Solute (United States)

Abstract Wind power forecasting (WPF) plays an increasingly important role in integrating wind power into electricity systems. The porta-bility of state-of-the-art WPF methods is assessed in this paper; the goal is to explore the influence of model hyperparameter configuration on forecasting performance. The overall aim is to expand understanding of WPF methods in order to improve the reliability and competitiveness of wind energy generation technologies. The performance of two hybrid decomposition-based WPF methods are evaluated and compared, Variational Mode Decomposition & Feed Forward Neural Network (VMD-FFNN) and Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition & Feed Forward Neural Network (EEMD-FFNN). Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) data from wind farms in Ireland and the UK is utilised. The robustness and portability of the WPF methods when applied to different datasets is examined. Both WPF methods produce robust and accurate forecasts across different datasets however, forecasts produced using low-resolution data are superior to high-resolution data forecasts. In the portability assessment, the forecasting performance is sensitive to two of the four model hyperparameters examined.

PCOS represents a chronic disease affecting between 8 -10 % of women during their reproductive life. Concepts were developed that re-define inflammation as being composed of the inflammatory response and active resolution processes, which occur at the same time. Key players are the specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs).

The Chilean granado bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) contains nutritionally valuable proteins, and there was indication that the proteins can help in the prevention of diabetes. To further explore tis potential purified samples of the bean proteins is required. A membrane-based process was developed for the isolation of proteins from granado beans, adapted from methods reported earlier for mustard protein processing. The optimised process consists of alkaline protein extraction from granado bean flour at pH 10, ultrafiltration at concentration factor 4 and diafiltration with diavolume 4 followed by isoelectric protein precipitation at pH 4. The process starting with granado beans containing 28% protein, recovered 60.1% of the protein as precipitated protein isolate (PPI) and 7.2% as acid soluble protein isolates (SPI). The losses in the process system were approximately 26% of mass and 18.8% of nitrogen due to removal of non-protein nitrogen and small molecular weight components, likely carbohydrates. The protein contents of the PPI and SPI were ~92 % and ~ 62% on a moisture-free basis; the protein content of the SPI produced is considerably lower than typical isolates. This may be due to the co-recovery of high molecular weight carbohydrates. The water absorption capacity and nitrogen solubility index, of the PPI and SPI were measured and compared to other oilseed isolates. The PPI showed high water absorption (<400%). SPI dissolved completely – a nitrogen solubility index of 100%, while PPI had low nitrogen solubility near its isoelectric point. Both isolates had traits desirable for easy incorporation into food products.

In the last two decades there has been a progressive increase in the scope of small gas turbine development and application, both in commercial and military fields. Technological advances in the military field have created demands for prime movers able to meet more stringent operational requirements. An environment now exists in the U.S. Armed Forces conducive to the acceptance and use of small gas turbines that can be adapted to the many specialized applications demanding distinctive physical characteristics. In 1957, the U.S. Bureau of Naval Weapons entered into a contract with Solar, a Division of International Harvester Company, for the design and development of a small, lightweight, single-shaft gas turbine engine to power a one-man helicopter. Rated at 55 s.h.p. for 100°F ambient conditions, the engine design requirements were based on simplicity of operation and maintenance, low production cost, and a short development time. These factors were considered more important than optimum specific power, fuel consumption and weight. A two-shaft version of this engine was also required to power a one-man flying platform. To facilitate the required low engine airflow, weight and rugged characteristics, a single-stage centrifugal compressor and radial inflow turbine, mounted back to back, were selected. A unique feature of the two-shaft engine was the simple method of achieving two-shaft capability by using the exducer portion of the radial turbine as a power turbine. This design resulted in both engines having the same nominal performance, weight and envelope dimensions, with maximum component interchangeability. A comprehensive aerodynamic development programme was undertaken to improve component efficiencies and various aspects of this programme are discussed. Based on favourable results from this programme, the building and development of an uprated engine was undertaken. By incorporating a modified compressor, a 38 per cent increase in s.h.p. and a 6 per cent decrease in specific fuel consumption (s.f.c.) was obtained. Probably the most important factor in the choice of a small gas turbine for military applications is its ability to develop more power, per unit weight and volume, than other engine types. In general, the specific weight of reciprocating engines, in the same power class as the subject gas turbine, average about 10–15 lb/hp with specific volumes ranging from 0.220 to 0.30 fr3/hp, compared to values of 0.53 lb/hp and 0.027 ft3/hp for the turbine. Over 20 different variations of this engine have been produced for such diverse applications as small aircraft and boat prime movers, aircraft and helicopter auxiliary power plants, mobile generator sets, and ‘winterization’ kits for U.S. Army field service. Intensive efforts are being made by companies on both sides of the Atlantic to develop the small gas turbine for a variety of applications. It seems reasonable to predict that these efforts will ultimately lead to the development of units with improved performance and lower initial cost.