Pawel Skruch

The application of fractional-order models for thermal process modelling inside buildings:

This article presents one of the applications of fractional-order models in modelling the dynamics of air temperature changes in residential spaces. The characteristics of these models include the order of the derivative which is a real number and, in more general cases, a complex number. These models are a further generalization of the traditional dynamic model but, thanks to the fact that derivatives are not real numbers, they can be used to model dynamics of much more complex physical phenomena. This article undertakes to identify the parameters of the fractional-order model which models the dynamics of air temperature changes inside buildings. Measurement data which were registered during experiment were used in the identification process.

A coverage metric to evaluate tests for continuous-time dynamic systems

We present a test quality measure that allows for quantifying the completeness of black-box tests for continuous-time dynamic systems. The measure is based on a state space model of the system under test. The metric has been called the state space coverage. The classical coverage metrics, such as statement, branch, and path coverage, are not appropriate for dynamic systems because such systems are defined by differential equations and usually have an infinite number of states. The objective of the paper is to develop a necessary foundation for the metric as well as to present guidance on its application to software systems that incorporate dynamic behavior. The purpose of the proposed solution is to better assure the test engineer that a given test set is sufficient and to indicate where additional testing is required. An application example is presented to illustrate theoretical analysis and mathematical formulation.

An Educational Tool for Teaching Vehicle Electronic System Architecture

The paper presents a model of vehicle electronic systems that has been created in cooperation with Delphi Technical Centre, Krakow, in Poland. The model can be used as a training device for students of different electrical engineering departments, providing the students with new opportunities to learn modern vehicle electronic system architecture. Research and teaching applications of the model embrace the following aspects: modern vehicle software system architecture, data protocols (i.e., CAN, LIN) that are used in the automotive industry, vehicle diagnostic protocol, automotive embedded systems, sensors and actuators used in the vehicle, power and battery management. The model can be used directly as a laboratory bench or as an extension for individual research activities.

Stabilization Results of Second-Order Systems with Delayed Positive Feedback

Oscillation and nonoscillation criteria are established for second-order systems with delayed positive feedback. We consider the stability conditions for the system without damping and with gyroscopic effect. A general algorithm for finding stability regions is proposed. Theoretical and numerical results are presented for single-input single-output case. These results improve some oscillation criteria of [1], [2] and [6].

Model-Based Real-Time Testing of Embedded Automotive Systems

The paper presents a model-based approach to testing embedded automotive software systems in a real-time. Model-based testing approach relates to a process of creating test artifacts using various kinds of models. Real-time testing involves the use of a real-time environment to implement test application. Engineers shall use real-time testing techniques to achieve greater reliability and/or determinism in a test system. The paper contains an instruction how to achieve these objectives by proper definition, implementation, execution, and evaluation of test cases. The test cases are defined and implemented in a modeling environment. The execution and evaluation of test results is made in a real-time machine. The paper is concluded with results obtained from the initial deployment of the approach on a large scale in production stream projects.

Fractional-Order Models of the Ultracapacitors

In the paper, dynamic behavior of the ultracapacitors is investigated and analyzed. The ultracapacitors are represented by equivalent electrical circuit models and mathematically described by fractional-order differential equations. The identification procedure is proposed to identify the parameters of the models. The results of numerical simulations are compared with the results measured experimentally in the physical system.

Feedback Stabilization of Distributed Parameter Gyroscopic Systems

In this paper feedback stabilization of distributed parameter gyroscopic systems is discussed. The class of such systems is described by second-order operator equations. We show that the closed loop system which consists of the controlled system, linear non-velocity feedback and a parallel compensator is asymptotically stable. In the case where velocity is available, the parallel compensator is not necessary to stabilize the system. We present our results here for multi-input multi-output case. The stability issues are proved by LaSalle’s theorem extended to infinite dimensional systems. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controllers.

Efficient transistor level implementation of selected fuzzy logic operators used in control systems

The paper presents a novel, transistor level, implementation of selected fuzzy set operators suitable for fuzzy control systems realized in low-power hardware. We propose a fully digital, asynchronous realization of basic fuzzy logic (FL) functions, such as the bounded sum, bounded difference, bounded product, bounded complement, fuzzy logic union (MAX) and fuzzy logic intersection (MIN). All of the proposed operators has been implemented in the CMOS TSMC 180nm Technology and verified by means of transistor level simulations in Hspice environment. The proposed structures of the FL functions can easily be scaled to any signal resolutions.

A General Fractional-Order Thermal Model for Buildings and Its Properties

The paper presents a general model of the temperature dynamics in buildings. The modeling approach relies on thermodynamics, in particular heat transfer, principles. The model considers heat loses by conduction and ventilation and internal heat gains. The parameters of the model can be determined uniquely from the geometry of the building and thermal properties of construction materials. The model is described by fractional-order differential equations and is presented using state space notation. The stability property of the model is analyzed. An illustrative example is provided.

Review of tracking and object detection systems for advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving applications with focus on vulnerable road users sensing

The paper presents review of key aspects associated with object detection and tracking algorithms in sensing systems for automotive applications covering active safety, advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving systems. The role of discussed systems is to establish location and monitor relative movement of objects and environment with main focus on identification of vulnerable road users. The object detection algorithms allow to classify and differentiate both static and dynamic objects in the vehicle’s surrounding. The analysis will be focused on selection of most suitable platform for development of optimized and safe vulnerable road user detection system.