For optimization algorithms,the most important consideration is their global optimization performance.Our research is conducted with the hope that the algorithm can robustly find the optimal solution to the target pro...For optimization algorithms,the most important consideration is their global optimization performance.Our research is conducted with the hope that the algorithm can robustly find the optimal solution to the target problem at a lower computational cost or faster speed.For stochastic optimization algorithms based on population search methods,the search speed and solution quality are always contradictory.Suppose that the random range of the group search is larger;in that case,the probability of the algorithm converging to the global optimal solution is also greater,but the search speed will inevitably slow.The smaller the random range of the group search is,the faster the search speed will be,but the algorithm will easily fall into local optima.Therefore,our method is intended to utilize heuristic strategies to guide the search direction and extract as much effective information as possible from the search process to guide an optimized search.This method is not only conducive to global search,but also avoids excessive randomness,thereby improving search efficiency.To effectively avoid premature convergence problems,the diversity of the group must be monitored and regulated.In fact,in natural bird flocking systems,the distribution density and diversity of groups are often key factors affecting individual behavior.For example,flying birds can adjust their speed in time to avoid collisions based on the crowding level of the group,while foraging birds will judge the possibility of sharing food based on the density of the group and choose to speed up or escape.The aim of this work was to verify that the proposed optimization method is effective.We compared and analyzed the performances of five algorithms,namely,self-organized particle swarm optimization(PSO)-diversity controlled inertia weight(SOPSO-DCIW),self-organized PSO-diversity controlled acceleration coefficient(SOPSO-DCAC),standard PSO(SPSO),the PSO algorithm with a linear decreasing inertia weight(SPSO-LDIW),and the modified PSO algorithm with a time-varying acceleration constant(MPSO-TVAC).展开更多
This paper presents an innovative and effective control strategy tailored for a deregulated,diversified energy system involving multiple interconnected area.Each area integrates a unique mix of power generation techno...This paper presents an innovative and effective control strategy tailored for a deregulated,diversified energy system involving multiple interconnected area.Each area integrates a unique mix of power generation technologies:Area 1 combines thermal,hydro,and distributed generation;Area 2 utilizes a blend of thermal units,distributed solar technologies(DST),and hydro power;andThird control area hosts geothermal power station alongside thermal power generation unit and hydropower units.The suggested control system employs a multi-layered approach,featuring a blended methodology utilizing the Tilted Integral Derivative controller(TID)and the Fractional-Order Integral method to enhance performance and stability.The parameters of this hybrid TID-FOI controller are finely tuned using an advanced optimization method known as the Walrus Optimization Algorithm(WaOA).Performance analysis reveals that the combined TID-FOI controller significantly outperforms the TID and PID controllers when comparing their dynamic response across various system configurations.The study also incorporates investigation of redox flow batteries within the broader scope of energy storage applications to assess their impact on system performance.In addition,the research explores the controller’s effectiveness under different power exchange scenarios in a deregulated market,accounting for restrictions on generation ramp rates and governor hysteresis effects in dynamic control.To ensure the reliability and resilience of the presented methodology,the system transitions and develops across a broad range of varying parameters and stochastic load fluctuation.To wrap up,the study offers a pioneering control approach-a hybrid TID-FOI controller optimized via the Walrus Optimization Algorithm(WaOA)-designed for enhanced stability and performance in a complex,three-region hybrid energy system functioning within a deregulated framework.展开更多
The steam turbine control system is strongly non-linear in all operating conditions. Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller that is currently used in control systems of many types of equipment is not consid...The steam turbine control system is strongly non-linear in all operating conditions. Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller that is currently used in control systems of many types of equipment is not considered highly precision for turbine speed control system. A fine tuning of the PID controller by some optimization technique is a desired objective to maintain the precise speed of the turbine in a wide range of operating conditions. This Paper evaluates the feasibility of the use of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method for determining the optimal Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller parameters for steam turbine control. The turbine speed control is modelled in SimulinkTM with PID controller and the PSO algorithm is implemented in MATLAB to optimize the PID function. The PSO optimization technique is also compared with Genetic Algorithm (GA) and it is validated that PSO based controller is more efficient in reducing the steady-states error;settling time, rise time, and overshoot limit in speed control of the steam turbine control.展开更多
