Evolving Spiking Neural Networks to Mimic PID Control: Applied to Autonomous Blimps

In recent years, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) have become a standard in robotic control. However, a significant drawback of large-scale ANNs is their increased power consumption. This becomes a critical concern when designing autonomous aerial vehicles, given the stringent constraints on power and weight. Especially in the case of blimps,...

Optimising BESS Control Strategies for Congestion and Price Arbitrage

Renewable energy generation projects are often measured by their peak capacity. A wind farm rated at 25 MW will generate 25 MW of power under the right circumstances. This peak capacity is reached very little in practice. However, these generators are forced to purchase grid operation infrastructure that can handle this peak generation event....

Improving the homogeneity of brachytherapy treatment plans generated by BRIGHT using a hotspot registration method based on connected component analysis

In this thesis BRIGHT, a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm for the creation of treatment plans for high-dose rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer, is extended with a new objective to mitigate the formation of high dose contiguous volumes, i.e. hotspots. Multiple new objectives are tested on their performance to reduce hotspots, while...

Spatial configurations and learning rules impact on the evolution of cooperative behaviour in the n-person iterative prisoner’s dilemma

Decision-making dynamics and their impact of human behaviour have raised a large number of questions throughout the years. Traits like competition and collaboration amongst agents are often studied, in the context of Game Theory, by the medium of games such as the Iterative Prisoners’ Dilemma.Furthermore, many realistic scenarios and possible...

Outcome novelty in Exploratory Modellingand Analysis: A research into the value of novelty search for exploratory modelling

Novelty search is a state-of-the-art approach focusing on behavioural novelty, rewarding diverging, as opposed to pursuing static objectives. This is relevant for exploratory modelling and analysis, which focuses on exploration of model through open exploration or directed search. Novelty search as an open exploration strategy is being tested...

Project Strategy Generation and Visualization Assistant for Schedule Delays: Integrating Evolutionary Algorithm in Lean + BIM Approaches

Projects in the Complex Engineer-to-order (ETO) sector are subjected to frequent schedule delays caused by engineering changes, supply chain delays and fabrication delays. Project organizations are faced with the challenge of realigning the project duration within the pre-determined time. Schedule delays often lead to 3-5% rise in project cost....

Turbofan Condition Monitoring using Evolutionary Algorithm based Gas Path Analysis: at KLM Engine Services

In this thesis, a hybrid Gas Path Analysis (GPA) tool is developed for next-generation turbofan engine condition monitoring purposes at KLM Engine Services. The main drawback of these new engines is that fewer gas path sensors are installed. However, this is compensated by a greater quantity in-flight data, including information on bleed valves,...

Designing socially adaptive behavior for mobile robots

An autonomous guided vehicle can be used for the delivery of goods. To deliver these goods to your home, the mobile robot will be driving in pedestrian rich environments. In these environments the robot will need to socially navigate itself in a way which is both pleasant for the pedestrians and progressive for the robot. During its drive, the...

Form-Finding Framework for FRP Shells: A Multi-Step Structural Optimization Tool for Preliminary FRP designs

Fibre reinforced polymers, or FRP, are increasingly used in structural engineering applications. Permeating the construction field from the aerospace industry, FRP are applied in both the rehabilitation of existing degrading structures as well as the conception of new projects such as pedestrian and traffic bridges or building facades. The...