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Limited flight range is a common problem for multicopters. To alleviate this problem, we propose a method for finding the optimal speed and heading of a multicopter when flying a given path to achieve the longest flight range. Based on a novel multivariable extremum seeking controller with adaptive step size, the method (a) does not require any power consumption model of the vehicle, (b) can adapt to unknown disturbances, (c) can be executed online, and (d) converges faster than the standard extremum seeking controller with constant step size. We conducted indoor experiments to validate the effectiveness of this method under different payloads and initial conditions, and showed that it is able to converge more than 30% faster than the standard extremum seeking controller. This method is especially useful for applications such as package delivery, where the size and weight of the payload differ for different deliveries and the power consumption of the vehicle is hard to model., Comment: This paper is accepted by IROS 2020

This paper presents a two-layer, four-level distributed control method for networked microgrid (NMG) systems, taking into account the proprietary nature of microgrid (MG) owners. The proposed control architecture consists of a MG-control layer and a NMG-control layer. In the MG layer, the primary and distrib-uted secondary control realize accurate power sharing among distributed generators (DGs) and the frequency/voltage reference following within each MG. In the NMG layer, the tertiary control enables regulation of the power flowing through the point of common coupling (PCC) of each MG in a decentralized manner. Furthermore, the distributed quaternary control restores system frequency and critical bus voltage to their nominal values and ensures accurate power sharing among MGs. A small-signal dynamic model is developed to evaluate dynamic performance of NMG systems with the proposed control method. Time-domain simulations as well as experiments on NMG test systems are performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Since the first graphene layer was fabricated in the early 2000's, graphene properties have been studied extensively both experimentally and theoretically. However, when comparing the many resistivity models reported in literature, several discrepancies can be found, as well as a number of inconsistencies between formulas. In this paper, we revise the main scattering mechanisms in graphene, based on theory and goodness of fit to in-house experimental data. In particular, a step-by-step evaluation of the interaction between electrons and optical phonons is carried out, where we demonstrate that the process of optical phonon emission scattering is completely suppressed for all low-field applications and all temperatures in the range of interest, as opposed to what is often reported in literature. Finally, we identify the best scattering models based on the goodness of fit to experimental data., Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures, to be submitted to Journal of Applied Physics

With the fast growth of wind power penetration, power systems need additional flexibility to cope with wind power ramping. Several electricity markets have established requirements for flexible ramping capacity (FRC) reserves. This paper addresses two crucial issues that have rarely been discussed in the literature: 1) how to characterize wind power ramping under different forecast values and 2) how to achieve a reasonable trade-off between operational risks and FRC costs. Regarding the first issue, this paper proposes a concept of conditional distributions of wind power ramping, which is empirically verified by using simulation and real-world data. For the second issue, this paper develops an adjustable chance-constrained approach to optimally allocate FRC reserves. Equivalent tractable forms of the original problem are devised to improve computational efficiency. Tests carried out on a modified IEEE 118-bus system demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method.

Microgrids are resources that can be used to restore critical loads after a natural disaster, enhancing resilience of a distribution network. To deal with the stochastic nature of intermittent energy resources, such as wind turbines (WTs) and photovoltaics (PVs), many methods rely on forecast information. However, some microgrids may not be equipped with power forecasting tools. To fill this gap, a risk-limiting strategy based on measurements is proposed. Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is used to represent a prior joint probability density function (PDF) of power outputs of WTs and PVs over multiple periods. As time rolls forward, the distribution of WT/PV generation is updated based the latest measurement data in a recursive manner. The updated distribution is used as an input for the risk-limiting load restoration problem, enabling an equivalent transformation of the original chance constrained problem into a mixed integer linear programming (MILP). Simulation cases on a distribution system with three microgrids demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Results also indicate that networked microgrids have better uncertainty management capabilities than stand-alone microgrids.