Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “dynamic programming algorithm”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5

A self-learning rule base for command following in dynamical systems

In this paper, a self-learning Rule Base for command following in dynamical systems is presented. The learning is accomplished though reinforcement learning using an associative memory called SAM. The main advantage of SAM is that it is a function approximator with explicit storage of training samples. A learning algorithm patterned after the dynamic programming is proposed. Two artificially created, unstable dynamical systems are used for testing, and the Rule Base was used to generate a feedback control to improve the command following ability of the otherwise uncontrolled systems. The numerical results are very encouraging. The controlled systems exhibit a more stable behavior and a better capability to follow reference commands. The rules resulting from the reinforcement learning are explicitly stored and they can be modified or augmented by human experts. Due to overlapping storage scheme of SAM, the stored rules are similar to fuzzy rules.

Tsai, Wei K.↗

Solving the duck curve in a smart grid environment using a non-cooperative game theory and dynamic pricing profiles

With the intermittency that comes with electricity generation from renewables, utilizing dynamic pricing will encourage the demand-side to respond in a smart way that would minimize the electricity costs and flatten the net electricity demand curve. Determining the optimal dynamic pricing profile that would leverage distributed storage to flatten the curve is a novel idea that needs to be studied. Moreover, the economic feasibility of utilizing distributed electrical energy storage is still not given in the literature. Therefore, in this paper, a novel way of solving a citywide dynamic model using a bilevel programming algorithm is introduced. The problem is developed as a novel non-cooperative Stackelberg game that utilizes air-conditioning systems and electrical storage through the end-users to determine the optimal dynamic pricing profile. The results show that the combined effect of utilizing demand-side air-conditioning systems and distributed storage together can flatten the curve while employing the optimal dynamic pricing profile. An economic study is performed to determine the economic feasibility of 20 different cases with different battery designs and the level of solar penetration. Three metrics were used to evaluate the economic performance of each case: the levelized cost of storage, the levelized cost of energy, and the simple payback period. Most cases had levelized cost of storage values lower than 0.457 $/kWh, which is the lower bound available in the literature. Seven out of 16 cases have a simple payback period shorter than the lifetime of the system (25 years). The case with a 100 MW PV power plant and a battery storage of size 597 MWh, was found to be the most promising case with a simple payback period of 12.71 years for the photovoltaic plant and 19.86 years for the demand-side investments.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Optimal checkpointing for adjoint multistage time-stepping schemes

Here, we consider checkpointing strategies that minimize the number of recomputations needed when performing discrete adjoint computations using multistage time-stepping schemes that require computing several substeps within one complete time step. Specifically, we propose two algorithms that can generate optimal checkpoint-ing schedules under weak assumptions. The first is an extension of the seminal Revolve algorithm adapted to multistage schemes. The second algorithm, named CAMS, is developed based on dynamic programming, and it requires the least number of recomputations when compared with other algorithms. The CAMS algorithm is made publicly available in a library with bindings to C and Python. Numerical results show that the proposed algorithms can deliver up to two times the speedup compared with that of classical Revolve. Moreover, we discuss the utilization of the CAMS library in mature scientific computing libraries and demonstrate the ease of using it in an adjoint workflow. The proposed algorithms have been adopted by the PETSc TSAdjoint library. Their performance has been demonstrated with a large-scale PDE-constrained optimization problem on a leadership-class supercomputer. This work is a significant extension of the authors' conference paper.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Parallel processors and nonlinear structural dynamics algorithms and software

A nonlinear structural dynamics program with an element library that exploits parallel processing is under development. The aim is to exploit scheduling-allocation so that parallel processing and vectorization can effectively be treated in a general purpose program. As a byproduct an automatic scheme for assigning time steps was devised. A rudimentary form of the program is complete and has been tested; it shows substantial advantage can be taken of parallelism. In addition, a stability proof for the subcycling algorithm has been developed.

Belytschko, T.↗

GCAM–GLORY v1.0: representing global reservoir water storage in a multi-sector human–Earth system model

