bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observing APOD with the AuScope VLBI Array
Authors: Hellerschmied Andreas , McCallum Lucia , McCallum Jamie , Sun Jing , Böhm Johannes , Cao Jianfeng
Published: May 2018

The possibility to observe satellites with the geodetic Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) technique is vividly discussed in the geodetic community, particularly with regard to future co-location satellite missions. The Chinese APOD-A nano satellite can be considered as a first prototype—suitable for practical observation tests—combining the techniques Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and VLBI on a single platform in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Unfortunately, it has hardly been observed by VLBI, so major studies towards actual frame ties could not be performed. The main reason for the lack of observations was that VLBI observations of satellites are non-standard, and suitable observing strategies were not in place for this mission. This work now presents the first serious attempt to observe the satellite with a VLBI network over multiple passes. We introduce a series of experiments with the AuScope geodetic VLBI array which were carried out in November 2016, and describe all steps integrated in the established process chain: the experiment design and observation planning, the antenna tracking and control scheme, correlation and derivation of baseline-delays, and the data analysis yielding delay residuals on the level of 10 ns. The developed procedure chain can now serve as reference for future experiments, hopefully enabling the global VLBI network to be prepared for the next co-location satellite mission.
Sidelobe Suppression with Resolution Maintenance for SAR Images via Sparse Representation
Authors: Zhu Xiaoxiang , He Feng , Ye Fan , Dong Zhen , Wu Manqing
Published: May 2018

Severe sidelobe interference is one of the major problems with traditional Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging. In the observation scene of sea areas, the number of targets in the observation scene is so small that targets can be regarded as sparse. Taking this into account, a method of sidelobe suppression, on the basis of sparsity constraint regularization, is proposed to reduce sidelobes of Gaofen-3 (GF-3) images in sea areas of the image domain. This proposed method has a prominent sidelobe suppression effect with resolution maintenance and without destruction of amplitude and phase information. This method can also be applied to SAR images of other satellites. In addition to the employment of peak sidelobe ratio (PSLR) and integrated sidelobe ratio (ISLR) in evaluating sidelobe suppression level, AE (amplitude error) and PE (phase error) are firstly defined for the evaluation of amplitude and phase-preserving quality, respectively. Through the proposed method, AE and PE values are nearly unchanged and the PSLR and ISLR are significantly reduced. The method, as an important part of the quality-improvement project of GF-3, has been successfully applied to the sidelobe suppression of GF-3 data.
Integrated Method for Personal Thermal Comfort Assessment and Optimization through Users’ Feedback, IoT and Machine Learning: A Case Study †
Authors: Salamone Francesco , Belussi Lorenzo , Currò Cristian , Danza Ludovico , Ghellere Matteo , Guazzi Giulia , Lenzi Bruno , Megale Valentino , Meroni Italo
Published: May 2018

Thermal comfort has become a topic issue in building performance assessment as well as energy efficiency. Three methods are mainly recognized for its assessment. Two of them based on standardized methodologies, face the problem by considering the indoor environment in steady-state conditions (PMV and PPD) and users as active subjects whose thermal perception is influenced by outdoor climatic conditions (adaptive approach). The latter method is the starting point to investigate thermal comfort from an overall perspective by considering endogenous variables besides the traditional physical and environmental ones. Following this perspective, the paper describes the results of an in-field investigation of thermal conditions through the use of nearable and wearable solutions, parametric models and machine learning techniques. The aim of the research is the exploration of the reliability of IoT-based solutions combined with advanced algorithms, in order to create a replicable framework for the assessment and improvement of user thermal satisfaction. For this purpose, an experimental test in real offices was carried out involving eight workers. Parametric models are applied for the assessment of thermal comfort; IoT solutions are used to monitor the environmental variables and the users’ parameters; the machine learning CART method allows to predict the users’ profile and the thermal comfort perception respect to the indoor environment.
Innovative Solutions for Reusing Packaging Waste Materials in Humanitarian Logistics
Authors: Regattieri Alberto , Gamberi Mauro , Bortolini Marco , Piana Francesco
Published: May 2018

The impact of packaging waste on the environment is becoming unsustainable, which has necessitated a turning point in material recycling and reuse. Such a concept is highly relevant in the humanitarian supply chain due to the huge mass of packaging items that are provided to countries hit by disasters, with these bad conditions making it almost impossible to adopt a rational management of waste streams. The goal of this study is to provide an approach and feasible solutions to reduce the environmental influence of waste produced by packaging and at the same time, to help people affected by disasters. Starting from the analysis of the available materials, several solutions of packaging reuse and recycling are developed and several prototypes are realized and tested in collaboration with the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depots-Lab (UNHRD-Lab), which starts from the basic packaging materials used to supply first-aid to people, including cardboard, pallets, woods, and plastics. This paper addresses the above ideas and presents the design process, results and some quality tests. The experimental evidence encourages future on-field validation in refugee camps.
Empirical Research on Influencing Factors of Sustainable Supply Chain Management—Evidence from Beijing, China
Authors: Wu Jihui , Zhang Xiaofei , Lu Jianjun
Published: May 2018

