Successfully classroom-tested at the graduate level, Linear Control Theory: Structure, Robustness, and Optimization covers three major areas of control engineering (PID control, robust control, and optimal control). It provides balanced coverage of elegant mathematical theory and useful engineering-oriented results.

The first part of the book develops results relating to the design of PID and first-order controllers for continuous and discrete-time linear systems with possible delays. The second section deals with the robust stability and performance of systems under parametric and unstructured uncertainty. This section describes several elegant and sharp results, such as Kharitonov's theorem and its extensions, the edge theorem, and the mapping theorem. Focusing on the optimal control of linear systems, the third part discusses the standard theories of the linear quadratic regulator, Hinfinity and l1 optimal control, and associated results.

Written by recognized leaders in the field, this book explains how control theory can be applied to the design of real-world systems. It shows that the techniques of three term controllers, along with the results on robust and optimal control, are invaluable to developing and solving research problems in many areas of engineering.

Smart distribution networks are one of the key research topics of countries looking to modernise electric power networks. Smart Electricity Distributions Networks aims to provide a basic discussion of the smart distribution concept and new technologies related to it, including distributed energy resources (DERs), demand side integration, microgrids, CELL and virtual power plants. With writing from leading contributors in the field of smart distribution networks, this volume discusses different concepts within the field as well as the best methods to analyse smart distribution systems to provide a cohesive overview of issues relating to Smart Grid and related technologies. This book will be valuable to those with an interest in understanding the technologies and performance of smart distribution networks as well as engaging with the wider debate over the future Smart Grid.

High-frequency switching power semiconductor devices are at the heart of power electronic converters. To date, these devices have been dominated by the well-established silicon (Si) technology. However, their intrinsic physical limits are becoming a barrier to achieving higher performance power conversion. Wide Bandgap (WBG) semiconductor devices offer the potential for higher efficiency, smaller size, lighter weight, and/or longer lifetime. Applications in power grid electronics as well as in electromobility are on the rise, but a number of technological bottle-necks need to be overcome if applications are to become more widespread - particularly packaging. This book describes the development of advanced multi-chip packaging solutions for novel WBG semiconductors, specifically silicon carbide (SiC) power MOSFETs. Coverage includes an introduction; multi-chip power modules; module design and transfer to SiC technology; electrothermal, thermo-mechanical, statistical and electromagnetic aspects of optimum module design; high temperature capable SiC power modules; validation technologies; degradation monitoring; and emerging packaging technologies. The book is a valuable reference for researchers and experts in academia and industry.

This thesis describes the working design principles of triboelectric mechanism-based devices. It presents an extensive study undertaken to explain the effect of surface topographies on the performance of triboelectric nanogenerators. It demonstrates the application of triboelectric mechanisms in the area of physical sensing such as force sensing and pressure sensing. It also discusses the major fabrication methods/techniques that can be used to realize these devices. It is a valuable reference resource for graduate students, researchers and scientists interested in exploring the potential of triboelectric mechanisms for energy harvesting and other applications.

This landmark study is the result of a collaborative research effort among the East-West Center and a group of institutions in China (Taipei), Japan, and Korea, in consultation with experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Electric Power Research Institute of California. The first project of its kind to mobilize senior power experts in the three major countries of Northeast Asia for cooperative electric future assessment, Electricity in Economic Development highlights the critical role of the electric power sector in influencing a nation's future industrial development and its energy supply-demand pattern in the post-oil-crisis era.

The book gives a comprehensive overview of technologies for decentralised power generation (DG technologies), including those based on both renewable energy sources (RES), and on combined heat and power (CHP) technologies, and of relevant policies of the EU and its Member States. Special attention is paid to barriers to implementation and success factors that were drawn from 24 case studies carried out throughout the EU. Furthermore, the book offers policy recommendations regarding how to move towards a level playing field for DG technologies. Additionally, the analysis is founded on the results of a study for future developments in European DG technologies and likely scenarios for the role of DG in the future.

