bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gaining Flexibility and Innovation through Offshore Outsourcing
Authors: Pellicelli Michela
Published: May 2018

Recently, offshore outsourcing has become extremely important for companies that compete worldwide. In many industries, only companies that manage to be competitive globally can aspire to attain sustainable competitive advantages. Therefore, offshore outsourcing has become essential for many companies and recently has become more and more a vital part of the long-term strategies of the leading firms. The rapidly shifting conditions in the marketplace is forcing management to constantly review and defend its core competencies. Management is now confronted with a higher level of complexity and disruptions brought about in particular by the new waves of globalization and the irresistible march of technological changes. For these reasons, offshore outsourcing is transforming the functions of the traditional firms into a network of competencies. The tendency to offshore most of the productive and economic activities and processes can lead companies to transform themselves into virtual organizations, where all the functions could be outsourced through the formation of flexible networks and agile organizational structures.
A Novel Comparison of Probabilistic Hesitant Fuzzy Elements in Multi-Criteria Decision Making
Authors: Song Chenyang , Xu Zeshui , Zhao Hua
Published: May 2018

The probabilistic hesitant fuzzy element is a common tool to deal with multi-criteria decision-making problems when the decision makers are irresolute in providing their evaluations. The existing methods for ranking probabilistic hesitant fuzzy elements are limited and not reasonable in practical applications. The main purpose of this paper is to find a more precise and appropriate comparison method so that we can deal with multi-criteria decision-making problems more efficiently. We first propose a chart technique to analyze the structure of a probabilistic hesitant fuzzy element. After that, we propose a novel possibility degree formula to rank probabilistic hesitant fuzzy elements. Last but not least, we provide a useful process to solve the actual multi-criteria decision-making problems, and make a real case study which demonstrates that our method is feasible and reliable.
Selecting Products Considering the Regret Behavior of Consumer: A Decision Support Model Based on Online Ratings
Authors: Liang Xia , Liu Peide , Liu Zhengmin
Published: May 2018

With the remarkable promotion of e-commerce platforms, consumers increasingly prefer to purchase products online. Online ratings facilitate consumers to choose among products. Thus, to help consumers effectively select products, it is necessary to provide decision support methods for consumers to trade online. Considering the decision makers are bounded rational, this paper proposes a novel decision support model for product selection based on online ratings, in which the regret aversion behavior of consumers is formulated. Massive online ratings provided by experienced consumers for alternative products associated with several evaluation attributes are obtained by software finders. Then, the evaluations of alternative products in format of stochastic variables are conducted. To select a desirable alternative product, a novel method is introduced to calculate gain and loss degrees of each alternative over others. Considering the regret behavior of consumers in the product selection process, the regret and rejoice values of alternative products for consumer are computed to obtain the perceived utility values of alternative products. According to the prior order of the evaluation attributes provided by the consumer, the prior weights of attributes are determined based on the perceived utility values of alternative products. Furthermore, the overall perceived utility values of alternative products are obtained to generate a ranking result. Finally, a practical example from Zol.com.cn for tablet computer selection is used to demonstrate the feasibility and practically of the proposed model.
Development of a Highly Sensitive FcMito qPCR Assay for the Quantification of the Toxigenic Fungal Plant Pathogen Fusarium culmorum
Authors: Bilska Katarzyna , Kulik Tomasz , Ostrowska-Kołodziejczak Anna , Buśko Maciej , Pasquali Matias , Beyer Marco , Baturo-Cieśniewska Anna , Juda Marcin , Załuski Dariusz , Treder Kinga , Denekas Joerg , Perkowski Juliusz
Published: May 2018

Fusarium culmorum is a ubiquitous, soil-borne fungus (ascomycete) causing foot and root rot and Fusarium head blight on cereals. It is responsible for yield and quality losses as well as grain contamination with mycotoxins, which are a potential health hazard. An extremely sensitive mitochondrial-based qPCR assay (FcMito qPCR) for quantification of F. culmorum was developed in this study. To provide specificity, the FcMito assay was successfully validated against 85 F. culmorum strains and 53 isolates of 30 other fungal species. The assay efficiency and sensitivity were evaluated against different F. culmorum strains with various amounts of pure fungal DNA and in the presence of background wheat DNA. The results demonstrated the high efficiency of the assay (97.2–106.0%, R2-values > 0.99). It was also shown that, in the presence of background DNA, 0.01 pg of fungal template could be reliably quantified. The FcMito assay was used to quantify F. culmorum DNA using 108 grain samples with different trichothecene levels. A significant positive correlation was found between fungal DNA quantity and the total trichothecene content. The obtained results showed that the sensitivity of the FcMito assay was much higher than the nuclear-based qPCR assay for F. culmorum.
Immune History and Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness
Authors: Lewnard Joseph A. , Cobey Sarah
Published: May 2018