The traditional development mode for social and economic progress has resulted in crises and challenges; therefore, various countries have begun to actively explore sustainable development. As a developing country, China has outstanding environmental problems. However, there are not many empirical studies on the influencing factors of sustainable supply chain in domestic enterprises. Therefore, according to the manufacturing industry in China, a hypothesis model of influencing factors of sustainable supply chain management is set up. The sustainable supply chain practice is based on three dimensions: economic sustainability, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability. The influencing factors of sustainable supply chain include internal management cognition, industry pressure, consumer pressure, and government participation. A structural equation model was used to analyze the questionnaire data of 167 enterprises in Beijing, China. The results show that internal management cognition and government participation has a direct effect on the sustainable supply chain management practice, and internal management cognition has a strong positive influence. Consumer pressure and industry pressure have a small positive impact on internal management cognition, while the effect of government participation on industry pressure is very significant.
Making Contract Farming Arrangements Work in Africa’s Bioeconomy: Evidence from Cassava Outgrower Schemes in Ghana
Authors: Poku Adu-Gyamfi , Birner Regina , Gupta Saurabh
Published: May 2018

This paper uniquely focuses on rapidly-developing domestic value chains in Africa’s emerging bioeconomy. It uses a comparative case study approach of a public and private cassava outgrower scheme in Ghana to investigate which contract farming arrangements are sustainable for both farmers and agribusiness firms. A complementary combination of qualitative and quantitative methods is employed to assess the sustainability of these institutional arrangements. The results indicate that ad hoc or opportunistic investments that only address smallholders’ marketing challenges are not sufficient to ensure mutually beneficial and sustainable schemes. The results suggest that firms’ capacity and commitment to design contracts with embedded support services for outgrowers is essential to smallholder participation and the long-term viability of these arrangements. Public-private partnerships in outgrower schemes can present a viable option that harnesses the strengths of both sectors and overcomes their institutional weaknesses.
Soil Organic Carbon Baselines for Land Degradation Neutrality: Map Accuracy and Cost Tradeoffs with Respect to Complexity in Otjozondjupa, Namibia
Authors: Nijbroek Ravic , Piikki Kristin , Söderström Mats , Kempen Bas , Turner Katrine , Hengari Simeon , Mutua John
Published: May 2018

Recent estimates show that one third of the world’s land and water resources are highly or moderately degraded. Global economic losses from land degradation (LD) are as high as USD $10.6 trillion annually. These trends catalyzed a call for avoiding future LD, reducing ongoing LD, and reversing past LD, which has culminated in the adoption of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 15.3 which aims to achieve global land degradation neutrality (LDN) by 2030. The political momentum and increased body of scientific literature have led to calls for a ‘new science of LDN’ and highlighted the practical challenges of implementing LDN. The aim of the present study was to derive LDN soil organic carbon (SOC) stock baseline maps by comparing different digital soil mapping (DSM) methods and sampling densities in a case study (Otjozondjupa, Namibia) and evaluate each approach with respect to complexity, cost, and map accuracy. The mean absolute error (MAE) leveled off after 100 samples were included in the DSM models resulting in a cost tradeoff for additional soil sample collection. If capacity is sufficient, the random forest DSM method out-performed other methods, but the improvement from using this more complex method compared to interpolating the soil sample data by ordinary kriging was minimal. The lessons learned while developing the Otjozondjupa LDN SOC baseline provide valuable insights for others who are responsible for developing LDN baselines elsewhere.
Sustainability—Risk—Resilience: How Does the Case of the Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions Measure up?
Authors: Poláková Jana
Published: May 2018

Farmers are challenged to reconcile the demand for environmental goods, food security, and the viability of rural societies, by negotiating price volatility, land use drivers, climate change, and demographic issues. Alongside such challenges, a new, widely discussed concept of farm resilience has emerged. The triangle of sustainability, resilience, and risk enables the basis to be set for a conceptual framework of Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (GAEC). Herewith, it is demonstrated how the proportions of this triangle change; reasons for the implementation of GAEC as sustainability standards for EU farms are analysed. Firstly, ways in which its principles have evolved over the past two and a half decades are investigated. The question of whether and how the GAEC framework reflects its own starting points linked to sustainability, risk, and resilience is also examined. These have evolved into something different, due to success having created new economic actors, seeking more complex, open economic, and political institutions than those provided by a state-centric model of development.
Image Denoising via Improved Dictionary Learning with Global Structure and Local Similarity Preservations
Authors: Cai Shuting , Kang Zhao , Yang Ming , Xiong Xiaoming , Peng Chong , Xiao Mingqing
Published: May 2018

