several aircraft models and mission formulations. Preliminary efforts have been made to integrate pyCycle, a thermodynamic cycle analysis tool, to enable simultaneous optimization of hybrid propulsion system and vehicle parameters while taking full mission performance and constraints into account. This will improve current capabilities to assess impacts of electrified powertrain technologies on future aircraft designs.

Kenneth R. Lyons↗

Advancement of the General Aviation Synthesis Program Using Python to Enable Optimization-Based Hybrid-Propulsion Aircraft Design

In support of the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstrator and Advanced Air Transport Technologies projects at NASA, a new tool has been developed at NASA's Ames and Glenn Research Centers to enable coupled engine and airframe optimization and analysis. The new tool combines the engineering-level analysis methods and empirical models of the FORTRAN General Aviation Synthesis Program (GASP) with the Python-based OpenMDAO framework to provide a modular framework for efficient gradient-based optimization with the aim of incorporating new subsystem models for unconventional configurations. The tool has been verified against GASP analyses of several aircraft models and mission formulations. Preliminary efforts have been made to integrate pyCycle, a thermodynamic cycle analysis tool, to enable simultaneous optimization of hybrid propulsion system and vehicle parameters while taking full mission performance and constraints into account. This will improve current capabilities to assess impacts of electrified powertrain technologies on future aircraft designs.

Kenneth R Lyons↗

The Uniform Methods Project: Smart Thermostat Evaluation Protocol

A smart thermostat is an internet-connected device that controls home heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment and can automatically adjust temperature set points to optimize performance and achieve energy savings. Smart thermostat features often include two way communication, occupancy detection (such as geofencing and occupancy sensors), schedule learning, and seasonal optimization algorithms. Smart thermostats can control most conventional HVAC systems, including central air conditioners, heat pumps, and forced air furnaces. Several types of residential utility programs offer smart thermostats as replacements measures. Working with smart thermostat vendors, utilities can offer separate optimization programs to produce energy savings beyond those achieved by installing a smart thermostat. From an evaluation perspective, smart thermostat programs have several noteworthy features. First, the energy savings from a smart thermostat may change over the life of the device. As a smart thermostat is connected to the internet, original equipment manufacturers can update the thermostat software to improve the thermostat's energy efficiency. Likewise, users can adjust the thermostat settings and schedules over time in response to changes in weather, thermal comfort, energy prices, or preferences for energy efficiency. Additionally, many thermostat manufacturers offer seasonal optimization programs that recommend changes or make minor, automated adjustments to the thermostat settings to improve energy efficiency. These opt-in programs are now standard offerings for many smart thermostat manufacturers and provided at no additional cost to users. The potential for software updates and continuous optimization and the evolving nature of user interactions mean future energy savings may differ from first-year savings and the energy savings of smart thermostats may need to be evaluated more than once. Second, smart thermostats often have small unit energy savings relative to a home's total energy consumption, especially in comparison to whole- home retrofit programs. This can make it difficult to detect the smart thermostat savings in billing or advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) meter consumption data. For example, as cooling loads in many regions average about 20% of annual electricity consumption, smart thermostat savings of 10% of cooling energy use would equate to a 2% reduction in home electricity consumption. Evaluators should use regression analysis of whole-home billing consumption or advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) meter consumption data to evaluate smart thermostat savings because, as explained at greater length below , these data are usually available to evaluators and regression can control for the impacts of weather and other potentially confounding factors on a home's energy consumption. Finally, as with other energy efficiency programs, participation in smart thermostat programs is self-selective. As discussed at greater length below , smart thermostat participants tend to be, among other things, younger, higher-income, and more likely to adopt electric vehicles (EVs) and internet connected devices than nonparticipants. These differences are often unobservable to the evaluator and correlated with a home's energy consumption, creating the potential for bias in estimating savings. Due to the small unit savings of thermostats, errors and biases from self-selection that may not be very consequential when evaluating a whole- home retrofits (e.g., ±2% of home electricity consumption) can have a major impact when evaluating the savings and cost-effectiveness of smart thermostat programs. A percentage point change in the estimated savings could affect the cost-effectiveness of a program. This means it is important for evaluators to assess and to minimize the potential for error from selection bias in estimating smart thermostat program savings. The Uniform Methods Project provides model protocols for determining energy savings and demand reductions that result from specific energy efficiency measures implemented through state and utility programs. In most cases, the measure protocols are based on a particular option identified by the International Performance Verification and Measurement Protocol ; however, this work provides a more detailed approach to implementing that option. Each chapter is written by technical experts in collaboration with their peers, reviewed by industry experts, and subject to public review and comment. The UMP protocols can be used by utilities, program administrators, public utility commissions, evaluators, and other stakeholders for both program planning and evaluation.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Comparison of Optimal Energy Management Strategies Using Dynamic Programming, Model Predictive Control, and Constant Velocity Prediction