The imperfect effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccines is often blamed on antigenic mismatch, but even when the match appears good, effectiveness can be surprisingly low. Seasonal influenza vaccines also stand out for their variable effectiveness by age group from year to year and by recent vaccination status. These patterns suggest a role for immune history in influenza vaccine effectiveness, but inference is complicated by uncertainty about the contributions of bias to the estimates themselves. In this review, we describe unexpected patterns in the effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccination and explain how these patterns might arise as consequences of study design, the dynamics of immune memory, or both. Resolving this uncertainty could lead to improvements in vaccination strategy, including the use of universal vaccines in experienced populations, and the evaluation of vaccine efficacy against influenza and other antigenically variable pathogens.
Performance of Two Advanced Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Washington DC
Authors: Braga Andrea , O’Grady Hayley , Dabak Turgay , Lane Cecilia
Published: May 2018

Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) are a concern for many cities managing stormwater through combined sewer systems, including the District of Columbia (DC). Advanced rainwater harvesting (ARH) is an innovative approach to managing stormwater and has the potential to minimize CSOs and maximize water conservation. ARH systems use continuous monitoring and adaptive control (CMAC) technology to store or release water from a rainwater harvesting cistern. This study assessed the efficacy of ARH systems to mitigate wet weather discharges at two firehouses in DC. Continuous monitoring data was collected over a period of three years for the systems that were installed in 2012. The collected data indicates that the systems were effective at mitigating wet weather discharges, with average event harvesting rates greater than 95%. These results suggest that if implemented on a larger scale, ARH systems would be a valuable tool in effectively managing stormwater.
Changes of Japanese Consumer Preference for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Kudoh Yuki , Motose Ryoko
Published: May 2018

Changes of Japanese consumer preference for electric vehicles (EVs) with new EV commercialisation and subsidy implementation has been quantitatively evaluated by applying conjoint analysis to the respondents choice experiment data collected by internet questionnaire survey that have been conducted in February 2009 and 2010. Powertrains (battery electric vehicle (BEV), gasoline hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and gasoline plug-in HEV (PHEV)), vehicle price, vehicle range, driving cost and passenger capacity have been chosen as attributes of vehicles and marginal utility and its monetary measure of each attribute have been calculated by setting the gasoline vehicle (GV) with typical specifications as baseline. The estimated results indicate that the vehicle range of BEVs under the current battery technology level lead to utility decline and that those EVs with fewer seats by mounting devices for electric driving would not be accepted by consumers. In terms of powertrain selection, consumers express strong preference for HEVs, whereas for BEVs and PHEVs they express low / negative preference or hold their judgment for choosing. From the comparison of the estimated marginal utilities for powertrain in 2009 and 2010, significant statistical differences are found for HEVs and Kei passenger type BEVs. Moreover, it is confirmed that implementation of has played an important role to enhance consciousness of HEVs and Kei passenger type BEVs as environmentally friendly vehicles. It is true that the current subsidy has played an important role to raise awareness of some kind of EVs. However, in order to improve environment by diffusing other kinds of EVs that have higher environmental performance than HEVs, not only the commercialisation of those kinds of vehicles that satisfy consumer needs at acceptable vehicle price levels but also further schemes should be required to gain consumer recognition especially for BEVs and PHEVs.
Commercial solution to mass penetration of first generation battery electric vehicle in China
Authors: Du Jiuyu , Ouyang Minggao , Wang Hewu
Published: May 2018

With the rapid increasing of motor stock in China, the pressure from climate changing and energy safety is more pressing and the GHG emission and fuel efficiency regulation are more rigid to initiate the electrification of the transportation. Despite the rapid progress currently being made in the global electric vehicle technologies, substantial barriers to widespread vehicle adoption still exist, such as higher price, inconvenience charging, limited range, battery environmental issues etc. In this paper, an innovative business model of battery leasing is provided and its commercial potential is analyzed as well. The new business model will pave the way for the EV rolling out in China.
Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator Programme – Post-Experience Usage Patterns, Driver Attitudes and Behavioural Change
Authors: Everett Andrew , Walsh Chris , Carroll Steve , Burgess Mark , Harris Margret
Published: May 2018

The UK’s Technology Strategy Board, with central and regional government support, has funded the world’s largest multi-site demonstration trial of ultra-low carbon passenger cars. 349 cars have been deployed, supported by the installation of approximately 500 electrical charging points. The trial will help the UK Government, vehicle manufacturers and energy suppliers understand how people use these cars and how they feel about them. Eight project teams each comprising at least one vehicle manufacturer, an energy supplier, a local authority, infrastructure provider and a university have gained funding. The trial includes two separate research activities: 1. Usage patterns – including time and duration of journeys, energy used and charging location. 2. User perception – questionnaires and interviews with users before, during and after the trial to help understand their feelings about the car and if they have adapted to use it. The first 65 cars were handed over to users on 13th December 2009. By December 2011, 349 vehicles from 19 manufacturers had been deployed over a mix of private domestic, company pool or fleet vehicles. The vehicles have undertaken over 180,000 trips covering over 1,000,000 miles. The vehicle models include the plug-in electric Tata Indica, Mercedes Smart ForTwo, Nissan Leaf, Ford Transit Connect; BMW Mini-E, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Allied conversions of the Peugeot Tepee MPVs; the hydrogen fuelled Microcab; and performance electric sports cars including the Delta E4 Coupe and the Ecotricity conversion of the Lotus Exige. The fleet also includes plug-in versions of the diesel hybrid Land Rover Range-E and the petrol hybrid Toyota Prius. This paper provides details of the programme and results of the research to date, focusing especially on vehicle usage and perception data from the first three months of vehicle trials.
Electric Mobility Model Region "ElectroDrive Salzburg": Scientific accompanying research activities
Authors: Schuster Andreas
Published: May 2018