We proposed a new efficient image denoising scheme, which leads to four important contributions. The first is to integrate both reconstruction and learning based approaches into a single model so that we are able to benefit advantages from both approaches simultaneously. The second is to handle both multiplicative and additive noise removal problems. The third is that the proposed approach introduces a sparse term to reduce non-Gaussian outliers from multiplicative noise and uses a Laplacian Schatten norm to capture the global structure information. In addition, the image is represented by preserving the intrinsic local similarity via a sparse coding method, which allows our model to incorporate both global and local information from the image. Finally, we propose a new method that combines Method of Optimal Directions (MOD) with Approximate K-SVD (AK-SVD) for dictionary learning. Extensive experimental results show that the proposed scheme is competitive against some of the state-of-the-art denoising algorithms.
Distal Colon Motor Dysfunction in Mice with Chronic Kidney Disease: Putative Role of Uremic Toxins
Authors: Hoibian Elsa , Florens Nans , Koppe Laetitia , Vidal Hubert , Soulage Christophe O.
Published: May 2018

Although gastrointestinal complications are a common feature of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the impact of uremia on bowel motility remains poorly understood. The present study was, therefore, designed to investigate the impact of uremia on gut motility. Kidney failure was induced in mice by chemical nephrectomy using an adenine diet (0.25% w/w). Gastrointestinal transit time and colon motility were explored in vivo and ex vivo. Colons from control mice were incubated with uremic plasma or uremic toxins (urea, indoxyl-sulfate or p-cresyl-sulfate) at concentrations encountered in patients with end-stage renal disease. Mice fed an adenine diet for 3 weeks exhibited a 3-fold increase in plasma urea (p < 0.001) evidencing kidney failure. The median gastrointestinal transit time was doubled (1.8-fold, p < 0.001) while a reduction in colonic propulsive motility was observed in CKD mice (3-fold, p < 0.001). Colon from CKD mice exhibited an abnormal pattern of contraction associated with a blunted maximal force of contraction. Control colons incubated with plasma from hemodialysis patients exhibited a blunted level of maximal contraction (p < 0.01). Incubation with urea did not elicit any difference but incubation with indoxyl-sulfate or p-cresyl-sulfate decreased the maximal force of contraction (−66% and −55%, respectively. p < 0.01). Taken together, these data suggest that uremia impairs colon motility probably through the retention of uremic toxins. Colon dysmotility might contribute to the gastrointestinal symptoms often reported in patients with CKD.
Several Effects Unexplained by QCD
Authors: Dremin Igor
Published: May 2018

Several new experimental discoveries in high energy proton interactions, yet unexplained by QCD, are discussed in the paper. The increase of the cross sections with increasing energy from ISR to LHC, the correlation between it and the behavior of the slope of the elastic diffraction cone, the unexpected increase of the survival probability of protons in the same energy range, the new structure of the elastic differential cross section at rather large transferred momenta (small distances) and the peculiar ridge effect in high multiplicity inelastic processes are still waiting for QCD interpretation and deeper insight in vacuum.
Encapsidated Host Factors in Alphavirus Particles Influence Midgut Infection of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Mackenzie-Liu David , Sokoloski Kevin J. , Purdy Sarah , Hardy Richard W.
Published: May 2018

Transmission of mosquito-borne viruses requires the efficient infection of both a permissive vertebrate host and a competent mosquito vector. The infectivity of Sindbis virus (SINV), the type species of the Alphavirus genus, is influenced by both the original and new host cell. We have shown that infection of vertebrate cells by SINV, chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and Ross River virus (RRV) produces two subpopulations of virus particles separable based on density. In contrast, a single population of viral particles is produced by mosquito cells. Previous studies demonstrated that the denser vertebrate-derived particles and the mosquito-derived particles contain components of the small subunit of the host cell ribosome, whereas the less dense vertebrate-derived particles do not. Infection of mice with RRV showed that both particle subpopulations are produced in an infected vertebrate, but in a tissue specific manner with serum containing only the less dense version of the virus particles. Previous infectivity studies using SINV particles have shown that the denser particles (SINVHeavy) and mosquito derived particles SINVC6/36 are significantly more infectious in vertebrate cells than the less dense vertebrate derived particles (SINVLight). The current study shows that SINVLight particles, initiate the infection of the mosquito midgut more efficiently than SINVHeavy particles and that this enhanced infectivity is associated with an exacerbated immune response to SINVLight infection in midgut tissues. The enhanced infection of SINVLight is specific to the midgut as intrathoracically injected virus do not exhibit the same fitness advantage. Together, our data indicate a biologically significant role for the SINVLight subpopulation in the efficient transmission from infected vertebrates to the mosquito vector.
Strain-Specific Antagonism of the Human H1N1 Influenza A Virus against Equine Tetherin
Authors: Wang Meiyue , Zhang Zhenyu , Wang Xiaojun
Published: May 2018

