Topology and variable optimization of a planar quasi-zero stiffness mechanism for motion isolation during the installation of wind turbine blades

Current service and installation activities for offshore wind turbines are carried out by jack-up vessels, which eliminate wave disturbances to a large extent. The use of these vessels imposes several disadvantages, including high operational costs and the limitation of operating in restricted water depths. An alternative is a crane mounted on a...

Robust optimal sensor placement for optimal estimation: A framework and application to adaptive optics

The goal of this thesis is to present a framework which can be used to optimize the observer and controller performance by placement of sensors and actuators on a continuous domain. The framework provides choices of model structure, cost functions and optimization methods to perform the placement. Systems which would be suitable for the use of...