Climate change, energy production and consumption, and the need to improve the sustainability of all aspects of human activity are key inter-related issues for which solutions must be found and implemented quickly and efficiently. To be successfully implemented, solutions must recognize the rapidly changing socio-techno-political environment and multi-dimensional constraints presented by today's interconnected world. As part of this global effort, considerations of climate change impacts, energy demands, and incorporation of sustainability concepts have increasing importance in the design, construction, and maintenance of highway and airport pavement systems. To prepare the human capacity to develop and implement these solutions, many educators, policy-makers and practitioners have stressed the paramount importance of formally incorporating sustainability concepts in the civil engineering curriculum to educate and train future civil engineers well-equipped to address our current and future sustainability challenges. This book will prove a valuable resource in the hands of researchers, educators and future engineering leaders, most of whom will be working in multidisciplinary environments to address a host of next-generation sustainable transportation infrastructure challenges. "This book proposes a broad detailed overview of the actual scientific knowledge about pavements linked to climate change, energy and sustainability at the international level in an original multidimensional/multi-effects way. By the end, the reader will be aware of the whole global issues to care about for various pavement technical features around the world, among which the implications of modelling including data collection, challenging resources saving and infrastructures services optimisation. This is a complete and varied work, rare in the domain." Dr. Agnes Jullien Research Director Director of Environmental, Development, Safety and Eco-Design Laboratory (EASE) Department of Development, Mobility and Environment Ifsttar Centre de Nantes Cedex- France "An excellent compilation of latest developments in the field of sustainable pavements. The chapter topics have been carefully chosen and are very well-organized with the intention of equipping the reader with the state-of-the-art knowledge on all aspects of pavement sustainability. Topics covered include pavement Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), pervious pavements, cool pavements, photocatalytic pavements, energy harvesting pavements, etc. which will all be of significant interest to students, researchers, and practitioners of pavement engineering. This book will no doubt serve as an excellent reference on the topic of sustainable pavements." Dr. Wei-Hsing Huang Editor-in-Chief of International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology (IJPRT) and Professor of Civil Engineering National Central University Taiwan

Neural networks and neural dynamics are powerful approaches for the online solution of mathematical problems arising in many areas of science, engineering, and business. Compared with conventional gradient neural networks that only deal with static problems of constant coefficient matrices and vectors, the authors’ new method called zeroing dynamics solves time-varying problems. Zeroing Dynamics, Gradient Dynamics, and Newton Iterations is the first book that shows how to accurately and efficiently solve time-varying problems in real-time or online using continuous- or discrete-time zeroing dynamics. The book brings together research in the developing fields of neural networks, neural dynamics, computer mathematics, numerical algorithms, time-varying computation and optimization, simulation and modeling, analog and digital hardware, and fractals. The authors provide a comprehensive treatment of the theory of both static and dynamic neural networks. Readers will discover how novel theoretical results have been successfully applied to many practical problems. The authors develop, analyze, model, simulate, and compare zeroing dynamics models for the online solution of numerous time-varying problems, such as root finding, nonlinear equation solving, matrix inversion, matrix square root finding, quadratic optimization, and inequality solving.

Human reliability, error, and human factors in the area of power generation have been receiving increasing attention in recent years. Each year billions of dollars are spent in the area of power generation to design, construct/manufacture, operate, and maintain various types of power systems around the globe, and such systems often fail due to human error. This book compiles various recent results and data into one volume, and eliminates the need to consult many diverse sources to obtain vital information. It enables potential readers to delve deeper into a specific area, providing the source of most of the material presented in references at the end of each chapter. Examples along with solutions are also provided at appropriate places, and there are numerous problems for testing the reader's comprehension.

Chapters cover a broad range of topics, including general methods for performing human reliability and error analysis in power plants, specific human reliability analysis methods for nuclear power plants, human factors in control systems, and human error in power plant maintenance. They are written in such a manner that the potential reader requires no previous knowledge to understand their contents. "Human Reliability, Error, and Human Factors in Power Generation" will prove useful to many individuals, including engineering professionals working in the power generation industry, researchers, instructors, and undergraduate and graduate students in the field of power engineering.

Introduction to Fuzzy Systems provides students with a self-contained introduction that requires no preliminary knowledge of fuzzy mathematics and fuzzy control systems theory. Simplified and readily accessible, it encourages both classroom and self-directed learners to build a solid foundation in fuzzy systems. After introducing the subject, the authors move directly into presenting real-world applications of fuzzy logic, revealing its practical flavor. This practicality is then followed by basic fuzzy systems theory. The book also offers a tutorial on fuzzy control theory, based mainly on the well-known classical Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controllers theory and design methods. In particular, the text discusses fuzzy PID controllers in detail, including a description of the new notion of generalized verb-based fuzzy-logic control theory. Introduction to Fuzzy Systems is primarily designed to provide training for systems and control majors, both senior undergraduate and first year graduate students, to acquaint them with the fundamental mathematical theory and design methodology required to understand and utilize fuzzy control systems.

