Thapar University

About: Thapar University is a education organization based out in Patiāla, Punjab, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Cloud computing & Fuzzy logic. The organization has 2944 authors who have published 8558 publications receiving 130392 citations.

Synergic predator-prey optimization for economic thermal power dispatch problem

Abstract: Synergic PPO optimization algorithm is proposed to solve ELD problems.The SPPO blends the psychology with prey's behavior to avoid predator.Small, medium and large size test power system are simulated.Multi-fuel test power system with transmission losses is also tested.Newton-Raphson procedure is applied to obtain transmission losses. This paper introduces a synergic predator-prey optimization (SPPO) algorithm to solve economic load dispatch (ELD) problem for thermal units with practical aspects. The basic PPO model comprises prey and predator as essential components. SPPO uses collaborative decision for movement and direction of prey and maintains diversity in the swarm due to fear factor of predator, which acts as the baffled state of preys' mind. In the SPPO, the decision making of prey is bifurcated into corroborative and impeded parts. It comprises four behaviors namely inertial, cognitive, collective swarm intelligence, and prey's individual and neighborhood concern of predator. The prey particle memorizes its best and not-best positions as experiences. In this research work, to improve the quality of prey swarm, which influence convergence rate, opposition based initialization is used. To verify robustness of proposed algorithm general benchmark problems and small, medium, and large power generation test power system are simulated. These test systems have non-linear behavior due to multi-fuel options and practical constraints. The constraints of prohibited operating zone and ramp rate limits of power generators' are handled using heuristics. Newton-Raphson procedure is exploited to attain the transmission losses using load flow analysis. The outcomes of SPPO are compared with the results described in literature and are found satisfactory.

Profile of selenium in soil and crops in seleniferous area of Punjab, India by neutron activation analysis

Abstract: In the Nawanshahr–Hoshiarpur region of Punjab, India, more than 1000 hectares of agricultural land is significantly affected by high levels of selenium (Se). Studies were carried out to examine Se levels in soil and crops such as wheat grains, wheat husk, rice, maize and mustard using neutron activation analysis. The Se concentrations in soil and crop products were found to be ranging from 2.7 to 6.5 mg kg−1 and 13 to 670 mg kg−1, respectively, indicating significantly high selenium in these crop products. Two reference materials were analysed for Se contents by INAA as controls.