The position control system of an electro-hydraulic actuator system (EHAS) is investigated in this paper. The EHAS is developed by taking into consideration the nonlinearities of the system: the friction and the in...The position control system of an electro-hydraulic actuator system (EHAS) is investigated in this paper. The EHAS is developed by taking into consideration the nonlinearities of the system: the friction and the internal leakage. A variable load that simulates a realistic load in robotic excavator is taken as the trajectory reference. A method of control strategy that is implemented by employing a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) whose parameters are optimized using particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed. The scaling factors of the fuzzy inference system are tuned to obtain the optimal values which yield the best system performance. The simulation results show that the FLC is able to track the trajectory reference accurately for a range of values of orifice opening. Beyond that range, the orifice opening may introduce chattering, which the FLC alone is not sufficient to overcome. The PSO optimized FLC can reduce the chattering significantly. This result justifies the implementation of the proposed method in position control of EHAS.展开更多
Multibody system dynamics provides a strong tool for the estimation of dynamic performances and the optimization of multisystem robot design. It can be described with differential algebraic equations(DAEs). In this pa...Multibody system dynamics provides a strong tool for the estimation of dynamic performances and the optimization of multisystem robot design. It can be described with differential algebraic equations(DAEs). In this paper, a particle swarm optimization(PSO) method is introduced to solve and control a symplectic multibody system for the first time. It is first combined with the symplectic method to solve problems in uncontrolled and controlled robotic arm systems. It is shown that the results conserve the energy and keep the constraints of the chaotic motion, which demonstrates the efficiency, accuracy, and time-saving ability of the method. To make the system move along the pre-planned path, which is a functional extremum problem, a double-PSO-based instantaneous optimal control is introduced. Examples are performed to test the effectiveness of the double-PSO-based instantaneous optimal control. The results show that the method has high accuracy, a fast convergence speed, and a wide range of applications.All the above verify the immense potential applications of the PSO method in multibody system dynamics.展开更多
This study presents analysis, control and comparison of three hybrid approaches for the direct torque control (DTC) of the dual star induction motor (DSIM) drive. Its objective consists of combining three different he...This study presents analysis, control and comparison of three hybrid approaches for the direct torque control (DTC) of the dual star induction motor (DSIM) drive. Its objective consists of combining three different heuristic optimization techniques including PID-PSO, Fuzzy-PSO and GA-PSO to improve the DSIM speed controlled loop behavior. The GA and PSO algorithms are developed and implemented into MATLAB. As a result, fuzzy-PSO is the most appropriate scheme. The main performance of fuzzy-PSO is reducing high torque ripples, improving rise time and avoiding disturbances that affect the drive performance.展开更多
Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) are the main focus of their current development as power sources because they are capable of higher power density and faster start-up than other fuel cells. The humidificat...Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) are the main focus of their current development as power sources because they are capable of higher power density and faster start-up than other fuel cells. The humidification system and output performance of PEMFC stack are briefly analyzed. Predictive control of PEMFC based on Support Vector Regression Machine (SVRM) is presented and the SVRM is constructed. The processing plant is modelled on SVRM and the predictive control law is obtained by using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The simulation and the results showed that the SVRM and the PSO re-ceding optimization applied to the PEMFC predictive control yielded good performance.展开更多
Cryogenic ground support equipment (CGSE) is an important part of a famous particle physics experiment - AMS-02. In this paper a design method which optimizes PID parameters of CGSE control system via the particle swa...Cryogenic ground support equipment (CGSE) is an important part of a famous particle physics experiment - AMS-02. In this paper a design method which optimizes PID parameters of CGSE control system via the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is presented. Firstly, an improved version of the original PSO, cooperative random learning particle swarm optimization (CRPSO), is put forward to enhance the performance of the conventional PSO. Secondly, the way of finding PID coefficient will be studied by using this algorithm. Finally, the experimental results and practical works demonstrate that the CRPSO-PID controller achieves a good performance.展开更多