This work tackles the problems of understanding how energy is transmitted and distributed in power-grids as well as in determining how robust this transmission and distribution is when modifications to the grid or power occur. The most important outcome is the derivation of explicit relationships between the structure of the grid, the optimal transmission and distribution of energy, and the grid's collective behavior (namely, the synchronous generation of power). These relationships are extremely relevant for the design of resilient power-grid models. To allow the reader to apply these results to other complex systems, the thesis includes a review of relevant aspects of network theory, spectral theory, and novel analytical calculations to predict the existence and stability of periodic collective behavior in complex networks of phase oscillators, which constitute a paradigmatic model for many complex systems.

A translation of a successful Russian monograph, this is the first book dealing comprehensively and on a scientific level with the insulation of high-voltage electrophysical systems. Prof. Ushakov is a respected authority in this field.

This book is a step-by-step tutorial on how to design a low-power, high-resolution (not less than 12 bit), and high-speed (not less than 200 MSps) integrated CMOS analog-to-digital (AD) converter, to respond to the challenge from the rapid growth of IoT. The discussion includes design techniques on both the system level and the circuit block level. In the architecture level, the power-efficient pipelined AD converter, the hybrid AD converter and the time-interleaved AD converter are described. In the circuit block level, the reference voltage buffer, the opamp, the comparator, and the calibration are presented. Readers designing low-power and high-performance AD converters won't want to miss this invaluable reference. Provides an in-depth introduction to the newest design techniques for the power-efficient, high-resolution (not less than 12 bit), and high-speed (not less than 200 MSps) AD converter; Presents three types of power-efficient architectures of the high-resolution and high-speed AD converter; Discusses the relevant circuit blocks (i.e., the reference voltage buffer, the opamp, and the comparator) in two aspects, relaxing the requirements and improving the performance.

The problem of storing hydrogen safely and effectively is one of the major technological barriers currently preventing the widespread adoption of hydrogen as an energy carrier and the subsequent transition to a so-called hydrogen economy. Practical issues with the storage of hydrogen in both gas and liquid form appear to make reversible solid state hydrogen storage the most promising potential solution. "Hydrogen Storage Materials" addresses the characterisation of the hydrogen storage properties of the materials that are currently being considered for this purpose.

The background to the topic is introduced, along with the various types of materials that are currently under investigation, including nanostructured interstitial and complex hydrides, and porous materials, such as metal-organic frameworks and microporous organic polymers. The main features of "Hydrogen Storage Materials" include: an overview of the different types of hydrogen storage materials and the properties that are of interest for their practical use;descriptions of the gas sorption measurement methods used to determine these properties, and the complementary techniques that can be used to help corroborate hydrogen uptake data; andextensive coverage of the practical considerations for accurate hydrogen sorption measurement that drive both instrument design and the development of experimental methodology.

"Hydrogen Storage Materials" provides an up-to-date overview of the topic for experienced researchers, while including enough introductory material to serve as a useful, practical introduction for newcomers to the field.

This book presents a universal mass-production micro/nano integrated fabrication technology, which can be used to realize micro/nano hierarchical structures on Si-based materials and flexible polymeric materials. This fabrication technology has been systematically investigated by using experimental measurements, mechanism analyses, theoretical simulations and so on. Three common materials (i.e., silicon, PDMS and Parylene-C) with micro/nano hierarchical structures have been successfully fabricated, which also show several attractive properties. Furthermore, this book introduces this fabrication technology into microenergy field, and proposes several high-performance nanogenerators, of which practical applications have also been studied in commercial electronic device and biomedical microsystem.