Abstract. Reservoirs play a significant role in modifying the spatiotemporal availability of surface water to meet multi-sector human demands, despite representing a relatively small fraction of the global water budget. Yet the integrated modeling frameworks that explore the interactions among climate, land, energy, water, and socioeconomic systems at a global scale often contain limited representations of water storage dynamics that incorporate feedbacks from other systems. In this study, we implement a representation of water storage in the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM) to enable the exploration of the future role (e.g., expansion) of reservoir water storage globally in meeting demands for, and evolving in response to interactions with, the climate, land, and energy systems. GCAM represents 235 global water basins, operates at 5-year time steps, and uses supply curves to capture economic competition among renewable water (now including reservoirs), non-renewable groundwater, and desalination. Our approach consists of developing the GLObal Reservoir Yield (GLORY) model, which uses a linear programming (LP)-based optimization algorithm and dynamically linking GLORY with GCAM. The new coupled GCAM–GLORY approach improves the representation of reservoir water storage in GCAM in several ways. First, the GLORY model identifies the cost of supplying increasing levels of water supply from reservoir storage by considering regional physical and economic factors, such as evolving monthly reservoir inflows and demands, and the leveled cost of constructing additional reservoir storage capacity. Second, by passing those costs to GCAM, GLORY enables the exploration of future regional reservoir expansion pathways and their response to climate and socioeconomic drivers. To guide the model toward reasonable reservoir expansion pathways, GLORY applies a diverse array of feasibility constraints related to protected land, population, water sources, and cropland. Finally, the GLORY–GCAM feedback loop allows evolving water demands from GCAM to inform GLORY, resulting in an updated supply curve at each time step, thus enabling GCAM to establish a more meaningful economic value of water. This study improves our understanding of the sensitivity of reservoir water supply to multiple physical and economic dimensions, such as sub-annual variations in climate conditions and human water demands, especially for basins experiencing socioeconomic droughts.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Algorithms and software for nonlinear structural dynamics

The objective of this research is to develop efficient methods for explicit time integration in nonlinear structural dynamics for computers which utilize both concurrency and vectorization. As a framework for these studies, the program WHAMS, which is described in Explicit Algorithms for the Nonlinear Dynamics of Shells (T. Belytschko, J. I. Lin, and C.-S. Tsay, Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, Vol. 42, 1984, pp 225 to 251), is used. There are two factors which make the development of efficient concurrent explicit time integration programs a challenge in a structural dynamics program: (1) the need for a variety of element types, which complicates the scheduling-allocation problem; and (2) the need for different time steps in different parts of the mesh, which is here called mixed delta t integration, so that a few stiff elements do not reduce the time steps throughout the mesh.

Belytschko, Ted↗

SeaWiFS Postlaunch Technical Report Series: AMT-5 Cruise Report - Volume 2

This report documents the scientific activities on board the Royal Research Ship (RRS) James Clark Ross (JCR) during the fifth Atlantic Meridional Transect (AMT-5), 14 September to 17 October 1997. There are three objectives of the AMT Program. The first is to derive an improved understanding of the links between biogeochemical processes, biogenic gas exchange, air-sea interactions, and the effects on, and responses of, oceanic ecosystems to climate change. The second is to investigate the functional roles of biological particles and processes that influence ocean color in ecosystem dynamics. The Program relates directly to algorithm development and the validation of remotely-sensed observations of ocean color. Because the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) instrument achieved operational status during the cruise (on 18 September), AMT-5 was designated the SeaWiFS Atlantic Characterization Experiment (SeaACE) and was the only major research cruise involved in the validation of SeaWiFS data during the first 100 days of operations. The third objective involved the near-real time reporting of in situ light and pigment observations to the SeaWiFS Project, so the performance of the satellite sensor could be determined.

Hooker, Stanford B.↗

Enhancements of Bayesian Blocks; Application to Large Light Curve Databases

Bayesian Blocks are optimal piecewise linear representations (step function fits) of light-curves. The simple algorithm implementing this idea, using dynamic programming, has been extended to include more data modes and fitness metrics, multivariate analysis, and data on the circle (Studies in Astronomical Time Series Analysis. VI. Bayesian Block Representations, Scargle, Norris, Jackson and Chiang 2013, ApJ, 764, 167), as well as new results on background subtraction and refinement of the procedure for precise timing of transient events in sparse data. Example demonstrations will include exploratory analysis of the Kepler light curve archive in a search for "star-tickling" signals from extraterrestrial civilizations. (The Cepheid Galactic Internet, Learned, Kudritzki, Pakvasa1, and Zee, 2008, arXiv: 0809.0339; Walkowicz et al., in progress).

Kepler light curve archive↗

Squash-Box Feasibility Driven Differential Dynamic Programming

Recently, Differential Dynamic Programming (DDP) and other similar algorithms have become the solvers of choice when performing non-linear Model Predictive Control (nMPC) with modern robotic devices. The reason is that they have a lower computational cost per iteration when compared with off-the-shelf Non-Linear Programming (NLP) solvers, which enables its online operation. However, they cannot handle constraints, and are known to have poor convergence capabilities. In this paper, we propose a method to solve the optimal control problem with control bounds through a squashing function (i.e., a sigmoid, which is bounded by construction). It has been shown that a naive use of squashing functions damage the convergence rate. To tackle this, we first propose to add a quadratic barrier that avoids the difficulty of the plateau produced by the sigmoid. Second, we add an outer loop that adapts both the sigmoid and the barrier; it makes the optimal control problem with the squashing function converge to the original control-bounded problem. To validate our method, we present simulation results for different types of platforms including a multi-rotor, a biped, a quadruped and a humanoid robot.

