Категория: Списание Автоматика и информатика

Key Words: Case-Base Reasoning; Risk Management; Fault Tree; System Control; Power Plant.

Abstract. The management of Energy Power Plants (PP) is a multifaceted technological process influenced by various factors, including environmental changes, the state of system control elements, and potential faults in sensors and other critical components. During the control of Power Plants, some failures in system devices (such as sensors, valves, and other essential components) can occur. These failures can lead to damage and malfunctions within the system control loops, ultimately causing the system to work unstably and rise risk situations. Early diagnosis and prediction of these failures are crucial for maintaining the safe and efficient operation of Energy Power Plants. The research introduces a new approach for diagnosing the state of the system and presents a mechanism for predicting some failures of control loop elements at an early stage. The proposed approach combines Fault Tree (FT) analysis with Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) in a way to provide a comprehensive system for prediction of fault devices detection. Using the previous knowledge for the technological characteristics of control devices elements – such as material wear, working time under high load, and contamination of sensors and photocells is used for forming of knowledge base-oriented system (CBR).

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Key Words: Steaming autoclaves; thermal balance; wooden prisms; energy consumption; energy efficiency.

Abstract. An approach for computing the energy consumption and energy efficiency of autoclaves during steaming of non-frozen wooden prisms intended for veneer production has been presented. The approach is based on the use of two personal mathematical models: 2D non-linear model of the unsteady distribution of the temperature in the central cross section of non-frozen prisms subjected to steaming at conductive boundary conditions, and stationary model of the thermal balance of autoclaves during steaming of wood materials in them. For numerical solving of the models and practical application of the suggested approach, a software packages were prepared in the calculation environment of Visual FORTRAN Professional and in Excel respectively. With the help of the first model, the durations of all of the 5 stages of the regimes for steaming beech prisms with cross section dimensions of 0.3 × 0.3 m, 0.4 × 0.4 m, 0.5 × 0.5 m, initial temperature of 0 °C, 10 °C, 20 °C and moisture content of 0.6 kg∙kg-1 were determined at maximum temperatures of the steaming medium equal to 130 °C.

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Key Words: Generalized predictive controller; multi-objective optimization; constant step scanning; tuning parameters.

Abstract. A multi-objective and multi-parametric optimization problem with interval constraints, linear inequality constraints and constraints on the values of the objective functions is formulated to determination of the tuning parameters in generalized predictive controller design. Quality indicators of the desired control system are optimization objectives. The problem is solved by modified methods of constant step scanning. The tunable parameters optimization problem is transformed into a single-objective constraint problem by methods of the vector criterion scalarization.

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Проф. д-р инж. Маргарита Кръстева Тодорова е родена в Габрово на 18 юли 1950 г. Завършва средно образование в Априловската гимназия, а висше образование в Националния технически университет – Киевски политехнически институт, специалност изчислителна техника през 1974 г. През 1984 г. защитава докторска дисертация в същия институт.

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На 22 февруари 2025 г. акад. Кирил Любенов Боянов навърши 90 години! Изявен български инженер, учен в областта на електротехниката, изчислителната техника и информационните технологии, академик на БАН, добър наш колега и приятел, достоен човек, той е и един от най-авторитетните членове на Съюза по автоматика и информатика „Джон Атанасов“ с голям принос за утвърждаването и развитието на САИ през годините. Спомогнал е съществено за интегрирането на двете съставящи професионални групи от специалисти в САИ – по автоматика и информатика. Няколко поколения от нашата общност черпят познание, мъдрост, ум и вдъхновение от него.

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Клуб САИ продължава да е едно от най-привлекателните и популярни мероприятия на САИ. Наред с чисто човешките, колегиални и професионални контакти представянето на фирми и постижения на колеги в областта на автоматиката и информатиката позволява членовете на САИ да се запознаят с актуални теми в науката и реалната икономика в предметната област на Съюза.

