Designs

(1) Background: Electric micro-mobility vehicles (i.e., e-bikes and e-scooters) represent a fast-growing portion of the circulating fleet, leading to a multiplication of accident cases also attributable to risky behaviours adopted by the riders. Still, data on vehicle performance and rider behaviour are sparse and difficult to interpret (if not unavailable). Information regarding the overall accident dynamics can, however, aid in identifying users’ risky riding behaviour that actually led to a harmful event, allowing one to propose efficient strategies and policies to reduce the occurrence of road criticalities. (2) Methods: Speed and acceleration data of six cyclists of traditional and electric bikes were extracted from six closed-circuit experiments and real road tests performed in the city of Florence (Italy) to derive their behavioural patterns in diverse road contexts. (3) Results: The application of analysis of variance and linear regression procedures to such data highlights differences between men and women in terms of performance/behaviour in standing start; additionally, the use of e-bikes favours a higher speed ride in correspondence to roundabouts and roads with/without the right of way. To thoroughly assess the rider’s responsibilities in an eventual accident, an ancillary procedure was highlighted to evaluate whether a micro-mobility vehicle complies with the applicable regulations. (4) Conclusion: With these results, the prospective recognition of rider behaviour was facilitated during the investigation process, and the abilities to extract such relevant information from in-depth accident data wereconsequently enhanced. Full article

A power generating system should be able to generate and feed quality power to the loads which are connected to it. This paper suggests a very efficient controlling technique, supported by an effective optimization method, for the control of voltage and frequency of the electrical output of an isolated wind power harnessing unit. The wind power unit is modelled using MATLAB/SIMULINK. The Leaky least mean square algorithm with a step size is used by the proposed controller. The Least Mean Square (LMS) algorithm is of adaptive type, which works on the online modification of the weights. LMS algorithm tunes the filter coefficients such that the mean square value of the error is the least. This avoids the use of a low pass filter to clean the voltage and current signals which makes the algorithm simpler. An adaptive algorithm which is generally used in signal processing is applied in power system applications and the process is further simplified by using optimization techniques. That makes the proposed method very unique. Normalized LMS algorithm suffers from drift problem. The Leaky factor is included to solve the drift in the parameters which is considered as a disadvantage in the normalized LMS algorithm. The selection of suitable values of leaky factor and the step size will help in improving the speed of convergence, reducing the steady-state error and improving the stability of the system. In this study, the leaky factor, step size and controller gains are optimized by using optimization techniques. The optimization has made the process of controller tuning very easy, which otherwise was carried out by the trial-and-error method. Different techniques were used for the optimization and on result comparison, the Antlion algorithm is found to be the most effective. The controller efficiency is tested for loads that are linear and nonlinear and for varying wind speeds. It is found that the controller is very efficient in maintaining the system parameters under normal and faulty conditions. The simulated results are validated experimentally by using dSpace 1104. The laboratory results further confirm the efficiency of the proposed controller. Full article

Electricity production from ocean waves with different solutions is a topic of major research interest. Many of such designs are based on linear generators that inherently introduce end forces. In this paper, detent force using Maxwell Stress Tensor and induced voltage is initially investigated for two different winding patterns for a generator topology with buried magnets in a finite element software. Two ways of overcoming the end forces are further examined: the first method reduces the magnetic flux variations of the translator between stator and air. The second method aims at countering the end forces at both ends for full active stator area. A comparison is then made between buried and surface-mounted topologies for the second end effect compensation method. Both no-load and load conditions are investigated in the comparison. The end effect compensation shows promising results for both topologies. Some clear similarities of the extended stator used to counter the end forces are also apparent, where the stator extensions completely cover the outer poles of both topologies. The results also indicate a longer full active stator area for the buried topology for the same pole-pitch and stroke length, resulting in a higher average voltage for partial stator overlap. Full article

