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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R07356/01
Title: Feasibility Study: the Intelligent Geometry Compressor
Principal Investigator: Johnson, Professor J
Other Investigators:
Lucas-Smith, Dr AJH
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Design & Innovation
Organisation: The Open University
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 December 2000 Ends: 31 August 2001 Value (£): 14,400
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Control Engineering Energy Efficiency
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
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Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
This application requests financial support for Professor P Weise (with two OU investigators) on a feasibility study: the intelligent geometry compressor for 9 months (to Include associated travel costs). In systems where the number of variables to be controlled is large, (greater than fifty), existing predictive control using a centralised computer is adequate, particularly in unpredictable environments. Multi-agant systems, using autonomous intelligent agents, are being widely considered as an alternative and are being designed for particular environments. One potential field is the control of blade geometry for axial compressors, as used in gas pumps and turbines.A NASA report (NASA, 1994) suggests a reduction of up to 6% fuel consumption in a gas turbine could be achieved by elimination of the surge margin. Simulation-based research (Elder et al., 1999) indicates that a multi-agent-controlled compressor might achieve such improvement.The compressor model has been selected for investigation since preliminary work has shown that the required frequency response of sensors and power output of actuators are within reach of current technology.A feasibility study is proposed to identify the sensing, actuation and agent capabilities required to established the elements necessary for a test rig, to support a later proposal. Existing research will be followed up and industrial visits (e.g. Rolls Royce, GEC Alstrom) made through existing contacts. A nine-month preliminary study, at minimal cost, is considered appropriate.
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