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На 12-13 ноември 2024 г. в зала 3 на Дома на науката и техниката, ФНТС, ул. Г. С. Раковски 108 се проведе 32-то издание на традиционния ежегоден международен симпозиум „Управление на енергийни, индустриални и екологични системи“, организиран от Съюза по автоматика и информатика „Джон Атанасов“ със съдействието на ФНТС. В 32-годишното си съществуване симпозиумът поддържа неизменно линията за връзка между специалистите по автоматика и информатика от изследователските групи и индустрията.

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Ежегодната международна конференция IEEE International Conference Automatics and Informatics’24 (ICAI’24), продължение на традиционната Международна конференция „Автоматика и информатика“, се проведе на 10-12 октомври 2024 г. в Техническия университет – Варна. Тя е едно от основните мероприятия в Дните на Джон Атанасов, провеждани традиционно под патронажа на президента на Република България с цел представяне и популяризиране на резултатите от научните изследвания в областта на автоматиката и информатиката.

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Престижната Международна конференция по интелигентни системи се проведе от 29 до 31 август 2024 г. във Варна. Това е нейното 12-то издание, като шест от тях са проведени в България.

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CompSysTech’24 е двадесет и петото издание на Международната конференция по компютърни системи и технологии. Конференцията се проведе на 14-15 юни 2024 г. в Русенския университет „Ангел Кънчев“, Русе.

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Key Words: Artificial neural network; approximation; Laguerre functions.

Abstract. The present article examines a well-known procedure used in various scientific fields – approximation. Specifically, it analyzes the application of Laguerre orthonormal functions in the approximation of transient and impulse responses of dynamic systems. Particular attention is given to the challenges associated with using these functions in the context of model predictive control (MPC) synthesis. These challenges include determining the scaling factor, the number of orthonormal functions, and the calculation of decomposition coefficients, which create additional difficulties when modeling systems with parametric uncertainties. To overcome these challenges, the use of artificial neural networks (ANN) is proposed for the automatic generation of the decomposition coefficients of Laguerre functions. Instead of directly approximating the impulse responses of systems, which involves significant computational complexity, ANN is employed to predict the optimal decomposition coefficients, thereby reducing computational time and improving accuracy. As part of the study, simulations were conducted for the approximation of both low- and high-order systems with different levels of parametric uncertainty. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in approximation accuracy when using neural networks compared to standard coefficient computation methods. Graphical representations of the approximation results for different values of the scaling factor and the number of orthonormal functions are provided, analyzing their effects on approximation error. It has been established that, with proper training of neural networks, significant improvements in the approximation process can be achieved, making them suitable for implementation in real-time control systems. The proposed methodology extends the applicability of Laguerre functions in model predictive control and provides an efficient approach for handling systems with uncertainties.

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Key Words: Anaerobic co-digestion; complex mixtures; two-stage anaerobic co-digestion; Extremum Seeking Control; combination of AD with photovoltaic energy.

Abstract. Anaerobic digestion is a biotechnological method by which various organic wastes can be used as feedstock for biogas production. Anaerobic co-digestion can be considered as the simultaneous anaerobic digestion of a mixture of two or more waste types as substrate and co-substrate. Over the past two decades, our multidisciplinary team has performed many experiments on anaerobic co-digestion of various organic wastes. Different ratios of organic waste mixtures, in binary and ternary mixtures, have been investigated in order to maximize the resulting methane. Experimental studies confirm that biogas yields and process stability can be significantly increased when using two or three-component mixtures depending on the feedstock types and the ratio between them. Another option for increasing energy yields is the two-stage process, in which hydrogen and methane are produced simultaneously. A very good opportunity in this direction theoretically provides also the so-called extremum seeking control, on which our team has achieved significant results. Our research group is currently working on a project exploring the possibilities of combining solar energy with photovoltaic energy for improvement of energy balance of model facilities representing livestock farms.

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Key Words: Artificial intelligence; control theory; data driven; decision making; industry; industrial automation; integration; learning; modeling; operation control; process control; security; system theory.