The project “ElectroDrive Salzburg” is a co-financed electric mobility model region of the Climate and Energy Fund in Austria. The project’s purposes are to offer electric mobility for companies as well as individuals through a selection of packages, to build up necessary charging stations for users and to implement new renewable energy sources, especially biomass. The research is divided into following parts: 1) Single measurements of specific car values and charging effects, 2) Repeated single measurements of specific car consumptions, 3) Series of measurements in practical use and 4) Continuous measurements of charging stations. The conclusion of this scientific accompanying research is that standby losses of Li-Ion battery systems are lower than ZEBRA batteries, but the overall driving consumptions (15-25 kWh/100km) are in the same range. The driving behaviors (distances and parking locations) of the model region drivers are different to the Austrian individuals. Most of the depths of discharges are between 30 and 60 % of battery capacity. The peak of the charging profile is about 0.33 kW/car and at 11pm if the charges of the electric vehicles are not controlled. Therefore in future intelligent charging controls are necessary to guarantee a stable grid and more renewable energy for battery charging.
Exploring the Paths to One Million Plug-in Electric Vehicles by 2015 Using MA3T Model
Authors: Dong Jing , Lin Zhenhong
Published: May 2018

The U.S. government’s goal, announced in 2011, of putting one million PEVs on the road by 2015 represents a key milestone for the deployment of PEVs in the U.S. However, the forecasts of PEV consumer adoption are not as optimistic as manufacturers’ announced production claims. With an overarching objective of exploring alternative paths towards one-million PEVs on the road in the U.S. by 2015, this paper presents a number of possible strategies and evaluates their impacts on PEV market share.
Advanced Electric Drive Vehicle Education Program Overview
Authors: Ebron Al
Published: May 2018

The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) is a pioneer and national leader in developing, managing, and promoting programs and activities that desire to cure America’s addiction to oil, lead to energy independence, and encourage the greater use of cleaner transportation. The NAFTC is the only nationwide alternative fuel vehicle and advanced technology vehicle training organization in the United States. The NAFTC is developing an Advanced Electric Drive Vehicle Education Program funded by the US Department of Energy. This program will help accelerate mass market introduction and education of advanced electric drive vehicles to help reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil. The end result will be a cutting-edge nation-wide program for education, training, outreach, and public awareness for advanced electric drive vehicles, electric system components, and supporting electrical infrastructure. Curriculum development for this project include First Responder Safety Training, Automotive Technician Training, Career and Technical Training (High School Audience), and Infrastructure Training. Audiences for these courses include but not be limited to: mechanics/automotive technicians; automotive technology instructors and other community college instructors; career and technical education teachers; electrical infrastructure installation and repair technicians; first responders; fleet operators; safety, code and standards officials; utilities personnel; and others. This project will also encompass a robust outreach and education component consisting of a Advanced Electric Drive Vehicle Education Program website, toolkit, extensive marketing plan, vehicle simulation and training tool, and National AFV Day Odyssey.
Analyzing the role of subsidies in motor vehicle electrification in the US
Authors: Liu Changzheng , Greene David
Published: May 2018

In this study, we develop a model to provide a policy framework guiding the transition of transportation systems to alternative-fuel powered ones. The model is capable of obtaining good subsidy strategies by solving an optimization problem that maximizes social welfare. Model results suggest a large net gain to the society from a well-planned transition.
European knowledge transfer network on urban Electric Vehicle strategies
Authors: Kneeshaw Sally
Published: May 2018

EVUE is a European funded exchange of experience project for 10 cities developing Electric Vehicle strategies. The initiative demonstrates the benefits of collaboration and shared learning for urban professional and policy makers learning how to integrate EVs at early market stages. It promotes fresh approaches to integrated planning and to delivering the potential of electric mobility in sustainable cites of tomorrow.
Safety Design of Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment
Authors: Lu Ming-Hung , Jen Ming
Published: May 2018