Coordinated controller tuning of the boiler turbine unit is a challenging task due to the nonlinear and coupling characteristics of the system.In this paper,a new variant of binary particle swarm optimization (PSO) ...Coordinated controller tuning of the boiler turbine unit is a challenging task due to the nonlinear and coupling characteristics of the system.In this paper,a new variant of binary particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm,called probability based binary PSO (PBPSO),is presented to tune the parameters of a coordinated controller.The simulation results show that PBPSO can effectively optimize the control parameters and achieves better control performance than those based on standard discrete binary PSO,modified binary PSO,and standard continuous PSO.展开更多
In order to evaluate the performance of semi-active cab’s hydraulic mounts(SHM)of the off-road vibratory roller with the optimal fuzzy-PID(proportional integral derivative)control,a nonlinear dynamic model of the veh...In order to evaluate the performance of semi-active cab’s hydraulic mounts(SHM)of the off-road vibratory roller with the optimal fuzzy-PID(proportional integral derivative)control,a nonlinear dynamic model of the vehicle interacting with off-road terrains is established based on Matlab/Simulink software.The weighted root-mean-square(RMS)acceleration responses of the driver’s seat heave and the cab’s pitch angle are chosen as objective functions.The SHM is then optimized and analyzed via the optimal fuzzy-PID control under different operation conditions.The simulations results show that the driver’s ride comfort and the cab shaking are greatly affected by the off-road terrains under various operating conditions of the vehicle,especially at the speed from 8 to 12 km/h on a very poor terrain surface of Grenville soil ground under the vehicle travelling.With SHM using the optimal fuzzy-PID control,the driver’s ride comfort and the cab shaking are clearly improved under various operation conditions of the vehicle,particularly at the speed from 6 to 7 km/h of the vehicle traveling.展开更多
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymerizing process is a typical complicated industrial process with the characteristics of large inertia, big time delay and nonlinearity. Firstly, for the general nonlinear and discrete t...Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymerizing process is a typical complicated industrial process with the characteristics of large inertia, big time delay and nonlinearity. Firstly, for the general nonlinear and discrete time system, a design scheme of model-free adaptive (MFA) controller is given. Then, particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is applied to optimizing and setting the key parameters for controller tuning. After that, the MFA controller is used to control the system of polymerizing temperature. Finally, simulation results are given to show that the MAC strategy based on PSO obtains a good controlling performance index.展开更多
Metallic pipeline corrosion poses a significant challenge in the petrochemical industry. In this study, the design and control of a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV)-powered cathodic protection (CP) system based on the im...Metallic pipeline corrosion poses a significant challenge in the petrochemical industry. In this study, the design and control of a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV)-powered cathodic protection (CP) system based on the impressed current method were investigated. The proposed CP system was applied to a 250 km long steel-buried pipeline in the Sharm El-Sheikh region of Egypt. The system design involved the numerical modeling of the anode bed for the impressed current CP (ICCP) system and the sizing of the DC power source, including the PV array and battery bank. The system was designed and controlled to deliver a constant and continuous anode current to protect the underground pipeline from corrosion during daylight and nighttime. A maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm based on the fractional open-circuit voltage (FOCV) technique was implemented to maximize power extraction from the PV array. Additionally, a proportional-integral (PI) controller was optimized and employed to achieve MPPT, while another PI controller managed the anode current of the CP system. Safe charging and discharging of the system’s battery are ensured via an ON-OFF controller. The parameters of the PI controllers were optimized using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique. Simulation results demonstrated that the proposed CP system achieved the required protection objectives successfully.展开更多
Manual construction of a rule base for a fuzzy system is the hard and time-consuming task that requires expert knowledge.In this paper we proposed a method based on improved bacterial foraging optimization(IBFO),whi...Manual construction of a rule base for a fuzzy system is the hard and time-consuming task that requires expert knowledge.In this paper we proposed a method based on improved bacterial foraging optimization(IBFO),which simulates the foraging behavior of “E.coli” bacterium,to tune the Gaussian membership functions parameters of an improved Takagi-Sugeno-Kang fuzzy system(C-ITSKFS) rule base.To remove the defect of the low rate of convergence and prematurity,three modifications were produced to the standard bacterial foraging optimization(BFO).As for the low accuracy of finding out all optimal solutions with multi-method functions,the IBFO was performed.In order to demonstrate the performance of the proposed IBFO,multiple comparisons were made among the BFO,particle swarm optimization(PSO),and IBFO by MATLAB simulation.The simulation results show that the IBFO has a superior performance.展开更多
