(EM) simulations involved. Whilst it is true that the various algorithms, combined with the variety of complex challenges found in different real-world scenarios, make a direct comparison among tools difficult, a robust attempt at such an evaluation is overdue. In this paper, 17 major antenna optimization methods available, employed in design packages, are classified into 6 categories based on optimization theory. A simple yet clear evaluation of their performance is proposed. Three diverse, but typical and representative, design problems are used to perform the comparison. The performance, i.e., optimization ability and efficiency, of the various optimization methods is then evaluated through a comprehensive testing process. Finally, rules of thumb to select the most suitable optimizer, depending on the optimization problem to be solved, are provided for the first time.

Partial discharge is a well-established metric for condition assessment of high-voltage plant equipment. Traditional techniques for partial discharge detection involve physical connection of sensors to the device under observation, limiting sensors to monitoring of individual apparatus, and therefore, limiting coverage. Wireless measurement provides an attractive low-cost alternative. The measurement of the radiometric signal propagated from a partial discharge source allows for multiple plant items to be observed by a single sensor, without any physical connection to the plant. Moreover, the implementation of a large-scale wireless sensor network for radiometric monitoring facilitates a simple approach to high voltage fault diagnostics. However, accurate measurement typically requires fast data conversion rates to ensure accurate measurement of faults. The use of high-speed conversion requires continuous high-power dissipation, degrading sensor efficiency and increasing cost and complexity. Thus, we propose a radiometric sensor which utilizes a gated, pipelined, sample-and-hold based folding analogue-todigital converter structure that only samples when a signal is received, reducing the power consumption and increasing the efficiency of the sensor. A proof of concept circuit has been developed using discrete components to evaluate the performance and power consumption of the system.

This study presents an optimized design of a 10-dipole logperiodic antenna for UHF TV reception with LTE band rejection. The simulation of the antenna was performed in CST simulation software followed by optimization of the design using TRF (Trusted Region Framework) algorithm in the frequency range of 450 MHz-900 MHz. The parameters optimized are S11, realized gain and front-to-back ratio of the antenna. TV reception passband is 450 MHz-790 MHz and LTE band is 810 MHz-900 MHz. The proposed antenna design provides a good matching with a low S11 in the passband (470 MHz-790 MHz) and a high S11 in the stopband (i.e. LTE region of 810 MHz-900 MHz). The antenna provides a realized gain between 7 dBi and 8 dBi whereas front-to-back ratio above 14 dB in the passband.

Abstract-Partial Discharge (PD) occurs when insulation containing defects or voids is subject to high voltages. If left untreated PD can degrade insulation until, eventually, catastrophic insulation failure occurs. The detection of PD current pulses, however, can allow incipient insulation faults to be identified, located and repaired prior to plant failure. Wireless technology has paved the path for PD detection and monitoring. Software Defined Radio (SDR) is a promising technology. Signals from two PD sources are received at six outdoors locations using an SDR USRP N200 which is connected to a laptop. PD sources, thereafter, are localized based on received signal strengths.

The material cannot be used for any other purpose without further permission of the publisher and is for private use only. There may be differences between this version and the published version. You are advised to consult the publisher's version if you wish to cite from it.