Tetherin/BST-2/CD317 is an interferon-induced host restriction factor that can block the budding of enveloped viruses by tethering them to the cell surface. Many viruses use certain proteins to counteract restriction by tetherin from their natural hosts, but not from other species. The influenza A virus (FLUAV) has a wide range of subtypes with different host tropisms. Human tetherin (huTHN) has been reported to restrict only specific FLUAV strains and the viral hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes determine the sensitivity to huTHN. Whether tetherins from other hosts can block human FLUAV is still unknown. Here, we evaluate the impact of equine tetherin (eqTHN) and huTHN on the replication of A/Sichuan/1/2009 (H1N1) and A/equine/Xinjiang/1/2007 (H3N8) strains. Our results show that eqTHN had higher restriction activity towards both viruses, and its shorter cytoplasmic tail contributed to that activity. We further demonstrated that HA and NA of A/Hamburg/4/2009 (H1N1) could counteract eqTHN. Notably, our results indicate that four amino acids, 13T and 49L of HA and 32T and 80V of NA, were involved in blocking the restriction activity of eqTHN. These findings reveal interspecies restriction by eqTHN towards FLUAV, and the role of the HA and NA proteins in overcoming this restriction.
Evaluation of Multi-Satellite Precipitation Products for Streamflow Simulations: A Case Study for the Han River Basin in the Korean Peninsula, East Asia
Authors: Vu Thom Thi , Li Li , Jun Kyung Soo
Published: May 2018

The accuracy and sufficiency of precipitation data play a key role in environmental research and hydrological models. They have a significant effect on the simulation results of hydrological models; therefore, reliable hydrological simulation in data-scarce areas is a challenging task. Advanced techniques can be utilized to improve the accuracy of satellite-derived rainfall data, which can be used to overcome the problem of data scarcity. Our study aims to (1) assess the accuracy of different satellite precipitation products such as Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM 3B42 V7), Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN), PERSIANN-Climate Data Record (PERSIANN-CDR), and China Meteorological Assimilation Driving Datasets for the SWAT Model (CMADS) by comparing them with gauged rainfall data; and (2) apply them for runoff simulations for the Han River Basin in South Korea using the SWAT model. Based on the statistical measures, that is, the proportion correct (PC), the probability of detection (POD), the frequency bias index (FBI), the index of agreement (IOA), the root-mean-square-error (RMSE), the mean absolute error (MAE), the coefficient of determination (R2), and the bias, the rainfall data of the TRMM and CMADS show a better accuracy than those of PERSIANN and PERSIANN-CDR when compared to rain gauge measurements. The TRMM and CMADS data capture the spatial rainfall patterns in mountainous areas as well. The streamflow simulated by the SWAT model using ground-based rainfall data agrees well with the observed streamflow with an average Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of 0.68. The four satellite rainfall products were used as inputs in the SWAT model for streamflow simulation and the results were compared. The average R2, NSE, and percent bias (PBIAS) show that hydrological models using TRMM (R2 = 0.54, NSE = 0.49, PBIAS = [−52.70–28.30%]) and CMADS (R2 = 0.44, NSE = 0.42, PBIAS = [−29.30–41.80%]) data perform better than those utilizing PERSIANN (R2 = 0.29, NSE = 0.13, PBIAS = [38.10–83.20%]) and PERSIANN-CDR (R2 = 0.25, NSE = 0.16, PBIAS = [12.70–71.20%]) data. Overall, the results of this study are satisfactory, given that rainfall data obtained from TRMM and CMADS can be used to simulate the streamflow of the Han River Basin with acceptable accuracy. Based on these results, TRMM and CMADS rainfall data play important roles in hydrological simulations and water resource management in the Han River Basin and in other regions with similar climate and topographical characteristics.
On Strong Nearshore Wind-Induced Currents in Flow-Through Gulfs: Variations on a Theme by Csanady
Authors: Horsch Georgios , Fourniotis Nikolaos
Published: May 2018

Csanady’s (1973) model, used to explain the development of strong, wind-induced nearshore currents in long lakes, has been extended to explain the same phenomenon in flow-through semi-enclosed gulfs. As in the original theory, it is predicted that the depth-averaged velocities move with the wind in regions shallower than the characteristic depth and upwind in deeper parts of the basin. The characteristic depth in the modified theory, however, is shown to be larger than the characteristic depth of the original theory, which is the basin mean depth, by a parameter λ, which can be calculated using the wind stress, the cross-section area and the volumetric inflow into the gulf. The theory is further used to examine in detail the scaling of the flow and identify the dimensional parameters underlying the formulation of the Csanady model. By expanding in an appropriately-defined inverse, Rossby number, which can be made arbitrarily large for small times, it is shown that under the influence of the Coriolis force, the free surface assumes a characteristic S-like shape and the shorewise volume flux an M-like shape. It is suggested that the shorewise flux might be of interest in environmental applications. The predictions of both variations of the original model of Csanady have been illustrated by numerical simulations, in pertinent idealized geometries, and have been also used to explain salient features of the wind-induced circulation in the Gulf of Patras in Western Greece.
Development of Battery Pack Design for High Power Li-Ion Battery Pack of HEV
Authors: JEON YoonCheol , LEE GunGoo , KIM TaeYong , BYUN SangWon , LEE ChoongHo , CHEONG KyeongBeom , LEE HanYong , CHOI SooSeok , KIM KiHo , SONU Jun
Published: May 2018