Jaundice or Hyperbilirubinemia is a very common condition that affects newborns in their first few weeks of life. The main cause of jaundice is the high level of the bilirubin substance in the blood. As bilirubin is toxic to brain cells, acute bilirubin encephalopathy can occur in cases of extreme jaundice. This condition can result in brain trauma and lead to kernicterus, which causes repetitive and uncontrolled movements, a permanent upward look, and hearing loss. Thus, a timely diagnosis and treatment can help in preventing long-term damage. In this paper, a developed system based on a digital camera was proposed to diagnose and treat jaundice in newborns. The system detects jaundice and determines if the neonate needs treatment based on the analysis obtained from the real-time captured images. The treatment was achieved by using an Arduino Uno microcontroller to drive phototherapy lighting, which has proven to be an efficient treatment method for jaundice. In addition, the proposed system has the ability to send the diagnostic results to the mobile phone of the care provider. The obtained results from 20 infants inside the intensive care unit showed that the proposed system was accurate in terms of detecting jaundice, easy to implement, and affordable. Full article

Many conventional power systems are evolving due to the growth of renewable energy and distributed energy resources (DERs). Modeling the interplay of transmission and distribution systems is critical to analyze how DERs impact a system’s conventional operation and which electric infrastructure improvements are needed to achieve a balance between centralized generation and DERs. This article describes the process, tools, and resources used to model electric power systems with a centralized infrastructure in an isolated context and limited access to actual utility data. Photovoltaic systems installed on residential rooftops were the main design option. This work broadened the typical power system modeling to include planning and social considerations. This integrative engineering-social method allows for interdisciplinary teams to work in the development of a model as part of broader design goals for a renewable-dominant energy system. The Puerto Rico electric power system was used as a case study to demonstrate the process. The integrative engineering-social perspective in developing the model and the actions to manage data limitations are aspects that could be followed in other locations with aggressive renewable energy goals and where utility data are not readily available. Full article

Over the last two decades, transit-oriented development (TOD) has been widely implemented as an integrated strategy to enhance urban livability. Doha, the capital of the State of Qatar, has faced urban challenges such as excessive reliance on private vehicles, absence of a well-established public transportation system, and issues with integration of last-mile connectivity. This research study explores Al Sadd, a mixed-use neighborhood in Doha, in order to investigate key factors to be addressed for enhancing urban livability within this neighborhood. These factors were analyzed through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods incorporating: (1) a literature review focusing on sustainability, smart growth, and transit-oriented development; (2) data collection and analysis utilizing oral and visual data from the Qatari Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), Qatar Rail, and private engineering and consulting companies; and (3) analytical and applied study through site analysis, observation, photographs, and field notes. A regeneration master plan for the study area proposes the creation of avenues for urban interaction through the introduction of community open spaces, pedestrian-friendly streets, and other measures promoting city compactness. The outcome of this research study illustrates how the enactment of a TOD model can lead to smart growth and eco-friendly urban living by emphasizing TOD principles which promote a pedestrian-oriented neighborhood. Full article

Pressure to increase effectiveness and efficiency drives the product development process. The software industry has been using agile development approaches due to their advantages when coping with uncertainties and simultaneously increasing value. Therefore, the following work deals with the considerations of agile powertrain development. In order to identify important conditions for the incorporation of agile principles into powertrain development, semistructured interviews were conducted with experts from an engineering company. Having identified agile development challenges, advantages, and principles, the next step is comparing agile principles with the current principles of conventional powertrain development. Furthermore, a basic understanding of the powertrain development process regarding the incorporation of agile principles is established, the main attributes of powertrain development are investigated, and the key disciplines involved are identified. Finally, a model is created to assess whether the application of an agile or conventional development approach is more suitable. Full article

