Research studentship at Coventry University

[Colin Reeves]

The following PhD studentship is available. Please send CVs either 
electronically or by snail-mail (address at foot of this message).

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			Project
			-------
The  application  of  artificial  intelligence  to  the control of large,
complex gas transmission systems. 

Control Theory and Applications Centre,   and   British Gas TransCo, 
Coventry University				System Control, Hinckley 

			Background  
			---------- 
British  Gas TransCo is responsible for the transportation and storage of
gas produced by offshore fields. Gas is delivered at 6 coastal  terminals
where  it  enters the TransCo pipeline system. System Control manages and
controls the flow of gas from these terminals to  18  million  consumers.
Following  a  recent  re -organisation,  there are 4 Area Control Centres
(ACCs), at each of which 6 teams of 4 engineers are responsible  for  the
operation of their Local Delivery Zones (LDZs). 

In order to provide a secure and  economic  gas  transportation  service,
the  ACC  engineers  need  to  develop  best  practices  and  apply these
consistently to the operation of the LDZs. 

This project will investigate  the  possible  application  of  Artificial
Intelligence  techniques to support the operation of these large, complex
gas transmission systems. 

			Methodology
			-----------

The Control Theory and Applications Centre  at  Coventry  University  has
successfully  applied  AI  methods, including neural nets, fuzzy systems,
genetic algorithms etc, to complex control problems. It  is  intended  in
this  project  to  extend these approaches to the gas pipeline systems of
TransCo.

This will involve firstly the  selection  (in  close  collaboration  with
TransCo  System Control) of a suitable subsystem for a feasibility study.
Historical records of this subsystem will be used to  identify  important
variables,  and then to extract knowledge in the form of rules. Knowledge
elicitation from the experts (the  operations  engineers ) will  also  be
carried  out.  Probable techniques include the use of neuro-fuzzy methods
and the application of genetic algorithms or other heuristics  in  mining
the data archives.

At  appropriate  times  it  is  required  that a competent report will be
presented to TransCo. In addition there will be opportunities to  present
the  work  at  conferences  or to publish through technical journals. The
successful  candidate  will  register  for  a  PhD,  working  under   the
supervision of Colin Reeves at Coventry University.

			Candidate profile
			-----------------
The  student  should  have  a  first  degree (at least a 2i) or MSc in an
appropriate  technological   or   engineering   subject.   Good   general
mathematical  and  computing  skills are more important than the specific
subject of the  degree.  It  would  be  an  advantage  to  have  previous
knowledge  of  AI  methods  such  as  those mentioned above. Knowledge of
control systems and databases would also be  useful,  and  the  candidate
needs  to  possess  the  appropriate  inter-personal skills to work in an
operational engineering environment.

			Timescale
			---------
The project will commence in September 1996 and will last for 3 years. 

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 ___________________________________________
| Colin Reeves				    |
| School of Mathematical and Information    |
| Sciences             			    |
| Coventry University			    |
| Priory St				    |
| Coventry CV1 5FB			    |
| tel :+44 (0)1203 838979		    |
| fax :+44 (0)1203 838585		    |
| email: CRReeves at coventry.ac.uk	    |
|___________________________________________|