Luca G. Campana, Paolo Di Barba, Fabrizio Dughiero, Michele Forzan, Maria Evelina Mognaschi, Rudy Rizzo and Elisabetta Sieni
In electrochemotherapy, flexible electrodes, composed by an array of needles, are applied to human tissues to treat large surface tumors. The positioning of the needles in the…
Abstract
Purpose
In electrochemotherapy, flexible electrodes, composed by an array of needles, are applied to human tissues to treat large surface tumors. The positioning of the needles in the tissue depends on the surface curvature. The parallel needle case is preferred, as their relative inclinations strongly affect the actual distribution of electric field. Nevertheless, in some case, small inclinations are unavoidable. The purpose of this paper is to study the electric field distribution for non-parallel needles.
Design/methodology/approach
The effect of electrode position is evaluated systematically by means of numerical models and experiments on phantoms for two different angles (5° and 30°) and compared with the case of parallel needles. Potato model was used as phantom, as this tissue becomes dark after few hours from electroporation. The electroporation degree was gauged from the color changings on the potatoes.
Findings
The distribution of electric field in different needle configuration is found by means of finite element analysis (FEA) and experiments on potatoes. The electric field level of inclined needles was compared with parallel needle case. In particular, the electric field distribution in the case of inclined needles could be very different with respect to the one in the case of parallel needles. The degree of enhancement for different inclinations is visualized by potato color intensity. The FEA suggested that the needle parallelism has to be maintained as possible as if the tips are closer to each other, the electric field intensity could be different with respect to the one in the case of parallel needles.
Originality/value
This paper analyzes the effect of inclined electrodes considering also the non-linearity of tissues.
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Manuele Bertoluzzo, Paolo Di Barba, Michele Forzan, Maria Evelina Mognaschi and Elisabetta Sieni
The paper aims to propose a a field-circuit method for investigating the magnetic behavior of a wireless power transfer system (WPTS) for the charge of batteries of electric…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to propose a a field-circuit method for investigating the magnetic behavior of a wireless power transfer system (WPTS) for the charge of batteries of electric vehicles. In particular, a 3D model for finite element analysis (FEA) for the field simulation of a WPTS is developed. Specifically, the effects of aluminum shield and steel layer, representing the car frame, on the self and mutual inductances are investigated. An equivalent electric circuit is then built, and the relevant lumped parameters are identified by means of the FEAs.
Design/methodology/approach
The finite element model is used to evaluate self and mutual inductances in several transmitting-receiving coil configurations and relative positions. In particular, the FEA simulates the aluminum and steel layers as shell elements in a 3D domain. The self and mutual inductance values in the aligned coil case are also used as input parameters in a circuit model to evaluate the onload current.
Findings
The use of shell elements in FEA substantially reduces the number of mesh elements needed to simulate the eddy currents in the steel and aluminum layer, so putting the ground for low-cost field analysis. Moreover, the FEA gives an accurate computation of the self and mutual inductance to be used in a circuit model, which, in turn, provides a fast update of the onload induced current.
Originality/value
To save computational time, the use of 2D shell elements to model thin conductive regions introduces a simplified FEA that could be used in the WPTS simulation. Moreover, the dynamic behavior of WPTS, i.e. the operation when the receiving coil is moving with respect to the transmitting one, is considered. Because of the lumped parameters’ dependence upon the relative positions of the two coils, the proposed method allows identifying the circuit parameters for several configurations so substantially reducing the computational burden.
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Yuliya Pleshivtseva, Edgar Rapoport, Bernard Nacke, Alexander Nikanorov, Paolo Di Barba, Michele Forzan, Elisabetta Sieni and Sergio Lupi
This paper aims to investigate different multi-objective optimization (MOO) approaches for design and control of electromagnetic devices. The main goal of MOO is to find the set…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate different multi-objective optimization (MOO) approaches for design and control of electromagnetic devices. The main goal of MOO is to find the set of design variables or control parameters which will provide the best possible values of typical conflicting objective functions.
Design/methodology/approach
In the research studies, standard genetic algorithm (GA), non-dominated sorting GA (NSGA-II), migration NSGA algorithm and alternance method of optimal control theory are discussed and compared.
Findings
The test practical problems of multi-criteria optimization of induction heating processes with respect to chosen quality criteria confirm the effectiveness of application of considered MOO approaches both for the problems of design and control.
Originality/value
This paper represents and investigates different MOO approaches for design and control of electrotechnological systems.
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Manuele Bertoluzzo, Paolo Di Barba, Michele Forzan, Maria Evelina Mognaschi and Elisabetta Sieni
The purpose of this paper is to show how the EStra-Many method works on optimization problems characterized by high-dimensionality of the objective space. Moreover, a comparison…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to show how the EStra-Many method works on optimization problems characterized by high-dimensionality of the objective space. Moreover, a comparison with a more classical approach (a constrained bi-objective problem solved by means of NSGA-II) is done.
