Design tool

About: Design tool is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 3864 publications have been published within this topic receiving 46401 citations.

Simulation and design tool for performance analysis of planar parallel manipulators

Abstract: In this paper, a novel interactive simulation and design tool based on a MATLAB graphical user interface (GUI) is developed for the performance analysis of planar parallel manipulators (PPMs), which are a special group among the other parallel robot manipulators. The novel simulation and design tool (SIDEP) for the performance analysis of PPMs provides a suite of analysis tools allowing forward and inverse kinematics, Jacobian matrices, workspaces and singularities to be analyzed in a straightforward manner. As a simulation and design tool, SIDEP allows researchers to change the parameters such as base and end-effector coordinates the side length of the equilateral triangle moving platform and link lengths in order to interactively design their manipulators. The three-degree-of-freedom RRR and RPR PPMs are given as examples to illustrate the simulation and design principles of SIDEP.

A Field Reconstruction Technique for Efficient Modeling of the Fields and Forces Within Induction Machines

Abstract: Traditional analysis and design of induction machines have been largely based upon lumped-parameter models. An alternative tool used for field-based evaluations of an induction machine is the finite-element method. Although useful, its computational complexity limits its use as a design tool. In this paper, a field reconstruction (FR) method for induction machine simulation is introduced. The FR method utilizes a small number of finite-element evaluations to establish basis functions of normal and tangential flux densities. The basis functions are then used to estimate the magnetic field under arbitrary stator excitation. Using such a tool, evaluation of fields and forces produced by a machine under alternative excitation strategies can be explored efficiently. Moreover, alternative field-based derivation of stator/rotor excitation control can be explored.

Robust PI and PID controller design in delta domain

Abstract: A simple unified tuning method for PI and PID delta-domain controllers for SISO plants is developed. The method can shape the nominal stability, transient performance, static accuracy and control signal. A problem of how to satisfy the robust closed-loop stability and performance is also addressed. The method leads to a parameterised set of controllers that provide the required stability margin for a maximally achievable closed-loop bandwidth in the presence of unstructured plant uncertainties. The developed methodology can be employed as a design tool in a systematic multiobjective optimisation, where in view of the diversity of conflicting goals that must be simultaneously achieved, some trade-off mechanisms should be taken into account. Numerical examples illustrating the method are given.

Correct-by-construction layout-centric retargeting of large analog designs

Abstract: Aggressive design cycles in the semiconductor industry demand a design-reuse principle for analog circuits. The strong impact of layout intricacies on analog circuit performance necessitates design reuse with special focus on layout aspects. This paper presents a computer-aided design tool and the methodology for a layout-centric reuse of large analog intellectual-property blocks. From an existing layout representation, an analog circuit is retargeted to different processes and performances; the corresponding correct-by-construction layouts are generated automatically and have performances comparable to manually crafted layouts. The tool and the methodology are validated on large analog intellectual-property blocks. While manual re-design and re-layout is known to take weeks to months, our reuse tool-suite achieves comparable performance in hours.

Design of large Francis turbine using optimal methods

Abstract: Among a high number of Francis turbine references all over the world, covering the whole market range of heads, Alstom has especially been involved in the development and equipment of the largest power plants in the world : Three Gorges (China −32×767 MW - 61 to 113 m), Itaipu (Brazil- 20x750 MW - 98.7m to 127m) and Xiangjiaba (China - 8x812 MW - 82.5m to 113.6m - in erection). Many new projects are under study to equip new power plants with Francis turbines in order to answer an increasing demand of renewable energy. In this context, Alstom Hydro is carrying out many developments to answer those needs, especially for jumbo units such the planned 1GW type units in China. The turbine design for such units requires specific care by using the state of the art in computation methods and the latest technologies in model testing as well as the maximum feedback from operation of Jumbo plants already in operation. We present in this paper how a large Francis turbine can be designed using specific design methods, including the global and local optimization methods. The design of the spiral case, the tandem cascade profiles, the runner and the draft tube are designed with optimization loops involving a blade design tool, an automatic meshing software and a Navier-Stokes solver, piloted by a genetic algorithm. These automated optimization methods, presented in different papers over the last decade, are nowadays widely used, thanks to the growing computation capacity of the HPC clusters: the intensive use of such optimization methods at the turbine design stage allows to reach very high level of performances, while the hydraulic flow characteristics are carefully studied over the whole water passage to avoid any unexpected hydraulic phenomena.