Besides cost issue, the charging infrastructures popularization and charging safety assurance are two major concerns for promoting electric vehicles (EVs). Several pilot-run programs, such as in the U.S., Europe, Japan, China, and Taiwan as well, enforce the safety compliance of EVs and infrastructures as an implementation policy. To be part of the players, it is essential to have the comprehensive understanding of the standard differences among IEC, SAE/UL, GB and JEVS. The way to compile the issued standards in different regions, however, is time consuming and may get limited helpful hints until tried and tested. Based on above-mentioned standards, this study summarized an overview in aspects of construction, function, performance and safety for charging equipments. To facilitate as a competent safety design, key requirements of electrical safety were presented. These crucial design rules included functional requirements, constructional requirements, personal protection against electric shock, insulation coordination, electromagnetic compatibility and charging control. The rationale and compliance requirements were highlighted to assist as design guidelines. In addition, learning from the past is always a good approach to build confidence to comply with the safety requirements. Based on the standards—follow most IEC and some SAE/UL—for pilot-run project in Taiwan, a case study of an AC charging stand provided the safety faults encountered and solutions in designing a new product that can meet safety requirements effectively. With these design guidelines and the case study, this paper provided a solid basis of safety design for electric vehicle charging equipments.
Virtual Integrated Development Environment for the Components Design of Eco-friendly Vehicle
Authors: Park Jinhyun , Jeong Choong-Min , Ma Chao , Suh Myung-Won , Kim Hyunsoo , Hwang Sung-Ho
Published: May 2018

Recently, the global automobile market is rapidly changing in the paradigm to next-generation automobiles with high-efficiency and eco-friendliness due to rising oil prices and strengthened environment regulations. Accordingly, the automobile vendors around the world are competing in development of hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, electric vehicles and such various vehicles. Before developing the components that such vehicles are comprised of, however, it is very important to predict/assess the performance of the components when used to construct such vehicles using the components to be developed. Yet, it is very difficult to design considering the operational characteristics at the vehicle level during the design stage of the components, or conduct testing/evaluation considering vehicle characteristics. To resolve such issues, this study involved using MATLAB/Simulink, one of the simulation programs widely used by system engineers to construct performance evaluation environment for eco-friendly vehicles, and using 3D rendering tool of Multigen Creator to construct virtual driving environment so as to construct the performance evaluation environment for components of the vehicles. The constructed virtual driving simulator could be utilized for designing core components for Eco-friendly Vehicles, and verifying the performance per vehicle unit.
Impact of passenger thermal comfort and electric devices temperature on range: a system simulation approach
Authors: Broglia Lionel , Autefage Gabriel , Ponchant Matthieu
Published: May 2018

The range of Electric Vehicles is highly influenced by the electric power consumed by auxiliaries, a huge part of this power being used for cabin heat-up and cool-down operations in order to ensure an acceptable level of thermal comfort for the passengers. Driving range decreases with low temperatures in particular because cabin heating system requires an important amount of electric power. Range also decreases with high ambient temperatures because of the air conditioning system with electrically-driven compressor. At the same time, batteries and electric motors operates at their maximal efficiency in a certain range of temperature. The reduced EV driving range under real life operating cycles, which can be a barrier against market penetration, is an issue for further development in the future towards sophisticated cabin heating and cooling systems, as well as battery warmer. The aim of this paper is to highlight the benefits of a system simulation approach, based on LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim, in order to estimate the impact of various technologies of cabin heating and cooling on both the cabin temperature and the driving range. In this paper, a battery electric vehicle including a cabin heating with PTC device and a R134a refrigerant loop is simulated under various ambient temperatures on a given driving cycle with the same required cabin temperature target. Simulation outputs include the cabin temperature evolution, the battery state of charge and as a consequence the driving range.
Electric Vehicle Parameter Identification
Authors: Wilhelm Erik , Bornatico Raffaele , Widmer Rolf , Rodgers Lennon , Soh Gim
Published: May 2018

This work describes a method developed to simplify and reduce the cost of the standardized testing required to measure the energy consumption of electric motorcycles before they are sold on the Swiss market. The robust algorithms for estimating four characteristic parameters of electric two-wheelers are based on a linear dynamics model that is considered to be as simple as possible yet as complex as necessary to characterize the vehicles. The model equations are investigated analytically for their ability to find unique solutions, and it is shown that multiple solutions may exist. The algorithms are tested for their ability to handle various data frequencies, levels of noise, and initial guesses. Ultimately it is found that these methods effectively enable the use of simulation models trained on real-world driving to run mandated standard test cycles in place of expensive dynamometer testing to estimate on-road energy use.
Power for traction characterized by normal distributions
Authors: Tazelaar Edwin , Veenhuizen Bram , Van den Bosch Paul
Published: May 2018