Design/methodology/approach
The six reactances of a compensation network (CN) for a wireless power transfer system (WPTS) are synthesized by means of an automated optimal design. In particular, an evolutionary algorithm EStra-Many coupled with a sorting strategy has been applied to an optimization problem with four objective functions (OFs). To assess the obtained results, a classical genetic algorithm NSGA-II has been run on a bi-objective problem, constrained by two functions, and the solutions have been analyzed and compared with the ones obtained by EStra-Many.
Findings
The proposed EStra-Many method identified a solution (CN synthesis) that enhances the WPTS, considering all the four OFs. In particular, to assess the synthesized CN, the Bode diagram of the frequency response and a circuital simulation were evaluated a posteriori; they showed good performance of the CN, with smooth response and without unwanted oscillations when fed by a square wave signal with offset. The EStra-Many method has been able to find a good solution among all the feasible solutions, showing potentiality also for other fields of research, in fact, a solution nondominated with respect to the starting point has been identified. From the methodological viewpoint, the main finding is a new formulation of the many-objective optimization problem based on the concept of degree of conflict, which gives rise to an implementation free from hierarchical weights.
Originality/value
The new approach EStra-Many used in this paper showed to properly find an optimal solution, trading-off multiple objectives. The compensation network so synthesized by the proposed method showed good properties in terms of frequency response and robustness. The proposed method, able to deal effectively with four OFs, could be applied to solve problems with a higher number of OFs in a variety of applications because of its generality.
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Manuele Bertoluzzo, Paolo Di Barba, Michele Forzan, Maria Evelina Mognaschi and Elisabetta Sieni
The purpose of the study is to design the compensation network of a dynamic wireless power transfer system, considering the movement of the receiving coil along an electrified…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to design the compensation network of a dynamic wireless power transfer system, considering the movement of the receiving coil along an electrified track with a large number of inductors buried on the road.
Design/methodology/approach
A finite element model has been developed to calculate the self-inductances of transmitting and receiving coils as well as the mutual inductances between the receiving coil and the transmitting ones in the nearby and for various relative positions. The calculated lumped parameters, self-inductances and mutual inductances depending on the relative positions between the coils, have been considered to design the compensation network of the active coils, which is composed of three capacitive or inductive reactances connected in the T form. The optimal values of the six reactances, three for the transmitting coils and three for the receiving one, have been calculated by resorting to the Genetic Algorithm NSGA-II.
Findings
In this paper, the results obtained by means of the optimizations have broadly discussed. The optimal values of the reactances of the compensation networks show a clear trend in the receiving part of the circuit. On the other hand, the problem seems very sensitive to the values of the reactances in the transmitting circuit.
Originality/value
Dynamic wireless power transfer system is one of the newest ways of recharging electric vehicles. Hence, the design of compensation networks for this kind of systems is a new topic, and there is the need to investigate possible solutions to obtain a good performance of the recharging system.
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Alexander Aliferov, Paolo Di Barba, Fabrizio Dughiero, Michele Forzan, Sergio Lupi, Maria Evelina Mognaschi and Elisabetta Sieni
An inductor for the uniform heating of the extremity of a ferromagnetic steel tube for stress relieving is considered. The main goal of the study is to investigate the possibility…
Abstract
Purpose
An inductor for the uniform heating of the extremity of a ferromagnetic steel tube for stress relieving is considered. The main goal of the study is to investigate the possibility to achieve a reasonable design of the inductor when dealing with many design variables.
Design/methodology/approach
Genetic optimization algorithms are used for this purpose, demonstrating the applicability of these techniques to the design of induction heating inductors. Genetic algorithms provide to the designer several optimal solutions belonging to Pareto Front, and this way they allow choosing the solution that better fits the technological requirements. In any case, the designer has to adapt the chosen solution to fit in with the real possibilities in industrial application.
Findings
The study demonstrates that automatic optimization methods may help the designer of the induction heating system to solve complex problems with very conflicting technological requirements.
Originality/value
In the paper, a problem with a high number of design variables is solved. Moreover, the goals of the optimization process are strongly conflicting, and the proposed problem is a challenging one.
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P. Di Barba, F. Dughiero and E. Sieni
The purpose of the paper is to propose a cost‐effective method of non‐parametric optimisation in order to explore shapes of a magnetic pole, in the search for the optimal one…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to propose a cost‐effective method of non‐parametric optimisation in order to explore shapes of a magnetic pole, in the search for the optimal one fulfilling a prescribed objective function.
Design/methodology/approach
The boundary of the magnetic field region to synthesize is considered as a moving boundary separating two materials (air and ferrite). An objective‐function dependent velocity field is defined, in order to update the position of nodes located along the unknown boundary. Specifically, a uniform magnetic field within the controlled region is aimed at.