Abstract. Industrial automation has entered a new stage in its long historical development by integrating the remarkable achievements of AI, accelerating exponentially in the last decade. The present work aims to summarize the prospects and expected main directions of the evolution of industrial automation in the era of artificial intelligence. It is based on the realistic assumption that innovations in industrial automation will be implemented primarily by upgrading existing and proven industrial facility management systems. One of the main directions is the multifaceted expansion of modern capabilities of industrial automation through the adaptation and further development of leading artificial intelligence technologies. The functional scope of industrial automation systems is expanding through “end-to-end automation” of industrial systems with a focus on operational management of the final production stages; the increasing volume of automation of particularly important procedures such as decision-making, dynamic optimization, coordination in unforeseen and extreme conditions (damages, accidents, disasters); predictive maintenance of the technical condition of facilities. Modern industrial automation, integrating elements of artificial intelligence, will implement a new approach in the strategy of industrial management through the transformation of approaches to achieving high efficiency, production quality, energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, and cybersecurity. Artificial intelligence methods will expand the capabilities of modern management of complex objects with large dimensions, nonlinearity, uncertainty, non-stationary variability of structures, models, parameters, and disturbances. The learning methods and generative capabilities of artificial intelligence systems will allow the implementation of complex hierarchical, networked and multi-connected structures with autonomous agents, necessary for a number of critical industrial infrastructure systems. Integrating elements of artificial intelligence into industrial automation systems still poses a major challenge for researchers, designers, operators and managers. Therefore, any implementation of artificial intelligence technologies so far has a unique character, represents an innovative solution and requires significant efforts, a holistic approach and conviction. The undoubted rapid development of artificial intelligence in the coming years and the increased needs of industrial systems will simulate rapid progress in industrial automation systems.

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Драгомир Господинов Добруджалиев е роден на 1 юли 1949 г. в Нова Загора. Израснал и възпитан в семейството на интелигентни, ученолюбиви и прогресивни хора, той завършва основното и средното си образование с пълно отличие и съответно с „Палаузовска награда“ и Златен медал от Министерството на народната просвета.

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През 2024 г. проф. д-р Ангел Сотиров Смрикаров навърши 75 години. Той е роден на 19 август 1949 г. в Русе. През 1968 г. завършва Техникума по електротехника в гр. Русе, специалност радио и телевизия с пълно отличие и златен медал.

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Key Words: Human-Computer Interaction; smart home systems; security; human-computer interface.

Abstract. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a critical field of study that has gained increasing importance over time. Today, smart home systems are among the most common application areas of human-computer interaction. These systems offer efficiency and end-to-end connectivity to users. Moreover, IoT frameworks and other technological integrations are widespread and indispensable components of these systems. However, significant security concerns and vulnerabilities associated with these systems are also on the rise. This study examines the relationship between HCI and smart home systems, focusing on the requirements for intuitive and secure interface designs. The research highlights the need for the convergence of HCI interface designs with smart home systems, emphasizing the necessity for continuous innovation and improved security mechanisms. It also underscores that future advancements in cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, 5G/6G, blockchain, and quantum computing, are expected to present both opportunities and challenges to the design and operation of smart home systems. In conclusion, as interactions between humans, advanced technologies, and smart systems become more frequent, the application of HCI principles in the design of smart home systems will become increasingly crucial. Ensuring that these systems are not only usable but also secure is vital, making them safe and accessible for users with low digital literacy. Integrating both technical and human-centered perspectives in the holistic development of these systems is imperative.

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Key Words: Calculation of energy; wood containing ice; melting frozen water; thermal treatment; Table Curve 2D.

