Summersim 20

Analog Computing

Analog computing is one of the main pillars of Unconventional Computing. Almost forgotten for decades, we now see an ever-increasing interest in electronic analog computing because it offers a path to high-performance and highly energy-efficient computing. These characteristics are of great importance in a world where vast amounts of electric energy are consumed by today’s computer systems. Analog computing can deliver efficient solutions to many computing problems, ranging from general purpose analog computation to specialised systems like analog artificial neural networks. The book “Analog Computing” has established itself over the past decade as the standard textbook on the subject and has been substantially extended in this second edition, which includes more than 300 additional bibliographical entries, and has been expanded in many areas to include much greater detail. These enhancements will confirm this book’s status as the leading work in the field. It covers the history of analog computing from the Antikythera Mechanism to recent electronic analog computers and uses a wide variety of worked examples to provide a comprehensive introduction to programming analog computers. It also describes hybrid computers, digital differential analysers, the simulation of analog computers, stochastic computers, and provides a comprehensive treatment of classic and current analog computer applications. The last chapter looks into the promising future of analog computing.

Online Decision Support for Offshore Wind Farm Installations

Offshore wind farms are major contributors to sustainable energy generation. However, their installation is highly weather-dependent, making the planning of costly resources, like jack-up vessels or port spaces, challenging. While existing models support strategic and tactical planning, there is a lack of effective decision support at the operational level. To close this gap, this book presents an innovative online scheduling methodology based on a Model Predictive Control scheme. This approach combines Mixed-Integer scheduling models with control theory and a novel probabilistic method for integrating forecast uncertainty into operational planning. The resulting decision support system doesn't only enable reactive and weather-informed operational planning but also supports tactical and strategic decisions based on historical data. Simulation studies demonstrate significant potential: a reduction in variable costs of up to 9% and clear advantages over existing robust or control-based approaches in terms of planning reliability, cost efficiency, and responsiveness.

SummerSim '20