Paul Kenneth Houpt

Effectiveness Analysis of Automotive Systems

A methodology for assessing the effectiveness of an automotive system is developed. The analysis is carried out by characterizing separately both the system and the users needs in terms of quantitative attributes of performance. These attributes are determined as functions of primitives (independent design variables) that describe the automotive system, the users requirements, and their context. System capabilities and requirements are compared in a common attribute space by means of a geometric locus, on which certain partial measures of effectiveness can be computed. These partial measures are then combined to yield an overall effectiveness measure for studying design tradeoffs. The methodology is illustrated by assessing the effectiveness of a diesel powered passenger car with respect to fuel economy and emissions in the context of a simplified E.P.A. drive cycle. A key feature of the methodology is its ability to integrate complex data bases derived from simulation, laboratory test and analytical models as often found in automotive design.

A hierarchical controller for optimal load cycling of steam turbines

The availability of inexpensive base load power from independent power producers and nuclear plants has caused electric utilities to cycle their large steam turbines in an effort to reduce overall generation cost. In this paper, the authors present a hierarchical optimal strategy for controlling a turbine during load cycling. The approach uses heuristic turbine control rules to implement the higher level long term cost minimization strategy. At the second level a model based optimal controller is used to calculate the optimal actuator positions needed to track the desired power demand at minimum cost.<<ETX>>

Survey of Future Railroad Operations and the Role of Automation

In the past decade, freight rail automation systems have made significant advances. The objective of this work was to elicit ideas from the railroad industry about future automation systems and their impact on future operating configurations (such as the roles of human operators). A Dephi survey was administered in two rounds to industry leaders (Class I railroad managers and General Electric transportation senior engineers). The industry was generally found to be open to new operating configurations and to see increasing automation technology as key to achieving future benefits. However, there are significant concerns around training, deskilling, and the current development process. Several solutions to each of these problems were ranked by participants in order of perceived effectiveness. The implications for the development of rail technology and opportunities for future research are discussed.

Sensory Systems and Intelligent Control for Electric Power Plants

Abstract The power industry in the US and Europe is going through a major transition. The change that the telecommunication industry experienced in the early 80s as a result of government deregulation is analogous to what is now facing the utilities. Government deregulation, open transmission access, presence of independent power producers (IPPs), and increased attention to the global air pollution have introduced major challenges to the utility industry. Smart sensors and intelligent control are believed to play a very important role in the future operation and survival of the electric power industry. Development of real-time optimal load scheduling, on-line optimal power rate determination, signature analysis, and pattern recognition for major load identification, active control for increased power quality, optimal demand-side management, closed loop combustion process control for pollution reduction, etc., are examples of control system application areas that have potential for major economic impacts in the power industry. Development of new sensors and sensory systems, e.g., real-time SO2 measurement in generation control or gas density sensor for high power transformer, that would provide information about die state of the system can be used for preventative maintenance as needed rather than as scheduled. Thus, advanced control and sensory systems can provide the technological advancement required for power industry in this highly competitive era. In this regard, the Electric Power Research Institute (KPRI) along with major utilities and the National Science Foundation (NSF) have initiated several programs both in industry and in universities in the areas of smart sensory systems and intelligent control. The main objective of this panel is to bring together industry representatives as well as university researchers involved in these initiatives to discuss: • State-of-the-art in control of electric power systems; • Role of smart sensors and intelligent control in the new utility business environment; • Industry needs and identification of future research directions.