文摘For optimization algorithms,the most important consideration is their global optimization performance.Our research is conducted with the hope that the algorithm can robustly find the optimal solution to the target problem at a lower computational cost or faster speed.For stochastic optimization algorithms based on population search methods,the search speed and solution quality are always contradictory.Suppose that the random range of the group search is larger;in that case,the probability of the algorithm converging to the global optimal solution is also greater,but the search speed will inevitably slow.The smaller the random range of the group search is,the faster the search speed will be,but the algorithm will easily fall into local optima.Therefore,our method is intended to utilize heuristic strategies to guide the search direction and extract as much effective information as possible from the search process to guide an optimized search.This method is not only conducive to global search,but also avoids excessive randomness,thereby improving search efficiency.To effectively avoid premature convergence problems,the diversity of the group must be monitored and regulated.In fact,in natural bird flocking systems,the distribution density and diversity of groups are often key factors affecting individual behavior.For example,flying birds can adjust their speed in time to avoid collisions based on the crowding level of the group,while foraging birds will judge the possibility of sharing food based on the density of the group and choose to speed up or escape.The aim of this work was to verify that the proposed optimization method is effective.We compared and analyzed the performances of five algorithms,namely,self-organized particle swarm optimization(PSO)-diversity controlled inertia weight(SOPSO-DCIW),self-organized PSO-diversity controlled acceleration coefficient(SOPSO-DCAC),standard PSO(SPSO),the PSO algorithm with a linear decreasing inertia weight(SPSO-LDIW),and the modified PSO algorithm with a time-varying acceleration constant(MPSO-TVAC).
文摘This paper presents an innovative and effective control strategy tailored for a deregulated,diversified energy system involving multiple interconnected area.Each area integrates a unique mix of power generation technologies:Area 1 combines thermal,hydro,and distributed generation;Area 2 utilizes a blend of thermal units,distributed solar technologies(DST),and hydro power;andThird control area hosts geothermal power station alongside thermal power generation unit and hydropower units.The suggested control system employs a multi-layered approach,featuring a blended methodology utilizing the Tilted Integral Derivative controller(TID)and the Fractional-Order Integral method to enhance performance and stability.The parameters of this hybrid TID-FOI controller are finely tuned using an advanced optimization method known as the Walrus Optimization Algorithm(WaOA).Performance analysis reveals that the combined TID-FOI controller significantly outperforms the TID and PID controllers when comparing their dynamic response across various system configurations.The study also incorporates investigation of redox flow batteries within the broader scope of energy storage applications to assess their impact on system performance.In addition,the research explores the controller’s effectiveness under different power exchange scenarios in a deregulated market,accounting for restrictions on generation ramp rates and governor hysteresis effects in dynamic control.To ensure the reliability and resilience of the presented methodology,the system transitions and develops across a broad range of varying parameters and stochastic load fluctuation.To wrap up,the study offers a pioneering control approach-a hybrid TID-FOI controller optimized via the Walrus Optimization Algorithm(WaOA)-designed for enhanced stability and performance in a complex,three-region hybrid energy system functioning within a deregulated framework.
文摘The steam turbine control system is strongly non-linear in all operating conditions. Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller that is currently used in control systems of many types of equipment is not considered highly precision for turbine speed control system. A fine tuning of the PID controller by some optimization technique is a desired objective to maintain the precise speed of the turbine in a wide range of operating conditions. This Paper evaluates the feasibility of the use of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method for determining the optimal Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller parameters for steam turbine control. The turbine speed control is modelled in SimulinkTM with PID controller and the PSO algorithm is implemented in MATLAB to optimize the PID function. The PSO optimization technique is also compared with Genetic Algorithm (GA) and it is validated that PSO based controller is more efficient in reducing the steady-states error;settling time, rise time, and overshoot limit in speed control of the steam turbine control.