We developed the compact battery pack with structural safety and high cooling performance based on numerical simulation for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) applications. The most important requirement in HEV battery pack is high specific power (kW/kg), which makes lightweight design of battery pack essential. By applying optimization methodology combined with structural finite element analysis, robust and lightweight module frame, which binds dozens of batteries together, was designed to minimize the deformation of batteries in case of swelling or explosion. Efficient cooling system was also achieved through the Pugh decision matrix with computational fluid dynamic analysis, to have a uniform temperature distribution and a minimized pressure drop within the pack under normal charging/discharging conditions. By employing module frame and cooling system based on numerical simulation, the compact design of lithium-ion battery pack was obtained successfully to have structural safety and cooling performance. Experiments were implemented to further validate numerical simulation of thus obtained optimal battery pack design for HEV, and they were found to be in good agreement.
Evolutions in Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Standardization: The HarmonHy Experience
Authors: Peter Van den Bossche , Joeri Van Mierlo , Jean-Marc Timmermans , Julien Matheys , Gaston Maggetto , Frédéric Vergels
Published: May 2018

HarmonHy is a European Union-funded Specific Support Action aiming to make an assessment of the activities on hydrogen and fuel cell regulations, codes and standards (RCS) on a worldwide level. On this basis, gaps have been identified and potential conflicts between regulations, codes and standards have been investigated. Types of document to be referred to include international, regional and national standards, EU directives, UNECE regulations,… Particular attention will be paid to the identification of the needs for standards as perceived by the industry as well as to actions aiming to ensure concordance between standards, codes and regulations. Standards and regulations require harmonization. HarmonHy pursues the elaboration of an action plan and a roadmap for future work on harmonizing regulations, codes and standards on hydrogen and fuel cells on an international level.
Realtime SMART Speed Pattern Generator for EVs taking account of Driver’s Command Change
Authors: Zhao Li , Hori Yoichi
Published: May 2018

Electric Vehicles (EVs) driven by electric motors are suitable for speed control, which means the ride comfort and safety can be improved in ordinary traveling and emergency by applying speed patterns. The main contribution of this paper is the development of a Realtime SMART Speed Pattern Generator (RSSPG) taking account of driver’s command change. In the RSSPG, speedy acceleration/deceleration can be implemented under the constraints of acceleration and jerk limits. The parameter C which is associated with slope of jerk can be adjusted to fit accelerator/brake actions of human drivers with different driving styles. Some experimental results by our test EV ‘UOT March II’ are shown to verify the effectiveness of the proposed RSSPG.
Moving Electric Transportation Forward: The Many Faces of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Thomas Tricia
Published: May 2018

First-time attendees to classic car shows are frequently surprised to see vintage electric cars tucked in among the Model T’s and A’s [...]
A Novel Traction Control without Chassis Velocity for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Yin Dejun , Hori Yoichi
Published: May 2018

Research on motion control of electric vehicles has progressed considerably, but traction control has not been so sophisticated and practical because the velocity of vehicles and the friction force are immeasurable. This work takes advantage of the features of driving motors to estimate the maximum transmissible torque output in real time based on a purely kinematic relationship, and then proposes an innovative controller to follow the estimated value directly and constrain the torque reference for slip prevention. By comparison with prior control methods, the resulting control design approach is shown to be more effective and robust on an experimental electric vehicle. In addition, a new architecture for a two-dimensional vehicle stability control system is introduced based on the proposed traction control.
Hybrid buses: defining the power flow management strategy and energy storage system needs
Authors: Barrero R. , Coosemans T. , Van Mierlo J.
Published: May 2018

The following article will analyze the benefits of retrofitting a diesel-electric bus by hybridizing its drive train with a supercapacitor based energy storage system (ESS). Several power flow management strategies will be proposed and compared; and their respective ESSs will be sized and designed accordingly. The energy savings achieved range between 32 % and 40%, due to braking energy recovery and an improved ICE efficiency, and show the importance of the power flow strategy. Results are obtained by means of a quasi-static ‘backwards/forward looking’ simulation program, developed for this purpose, which includes a dynamic model of the ICE. Performance of the conventional bus and the hybrid bus is also compared.
Flexibility of Contactless Power Transfer using Magnetic Resonance Coupling to Air Gap and Misalignment for EV
Authors: Imura Takehiro , Uchida Toshiyuki , Hori Yoichi
Published: May 2018