Abstract. A mathematical description of the thermal energy consumption Qice required to melt the ice formed in the wood by the natural freezing of both free and bound water in it, using the software package Table Curve 2D v.5.01 has been presented. This package allows for the selection of equations, which provide the best similarity between the calculated with them values of Qice during thermal treatment of wood containing ice and the respective numerical data obtained experimentally or using an adequate temperature-energy model of Qice. For the determination of Qice, the classical approach from thermodynamics was used to calculate the energy required to heat a solid body from any initial temperature to a certain final temperature. In our case, the energy Qice is represented as a sum of the energy Qice-bw required to melt the initial temperature-dependent frozen portion of the bound water in the wood, and the energy Qice-fw required to melt the ice formed by freezing all the free water in the wood. The energies Qice-bw and Qice-fw are represented as a product of the ice density with the specific heat capacities of the frozen bound and free water in the wood and the temperature ranges in which the melting of the two types of frozen water takes place. Mathematical descriptions of the specific heat capacities of frozen bound and free water in wood are also presented, taking into account the latent heat of the phase transition of water. The calculations of the energies Qice-bw, Qice-fw, and their sum Qice were made for the case of thermal treatment of frozen beech wood with an initial temperature of −1 °C, −10 °C, −20 °C, −30 °C, −40 °C and moisture content of 0.4 kg·kg-1, 0.6 kg·kg-1, and 0.8 kg·kg-1. The obtained results were processed using the Table Curve 2D software package. Three logarithmic equations of the same type were selected, which mathematically describe the dependence of Qice on the initial temperature of the frozen wood for each of the investigated values of its moisture content. It was found that there is a very small error (within the limits of only 3.5%) between the equations calculated with Table Curve and the approximate values of the Qice. The equations obtained can be used for development and automatic implementation of scientifically based energy-efficient regimes and technologies for steaming or boiling of frozen wood materials with different properties and purposes.

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Key Words: Artificial Intelligence; integration; industrial automation; industrial control systems; Machine Learning; operational control; technological control.

Abstract. The newly emerging challenges of interpenetration and multifaceted integration of modern artificial intelligence technologies and leading computer systems of industrial automation are considered in the article. The relatively independent development of industrial automation and artificial intelligence has reached in the last one or two decades such a high technological level of openness, flexibility and compatibility, creating prerequisites to build integrated systems based on a holistic synthesis of a completely new type for solving tasks which until recently were considered intractable. The new conditions of competition are significantly complicated due to the extremely accelerated dynamics and depth of the various stages of industrial processes – supply chains, transportation problems, technological breakthroughs in the basic facilities and processes, malicious cyber attacks, situations resulting from global geopolitical conflicts. The main achievements that give rise to huge expectations for overcoming these and the expected future challenges are: the fundamentally new level of information treatment (Big Data), the modern achievements of computing technology (Industrial Internet of Things – IIoT, cloud technologies, computing architectures based on of graph models) and the explosive development of artificial intelligence (multidimensional and multi-aspect models, automatic prediction, decision-making and planning, revealing implicit relationships and dependencies, learning based on historical, current and simulation data, human-machine interaction of a new type ). Under the new highly complicated conditions and increased requirements, industrial automation is steadily following its trajectory of expanding its scope of action – from primarily technological control to gradually including all sides of the operational control and management (planning, production schedules, predictive maintenance of the facilities, adaptation to the goals and situations in the short and long term). The realistic approach requires strategic decisions in the development of industrial automation to be in the direction of „end-to-end automation“ by upgrading existing systems while uncompromisingly evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of the relevant artificial intelligence technologies that we have now.

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На 2 септември 2024 г. председателят на Съюза по автоматика и информатика „Джон Атанасов“ проф. д-р инж. Коста Бошнаков навърши 75 години. Честито!

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Честване на 121 години от рождението на Джон Атанасов
Дните на Джон Атанасов са свързани с рождения ден на патрона на Съюза по автоматика и информатика Джон Атанасов – 4 октомври, и се провеждат традиционно всяка година. 4 октомври е обявен от Министерския съвет за Ден на информационното общество в България – професионален празник на специалистите по компютърна техника, информационни технологии и автоматика, и се чества от 2007 г.

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