Most studies on power train design rely on deterministic driving cycles to define the vehicles longitudinal speed. Especially simulations on hybrid propulsion systems use driving cycles to define the speed sequence of the vehicle and backwards calculate the power for traction. Disadvantages of this deterministic approach are the limited value of one driving cycle to represent real-life conditions and the possibility of ’cycle beating’ in optimizations. Observations suggest that the distribution of the power for traction is more easily characterized than the distribution of the speed, as it tends to a bell-shaped curve. This study proposes to approximate the bell-shaped distribution with a normal (Gaussian) distribution when considering sizing hybrid electric propulsion system with a fixed gear ratio. This proposal is motivated from simulations, chassis dynamometer experiments and real-world data. In addition, mean and variance of the normal distribution are linked to the parameters of the vehicle and the properties of the driving cycle under consideration. The resulting characterization of the power for traction with a normal distribution provides a more generic specification for the vehicles power demand than deterministic driving cycles. This simplifies decisions on the sizing power train components and the engineering of the energy management system, as results not only hold for one driving cycle but for all driving conditions that match the same statistical distribution of the power for traction.
Model-Based System Design for MIL, SIL, and HIL
Authors: Nibert Jonathan , Herniter Marc , Chambers Zachariah
Published: May 2018

Rose-Hulman is competing in EcoCAR2, a three year competition where teams design, build, and test a hybridvehicle architecture. Teams are required to generate vehicle models that will be used throughout the life of the competition. The model is used to choose a hybrid architecture, design a robust control scheme, implement fault mitigation strategies, and optimize vehicle performance. Modelling techniques include Model-in-the- Loop, Software-in-the-Loop, and Hardware-in-the-Loop. This paper will discuss the techniques developed to build a model that can be actively used for the life of the three year competition and maintained across the MIL, SIL, and HIL modelling levels.
Model-Based Eco-Driving and Integrated Powertrain Control for (Hybrid) Electric Vehicles
Authors: Ivens T. , Spronkmans S. , Rosca B. , Wilkins S.
Published: May 2018

The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) is engaged in research, development and testing of a range of technologies relating to hybrid and electric vehicle energy management and performance. The impact of driver behaviour on vehicle energy consumption is a significant factor, and one which can often be reduced with eco-driving, typically 5-10% or higher in some cases. Eco-driving can be extended not only to take into account information sources, improved user acceptance, and integration with powertrain control. In this paper, TNO illustrates the possible applications of model-based control for (hybrid) electric vehicles and shows preliminary results of the developed system.
Failure Mechanism of the Transmission Shaft of a New Power Split Hybrid Vehicle
Authors: Zhang Yong , Hou Zhichao , Yang Fuyuan , Yu Ping
Published: May 2018

Power split driveline ensures a hybrid vehicle good performance in fuel economy and emissions, but might bring about serious torsional vibrations at city traffic operation. A power split driveline is addressed in this paper to understand the mechanism behind the failure of its transmission shaft. Lumped-parameter models were established for the system at various engine and motor configurations corresponding to typical working conditions. Natural frequencies and mode shapes were calculated for each configuration. Sensitivity analysis reveals the variation of the natural frequencies with respect to the inertia or stiffness of the system. It is revealed that there exists unavoidable resonance with the system during vehicle operation, which should be the main reason of the shaft failure.
Energy and environmental characterization of operational modes of plug-in vehicles
Authors: Duarte Gonçalo , Lopes Ricardo , Gonçalves Gonçalo , Farias Tiago
Published: May 2018

This paper presents an energy and environmental characterization of the two most relevant Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles available in the market (Opel Ampera and Toyota Prius Plug-in), in order to provide an estimate of fuel and electricity consumption, tailpipe emissions and charge depleting mode mileage for any drive cycle studied, based on vehicle specific power methodology. These vehicles were monitored under real-world operation with a portable laboratory that collects data from vehicle sensors (via on-board diagnosis port), exhaust gas composition and GPS in a second-by-second basis. An indirect method to measure battery energy fluxes and consequently estimating electric range was developed, providing maximum errors for the Charge Depleting driving range of 4.2% for the Toyota Prius Plug-in and -0.2% for the Opel, when comparing with measured data. Regarding fuel consumption, the maximum error verified was of -4.1%. Using two driving profiles measured in Portugal and the USA, the performance of the two vehicles under charge depleting (CD) and charge sustaining (CS) conditions was compared. Major findings indicate that Opel Ampera is more efficient in CD mode, while the Prius Plug-In is more efficient under CS conditions, but highly dependent on driving behavior when in CD mode.
Effectiveness of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Validated by Analysis of Real World Driving Data
Authors: Hashimoto Keita , Abe Shizuo , Takeuchi Hiroaki , Itagaki Kenji
Published: May 2018

In recent years, the usage of various alternative energies is considered from a viewpoint of CO2 emission reduction. Toyota Motor Corporation considers that Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) is the best practical solution, and has launched Prius Plug-in Hybrid in January 2012. Prior to this, in December 2009, Toyota sold 650 PHEVs through lease programs for validation testing in Europe, the U.S. and Japan. As a result, not only the fuel reduction effect in case of real market usage was confirmed, but also the relationship between frequency of charging and fuel reduction effect. This paper discusses the analysis of the validation test results.
Free piston linear generator in comparison to other range-extender technologies
Authors: Virsik Roman , Heron Alex
Published: May 2018