Nowadays, the establishment of the technologies of contactless power transfer (CPT) for electric vehicles (EVs) are needed. The system can provide people with a convenient charging system which can powers their EVs wirelessly and automatically when they park. Traditional CPT solutions have the problem of distance between transmitting antennas and receiving antennas (air gap), as well as from the misalignment of the antennas. Those systems cannot power at a great distance and the efficiency is very low. In this paper, CPT by magnetic resonance couplings and small antennas are proposed. These techniques more easily span air gaps and are more forgiving to antennas misalignments than traditional solutions. The Efficiencies are still high when the air gaps are longer than the diameter of the antennas. As well, the efficiencies are over 90% when the antennas are half a diameter out of alignment. For example, when the air gap and the displacement is 150mm, the efficiency is about 96%. The magnetic resonant couplings can power wirelessly even if there is a weak connection. Thus, a large air gaps with high efficiency are possible. The relation between two resonant frequencies and the coupling coefficient are described using the method of equivalent circuits. As well, the relation between resonant frequencies and the efficiencies, especially the moment of decreasing, are described.
Electrochemical and thermal modeling of lithium-ion cells for use in HEV or EV application
Authors: Benger Ralf , Wenzl Heinz , Beck Hans-Peter , Jiang Meina , Ohms Detlef , Schaedlich Gunter
Published: May 2018

To build a lithium battery system from single cells for use in an electric drive system the coupled electrochemical and thermal characteristics of these cells have to be well-known. Otherwise it is not possible to find the best cell for a given application considering capacity, power, thermal and electric management, housing, monitoring, etc. In the presented work an easy to parameterize Simulink model regarding the electrochemical and thermal properties was developed to simulate different cell types for an electric drive system. The model is based on an equivalent circuit diagram which is parameterized by means of impedance spectroscopy as well as of current pulse techniques. Differences of these methods are discussed briefly. By comparing simulation results and measurements it is shown that the coupled electrochemical-thermal model can predict the current - voltage behaviour and the temperature development of the different cells very exactly for both constant current profiles and load profiles appropriate for an electric forklift application.
Heuristic Design of Advanced Drives: Analysis of Tradeoffs in Powertrain Electrification
Authors: Wilhelm E.J. , Schenler W.W.
Published: May 2018

Consumer demand for fuel efficient, low-emission vehicles is growing. This trend is motivated on one hand by the increasing fuel cost and on the other by government incentives and increased awareness. By hybridizing and electrifying powertrains, fuel use may be reduced without a sacrificing drive quality or functionality. Manufacturers are introducing powertrain concepts that avoid asking drivers to compromise, other than with perhaps a slight increase in purchase price. Heuristic design methods are useful for quantifying trade-offs between key stakeholder criteria, particularly for new technologies.
Predictive Cruise Control in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Van Keulen Thijs , Naus Gerrit , De Jager Bram , Van de Molengraft René , Steinbuch Maarten , Aneke Edo
Published: May 2018

Deceleration rates have considerable influence on the fuel economy of hybrid electric vehicles. Given the vehicle characteristics and actual/measured operating conditions, as well as upcoming route information, optimal velocity trajectories can be constructed that maximize energy recovery. To support the driver in tracking of the energy optimal velocity trajectory, automatic cruise control is an important driver aid. In practice, perfect tracking of the optimal velocity trajectory is often not possible. An Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system is employed to react to the actual traffic situation. The combination of optimal velocity trajectory construction and ACC is presented as Predictive Cruise Control (PCC).
Full life cycle analysis of market penetration of electricity based vehicles
Authors: Baptista Patricia , Silva Carla , Gonçalves Gonçalo , Farias Tiago
Published: May 2018

The main objective of the present study is to analyze the impact of the market share increase of different vehicle technologies in terms of energy consumption and CO2 emissions in the Portuguese mainland region. An extensive characterization of how road vehicle technologies energy consumption and CO2 emissions compare in a full life cycle perspective was attained. The main conclusions are that plug-in hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles can have the potential to reduced energy consumption (up to 9%) and CO2 emissions (up to 19%) in a full life cycle analysis.
Monitoring and Simulation of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
Authors: G. A. Gonçalves , J. T Bravo , P. C. Baptista , C. M. Silva , T.L. Farias
Published: May 2018

The objective of this research is to develop a fuel cell hydrogen vehicle model (FC-RVS) and validate it with existing black-box models and with real on-board data. On-board data for dynamic profile, topography and fuel consumption was collected in the city of Porto in the framework of the hydrogen bus demonstration project CUTE (Clean Urban Transport for Europe). The vehicle used is part of a fleet of 27 urban buses developed and built by Evobus and uses a fuel cell based non-hybrid propulsion system. The data collected in Porto reflects a very demanding drive cycle that resulted in the availability of data for several operating conditions. The fuel cell vehicle is modelled by using efficiency maps of each powertrain component. Trough a backward approach the power requested is transformed in hydrogen consumption. Finally, optimized configurations to achieve the lowest hydrogen consumption possible are analyzed, including hybridization. FC-RVS model predictions were within 4% of measured results.
A Comparative Study and Analysis of an Optimized Control Strategy for the Toyota Hybrid System
Authors: Hofman Theo , Purnot Thijs
Published: May 2018

