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Engagement control of an automatic mechanical transmission clutch during vehicle start-up has important influences on the safety, comfort, service life, energy consumption, and emissions of the vehicle. However, all existing control strategies use single-layer control, which leads to poor temperature adaptability. This paper develops a double-layer control strategy based on an automatic actuator to improve vehicle start-up performance. The governing characteristics of a diesel engine with a variable-speed governor are studied. The working principles and a model of the automatic actuator are described. A simulation of vehicle start-up is constructed and tested. Finally, the double-layer control strategy is verified in an experimental vehicle. The experimental and simulation results show that the double-layer control strategy provides shorter start times, less jerking, and lower friction, thereby demonstrating its effectiveness and practicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high penetration of renewable energy into distribution networks poses increasing challenges on voltage control. To address this issue, this paper presents a double-layer stochastic model predictive control algorithm to regulate voltage profile in active distribution networks. In the proposed algorithm, voltage regulation is achieved by coordination of an upper layer controller and a lower layer controller. In the upper layer, the number of operation of mechanical voltage regulation devices, including transformer with on-load tap changer and capacitor banks, is minimized in an hourly timescale. In the lower layer, the controller minimizes the active power curtailments and power losses with a control period of 5 min. The proposed double-layer stochastic model predictive voltage control utilizes not only the reactive power control, but also the active power curtailment to regulate bus voltages. In addition, mechanical voltage regulation devices and distributed generations are controlled in two different timescales. Case studies on a modified IEEE-33 bus system demonstrate that compared with traditional control and two-stage stochastic voltage control, the proposed algorithm can achieve an improvement of 8.05% and 7.43%, respectively. • Double-layer stochastic model predictive voltage control method is proposed. • The future status and uncertainties of distribution networks are considered. • Reactive power control is further compensated by active power curtailment. • Mechanical devices and distributed generations controlled in different timescales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]