The free piston linear generator is a new range-extender technology. It converts chemical energy into electrical energy by means of a combustion process and linear generator. Thereby the technology aims to have better properties than other range extenders. Therefore this publication deals with the explanation of the concept and the characteristics of a free piston linear generator and a comparison to other technologies. In order to compare the range extender systems, fuel cells, micro gas turbine and otto/wankel combustion, will briefly be presented, before being compared to the free piston linear generator.
Benefits of Fuel Cell Range Extender for Medium-Duty Vehicle Applications
Authors: Sharer P. , Rousseau A.
Published: May 2018

Hydrogen-powered vehicles have long shown great potential to displace fuel. However, due to the lack of infrastructure and the high cost of the components, the technology has not yet been introduced in the market. On the other hand, current battery electric vehicles (BEVs) also hold great promise, but their market penetration is limited due to their range. This study seeks to address the limitations of both technologies with regard to the medium-duty vehicle market by assessing the fuel displacement and cost–benefit potential of adding fuel cell systems to double the current range of BEVs. The addition of a fuel cell system will address drivers’ anxiety over the range of BEVs while minimizing the powertrain cost through optimized component sizing.
Lightweighting of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Whilst Meeting Urban Accident Criteria
Authors: Grimes O. , Bastien C. , Christensen J. , Rawlins N. , Hammond W. , Bell P. , Brown B. , Beal J.
Published: May 2018

The aim of this paper is to assess the safety performance of a lightweight hydrogen fuel cell city concept vehicle entitled Microcab [1]. The Microcab is a lightweight 4 seat hydrogen fuel cell concept vehicle with a combined mass (excluding passengers) of less than 800kg. The Microcab has a range of 180 miles; it includes a hydrogen fuel tank pressurised to 350 bar. The research focuses on urban accident scenarios; including frontal, lateral and compatibility loadcases. All loadcases utilise urban speeds, i.e. speeds ranging up to 40km/h for frontal impacts. The crashworthiness of the Microcab has been analysed using explicit non-linear Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The study concludes that within the limitations of the material parameter definitions and mass distributions; the crashworthiness in connection with urban accident scenarios is good. This includes aspects such as vehicle compatibility loadcases and protection of the hydrogen fuel tank e.g. for intrusion. The outcome of the study also suggests structural refinements for the future Microcab final production model; with an aim of further improving the vehicles’ crashworthiness. These refinements include raising the primary front crash structure to better align it with that of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) as well as bracing the fuel cell area in case of a rear impact in order to better protect this vital component. It is also suggested that adhesive joints were suitable for structural crash integrity in all the loadcases studied within this paper, including low speed impact for repairability. A structural optimisation study has also been undertaken utilising Design Of Experiments (DOE), shape- size- and topology optimisation. DOE was employed to further improve the stiffness of the chassis with respect to safety, whilst minimising the mass increase. Topology optimisation models based on the maximum crash force magnitudes computed in the initial part of the study were also setup; the results of these suggested future changes to the Microcabs’ floor layout could be utilised to further enhance the vehicles crashworthiness.
Lithium-Ion Capacitor - Advanced Technology for Rechargeable Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Omar N. , Ronsmans J. , Firozu Yousef , Monem Mohamed , Samba A. , Gualous H. , Hegazy O. , Smekens J. , Coosemans Th. , Van den Bossche P. , Van Mierlo J.
Published: May 2018

This paper presents the electrical and thermal behaviour of an advanced lithium-ion capacitor (LIC) based rechargeable energy storage systems. In the proposed study, an extended statistical analysis has been performed to evaluate the main electrical parameters such as resistance, power, capacitance, rate capabilities, variation between cells and thermal parameters. Based on the performed analysis, an electrical model has been developed for dimensioning and evaluation of various applications based on lithium-ion capacitor technology.
Sizing the Battery Power for PHEVs Based on Battery Efficiency, Cost and Operational Cost Savings
Authors: Nelson P. , Vijayagopal R. , Gallagher K. , Rousseau A.
Published: May 2018

The incremental cost for increasing the power of Li-ion batteries for plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs) is moderate. Hence, the reduction of fuel consumption by using battery power at high vehicle speeds rather than engine power results in high net present value for the total cost of the battery and future fuel savings. The variation of designed efficiency at rated power is also evaluated to examine the cost for the thermal management system and improved life and cold temperature performance. Two types of PHEVs and two lithium-ion battery chemistries of batteries are considered in this study.
Predicting lithium-ion battery degradation for efficient design and management
Authors: Grolleau Sébastien , Delaille Arnaud , Gualous Hamid
Published: May 2018