Biomedical sensors help patients monitor their health conditions and receive assistance anywhere and at any time. However, the limited battery capacity of medical devices limits their functionality. One advantageous method to tackle this limited-capacity issue is to employ the wireless power transfer (WPT) technique. In this paper, a WPT technique using a magnetic resonance coupling (MRC-WPT)-based wireless heart rate (WHR) monitoring system—which continuously records the heart rate of patients—has been designed, and its efficiency is confirmed through real-time implementation. The MRC-WPT involves three main units: the transmitter, receiver, and observing units. In this research, a new design of spiral-spider coil was designed and implemented for transmitter and receiver units, respectively, to supply the measurement unit, which includes a heart rate sensor, microcontroller, and wireless protocol (nRF24L01) with the operating voltage. The experimental results found that an adequate voltage of 5 V was achieved by the power component to operate the measurement unit at a 20 cm air gap between the receiver and transmitter coils. Further, the measurement accuracy of the WHR was 99.65% comparative to the benchmark (BM) instrument. Moreover, the measurements of the WHR were validated based on statistical analyses. The results of this study are superior to those of leading works in terms of measurement accuracy, power transfer, and Transfer efficiency. Full article

A finite difference model of a heat exchanger (HX) considered maldistribution, axial conduction, heat leak, and the edge effect, all of which are needed to model a high effectiveness HX. An HX prototype was developed, and channel height data were obtained using a computerized tomography (CT) scan from previous work along with experimental results. This study used the core geometry data to model results with the finite difference model, and compared the modeled and experimental results to help improve the expanded microchannel HX (EMHX) prototype design. The root mean square (RMS) error was 3.8%. Manifold geometries were not put into the model because the data were not available, so impacts of the manifold were investigated by varying the temperature conditions at the inlet and exit of the core. Previous studies have not considered the influence of heat transfer in the manifold on the HX effectiveness when maldistribution is present. With no flow maldistribution, manifold heat transfer increases overall effectiveness roughly as would be expected by the greater heat transfer area in the manifolds. Manifold heat transfer coupled with flow maldistribution for the prototype, however, causes a decrease in the effectiveness at high flow rate, and an increase in effectiveness at low flow rate. Full article

Sawdust, which is a waste/by-product of the wood/timber industry, can be utilised as a valuable raw material in building material production due to its abundance and low cost. However, the application of sawdust in the manufacture of unfired clay blocks has received little investigation. Furthermore, the impact of different sawdust particle sizes on the properties of unfired clay blocks has not been studied. Therefore, this study screened sawdust at three different particle sizes: SP-a (212 μm < x < 300 μm), SP-b (425 μm < x < 600 μm) and SP-c (1.18 mm < x < 2.00 mm), to examine their effects on the physical and mechanical properties of unfired clay blocks. The density, linear shrinkage, capillary water absorption and flexural and compressive strengths were among the tests performed. Different sawdust percentages, i.e., 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% of the total weight of the clay, were considered. The tests results show that when sawdust was added to the mixture, the density of the samples reduced for all particle sizes. However, the linear shrinkage increased in SP-a samples but decreased in the other two particle size samples as the sawdust percentage increased from 2.5% to 10%. On the other hand, the capillary water absorption coefficient increased while the strength decreased with increasing sawdust content for all three groups. The highest compressive strength (CS) and flexural strength (FS) were achieved at 2.5% of sawdust content. Furthermore, it was observed that SP-b (CS—4.74 MPa, FS—2.00 MPa) samples showed the highest strength followed by SP-a (CS—4.09 MPa, FS—1.69 MPa) and SP-c (CS—3.90 MPa, FS—1.63 MPa) samples. Consequently, good-quality unfired clay blocks can be manufactured using sawdust up to 2.5% with particle sizes ranging between 600 and 425 μm. Full article

The situation caused by COVID-19 has shown several vulnerabilities in the attitudes and habits of modern society, inducing the need to adopt new behaviors that will directly impact daily activities. The quickly spreading virus contaminates the surfaces of handles and objects, and subsequent contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth is one of the main contagion factors. There is an urgent need to rethink how we interact with the most-touched surfaces, such as door handles in public places with a high flux of people. A revision was performed of the most-used door handles to develop a proposal that could be applied to already existing models, thus avoiding the need for their total replacement. Through interaction between engineering, design, and ergonomics, an auxiliary hands-free door opener device was developed, following iteration improvement from an initial static geometry and culminating in a dynamic system aiming to provide greater ergonomic comfort in its use. The development followed a methodology using 3D modelling supported by 3D printing of the various components to accurately understand their functioning. In addition, the finite element method supported the prediction of the structural behavior of the developed systems. The final models were produced through CNC machining and submitted to functional validation tests with volunteers. The developed HFDO demonstrated relevant differentiation from the existing models on the market: for its geometry and material, but mainly for its strong emphasis on the interaction between the object and the user, resulting from the dynamic component in its use/manipulation. Full article