文摘The position control system of an electro-hydraulic actuator system (EHAS) is investigated in this paper. The EHAS is developed by taking into consideration the nonlinearities of the system: the friction and the internal leakage. A variable load that simulates a realistic load in robotic excavator is taken as the trajectory reference. A method of control strategy that is implemented by employing a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) whose parameters are optimized using particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed. The scaling factors of the fuzzy inference system are tuned to obtain the optimal values which yield the best system performance. The simulation results show that the FLC is able to track the trajectory reference accurately for a range of values of orifice opening. Beyond that range, the orifice opening may introduce chattering, which the FLC alone is not sufficient to overcome. The PSO optimized FLC can reduce the chattering significantly. This result justifies the implementation of the proposed method in position control of EHAS.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.91648101 and11672233)the Northwestern Polytechnical University(NPU)Foundation for Fundamental Research(No.3102017AX008)the National Training Program of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Undergraduates(No.S201710699033)
文摘Multibody system dynamics provides a strong tool for the estimation of dynamic performances and the optimization of multisystem robot design. It can be described with differential algebraic equations(DAEs). In this paper, a particle swarm optimization(PSO) method is introduced to solve and control a symplectic multibody system for the first time. It is first combined with the symplectic method to solve problems in uncontrolled and controlled robotic arm systems. It is shown that the results conserve the energy and keep the constraints of the chaotic motion, which demonstrates the efficiency, accuracy, and time-saving ability of the method. To make the system move along the pre-planned path, which is a functional extremum problem, a double-PSO-based instantaneous optimal control is introduced. Examples are performed to test the effectiveness of the double-PSO-based instantaneous optimal control. The results show that the method has high accuracy, a fast convergence speed, and a wide range of applications.All the above verify the immense potential applications of the PSO method in multibody system dynamics.
基金Project supported by Faculty of Technology,Department of Electrical Engineering,University of Batna,Algeria
文摘This study presents analysis, control and comparison of three hybrid approaches for the direct torque control (DTC) of the dual star induction motor (DSIM) drive. Its objective consists of combining three different heuristic optimization techniques including PID-PSO, Fuzzy-PSO and GA-PSO to improve the DSIM speed controlled loop behavior. The GA and PSO algorithms are developed and implemented into MATLAB. As a result, fuzzy-PSO is the most appropriate scheme. The main performance of fuzzy-PSO is reducing high torque ripples, improving rise time and avoiding disturbances that affect the drive performance.
基金Project (No. 2003AA517020) supported by the Hi-Tech Researchand Development Program (863) of China
文摘Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) are the main focus of their current development as power sources because they are capable of higher power density and faster start-up than other fuel cells. The humidification system and output performance of PEMFC stack are briefly analyzed. Predictive control of PEMFC based on Support Vector Regression Machine (SVRM) is presented and the SVRM is constructed. The processing plant is modelled on SVRM and the predictive control law is obtained by using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The simulation and the results showed that the SVRM and the PSO re-ceding optimization applied to the PEMFC predictive control yielded good performance.
基金the National Basic Research Program (973) of China (No. 2004CB720703)
文摘Cryogenic ground support equipment (CGSE) is an important part of a famous particle physics experiment - AMS-02. In this paper a design method which optimizes PID parameters of CGSE control system via the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is presented. Firstly, an improved version of the original PSO, cooperative random learning particle swarm optimization (CRPSO), is put forward to enhance the performance of the conventional PSO. Secondly, the way of finding PID coefficient will be studied by using this algorithm. Finally, the experimental results and practical works demonstrate that the CRPSO-PID controller achieves a good performance.