Being able to predict the Li-ion battery degradation is necessary for applications such as electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid ones (HEVs). Most of the time, battery life prediction is based on accelerated cycling datasets obtained under different conditions. However, cell aging occurs not only during cycling but also at rest (calendar mode), the latter representing about 90 % of its lifetime. In this work, an empirical model of a 12 Ah commercial graphite/nickel-manganese-cobalt (C/NMC) cell accounting for calendar aging is presented. An innovative accelerated aging protocol representative of a battery usage likely to be encountered in real-world is also proposed. Experimental results tend to prove that a state-of-charge (SoC) range management can extend the battery lifetime significantly, mainly due to the calendar aging effect. Furthermore, results show that even a low battery usage, limited to 10 % of the total time, has a detrimental effect on the cell lifetime that a pure calendar aging model is unable to predict.
Development and realization of lithium-ion battery modules for starting applications and traction of off-road electric vehicles
Authors: Vellucci F. , Pede G. , D’Annibale F. , Mariani A. , Roncella R. , Saletti R. , Baronti F. , Fantechi G.
Published: May 2018

The paper describes the development and realization of standard battery modules 12 V, made by LiFePO4 cells selected in a previous study by ENEA and the University of Pisa. Module means the group of four cells series connected, the electronic battery management system, the thermal management system and the mechanical case. Standard means that the same battery module can be used for different applications: in fact, the previous study showed that three standard battery modules, 30 Ah (little size), 60 Ah (medium size) and 100 Ah (large size), are sufficient to reach the levels of voltage/capacity requested by the most part of the applications in the field of the starting/auxiliary supply batteries (also for the nautical sector) and traction of off-road electric vehicles. More units of standard modules can be series/parallel connected to build complete battery systems able to satisfy the required performances. The development and realization of the modules mostly consisted of testing the selected cells to verify their suitability for the above mentioned applications, to make a thermal battery characterization so to define the thermal management system, to develop an electronic battery management system and to build a mechanical case. The paper shows all these aspects in detail.
High power LiFePO4 cell evaluation: Fast charge, Depth of Discharge and Fast discharge dependency
Authors: Anseán D. , Viera J.C. , González M. , García V.M. , Álvarez J.C. , Antuña J.L.
Published: May 2018

High power lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries suitable for Electric Vehicles are tested in this work. An extended cycle-life testing is carried out, consisting in various types of experiments: standard cycling, optimized fast charge with high constant current discharge (4 C) and simulating driving dynamic stress protocols (DST). The fast charge/DST discharge tests are carried out with depth of discharge (DOD) dependency (100% DOD and partial 50% DOD discharge). A complete analysis of the cycling results is developed, showing an overall good performance of the tested batteries. In all of experiments, long term U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium goals are met: fast charging, cycle life and specific energy. Only the long term specific energy goal is not achieved, which is a drawback intrinsic in this technology. The results provide useful information for battery selection, BMS designs and other applications in EV industry.
Fuel Displacement Potential of a Thermoelectric Generator in a Conventional Vehicle
Authors: Vijayagopal R. , Shidore N. , Reynolds M. , Folkerts C. , Rousseau A.
Published: May 2018

This paper evaluates the fuel displacement potential of a Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) device in a conventional gasoline vehicle using vehicle simulation and engine in the loop. A TEG device was modelled in Simulink, to exhibit the thermal and electrical characteristics of such a device. This TEG model was integrated into the vehicle simulation software, Autonomie and evaluated in a real engine – virtual vehicle scenario using Engine in the loop (EIL) technique. The EIL approach was used to evaluate the fuel consumption benefit of TEG under cold and hot conditions. The complete vehicle model was then validated and used to evaluate the impact of the current TEG system on additional drive cycles as well as future TEG systems (i.e. no device temperature limits). EIL evaluation shows a fuel economy gain within the current device of 1% on the US06 cycle. The simulation study will quantify the impact of driving cycles and TEG design on fuel displacement potential.
Air-Cooled Full-SiC High Power Density Inverter Unit
Authors: Murakami Y. , Tajima Y. , Tanimoto S.
Published: May 2018

A 70 kVA/L air-cooled full-SiC three-phase inverter unit including power semiconductor modules, power capacitors, bus bars, gate drive circuits, a PWM wave generator and blower fans has been fabricated as a prototype for EV-use. SiC JFETs and SBDs of 1200 V were used. It has generated three-phase alternative power of 25 kVA to drive a 15 kW-class induction motor with only 190 W of dissipation. The module's temperature was at most 90 ºC.
How simulation can help defining necessary speed sensor-bearing performance for asynchronous motor control
Authors: Blokland Susanne
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a method to define the optimum sensor performance to meet customer requirements on asynchronous motor performance parameters such as efficiency or output torque ripple. The method uses simulation: a speed sensor-bearing simulation tool is coupled with an asynchronous motor model of the electromechanical parts as well as the motor control to perform a reduced Design of Experiments study using the extreme outcomes for the sensor as inputs to the motor system model. Subsequently, a mapping of the efficiency or another output parameter of the motor can be realized with respect to the torque and speed range selected. This mapping is checked against the desired minimum performance required by the customer, to finalize the assessment of the sensor-bearing performance with a robustness verification. The method has been applied to a case where two different variants of sensor populations have been tested in a certain given motor and control configuration. The results show that it is possible to predict the necessary sensor-bearing performance in terms of motor performance.
safe Torque Vectoring function for an electric vehicle
Authors: Scheuch Volker , Kaiser Gerd , Korte Matthias , Grabs Peter , Kreft Fabian , Holzmann Frédéric
Published: May 2018