The Internet of Things (IoT) plays an indispensable role in present-day household electricity management. Nevertheless, practical development of cost-effective intelligent condition monitoring, protection, and control techniques for household distribution systems is still a challenging task. This paper is taking one step forward into a practical implementation of such techniques by developing an IoT Smart Household Distribution Board (ISHDB) to monitor and control various household smart appliances. The main function of the developed ISHDB is collecting and storing voltage, current, and power data and presenting them in a user-friendly way. The performance of the developed system is investigated under various residential electrical loads of different energy consumption profiles. In this regard, an Arduino-based working prototype is employed to gather the collected data into the ThingSpeak cloud through a Wi-Fi medium. Blynk mobile application is also implemented to facilitate real-time monitoring by individual consumers. Microprocessor technology is adopted to automate the process, and reduce hardware size and cost. Experimental results show that the developed system can be used effectively for real-time home energy management. It can also be used to detect any abnormal performance of the electrical appliances in real-time through monitoring their individual current and voltage waveforms. A comparison of the developed system and other existing techniques reveals the superiority of the proposed method in terms of the implementation cost and execution time. Full article

Nonlinear state estimation problem is an important and complex topic, especially for real-time applications with a highly nonlinear environment. This scenario concerns most aerospace applications, including satellite trajectories, whose high standards demand methods with matching performances. A very well-known framework to deal with state estimation is the Kalman Filters algorithms, whose success in engineering applications is mostly due to the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). Despite its popularity, the EKF presents several limitations, such as exhibiting poor convergence, erratic behaviors or even inadequate linearization when applied to highly nonlinear systems. To address those limitations, this paper suggests an improved Extended Kalman Filter (iEKF), where a new Jacobian matrix expansion point is recommended and a Frobenius norm of the cross-covariance matrix is suggested as a correction factor for the a priori estimates. The core idea is to maintain the EKF structure and simplicity but improve its accuracy. In this paper, two case studies are presented to endorse the proposed iEKF. In both case studies, the classic EKF and iEKF are implemented, and the obtained results are compared to show the performance improvement of the state estimation by the iEKF. Full article

One important problem in the operation of medium voltage networks is the detection of a single-line-to-ground fault in its incipient state, when the fault resistance values are very high. In a medium voltage (MV) distribution network with a neutral grounding resistor (NGR), one of the methods employed to discriminate a single line-to-ground fault is the use of an overcurrent relay with an operating characteristic adjusted according to the effective value of the current flowing through the limiting resistor. In case of a single line-to-ground fault with a high fault resistance value, the correct tripping settings of the protective relay require the precise computation of this current. In comparison to the assumptions made by the models from the literature—the three-phase voltage system of the medium voltage busbars is symmetrical and there are no active power losses in the network insulation—the model proposed in this paper considers the pre-fault zero-sequence voltage of the medium voltage busbars and the active power losses in the network insulation, which is necessary in certain fault conditions where the use of the former leads to unacceptable errors. Full article

Today, power systems have transformed considerably and taken a new shape of geographically distributed systems from the locally centralized systems thereby leading to a new infrastructure in the framework of networked control cyber-physical system (CPS). Among the different important operations to be performed for smooth generation, transmission, and distribution of power, maintaining the scheduled frequency, against any perturbations, is an important one. The load frequency control (LFC) operation actually governs this frequency regulation activity after the primary control. Due to CPS nature, the LFC operation is vulnerable to attacks, both from physical and cyber standpoints. The cyber-attack strategies ranges from a variety of attacks such as jamming the network communication, time-delay attack, and false data injection. Motivated by these perspectives, this paper studies the cybersecurity issues of the power systems during the LFC operation, and a survey is conducted on the security analysis of LFC. Various cyber-attack strategies, their mathematical models, and vulnerability assessments are performed to understand the possible threats and sources causing failure of frequency regulation. The LFC operation of two-area power systems is considered as a tutorial example to quantify the vulnerabilities. Mitigation strategies through control theoretic approaches are then reviewed and highlighted for LFC operation under cyber-attack. Full article

The extensive use of electric vehicles (EVs) can reduce concerns about climate change and fossil fuel shortages. One of the main obstacles to accepting EVs is the limitation of charging stations, which consists of high-charge batteries and high-energy charging infrastructure. A new transformer-less topology for boost dc-dc converters with higher power density and lower switch stress is proposed in this paper, which may be a suitable candidate for high-power fast-charging battery chargers of EVs. Throughout this paper, two operating modes of the proposed converter, continuous current mode (CCM) and discontinuous current mode (DCM), are analyzed in detail. Additionally, critical inductances and design considerations for the proposed converter are calculated. Finally, real-time verifications based on hardware-in-loop (HiL) simulation are carried out to assess the correctness of the proposed theoretical concepts. Full article

This paper focuses on using the Bees Algorithm (BA) to tune the parameters of the proposed Fuzzy Proportional–Integral–Derivative with Filtered derivative (Fuzzy PIDF), Fractional Order PID (FOPID) controller and classical PID controller developed to stabilize and balance the frequency in the Great Britain (GB) power system at rated value. These controllers are proposed to meet the requirements of the GB Security and Quality of Supply Standard (GB-SQSS), which requires frequency to be brought back to its nominal value after a disturbance within a specified time. This work is extended to employ the proposed fuzzy structure controller in a dual-area interconnected power system. In comparison with controllers tuned by Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Teaching Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO) used for the same systems, simulation results show that the Fuzzy PIDF tuned by BA is able to significantly reduce the deviation in the frequency and tie-line power when a sudden disturbance is applied. Furthermore, the applied controllers tuned by BA including the Fuzzy PIDF prove their high robustness against a wide range of system parametric uncertainties and different load disturbances. Full article

The impact of projectiles in reinforced or unreinforced concrete is of prime importance in applied mechanics and engineering. Parameters such as penetration depth, velocity or energy of the projectile, and the geometry and the angle of attack of the projectile are the most critical factors, among several others, that determine whether the concrete body will tolerate damage due to the impact or not. For numerical simulations of damage, the Riedel-Hiermaier-Thoma (RHT) concrete failure is an established approach, which is also used in this research. In this work, numerical simulations have been performed on shooting a rigid large-scale projectile with different tip contours at a concrete target that is reinforced with steel. For each tip contour, the angle of attack varied. The penetration depth of the projectile tip and the damage of the target were reported for the different tip contours as a function of the angle of attack. The results show that the maximal damage occurred at ~45° of the angle of attack, while penetration of the projectile into the target increased with increasing the angle of attack. Full article

The indoor air quality inside living spaces is a fundamental factor in providing adequate comfort. In order to do this, a minimum air exchange must be ensured. This can be obtained by means of natural or mechanical ventilation or using the Controlled Mechanical Ventilation system (CMV). CMV ensures better energy performance, as in the winter period, the warm air that comes out of the building preheats the cold air that enters, and the opposite occurs in the summer period. A possible problem with CMV is the noise of the fans due to the movement of air and to the electric motor rotation. This work presents the results of acoustic measurements performed on an apartment equipped with CMV, operating in a single and simultaneous mode. Acoustic simulations are also presented using raytracing software on three typical apartments. The acoustic simulation carried out using an adequately calibrated 3D model has proved to be a valid support for the study of noise in rooms connected by doors and corridors. By differentiating the fan speed of the CMV, a considerable acoustic comfort improvement was obtained in the bedrooms and in the living room/kitchen. Class I for living rooms and class I or II for bedrooms according to the EN 16798-1 standard were achieved through speed optimization. Full article