The Toyota Prius equipped with the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) II vehicle uses a combination of a combustion engine and two electric machines in order to increase the efficiency and the fuel economy. The Energy Management Strategy (EMS) of the THS II is analyzed using measurement data collected with a Toyota Prius under different driving conditions on the road and compared with an optimized EMS based on simulations. The main goal of this paper is to verify the control strategy as implemented in the Prius by comparing the measured strategy with an optimized strategy based on Energy Consumption Minimization Strategy (ECMS). The differences between the simulation results and the actual measured strategy are analysed and discussed.
Development of GENSET Module Technology of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Chen Pin-Yung , Chen Rongshun
Published: May 2018

The main purpose of this paper is to develop the on-board generator (named “GENSET”), equipped on the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) in Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taiwan. Based on the developed electric power components such as battery integration, DC/DC converters, traction motor and control units, ITRI hybrid powertrains were thereby established by combining above items and existing engine technologies. Therefore, a power-assist 100kW powertrain for a SUV and an 18 kW fullhybrid powertrain in a light-duty vehicle were built. Several techniques of key subsystems such as a 50 kW PMSM traction motor, a GENSET, enhanced vehicle controllers, an 8 kWh/150A battery module, and battery management systems (BMSs) from the powertrains mentioned were utilized to integrate the prototype PHEV. From the experimental results, the 20 kW generator with a 1.2L 4-cylinder engine integrated into a GENSET can reach 20 kW output power and has a good performance in the narrow domain. Finally, we raised briefly several directions for future study.
Design and Implementation of a Smart Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity Estimation System for E-Bike
Authors: Liu Yow-Chyi , Chang Shyue-Bin
Published: May 2018

This paper proposes a smart lithium-ion battery capacity estimation method for electric bicycles. Battery capacity information informs the electric vehicle driver of the residual battery working time, thus facilitating the estimation of mileage of electric bicycle and timing of battery charging to avoid overcharging or over-discharging. Factors such as different discharge rates, environmental temperature, battery charge and discharge efficiency and battery aging affect the released capacity of battery, which is an electrochemical reaction of battery. In addition to integrating the advantages of the coulometric measurement and open circuit voltage measurement methods, and the proposed smart lithium-ion battery capacity estimator also incorporates discharge current, temperature, battery aging, as well as charging efficiency factors into capacity correction to develop a highly accurate PIC single-chip lithium-ion battery capacity estimation system.
Improving of Active Cell Balancing by Equalizing the Cell Energy Instead of the Cell Voltage
Authors: Einhorn Markus , Conte Fiorentino Valerio , Fleig Juergen
Published: May 2018

This article presents how active charge balancing of energy storage devices such as batteries and supercaps can be improved by using the capacity and the state of charge instead of the cell voltage as balancing criterion. Both for charging and discharging an improvement of performance is gained when using the state of charge and the capacity of the cells as information. A battery stack is modeled and a realistic driving cycle is applied to compare the difference between both methods in terms of usable energy. Finally, the simulation is validated by measurements.
Safety test methods for EV batteries
Authors: Davidsson Karin , Karlsson Ingvar , Leisner Peter , Bobert Magnus , Blomqvist Per
Published: May 2018

The aim of the present paper is to share our experience in battery safety testing and risk analysis from a recent project called BLIXT, which had the objective to speed up the progress of the paradigmatic shift toward electric vehicles (EV). The batteries in question have been three different configurations of lithiumion batteries (LiFePO4). The tests have involved fire, crash tests and sort circuit.
Comparative Study of a Passive Hybrid Energy Storage System Using Lithium Ion Battery and Ultracapacitor
Authors: Chuan Yu , Mi Chris , Zhang Mengyang
Published: May 2018

In this paper, scaled-down mathematical models, simulations, and experimental studies have been conducted to show the power sharing between battery and ultra-capacitor in a passive Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS) using lithium ion battery and ultracapacitor. Detailed comparisons between a battery-only ESS and a passive HESS in terms of power capability, discharging time, and efficiency have been studied to investigate the advantages of passive HESS. Finally, we compare a passive HESS with an active HESS for Electric Vehicle (EV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) applications, and the advantages of the passive HESS over active HESS are explained.
Optimal Control Strategy for PHEVs Using Prediction of Future Driving Schedule
Authors: Lee Daeheung , Cha Suk , Rousseau Aymeric , Kim Namwook
Published: May 2018