Findings
The application of the proposed method to the design of a magnet for magnetic‐fluid hyperthermia made it possible to reduce the field deviation with a little computational effort.
Practical implications
Instead of using a standard algorithm of numerical minimisation to find the optimal search direction, a field‐dependent velocity proportional to the objective function value is exploited. This way, the motion of the boundary towards the optimal shape is automatically driven: in principle, in fact, the velocity reaches the zero value at the optimum.
Originality/value
Thanks to the kinematic law governing the movement of the boundary to synthesize, the overall computational cost is low. Moreover, the non‐parametric approach to the shape synthesis preserves the advantage of a broad search space.
Details
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P. Di Barba, F. Dughiero and E. Sieni
The purpose of this paper is to present the synthesis of magnetic fluid characteristics, like diameter of nanoparticles (NPs) and their concentration, in order to obtain a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the synthesis of magnetic fluid characteristics, like diameter of nanoparticles (NPs) and their concentration, in order to obtain a prescribed temperature rate. An evolution strategy algorithm is used in the optimization procedure, while three‐dimensional finite‐element (FE) modelling is used for magnetic field and thermal field analysis in transient conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
FE analysis has been used in order to compute the magnetic and thermal field in a suitable model of the tumor region. The power density due to NP has been accordingly derived.
Findings
The NP distribution, giving a prescribed thermal response, is synthesized.
Practical implications
The proposed method can be used to design a therapeutic treatment based on magnetic fluid hyperthermia.
Originality/value
The paper belongs to a streamline of innovative studies on computational hyperthermia.
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Ankur Yadav and Tushar Kanti Bera
Wireless power transfer (WPT) technology is explored as a promising solution for electric vehicle (EV) charging due to its convenience and potential to overcome traditional…
Abstract
Purpose
Wireless power transfer (WPT) technology is explored as a promising solution for electric vehicle (EV) charging due to its convenience and potential to overcome traditional charging limitations. This study aims to present a novel lightweight magnetic coupler design, square grid structure (SGS), specifically aimed at enhancing interoperability and robustness in the presence of misalignments for primary-side impedance tuning WPT systems adapted for EVs.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed coupler design uses the finite element analysis method through ANSYS Electronics Desktop software for optimization. A comprehensive comparative analysis is conducted, focusing on critical magnetic parameters such as coupling coefficient (k), mutual inductance (M) and self-inductance (L) for different air gaps. Three other coupler designs, including circular, rectangular and DD configurations, are considered in the evaluation process. Additionally, the performance of the proposed coupler is assessed through misalignment tolerance in different directions, magnetic flux density (B), magnetic field strength (H), Energy density, Quality factor (Q) with mesh generation and thermal analysis using ANSYS Icepak design software.
Findings
The study presents findings from the comprehensive analysis, highlighting the performance of the proposed SGS coupler in terms of different key magnetic parameters, misalignment tolerance in different directions and various operational conditions. To verify the result for Practical implementation, MATLAB Simulink demonstrates a remarkable power transfer efficiency (PTE) of 94\%, exceeding alternative coupler designs. These findings emphasize the potential of the lightweight magnetic coupler to enhance the performance and practicality of WPT systems for EVs.
Research limitations/implications
Although the study offers valuable insights into the proposed SGS coupler design, there might be restrictions due to their hardware design being complex compared to other couplers and particular operating circumstances or environmental elements that were not considered during the investigation. Future studies could investigate these areas, focusing more on the shielding method to provide a more thorough knowledge of the coupler’s functionality.
Originality/value
This work advances WPT technology by presenting a novel SGS coupler design, which provides a robust and efficient solution for EV charging. The suggested lightweight magnetic coupler’s novelty and value in addressing the growing need for sustainable transportation solutions are highlighted by the significant improvement of 94% PTE.
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Elisabetta Sieni, Paolo Di Barba, Fabrizio Dughiero and Michele Forzan
The purpose of this paper is to present a modified version of the non-dominated sorted genetic algorithm with an application in the design optimization of a power inductor for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a modified version of the non-dominated sorted genetic algorithm with an application in the design optimization of a power inductor for magneto-fluid hyperthermia (MFH).
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed evolutionary algorithm is a modified version of migration-non-dominated sorting genetic algorithms (M-NSGA) that now includes the self-adaption of migration events- non-dominated sorting genetic algorithms (SA-M-NSGA). Moreover, a criterion based on the evolution of the approximated Pareto front has been activated for the automatic stop of the computation. Numerical experiments have been based on both an analytical benchmark and a real-life case study; the latter, which deals with the design of a class of power inductors for tests of MFH, is characterized by finite element analysis of the magnetic field.
Findings
The SA-M-NSGA substantially varies the genetic heritage of the population during the optimization process and allows for a faster convergence.
Originality/value
The proposed SA-M-NSGA is able to find a wider Pareto front with a computational effort comparable to a standard NSGA-II implementation.