基金supported by Projects of Shanghai Science and Technology Community (No. 10ZR1411800,No. 08160705900,No. 08160512100)Shanghai University "the 11th Five-Year Plan"+1 种基金211 Construction ProjectMechatronics Engineering Innovation Group Project from Shanghai Education Commission
文摘Coordinated controller tuning of the boiler turbine unit is a challenging task due to the nonlinear and coupling characteristics of the system.In this paper,a new variant of binary particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm,called probability based binary PSO (PBPSO),is presented to tune the parameters of a coordinated controller.The simulation results show that PBPSO can effectively optimize the control parameters and achieves better control performance than those based on standard discrete binary PSO,modified binary PSO,and standard continuous PSO.
基金The National Key Research and Development Plan(No.2019YFB2006402)
文摘In order to evaluate the performance of semi-active cab’s hydraulic mounts(SHM)of the off-road vibratory roller with the optimal fuzzy-PID(proportional integral derivative)control,a nonlinear dynamic model of the vehicle interacting with off-road terrains is established based on Matlab/Simulink software.The weighted root-mean-square(RMS)acceleration responses of the driver’s seat heave and the cab’s pitch angle are chosen as objective functions.The SHM is then optimized and analyzed via the optimal fuzzy-PID control under different operation conditions.The simulations results show that the driver’s ride comfort and the cab shaking are greatly affected by the off-road terrains under various operating conditions of the vehicle,especially at the speed from 8 to 12 km/h on a very poor terrain surface of Grenville soil ground under the vehicle travelling.With SHM using the optimal fuzzy-PID control,the driver’s ride comfort and the cab shaking are clearly improved under various operation conditions of the vehicle,particularly at the speed from 6 to 7 km/h of the vehicle traveling.
基金supported by University of Science and Technology Liaoning,National Financial Security and System Equipment Engineering Research Center(No.USTLKFGJ201502)
文摘Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymerizing process is a typical complicated industrial process with the characteristics of large inertia, big time delay and nonlinearity. Firstly, for the general nonlinear and discrete time system, a design scheme of model-free adaptive (MFA) controller is given. Then, particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is applied to optimizing and setting the key parameters for controller tuning. After that, the MFA controller is used to control the system of polymerizing temperature. Finally, simulation results are given to show that the MAC strategy based on PSO obtains a good controlling performance index.
文摘Metallic pipeline corrosion poses a significant challenge in the petrochemical industry. In this study, the design and control of a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV)-powered cathodic protection (CP) system based on the impressed current method were investigated. The proposed CP system was applied to a 250 km long steel-buried pipeline in the Sharm El-Sheikh region of Egypt. The system design involved the numerical modeling of the anode bed for the impressed current CP (ICCP) system and the sizing of the DC power source, including the PV array and battery bank. The system was designed and controlled to deliver a constant and continuous anode current to protect the underground pipeline from corrosion during daylight and nighttime. A maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm based on the fractional open-circuit voltage (FOCV) technique was implemented to maximize power extraction from the PV array. Additionally, a proportional-integral (PI) controller was optimized and employed to achieve MPPT, while another PI controller managed the anode current of the CP system. Safe charging and discharging of the system’s battery are ensured via an ON-OFF controller. The parameters of the PI controllers were optimized using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique. Simulation results demonstrated that the proposed CP system achieved the required protection objectives successfully.
基金supported by the Key Project of Natural Science Fund of Education Department of Anhui Province under Grant No.KJ2015A058Major Program of Teaching Research of Educational Commission of Anhui Province of China under Grant No.2015zdjy059
文摘Manual construction of a rule base for a fuzzy system is the hard and time-consuming task that requires expert knowledge.In this paper we proposed a method based on improved bacterial foraging optimization(IBFO),which simulates the foraging behavior of “E.coli” bacterium,to tune the Gaussian membership functions parameters of an improved Takagi-Sugeno-Kang fuzzy system(C-ITSKFS) rule base.To remove the defect of the low rate of convergence and prematurity,three modifications were produced to the standard bacterial foraging optimization(BFO).As for the low accuracy of finding out all optimal solutions with multi-method functions,the IBFO was performed.In order to demonstrate the performance of the proposed IBFO,multiple comparisons were made among the BFO,particle swarm optimization(PSO),and IBFO by MATLAB simulation.The simulation results show that the IBFO has a superior performance.