Optimization-based control methods for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles require knowledge about an entire driving cycle and an elevation profile to obtain optimal performance over a fixed driving route. This paper details our investigation into the method of using traffic information to predict the future driving cycle, as well as an examination of the optimal control strategy based on Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle, in order to minimize fuel consumption on a given trip distance and to develop a real-time implementable control strategy. To predict future driving patterns, the Dynamic Programming theory is proposed for the calculation of vehicle speed with respect to driving distance, under the assumption that data about traffic conditions are obtained from external traffic information, such as Intelligent Transportation Systems. Prediction of future driving speed is achieved by minimizing the proposed cost function on each segment. The results of the generated speed profile can properly estimate the driving pattern of the driver. Also, a co-state generation algorithm is applied to determine the parameters with respect to the required power deduced from the predicted driving cycle. The proposed co-state generation model can find the estimated initial co-state that is similar to the optimal co-state. Simulation results indicate that this approach guarantees the best efficiency under reasonable conditions and the minimization of fuel consumption on the trip distance between the origin and destination.
Plug-in Hybrid Systems newly developed by Hynudai Motor Company
Authors: Buhmjoo Suh , Min ByungSoon , Lee Seok , Heon Jae
Published: May 2018

As a solution for reducing fuel energy consumption and emissions of cars, hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) systems have been proposed and the development of technology has advanced by leap and bounce. Among the hybrid systems, a plug-in HEV (PHEV) which is a vehicle which combines the features of HEV and electric vehicle (EV) has significant potential to decrease fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper, new PHEV systems developed by Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) will be described with the attributes of the PHEV systems. The EV driving performance and configurations of HMC’s PHEV systems will be described.
Evaluating Plug-In Vehicles (Plug-in Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicles) Using Standard Dynamometer Protocols
Authors: Duoba Michael , Lohse-Busch Henning , Rask Eric
Published: May 2018

New plug-in vehicles offer advantages in fuel saving and lower exhaust emissions by adding new advanced-technology powertrain components. With this new complexity come new challenges in characterizing these vehicles using standardized testing methods. Over the last several years, many testing experts have developed new methods for testing battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs). New instrumentation hardware and techniques are outlined in this paper. Metrics and calculation methods were developed to suit the plug-in aspect and operational nature of the vehicles. New BEV test methods were developed and validated using a 2012 Nissan Leaf BEV. Analysis of the results showed that efficiency and range determined from the old methods could be reliably reproduced with the new procedures and methods. Likewise new PHEV test procedures were validated using a 2012 Chevy Volt PHEV and an aftermarket PHEV-converted Prius. The results of the test program show that the end-of-test criterion presented as the “alternate” method in SAE J1711 is the robust choice to determine the transition from depleting to sustaining. The Utility Factor method of calculating final results worked well for both PHEVs. Sample post-processing calculations are shown for the urban-cycle testing. Various PHEV range definitions and fuel and electricity usage rates are given with and without utility factor weighting.
SuperLib Project: Advanced Dual-Cell Battery Concept for Battery Electric Vehicles
Authors: Omar N. , Coosemans Th. , Martin J. , Sauvant-Moynot V. , Salminen J. , Kortschak B. , Hennige V. , Van Mierlo J. , Bossche P.
Published: May 2018

This paper describes the Advanced Dual-Cell Battery Concept for Battery Electric Vehicles in the framework of the European Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). The project investigates a well promising new energy concept, whereby high energy and high power dimensioned batteries are combined on cell level. The proposed methodology should allow to extend the battery life cycle by imposing peak power at the high power cell and supplying energy by the main energy source: high energy cells. Moreover, the new concept will assist to prolong the range of an e-car compared to conventional battery electric vehicles with high energy cells. Therefore, new advanced battery models, including adequate estimation techniques for battery model parameters, state of charge and state of health, will be developed at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and IFP Energies Nouvelles. Then, from the point of view of the electronic architecture, the energy transfer between high energy and high power cells and balancing system from the other side will be carried out by Valeo and IFP Energies Nouvelles. Finally, this innovative concept will be validated by VDL, Volvo, CRF, European Batteries, and BOSCH companies.
Safety Management for Electric Vehicle Batteries in a Tropic Environment
Authors: Martiny Nora , Osswald Patrick , Huber Christian , Jossen Andreas
Published: May 2018

To ensure the safety of a battery system certain measures can be employed. Monitoring the actual battery temperature is crucial to guarantee a safe use of the system while an optimized cooling system for the battery pack helps to improve the liability, prevent safety shut-os and extend the battery's lifetime. Additionally, possibilities to monitor the state of health of the battery on a longer time scale are necessary to avoid over-stretching the battery's capability of storing energy on the one hand and to reduce investment costs on the other hand. This paper deals with dierent approaches to handle the battery temperature, especially under challenging tropical outside conditions. A temperature distribution model is developed and evaluated using combined data from a sensor matrix and an infrared camera. This method is used for real-time temperature measurements to investigate and monitor the temperature distribution on pouch cells. The simulation of dierent cooling systems is presented to show the need of a steady temperature distribution within a battery pack. The goal is to avoid excessive load on certain cells, which has a high impact on a safe use of the pack and reduces lifetime signicantly. Finally, an approach to characterize the battery thermodynamically is presented. This is expected to be a useful tool to measure and monitor the state of health of a battery and rst investigations are shown for dierent cell chemistries, performed on commercially available full cells.