A safe Torque Vectoring function is applied to an electric vehicle with a two front motors drivetrain concept. The function has been embedded in a lean and scalable functional architecture adaptable to various drivetrain concepts. The Torque Vectoring function comprises an LPV control algorithm with good performance even in extreme test cases. The controller can be parameterised for case specific performance. The implementation of functional safety requirements is presented for one safety goal.
CAE Based Noise Optimization of Switched Reluctance Electric Motors for Automotive Powertrains
Authors: Van Herbruggen Joris , Orlando Stefano , Anthonis Jan , Faid Saphir , Brems Diederik , Boon Fabrice
Published: May 2018

This paper focuses on simulation of noise radiated by Switched Reluctance Motors for automotive powertrains. Since control for maximum efficiency leads to high torque ripple and noise radiation, optimizing the NVH behaviour is essential. The simulation approach, based on electro-magnetic and vibro-acoustic finite element models and applicable to other electric motors, is illustrated with concrete results.
Data analysis on the public charge infrastructure in the city of Amsterdam
Authors: Van den Hoed R. , Helmus J.R. , De Vries R. , Bardok D.
Published: May 2018

In recent years electric mobility has gained a great deal of attention, leading to electric vehicles on the market and development of necessary charging infrastructure. Charging infrastructure is mostly enabled through subsidies by local or national governments to overcome the chicken and egg problem, while the business case for charge stations in this early stage of development is not yet sufficient. The municipality of Amsterdam is a forerunner in the development of charge infrastructure, with over 500 public charge points available. The municipality and service providers struggle how to optimize the roll out of further charge points and how to optimize the use of the charge points. This paper gives a detailed analysis of the actual usage patterns of the public charging infrastructure in the city of Amsterdam, based on more than 109.000 charge sessions collected at the existing local charge points in 2012/2013. The conclusions from this analysis can be used to gain insight in the actual usage patterns of public charging infrastructure and may lead to recommendations concerning further roll out of charge stations, increasing effectiveness and improving the business case for charge points. The conclusions and recommendations may have implications for, and may support municipalities in the effective development of charging infrastructure.
Design and Evaluation of a Wireless Power Transfer System with Road Embedded Transmitter Coils for Dynamic Charging of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Throngnumchai Kraisorn , Hanamura Akihiro , Naruse Yuji , Takeda Kazuhiro
Published: May 2018

The cruising range of an electric vehicle (EV) can be greatly extended by a dynamic wireless charging system because the battery can be charged while the vehicle is moving. However, the investment in infrastructure can be enormous and has to be reduced to implement the system. This paper presents the design of a wireless power transfer system with road embedded transmitter coils to facilitate dynamic charging of EVs. A 30 cm by 1.6 m transmitter coil, which is relatively long compared with the 40-cmdiameter circular receiver coil, has been designed to reduce the cost of the transmitter circuit. A prototype transmitter coil has been embedded into a road for evaluation of its characteristics. The measured coupling coefficient of the transmitter and receiver coils is as small as 0.09 because of the asymmetry between the coils. Compensation circuits for the transmitter and receiver coils have been designed and optimized for such a small coupling coefficient condition. The designed dynamic charging system can transfer more than 1 kW of electric power with more than 90% efficiency. Five transmitter circuits have been embedded into a road surface for testing. Cement asphalt mortar was used to construct the road surface in this study to avoid damaging the transmitter coils by high temperature and high pressure during the construction work. The designed receiver circuit has been installed on a compact 2-seater EV. A demonstration was conducted to show that the retrofitted EV can successfully receive electric power transferred from the road.
Evaluation of OCPP and IEC 61850 for Smart Charging Electric Vehicles
Authors: Schmutzler Jens , Andersen Claus , Wietfeld Christian
Published: May 2018

Interoperability of charging infrastructures is a key success factor for E-Mobility. Standards like ISO/IEC 15118 and IEC 61851-1 are developed to ensure base level interoperability of front-end com- munication and signaling processes for smart charging between electric vehicles and charge spots. With the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) a forum of European industry members also moves towards a common back-end protocol for charge spots intending to reduce and secure overall investment costs. However, in the current form OCPP lacks means for enabling grid services based on smart charging. In this paper the authors provide a review of today’s state of the art in ISO/IEC standardization of the V2G Interface and furthermore detail how OCPP could leverage existing standardization efforts for grid automation from IEC 61850 in order to overcome its shortcomings.