This book treats the problem of transient hydraulic computation, for hydroelectric plants and pumping stations, with an emphasis on numerical methods. The topics covered include: the waterhammer in hydraulic systems under pressure; experimental results concerning the waterhammer; protection of pumping stations with reference to the waterhammer; hydraulic resonance in hydroelectric power plant and pumping stations; mass oscillation in hydraulic surge systems; hydraulic stability of systems endowed with surge tanks; experimental results in the study of mass oscillations; hydroelectric power plants and pumping stations designed in complex hydraulic schemes; and computation of unsteady motions in the intermediate domain between rapid and slow motions. This book is not a standard monograph based on previously published material, but is primarily grounded on the theoretical and applied results obtained by authors during more than 20 years of practice. It considers the problems of hydraulic computation as encountered in the design of a significant number of hydroelectric power plants and pumping stations in Romania.

This practical reference evaluates the performance, safety, and efficiency of a power delivery system-emphasizing the use and interpretation of computational data to assess system operating limits, load level increases, equipment failure, and mitigating procedures through computer-aided analysis to maximize cost-effectiveness. Containing more than 600 references, tables, figures, and equations, this indispensable reference is essential reading for electrical and electronics, industrial, transmission, distribution, power, and energy engineers and technicians, and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines.

This book provides a thorough overview of cutting-edge research on electronics applications relevant to industry, the environment, and society at large. It covers a broad spectrum of application domains, from automotive to space and from health to security, while devoting special attention to the use of embedded devices and sensors for imaging, communication and control. The book is based on the 2015 ApplePies Conference, held in Rome, which brought together researchers and stakeholders to consider the most significant current trends in the field of applied electronics and to debate visions for the future. Areas addressed by the conference included information communication technology; biotechnology and biomedical imaging; space; secure, clean and efficient energy; the environment; and smart, green and integrated transport. As electronics technology continues to develop apace, constantly meeting previously unthinkable targets, further attention needs to be directed toward the electronics applications and the development of systems that facilitate human activities. This book, written by industrial and academic professionals, represents a valuable contribution in this endeavor.

This book is the first of its kind to provide a comprehensive framework for connecting wind farms to weak power grids using High Voltage DC technology. Most onshore wind energy potential is located in areas that are hardly inhabited and the majority of wind energy that is being harnessed by European countries is currently offshore, both sourced from locations that lack the presence of a strong power grid. This book focuses on the many challenges the wind farm industry faces integrating both onshore and offshore wind to 'weak' grids using HVDC technology. Through case studies and illustrative examples the author presents a framework for theoretical and mathematical analysis of HVDC technology, its application and successful integration of onshore and offshore wind farms. Presents a unified approach for integrating onshore and offshore wind energy to existing AC systems through MTDC grids; Includes an extensive treatment of onshore wind farms connected to LCC HVDC systems; Provides a comprehensive analysis of offshore wind farms connected to VSC HVDC systems.

This book aims to describe the mechanisms of the internal wholesale electricity market in terms of the legal tools and practices used by electricity producers, the most important market participants. In this regard, the focus is on Northwestern Europe. Because of the book's functional perspective, it is not limited to the external regulation of electricity markets at the EU level and also describes the business models and practices employed by electricity producers. Both the physical and financial marketplaces are examined and topics including electricity supply, balancing, transmission and derivatives are covered. The target for the completion of the EU's internal electricity market was 2014. The internal wholesale electricity market is very important not only for electricity producers, suppliers and major end consumers but also for network operators, marketplace operators, electricity technology firms, investment firms and market regulators.

Arising from an international workshop, these papers discuss aspects of wind turbines and the landscape. Topics: Harmonization of wind turbines with landscape; Visual and audio impact of wind turbines; Interference with telecommunication; Impact of wind turbines on birds; Real experiences in different countries; Offshore wind farms; Wind turbines in coastal and mountainous areas; Wind turbines, thunderstorms and lightning; Economic and social impact of wind turbines; Insurance policies regarding wind turbines; Greater public acceptance of wind turbines.

The electromechanical systems employed in different branches of industry are utilized most often as drives of working machines which must be fed with electric energy in a continuous, periodic or even discrete way. Some of these machines operate at constant speed, others require wide and varying energy control. In many designs the synchronous cooperation of several electric drives is required in addition to the desired dynamic properties. For these reasons the control of the cooperation and dynamics of electromechanical systems requires the use of computers.
This book adopts an unusual approach to the subject in that it treats the electric drive system on the one hand as an element of a control system and on the other as an element of a complex automatic system. These two trends in the development of the automatic control of electric drives have resulted in a volume that provides a thorough overview on the variety of different approaches to the design of control systems.