Robust Design with Imprecise Random Variables and Its Application in Hydrokinetic Turbine Optimization

Abstract

In robust design, uncertainty is commonly modelled with precise probability distributions. In reality, the distribution types and distribution parameters may not always be available owing to limited data. This research develops a robust design methodology to accommodate the mixture of both precise and imprecise random variables. By incorporating the Taguchi quality loss function and the minimax regret criterion, the methodology mitigates the effects of not only uncertain parameters but also uncertainties in the models of the uncertain parameters. Hydrokinetic turbine systems are a relatively new alternative energy technology, and both precise and imprecise random variables exist in the design of such systems. The developed methodology is applied to the robust design optimization of a hydrokinetic turbine system. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Alternative energy technologies; Distribution parameters; Hydrokinetic energy; Minimax regret criterion; Robust design methodologies; Robust design optimization; Robust designs; Uncertainty; Optimization; Probability distributions; Random variables; Turbines

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0305-215X

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2014 Taylor & Francis, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2014

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS