bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subpixel Surface Water Extraction (SSWE) Using Landsat 8 OLI Data
Authors: Xiong Longhai , Deng Ruru , Li Jun , Liu Xulong , Qin Yan , Liang Yeheng , Liu Yingfei
Published: May 2018

Surface water extraction from remote sensing imagery has been a very active research topic in recent years, as this problem is essential for monitoring the environment, ecosystems, climate, and so on. In order to extract surface water accurately, we developed a new subpixel surface water extraction (SSWE) method, which includes three steps. Firstly, a new all bands water index (ABWI) was developed for pure water pixel extraction. Secondly, the mixed water–land pixels were extracted by a morphological dilation operation. Thirdly, the water fractions within the mixed water–land pixels were estimated by local multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis (MESMA). The proposed ABWI and SSWE have been evaluated by using three data sets collected by the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI). Results show that the accuracy of ABWI is higher than that of the normalized difference water index (NDWI). According to the obtained surface water maps, the proposed SSWE shows better performance than the automated subpixel water mapping method (ASWM). Specifically, the root-mean-square error (RMSE) obtained by our SSWE for the data sets considered in experiments is 0.117, which is better than that obtained by ASWM (0.143). In conclusion, the SSWE can be used to extract surface water with high accuracy, especially in areas with optically complex aquatic environments.
Measuring the Value of Farmland-Elevating Engineering in the Reservoir Area of a Key Water Conservancy Project in China
Authors: Ding Jiyong , Zhai Wujuan , Hu Leichuang
Published: May 2018

With the development and construction of key water conservancy projects, many problems such as population migration in reservoir areas have become increasingly grave in China. The implementation of farmland-elevating engineering has become an effective way to reduce the loss of cultivated land, prevent soil erosion, and ensure food security and social stability. On the basis of the key technical analysis of farmland-elevating engineering, this paper constructed a value system of farmland-elevating engineering from aspects of social value, ecological value, and economic value and established corresponding measurement models, respectively. Taking a key water conservancy project in Jiangxi province as an example, this paper measures the value of farmland-elevating engineering implemented in this project. The results show that the implementation of farmland-elevating engineering can produce great value. This study aims to provide reliable references for the decision-making regarding farmland-elevating engineering.
Satellite-Based, Multi-Indices for Evaluation of Agricultural Droughts in a Highly Dynamic Tropical Catchment, Central Vietnam
Authors: Du Tien Le Thuy , Bui Duong Du , Nguyen Minh Duc , Lee Hyongki
Published: May 2018

Characterization of droughts using satellite-based data and indices in a steep, highly dynamic tropical catchment, like Vu Gia Thu Bon, which is the most important basin in central Vietnam, has remained a challenge for many years. This study examined the six widely used vegetation indices (VIs) to effectively monitor droughts that are based on their sensitivity with precipitation, soil moisture, and their linkage with the impacts on agricultural crop production and forest fires. Six VIs representing the four main groups, including greenness-based VIs (Vegetation Condition Index), water-based VIs (Normalized Difference Water Index, Land Surface Water Index), temperature-based VIs (Temperature Condition Index), and combined VIs (Vegetation Health Index, Normalized Difference Drought Index) were tested using MODIS data from January 2001 to December 2016 with the support of cloud-based Google Earth Engine computational platform. Results showed that droughts happened almost every year, but with different intensity. Vegetation stress was found to be mainly attributed to precipitation in the rice paddy fields and to temperature in the forest areas. Findings revealed that combined vegetation indices were more sensitive drought indicators in the basin, whereas their performance was different by vegetation type. In the rice paddy fields, NDDI was more sensitive to precipitation than other indices; it better captured droughts and their impacts on crop yield. In the forest areas, VHI was more sensitive to temperature, and thus had better performance than other VIs. Accordingly, NDDI and VHI were recommended for monitoring droughts in the agricultural and forest lands, respectively. The findings from this study are crucial to map drought risks and prepare an effective mitigation plan for the basin.
The Water–Energy–Food Nexus: A Fuzzy-Cognitive Mapping Approach to Support Nexus-Compliant Policies in Andalusia (Spain)
Authors: Martinez Pilar , Blanco Maria , Castro-Campos Bente
Published: May 2018

Water, energy and food are essential resources for economic development and social well-being. Framing integrated policies that improve their efficient use requires understanding the interdependencies in the water–energy–food (WEF) nexus. Stakeholder involvement in this process is crucial to represent multiple perspectives, ensure political legitimacy and promote dialogue. In this research, we develop and apply a participatory modelling approach to identify the main interlinkages within the WEF nexus in Andalusia, as a starting point to developing a system dynamic model at a later stage. The application of fuzzy cognitive mapping enabled us to gain knowledge on the WEF nexus according to opinions from 14 decision-makers, as well as contributing to raising awareness and building consensus among stakeholders. Results show that climate change and water availability are key drivers in the WEF nexus in Andalusia. Other variables with significant interlinkages within the WEF nexus are food production, irrigated agriculture, energy cost, socio-economic factors, irrigation water use, environmental conservation, and farm performance indicators. The scenario analysis reveals the interdependencies among nexus sectors and the existence of unanticipated effects when changing variables in the system, which need to be considered to design integrated policies.
Lithium Ion SuperPolymer® High-Performance Battery for Ultra-Safe, Long-Range ZEVs, HEVs, and PHEVs
Authors: Dasgupta Sankar
Published: May 2018

Electrovaya’s Lithium Ion SuperPolymer® based battery is a cost-effective solution for long-range, ultrasafe zero-emission (battery electric) and low-emission (plug-in hybrid) vehicles. Optimized for transportation, Electrovaya has developed fully integrated power system solutions with large-format cells, large-format modules, and integrated an intelligent battery management system for safe and effective scale-up. Electrovaya’s proprietary SuperPolymer® technology is independent of the composition of the positive electrode active material and so multiple chemistry solutions are available, including the MN-Series, a Lithiated Manganese Oxide based system, with up to 50% higher energy density and comparable safety characteristics to Electrovaya’s Phosphate-Series solution. This paper details the design approach and recent test results of Electrovaya’s solutions for (1) plug-in hybrids, with its program with New York State on a Ford Escape platform; (2) passenger vehicles, as demonstrated in a 30kWh ZEV in Norway; (3) fleet vehicles, such as an 80kWh delivery vehicle in partnership with Unicell, Purolator and the Canadian Government; and (4) off-road vehicles, such as its project with New York State Parks.Electrovaya’s scalable power train solution is easily tailored to the demands of passenger, fleet, off-road, and heavy-duty applications. This solution is cost-competitive to ICE-based vehicles and superior in performance, safety and operating cost. Electrovaya’s SuperPolymer® technology gives superior safety and performance and is exceptionally suited to large format systems necessary for transportation applications.
Moving Toward Sustainability
Authors: Bailey J. Ronald
Published: May 2018

The world today relies primarily on petroleum to fuel more than 800 million passenger cars, trucks, and buses.[...]
FCV Learning Demonstration: Project Midpoint Status and First-Generation Vehicle Results
Authors: Wipke Keith , Sprik Sam , Kurtz Jennifer , Thomas Holly , Garbak John
Published: May 2018

The “Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration and Validation Project,” also known as the Fuel Cell Vehicle and Infrastructure Learning Demonstration, is a 5-year U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) project started in 2004. The purpose of this project is to conduct an integrated field validation that simultaneously examines the performance of fuel cell vehicles and the supporting hydrogen infrastructure. Four industry teams are currently operating more than 77 vehicles and 14 refueling stations, with plans to add over 50 additional vehicles and several additional refueling stations during the remainder of the project duration. This paper covers the progress accomplished by the demonstration and validation project since inception, including results from analysis of six months of new data.With three sets of public results having been presented previously, this paper comes at roughly the midpoint of the project, just as second-generation fuel cell stacks and vehicles are being introduced and some early vehicles are being retired. With many fuel cell stacks having accumulated well over 500 hours of real-world operation, there is now a higher level of confidence in the trends and projections relating to the durability and voltage degradation of these first-generation fuel cell stacks.Public results for this project are in the form of composite data products, which aggregate individual performance into a range that protects the intellectual property and the identity of each company, while still publishing overall status and progress. In addition to generating composite data products, NREL is performing additional analyses to provide detailed recommendations back to the R&D program. This includes analysis to identify sensitivities of fuel cell durability to factors such as vehicle duty cycle, number of on/off cycles, time at idle, and ambient temperature. An overview of this multivariate analysis and preliminary findings will be shared, with future project activities discussed.
Development of Honda FCX
Authors: Oyama Shigeki , Kaji Hayato , Yoshida Hiromichi
Published: May 2018

Honda has been researching and developing fuel cells to resolve issues we face such as air pollution and energy conservation. In September 1999, Honda installed its internally developed fuel cell stacks on its fuel cell test vehicle for the first time. Since then, we have made efforts to increase the commercial value of our fuel cell vehicles by setting the aim of our fuel cell development to attain a more compact design with higher output, and to be more adaptable to wider areas. In October 2003, Honda announced the new-generation fuel cell stack, and delivered the Honda FCX to New York State in November 2004. We test-ran the FCX in wider areas and a great deal of information was obtained regarding the FCX’s environmental adaptability and durability.This paper describes the current and future work on the Honda FCX fuel cell vehicle and fuel cell stack.
Alternative Road Vehicles, Electric Rail Systems, Short Flights: An Environmental Comparison
Authors: Matheys Julien , Festraets Tim , Timmermans Jean-Marc , Sergeant Nele , Van Mierlo Joeri
Published: May 2018

In a context of global warming, the energy-efficiency topic has never been as hot as it is now, especially as far as transportation is concerned. Road and rail transportation are both included in what currently is the main attempt to tackle climate change on a worldwide scale: the Kyoto protocol. The achievement of the objectives put forward in this international agreement might be reached thanks to the high energy efficiency of electric drives for both road and rail transportation. International aviation emissions however, have not been included in the targets of the Kyoto protocol. Nevertheless, as in some cases aviation competes with surface transport, the energy efficiencies and/or climate impacts of different alternative drives or transport modes for surface transport should be compared to (mainly short-haul and very short-haul) aviation.In this paper the environmental relevance of a planned prohibition of very short-haul flights in Belgium is assessed. This is done through the case-study of an abandoned project to operate a 737-400 flight between the Belgian cities of Liège and Charleroi (75 km distance), before taking off to Casablanca, Morocco (approximately 2100 km from Charleroi). The emissions due to the Liège-Charleroi leg of the flight are compared to alternatives for passenger transport, such as road transport and rail transport. Concerning road transport, different alternatives (conventional, CNG, hybrid, electric drive cars and buses) will be considered. After an assessment of the different transfer possibilities, an evaluation of the most climate-friendly and energy efficient scenarios is performed. Moreover an estimation of the yearly CO2-equivalent savings is carried out.
Nonlinear Body Slip Angle Observer for Electric Vehicle Stability Control
Authors: Geng Cong , Hori Yoichi
Published: May 2018

This paper proposes a nonlinear observer for Body Slip Angle (β) estimation, in which a nonlinear tire model is adopted for the observer design. A newly developed method to identify parameters of road surface friction coefficient (μ) is introduced into this observer, which makes the observer adaptive to road condition changing. Simulations and field tests are conducted, where the feasibility of μ identification and effectiveness of the observer are checked, especially for nonlinear cornering situations.
Electro-mechanical Differentials for Reduction of Self-generated Wind-up Torques in DBW AWD Propulsion Mechatronic Control Systems
Authors: Fijalkowski Bogdan Thaddeus
Published: May 2018

This paper deals with the concept of ‘passive’ and ‘active’ electromechanical (E-M) differentials in automotive mechatronics, in particular, for reduction of ‘self-generated wind-up torques’ in drive-by-wire (DBW) all-wheel-drive (AWD) propulsion mechatronic control systems. Self-generated wind-up torques are created by differing dynamic wheel-tire diameters, kinetic slip between front-wheel-drive (FWD) and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) units during cornering and kinetic slip between the driven wheels or steered, motorized and/or generatorized wheels (SM&GW) of one FWD or RWD unit. However, dissimilar transmission ratios for FWD and RWD units of a rigid DBW AWD propulsion mechatronic control systems, which also could create high self-generated wind-up torques, are usually not selected. The selfgenerated wind-up torques emerging in the DBW AWD propulsion mechatronic control system can only be reduced by power that linearly increases with the wheel angular speed. This power loss, in fact, cannot be utilized as tractive power for the all-terrain (on/off-road) all-electric vehicles (AEV), that is, battery electric vehicles (BEV) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) as well as hybrid-electric vehicles (HEV). The generated power loss increases the electrical energy economy and/or specific fuel consumption (SFC), the wear and tear (W&T) of all DBW AWD propulsion mechatronic control system components, and the wheel-tire wear. Under extreme circumstances, over heating and overload can significantly moderate the fatigue life and lead to an early failure of all DBW AWD propulsion mechatronic control system components.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Energy Management System using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Banvait Harpreetsingh , Lin Xiao , Anwar Sohel , Chen Yaobin
Published: May 2018

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are the new generation of automobiles that can run not only on the energy from gasoline but also that from an electric outlet stored in a battery pack. Hence, these vehicles can significantly reduce the consumption of gasoline by taking advantage of cheaper renewable and non renewable sources of energies available at the domestic electric outlet. Thus PHEVs can contribute significantly in reducing the overall green house gas emissions from automobiles. In this paper a simplified powertrain of power split PHEV is modeled. The main objective of the study is to increase the fuel economy of the PHEV. To achieve this goal, a gradient free optimization algorithm, namely “Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)” technique, has been implemented using the aforementioned simplified model. An optimization problem is formulated with Equivalent Fuel Consumption Minimization (EFCM) as the main objective function along with some constraints to be satisfied. This problem is then solved using the PSO algorithm and the optimal energy management algorithms are finally run in Argonne National Lab’s simulation software PSAT. The simulation results are then compared with PSAT’s default control strategy which indicate significant improvements in fuel economy with the PSO optimized algorithms.
Correlating Dynamometer Testing to In-Use Fleet Results of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Duoba Michael , Carlson Richard , Jehlik Forrest , Smart John , White Sera
Published: May 2018

The Untied States Department of Energy is engaged in the research, development and deployment of PHEV technology through the “Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity.” In this program, data has been collected from a Prius PHEV converted by HymotionTM using industry standard dynamometer testing procedures and from in-use operation of fleets. Differences in fuel-only consumption rates observed in the on-road data compared to the dynamometer results were fairly dramatic. Correlations of the driving style and conditions of dynamometer testing and on-road conditions were made possible by comprehensive onroad loggers. A model was developed to infer driving intensity from the on-road dataset from data load measurement during dynamometer testing. The reasons for the shortfall are detailed in the paper. They range from driver aggressiveness, accessory loads, ambient temperature (weather), and the high sensitivity the control system exhibits with increased acceleration pedal demand and higher average cruising speeds.
Design Methodology of Energy Storage Systems for a Small Electric Vehicle
Authors: Trovão João P. , Pereirinha Paulo G. , Jorge Humberto M.
Published: May 2018

With the current state of technological development, the future of Electric Vehicles (EVs) seems to go through the hybridization of various Energy Storage Systems (ESSs). This strategy seeks to benefit from the best qualities of each available energy source, and is especially useful in urban driving. In this work, the need for multiple energy sources hybridization is addressed. A methodology to optimize the sizing of the ESSs for an electric vehicle taking as example the ISEC-VEIL project, using different driving cycles, maximum speed, a specified acceleration, energy regeneration and gradeability requests are presented. It is also studied the possibility of using a backup system based on solar energy, that may be considered in the design, or as an extra to cope with unforeseen routines and to minimize the recharge of ESSs. Some simulation results of multiple energy sources hybridization are presented, considering different ESSs and different scenarios for the small presented EV, in order to verify the proposed designs.
Safe Li-Ion Technology for Micro and Mild Hybrid application based on CEA Bipolar LiFePO4/Li4Ti5O12 technology
Authors: Chami M. , Mailley S. , Reynier Y. , Masse F. , Martinet S. , Fusalba F.
Published: May 2018

The bipolar design consists on identical cells which are stacked together. This technology offers several advantages because it simplifies cell-to-cell connections and so offers a lowering internal resistance for the whole battery. The bipolar battery can be designed to present a large capacity, a high voltage and an appreciable flexible form factor.The patented bipolar battery developed in CEA for the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is based upon the use of Li4Ti5O12 as anode material (allowing the use of a common bipolar aluminium current collector, and high power application) and LiFePO4 (cycle life, safety, low cost). The main target has been first to achieve a sealed system with no electrolyte leakage, and then to demonstrate the advantage of the Li4Ti5O12 / LiFePO4 couple (1.9V) for high power Li-ion bipolar battery. To increase the battery cycle life, a new design has been elaborated and has allowed to develop standard energy battery of 15Wh (24V, 0.65 Ah). In this paper, first results on 15Wh cells, using the Li4Ti5O12 / LiFePO4 couple and a new bipolar battery design, will be presented according HEV profiles.
São Miguel Island as a case study on a possible usage of Electric vehicle to store energy
Authors: Kadurek Petr
Published: May 2018

Energy systems operation in isolated areas is frequently based on imported fossil fuels, which is a problem in different dimensions including environmental, economic and security of supply, with the latter being particularly relevant for any isolated system like Islands. Renewable energy is regarded as a solution to this problem, mainly in its transformation to electricity. This, however, excludes the impact of the transportation sector that represents a significant component of the imported fuels consumption. Other main limitation associated to renewable electricity consists on the need to increase the storage capacity that might attenuate the effect of intermittence of renewable energy sources and the disparity between supply and demand. In both problems - that are associated with renewable energy management - Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEV) could be a part of the solution in that the use of vehicle to grid (V2G) technology can provide storage of electric energy during low demand times and use it to match the demand in peak hours and/or to avoid fossil fuel consumption.Therefore, some of the main questions are: could the large scale PEV penetration lead to increases in the fraction of electricity produced from renewable? Is the usage of PEV batteries as a storage system truly the best solution?São Miguel Island is the main electricity consumer in the whole Azores’s archipelago. There is no power connection to any major grid or even with other Islands. This work analyses a case study of isolated electricity grid, where energy systems modelling is used to assess to different roll out scenarios for large scale PEV penetration and discuss the possibility to increase the potential for the use of renewable electricity.
Energy issue of pure electric vehicle in China
Authors: Li Xinghu
Published: May 2018

PEV（pure electric vehicle）promotion can not only mitigate the recent traditional vehicle contradiction between supply and demand of energy, solve the vehicle energy problem after the exhaustion of fossil fuel, but also improve environment quality and energy utilization efficiency.But PEV promotion is restricted by infrastructures such as energy, power supply, charging station and so on. According to the composition characteristics of Chinese primary energy, situation of Chinese power industry and requirement of power infrastructures of pure electric vehicle, I analyzed the shortcomings in the power industry while PEV are promoted in China. There are four major problems in PEV promotion. First, in China more than 70% power supply is from coal, and the average coal consumption of power generation is high. Second, electricity generation per person-year of China is far less than that of developed countries, and power shortage exists in some areas. Third, the stability of power supply is poor because it can be easily affected by some uncertain factors, such as the supply of water, coal and natural gas. Furthermore, current power capacity can not meet the requirements of the PEV promotion. In order to promote PEV, power industry must acquire high power efficiency, sufficient power supply, and extensive use of clean fuel or renewable energy etc. EVS25 Copyright.
Energy Management Strategy and Control Laws of An Inverse Differential Gear Hybrid Vehicle
Authors: LIN CHIU-FENG , CHUANG YI
Published: May 2018

This paper presents the Energy Management Strategy (EMS) and control laws of an inverse differential gear hybrid vehicle and also the simulation results for the dynamics response and performance of the system. In the system, an engine and a motor/generator are attached to the side gears individually and the power is transmitted through plenary gear to ECVT. By regulating the gear ratio of ECVT and the power outputs between engine and motor/generator, desired system dynamics can be achieved. The goal is to control the system dynamics such that the engine dynamics can be fixed at an optimal operation point while meeting the driver desire of vehicle speed in hybrid operation. While in pure engine or pure motor or brake regeneration modes, optimal gear ratio and engine operation or motor/generator operation to achieve fuel efficiency are the goal of the control laws. Simulation results show that the fuel consumption can be reduced to half of the original engine driven vehicle. Similar improvements can also be found in the performance of CO, HC, and NOx emission.
Modular driveline concept for underground mining loader
Authors: LEHMUSPELTO TEEMU , HEISKA MATTI , LEIVO ANTTI
Published: May 2018

This paper is part of an ongoing HybLab project funded by the Multidisciplinary Institute of Digitalization and Energy (MIDE) of Aalto University School of Science and Technology. First results and plans were presented in EVS24 [1]. The focus in this paper is to describe what kind requirements must be taken in to account when designing and dimensioning an electromechanical driveline for an underground mining loader. For case work machine is chosen 18t loader which was presented in EVS24 [1]. Also concept for a modular driveline concept will be presented. Basic idea in the concept is to avoid over dimensioning of electric drives by using electromechanically actuated mechanical links between the drive units. The concept gives possibility to optimize dimensioning of each electric drive in driveline so that the best efficiency is in use in normal mean power drive conditions. When one drive needs peak power then mechanical power can be driven via mechanical links from other drives. Disengageable mechanical links gives also possibility to avoid internal counter-torques in driveline caused by steering geometries and differences in tire diameters. The concept will be presented in the EVS25. The first results and experiences from the electromechanical driveline will be presented in EVS26. Copyright EVS25.
Optimization of an Electric Vehicle Suspension System Using CAE
Authors: Hsu Hsin-Tsun , Coker Christopher , Huang Hubert
Published: May 2018

In this paper the dynamic analysis of an electric vehicle (EV) has been investigated. The vehicle suspension system was built using multi-body dynamics (MBD) software, Altair MotionView/MotionSolve. Using the model, the dynamic properties of a target vehicle with gasoline engine and an electric vehicle with motor and batteries were simulated. The kinematic simulation of the suspension system was also carried out to analyze their kinematic performance. This paper mainly focuses on the lateral acceleration, roll angle and yaw rate characteristic of the vehicle in step steer analysis. By using optimization software, Altair Hyperstudy, parameterized models of the front and rear suspension were assembled. Then the optimization of dynamic properties of the electric vehicle suspension system was carried out.
Total Solutions of System Integration and Development Technology for EV
Authors: Chen Chien-An , Lin Ming-Chih , Jiang Cheng-Shun
Published: May 2018

In recent years, the research of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) focuses on energy storage systems, drive system and control strategy. However, one of the important subjects to enhance the performance of BEV is to research the parameters of transmission until the power battery and other technologies are mellow. For the BEV drive system parameters design, such as motor power and output torque as well as transmission gear ratio and the matching have significant impacts on each other for driving range and performance of BEV. Hence, in BEV research and developmental phase, in order to meet the requirements of vehicle performance access to the best structure, generally it must base on different needs to optimize the parameters of the drive system and to consider the combination of vehicle operation among the various components. For this reason, it will be conducive to the rapid development and be widely used for BEV. Therefore, in this paper, the discussion of the design, analysis, matching and system integration of BEV component parameters is proposed, which can be used as a reference for the future development of BEV.
A novel suspension polymerization process to prepare sulfur composite cathode materials for lithium/sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhu Guangyan
Published: May 2018

The sulfur-containing PAN composite cathode materials for lithium/sulfur batteries were prepared by suspension polymerization method and electrochemical properties of lithium/sulfur cells were investigated. The sulfur composite cathode was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The structure analysis showed that the sulfur composite is constituted by homogenous flake-like crystallites with the size about 100 nm. The sulfur composite cathode showed a not very high initial capacity of 546.6 mAh•g−1, but the cycle performance was excellent and had a slowly capacity fade after the second cycle, and remained at a reversible capacity of 400mAh•g−1 after 30 cycles.
Analysis of Current and Projected Battery Manufacturing Costs for Electric, Hybrid, and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Miller James F.
Published: May 2018

There have been a number of recent reports of the current and projected costs of advanced batteries for electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). These studies have focused on lithium-ion batteries as the most attractive option for future deployment in these vehicles. The reported costs have varied widely. The objective of this paper is to examine the basis of these assessments, taking particular note of the varying assumptions used regarding such important factors as power-to-energy ratio, battery chemistry, production scale, rated capacity vs. useable capacity, and beginning-of-life vs. end-of-life. A high-power battery at low production volume will have a drastically different cost per kWh compared with a high-energy battery at high-volume production. Furthermore, other factors that are, or are not, included in the costs as reported, such as marketing, warranty, and profit, can have a significant impact on reported costs; the manner in which these factors are treated can account for large differences between a manufacturer’s production cost and the battery selling price.
Investigation of PEMFC Stack Operating at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Zhang Hao , Yang Daijun , Tao Kan , Zheng Xiaoliang , Ma Jianxin
Published: May 2018

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) operating at elevated temperature has many advantages compared to low temperature prototypes. With the adoption of short side chain, low equivalent weight (EW) perfluorosulphonic acid (PFSA) membrane, a 100W PEMFC stack was built and evaluated at an elevated temperature of 95℃. For the purpose of studying the effect of anode relative humidity (RH) on fuel cell performance, the stack was tested with (1) 60% RH air and 70% RH H2, (2) 60% RH air and dry H2, respectively under different temperatures. Furthermore, the CO tolerance of the stack was investigated at low and elevated temperatures in the presence of 5ppm, 10ppm and 20ppm CO/H2, respectively. The results demonstrated that the stack performance with dry H2 was more than 30% inferior to that with H2 of 70% RH, and the cell consistency deteriorated under higher temperature and lower anode RH. The polarization curves of the stack employed fuel rich in CO indicated that elevating the operating temperature to 95℃ could improve the anode catalyst tolerance to CO, and the CO poisoning effect on cell polarization is slight at low current densities.
The State of the Art in Fuel Cell Condition Monitoring and Maintenance
Authors: Knowles Michael , Baglee David , Morris Adrian , Ren Qinglian
Published: May 2018

Fuel cell vehicles are considered to be a viable solution to problems such as carbon emissions and fuel shortages for road transport. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells are mainly used in this purpose because they can run at low temperatures and have a simple structure. Yet to make this technology commercially viable, there are still many hurdles to overcome. Apart from the high cost of fuel cell systems, high maintenance costs and short lifecycle are two main issues need to be addressed. The main purpose of this paper is to review the issues affecting the reliability and lifespan of fuel cells and present the state of the art in fuel cell condition monitoring and maintenance. The Structure of PEM fuel cell is introduced and examples of its application in a variety of applications are presented. The fault modes including membrane flooding/drying, fuel/gas starvation, physical defects of membrane, and catalyst poisoning are listed and assessed for their impact. Then the relationship between causes, faults, symptoms and long term implications of fault conditions are summarized. Finally the state of the art in PEM fuel cell condition monitoring and maintenance is reviewed and conclusions are drawn regarding suggested maintenance strategies and the optimal structure for an integrated, cost effective condition monitoring and maintenance management system.
A Novel Hybrid Control Strategy for Maximising Regenerative Braking Capability In a Battery-Supercapacitor Energy Storage System
Authors: Clague Ralph , Siera Ilja , Lamperth Michael
Published: May 2018

EVO Electric has designed, built and tested the DuoDrive hybrid system based on proprietary axial flux motor technology, and installed it in a London Taxi Cab. The DuoDrive switchable series/parallel hybrid system has demonstrated a 60% improvement in fuel economy compared to a conventional taxi when operated over an urban drive cycle. As with many hybrid vehicles, a large part of this improvement is attributed to effective and efficient recapture of braking energy. The amount of braking energy that can be recovered, and the efficiency with which it can be returned to the road will therefore have a significant impact on the overall fuel economy of the vehicle. One factor that limits the amount of energy that can be recovered is the allowable charge rate of the battery, as braking events are usually high power and in a hybrid vehicle the battery size is generally small. The vehicle described in this paper has an energy storage system comprised of high power ultra-capacitors and a high energy lithium ion battery connected through a DC/DC converter. This allows efficient, high power transfer under regenerative braking and acceleration, and similarly efficient energy storage over longer timescales. Managing the power flow through the DC/DC converter and therefore the ultra-capacitor voltage, is a key control parameter that affects the efficiency of the overall system. This paper presents the energy storage system layout and demonstrates how different DC/DC converter control strategies can affect the system energy efficiency.
Flux Weakening Control for Stator-Doubly-Fed Doubly Salient Motor
Authors: Cheng Ming , Shu Yagang
Published: May 2018

To satisfy the demands of electric vehicles (EVs) of fast torque response in wide range of velocity, the principle of flux weakening of the stator-doubly-fed doubly salient (SDFDS) motor which is designed for EVs has been studied and analyzed. And its advantage of regulating the field flux independently has been fully utilized. The flux weakening strategy is proposed and high performance of SDFDS motor drive is acquired at high speed. Simulation and experiment are carried out based on Matlab/Simulink and experiment platform. The simulation and experimental results with good speed adjusting performance verify the effectiveness of the flux weakening control strategy of SDFDS motor drive.
Performance Analysis of EV Powertrain system with/without transmission
Authors: CHANG CHIH-MING , SIAO JHENG-CIN
Published: May 2018

With the ever rising price of oil, driven by the gradual depletion of global oil deposits, along with the serious global warming issues caused by substantial CO2 emissions, energy saving and environmental protection awareness are expanding issues of global concern. The trend of green energy industry is prevailing in the industrial design and development of vehicles. Therefore, electric vehicles focusing on low energy consumption and zero pollutant emission have become the development direction of the future, recognized in succession by various global vehicle manufacturing giants. The design methods of the Powertrain System for electric vehicles vary depending on different structures and arrangement methods of the vehicle; there are also two different practices in regard to the Drive System design. On one hand, as the powertrain characteristics of a traction motor differ from those of an engine, in order to make an electric vehicle which possesses the same performance as a traditional vehicle, it is required to match the traction motor with the transmission. On the other hand, being an electric vehicle, the number of traditional vehicle components used should be reduced, while only using a traction motor equipped with a single ratio gearbox. This study conducted an analysis on the performance discrepancy between an electric vehicle with 5-speed transmission and that with a single ratio gearbox, and compared their strengths and weaknesses by observing their performance in overcoming road loads through simulation.
Theoretical Performance of a New Kind of Range Extended Electric Vehicle
Authors: Lu Dongbin , Ouyang Minggao , Lu Languang , Li Jianqiu
Published: May 2018

Typical automotive trips are within the driving range of efficient electric vehicles (EVs), but sometimes exceeding EV range is needed for occasional trips. This paper proposed a new kind of range extended electric vehicle. A mobile generator set is used as a range extender, when assembled in an EV, effectively converts the EV to series-hybrid mode for long trips. The new kind of range extended EV, which integrates the charger, rectifier and DC/DC into a charger, is more suitable for use in low-speed micro EVs than Plugin Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and a Range Extender Trailer (RXT) system. The fuel economy and main performance criteria of the new range extended EV are shown in this paper. In some drive cycles, the new range extended EV has a better fuel economy than PHEV and RXT system.
Study on the Electric Vehicle Wireless Power Supply Technology and System Based on ICPT
Authors: Tian Yong , Sun Yue , Dai Xin , Wang Zhihui
Published: May 2018

The electric vehicle power supply technology based on wireless power transfer (EVPS-WPT) has several advantages over conventional energy transmission using wires and connectors, such as flexibility, convenience, safety, reliability and all-weather operation, etc. The development of EVPS-WPT will certainly promote the popularization and industrialization of EVs. The fundamental structure of electric vehicle wireless power supply system based on ICPT (EVPS-ICPT) is described firstly in this paper. A supposed dynamic battery charging system for electric vehicles based on ICPT (EVC-ICPT-D) is proposed to explain some concepts more clearly. The main circuit topology of EVPS-ICPT system is also discussed and selected. As the focus of this paper, the key techniques for EVPS-ICPT system are discussed and analyzed in the round.
Vehicle Characterization for Smart Charging and V2G strategies
Authors: Zabala Eduardo , Rubio Alfredo , Fernandez Mikel , Alzola José Ángel
Published: May 2018

TECNALIA has become a key active player in technology development for electric vehicles (EVs), in the fields of materials, mechanics, power electronics and smartgrids. In order to contribute to the development of the technologies dealing with the new paradigm that integrates EV within the grid, where large EV fleets are connected to the grid and can even take part in the electricity markets, TECNALIA has deepen into the definition of the information needed in order to define the charging sequence of EVs. This paper explains the characterization of those elements, related to the vehicle and the user, which could influence on the definition of the optimal charging sequence of EVs. Modelling the behaviour of the vehicle charging system leads to the possibility of establishing charging sequences that minimize the energy spent per charging cycle. This information has been included in a communication protocol developed by TECNALIA and implemented in the EV-ON platform, which purpose is the development of smart charging and Vehicle to Grid (V2G) algorithms.
Wireless Power Transfer System via Magnetic Resonant Coupling at Fixed Resonance Frequency-Power Transfer System Based on Impedance Matching-
Authors: Beh TeckChuan , Kato Masaki , Imura Takehiro , Hori Yoichi
Published: May 2018

To increase the usage of electric vehicles (EV), a safe and convenient method to charge the vehicles is essential. Recently, an efficient mid range wireless power transfer that uses magnetic resonant coupling, WiTricity, was proposed, and has received much attention due to its practical range and efficiency. Studies show that the resonance frequency of the antennas changes as the gap between the antennas change. However, when this technology is applied in the MHz range (which allows small sized antennas), the usable frequency is bounded by the Industrial, Science, Medical (ISM) band. Therefore, to achieve maximum power transmission efficiency, the resonance frequency has to be fixed within the ISM band. In this paper, the possibility of using impedance matching (IM) networks to adjust the resonance frequency of a pair of antennas at a certain distance to 13.56MHz is studied. The simulations and experiments show that the IM circuits can change the frequency to 13.56MHz for different air gaps, improving the power transfer efficiency. Experiments also show that IM can be achieved just by observing and minimizing the reflected wave.
Flexible Thin Film Solar Cells Using in the Car
Authors: Su Qingfeng , Lai Jianming , Zhang Genfa , Feng Shijun , Shi Weimin
Published: May 2018

In recent years, renewable energy technologies are being explored to meet the challenges of energy security and climate change. Solar energy is a clean and green renewable source of energy. It is an inevitable option to use photovoltaic effect to directly convert sunlight into electricity. CuIn1-xGaxSe2 (CIGS) thin films were formed from an electrodeposited CuInSe2 (CIS) precursor by thermal processing in vacuum in which the film stoichiometry was adjusted by adding In, Ga and Se. The structure, composition, morphology and opto-electronic properties of the as-deposited and selenized CIS precursors were characterized by various techniques. A 17.2% CIGS based thin film solar cell was developed using the electrodeposited and processed film. The cell structure consisted of Mo/CIGS/CdS/ZnO/MgF2. The cell parameters such as Jsc, Voc, FF and η were determined from I-V characterization of the cell. The solar electric vehicle is made using flexible thin film solar cells. With the solar cell the full charge endurance of SEV can be increased about 35% substantially compared with no solar cells.
Patient beliefs and attitudes to taking statins: systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Ju Angela , Hanson Camilla S , Banks Emily , Korda Rosemary , Craig Jonathan C , Usherwood Tim , MacDonald Peter , Tong Allison
Published: May 2018

Background

Statins are effective in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and are recommended for at-risk individuals but estimated adherence rates are low.

Aim

To describe patients’ perspectives, experiences, and attitudes towards taking statins.

Design and setting

Systematic review of qualitative studies reporting perspectives of patients on statins.

Method

PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and PhD dissertations from inception to 6 October 2016 were searched for qualitative studies on adult patients’ perspectives on statins. All text and participant quotations were extracted from each article and analysed by thematic synthesis.

Results

Thirty-two studies involving 888 participants aged 22–93 years across eight countries were included. Seven themes were identified: confidence in prevention (trust in efficacy, minimising long-term catastrophic CVD, taking control, easing anxiety about high cholesterol); routinising into daily life; questioning utility (imperceptible benefits, uncertainties about pharmacological mechanisms); medical distrust (scepticism about overprescribing, pressure to start therapy); threatening health (competing priorities and risks, debilitating side effects, toxicity to body); signifying sickness (fear of perpetual dependence, losing the battle); and financial strain.

Conclusion

An expectation that statins could prevent CVD and being able to integrate the statin regimen in daily life facilitated acceptance of statins among patients. However, avoiding the ‘sick’ identity and prolonged dependence on medications, uncertainties about the pharmacological mechanisms, risks to health, side effects, costs, and scepticism about clinicians’ motives for prescribing statins were barriers to uptake. Shared decision making that addresses the risks, reasons for prescribing, patient priorities, and implementing strategies to minimise lifestyle intrusion and manage side effects may improve patient satisfaction and continuation of statins.
PERCEIVED KEY DETERMINANTS OF PAYMENT INSTRUMENT USAGE: A FUZZY COGNITIVE MAPPING-BASED APPROACH
Authors: SANTOS Fabiana R. R. L. , FERREIRA Fernando A. F. , MEIDUTĖ-KAVALIAUSKIENĖ Ieva
Published: May 2018

The recent economic climate has had direct repercussions on people’s daily lives. This has occurred not only in how they use payment instruments, but is also evinced in new concerns adjacent to technological advances, people’s safety and the credibility of financial institutions. In this regard, the banking sector has had a crucial role in countries’ economic development, making it increasingly important to understand how the banking system operates and what payment instruments are available to users. Relying on specialized literature and the application of fuzzy cognitive mapping, this study aims to understand the cause-and-effect relationships between customers’ preference factors in using payment instruments. The results show that usability aspects and safety concerns constitute the factors which users pay more attention to. Strengths and limitations of our proposal are also discussed.