Due to the recent advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, future vehicle velocity predictions are becoming more robust which allows fuel economy (FE) improvements in hybrid electric vehicles through optimal energy management strategies (EMS). A realworld highway drive cycle (DC) and a controls-oriented 2017 Toyota Prius Prime model are used to study potential FE improvements. We proposed three important metrics for comparison: (1) perfect full drive cycle prediction using dynamic programming, (2) 10-second prediction horizon model predictive control (MPC), and (3) 10-second constant velocity prediction. These different velocity predictions are put into an optimal EMS derivation algorithm to derive optimal engine torque and engine speed. The results show that the constant velocity prediction algorithm outperformed the baseline control strategy but underperformed the MPC strategy with an average 1.58% and 2.45% of FE improvement with highway and city-highway DC. Also, using a 10-second prediction window MPC strategy provided FE improvement results close to the full drive cycle prediction case. MPC has the potential to achieve 60%-65% and 70% - 80% of global FE improvement over highway and city-highway DC respectively.

Patel, Amol Arvind↗

Comparison of Optimal Energy Management Strategies Using Dynamic Programming, Model Predictive Control, and Constant Velocity Prediction

Due to the recent advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, future vehicle velocity predictions are becoming more robust which allows fuel economy (FE) improvements in hybrid electric vehicles through optimal energy management strategies (EMS). A real- world highway drive cycle (DC) and a controls-oriented 2017 Toyota Prius Prime model are used to study potential FE improvements. We proposed three important metrics for comparison: (1) perfect full drive cycle prediction using dynamic programming, (2) 10-second prediction horizon model predictive control (MPC), and (3) 10-second constant velocity prediction. These different velocity predictions are put into an optimal EMS derivation algorithm to derive optimal engine torque and engine speed. The results show that the constant velocity prediction algorithm outperformed the baseline control strategy but underperformed the MPC strategy with an average 1.58% and 2.45% of FE improvement with highway and city-highway DC. Also, using a 10-second prediction window MPC strategy provided FE improvement results close to the full drive cycle prediction case. MPC has the potential to achieve 60%-65% and 70% - 80% of global FE improvement over highway and city-highway DC respectively.

Patel, Amol Arvind↗

MUPPET: An automated OpenMP mutation testing framework for performance optimization

MUPPET is a tool for OpenMP programs that identifies program modifications, called mutations, aimed at improving program performance. Existing performance optimization techniques, including profiling-based and auto-tuning techniques, fail to indicate program modifications at the source level thus preventing their portability across compilers. MUPPET aims to help HPC developers reason about performance defects and missed opportunities to improve performance at the source code level.

Parasyris, Konstantinos↗

Optimizing Distributed Photovoltaic System Set Points Under Uncertainty

We explore the potential for using dynamic programming (DP) and approximate dynamic programming (ADP) techniques to optimize the set points of distributed photovoltaic (DGPV) inverters under uncertainty about future DGPV deployment. We consider a case where a large (=1MW) system is installed first, and growth in deployment of small rooftop systems is anticipated, but uncertain. We find that for a real feeder (EPRI's J1 feeder), a significant reduction in the number and severity of voltage violations can be expected when DP or ADP is used compared to selecting set points based on the current conditions (the traditional myopic approach). Additionally, we find that using a simple ADP algorithm, sampled backward induction, is more than twice as fast as DP with similar outcomes.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Geometric programming design of spacecraft protective structures to defeat earth-orbital space debris

A unique methodology providing global optimization of spacecraft protective structures is presented. The Geometric Programming optimization technique, which has a long history of application to structural design problems, is employed to minimize spacecraft weight of protective structural systems exposed to meteoroid and space debris hypervelocity impacts. The space debris and meteoroid environment are defined followed by the formulation of the general weight objective function. The Wilkinson, Burch, and Nysmith hypervelocity impact predictor models are then used in example cases to display Geometric Programming capabilities. Results show that global nonlinear design optimization can be performed for hypervelocity impact models that follow the Geometric Programming form.

Mog, Robert A.↗