Navarro, Angel Santamaria↗

Parallel computations and their impact on mechanics; Proceedings of the Symposium, ASME Winter Annual Meeting, Boston, MA, Dec. 13-18, 1987

The conference presents papers on parallel architectures and the programming environment, parallel numerical algorithms, structural mechanics applications, and fluid dynamics applications. Topics include concurrent computer architecture, the state-of-the-art in highly parallel computer systems, supercomputer programming environments, uniquely parallel algorithms, the parallel solution of nonlinear elliptic equations, highly parallel banded systems solvers, and optimal mapping of irregular finite element domains to parallel processors. Consideration is also given to parallel processing in finite element structural analysis, heirarchical parallelism in a finite element CFD algorithm, and a parallelized elliptic solver for reacting flows.

Noor, Ahmed K.↗

Parallel processors and nonlinear structural dynamics algorithms and software

The adaptation of a finite element program with explicit time integration to a massively parallel SIMD (single instruction multiple data) computer, the CONNECTION Machine is described. The adaptation required the development of a new algorithm, called the exchange algorithm, in which all nodal variables are allocated to the element with an exchange of nodal forces at each time step. The architectural and C* programming language features of the CONNECTION Machine are also summarized. Various alternate data structures and associated algorithms for nonlinear finite element analysis are discussed and compared. Results are presented which demonstrate that the CONNECTION Machine is capable of outperforming the CRAY XMP/14.

Belytschko, Ted↗

Automated Flight Routing Using Stochastic Dynamic Programming

Airspace capacity reduction due to convective weather impedes air traffic flows and causes traffic congestion. This study presents an algorithm that reroutes flights in the presence of winds, enroute convective weather, and congested airspace based on stochastic dynamic programming. A stochastic disturbance model incorporates into the reroute design process the capacity uncertainty. A trajectory-based airspace demand model is employed for calculating current and future airspace demand. The optimal routes minimize the total expected traveling time, weather incursion, and induced congestion costs. They are compared to weather-avoidance routes calculated using deterministic dynamic programming. The stochastic reroutes have smaller deviation probability than the deterministic counterpart when both reroutes have similar total flight distance. The stochastic rerouting algorithm takes into account all convective weather fields with all severity levels while the deterministic algorithm only accounts for convective weather systems exceeding a specified level of severity. When the stochastic reroutes are compared to the actual flight routes, they have similar total flight time, and both have about 1% of travel time crossing congested enroute sectors on average. The actual flight routes induce slightly less traffic congestion than the stochastic reroutes but intercept more severe convective weather.

Ng, Hok K.↗

Solution of transient optimization problems by using an algorithm based on nonlinear programming

An algorithm is presented for solution of dynamic optimization problems which are nonlinear in the state variables and linear in the control variables. It is shown that the optimal control is bang-bang. A nominal bang-bang solution is found which satisfies the system equations and constraints, and influence functions are generated which check the optimality of the solution. Nonlinear optimization (gradient search) techniques are used to find the optimal solution. The algorithm is used to find a minimum time acceleration for a turbofan engine.

Teren, F.↗

A variational dynamic programming approach to robot-path planning with a distance-safety criterion

An approach to robot-path planning is developed by considering both the traveling distance and the safety of the robot. A computationally-efficient algorithm is developed to find a near-optimal path with a weighted distance-safety criterion by using a variational calculus and dynamic programming (VCDP) method. The algorithm is readily applicable to any factory environment by representing the free workspace as channels. A method for deriving these channels is also proposed. Although it is developed mainly for two-dimensional problems, this method can be easily extended to a class of three-dimensional problems. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the utility and power of this method.

Suh, Suk-Hwan↗

Flight Testing of the Space Launch System (SLS) Adaptive Augmenting Control (AAC) Algorithm on an F/A-18

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Flight Mechanics and Analysis Division developed an adaptive augmenting control (AAC) algorithm for launch vehicles that improves robustness and performance on an as-needed basis by adapting a classical control algorithm to unexpected environments or variations in vehicle dynamics. This was baselined as part of the Space Launch System (SLS) flight control system. The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) was asked to partner with the SLS Program and the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) Game Changing Development Program (GCDP) to flight test the AAC algorithm on a manned aircraft that can achieve a high level of dynamic similarity to a launch vehicle and raise the technology readiness of the algorithm early in the program. This document reports the outcome of the NESC assessment.

Dennehy, Cornelius J.↗

A summary report on system effectiveness and optimization study

Report treats optimization and effectiveness separately. Report illustrates example of dynamic programming solution to system optimization. Computer algorithm has been developed to solve effectiveness problem and is included in report.

Williamson, O. L.↗