Search Results (28)

This paper introduces PyBEP, a Python-based tool for the automated and optimized selection of open-circuit potential (OCP) curves and calculation of stoichiometric cycling ranges for lithium-ion battery electrodes based on open-circuit voltage (OCV) measurements. Thereby, it overcomes key challenges in traditional approaches, which are often time-intensive and susceptible to errors due to manual curve digitization, data inconsistency, and coding complexities. The originality of PyBEP arises from the systematic integration of automated electrode chemistry identification, quality-controlled database usage, refinement of the results using incremental capacity methodology, and simultaneous optimization of multiple electrode parameters. The PyBEP database leverages high-quality, curated OCP data and employs differential evolution optimization for precise OCP determination. Validation against literature data and experimental results confirms the robustness and accuracy of PyBEP, consistently achieving precision of 10 mV or better. PyBEP also offers features like electrode chemical composition identification and quality enhancement of measurement data, further extending the battery modeling functionalities without the need for battery disassembly. PyBEP is open-source and accessible on GitHub, providing a streamlined, accurate resource for the battery research community, making PyBEP a unique and directly applicable toolkit for electrochemical researchers and engineers. Full article

The increasing global demand for renewable energy sources for electricity generation, coupled with the urgent need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, has made the transition to cleaner alternatives more critical in recent years due to the environmental degradation caused by fossil fuel consumption. Among renewable energy sources, wave energy stands out as one of the most promising options because its resource, ocean waves, is inexhaustible. To harness wave energy, one effective device is the oscillating water column (OWC), which converts the kinetic energy of waves into electrical power. Despite the significant capacity of wave energy, particularly through the implementation of OWCs, the environmental and socio-economic impacts remain insufficiently studied. This research addresses this gap by analyzing the potential impacts associated with the deployment of wave energy systems, such as OWCs. Specifically, a sustainability assessment of OWCs was conducted, and a cause-and-effect matrix was developed using Conesa’s methodology to evaluate the impacts linked to their design, installation, operation, maintenance, and disassembly phases. The results obtained revealed that the majority of impacts caused by an OWC are moderate. Notably, the most significant positive effects are related to improvements in the quality of life of communities benefiting from the technology studied. The findings underscore the sustainability of OWCs in harnessing wave energy to generate electricity. Full article

The main task of the research involves creating a Digital Twin (DT) application serving as a framework for Virtual Commissioning (VC) with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Cloud storage solutions. An Internet of Things (IoT) integrated automation system with Virtual Private Network (VPN) remote control for assembly and disassembly robotic cell (A/DRC) equipped with a six-Degree of Freedom (6-DOF) ABB 120 industrial robotic manipulator (IRM) is presented in this paper. A three-dimensional (3D) virtual model is developed using Siemens NX Mechatronics Concept Designer (MCD), while the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is programmed in the Siemens Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal. A Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation strategy is primarily used. This concept is implemented and executed as part of a VC approach, where the designed PLC programs are integrated and tested against the physical controller. Closed loop control and RM inverse kinematics model are validated and tested in PLC, following HIL strategy by integrating Industry 4.0/5.0 concepts. A SCADA application is also deployed, serving as a DT operator panel for process monitoring and simulation. Cloud data collection, analysis, supervising, and synchronizing DT tasks are also integrated and explored. Additionally, it provides communication interfaces via PROFINET IO to SCADA and Human Machine Interface (HMI), and through Open Platform Communication—Unified Architecture (OPC-UA) for Siemens NX-MCD with DT virtual model. Virtual A/DRC simulations are performed using the Synchronized Timed Petri Nets (STPN) model for control strategy validation based on task planning integration and synchronization with other IoT devices. The objective is to obtain a clear and understandable representation layout of the A/DRC and to validate the DT model by comparing process dynamics and robot motion kinematics between physical and virtual replicas. Thus, following the results of the current research work, integrating digital technologies in manufacturing, like VC, IoT, and Cloud, is useful for validating and optimizing manufacturing processes, error detection, and reducing the risks before the actual physical system is built or deployed. Full article

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has increased the demand for efficient methods to assess the state of health (SoH) of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Accurate and prompt evaluations are essential for safety, battery life extension, and performance optimization. While traditional techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are commonly used to monitor battery degradation, acoustic emission (AE) analysis is emerging as a promising complementary method. AE’s sensitivity to mechanical changes within the battery structure offers significant advantages, including speed and non-destructive assessment, enabling evaluations without disassembly. This capability is particularly beneficial for diagnosing second-life batteries and streamlining decision-making regarding the management of used batteries. Moreover, AE enhances diagnostics by facilitating early detection of potential issues, optimizing maintenance, and improving the reliability and longevity of battery systems. Importantly, AE is a non-destructive technique and belongs to the passive method category, as it does not introduce any external energy into the system but instead detects naturally occurring acoustic signals during the battery’s operation. Integrating AE with other analytical techniques can create a comprehensive tool for continuous battery condition monitoring and predictive maintenance, which is crucial in applications where battery reliability is vital, such as in EVs and energy storage systems. This review not only examines the potential of AE techniques in battery health monitoring but also underscores the need for further research and adoption of these techniques, encouraging the academic community and industry professionals to explore and implement these methods. Full article

The monitoring and control of an assembly/disassembly/replacement (A/D/R) multifunctional robotic cell (MRC) with the ABB 120 Industrial Robotic Manipulator (IRM), based on IoT (Internet of Things)-cloud, VPN (Virtual Private Network), and digital twin (DT) technology, are presented in this paper. The approach integrates modern principles of smart manufacturing as outlined in Industry/Education 4.0 (automation, data exchange, smart systems, machine learning, and predictive maintenance) and Industry/Education 5.0 (human–robot collaboration, customization, robustness, and sustainability). Artificial intelligence (AI), based on machine learning (ML), enhances system flexibility, productivity, and user-centered collaboration. Several IoT edge devices are engaged, connected to local networks, LAN-Profinet, and LAN-Ethernet and to the Internet via WAN-Ethernet and OPC-UA, for remote and local processing and data acquisition. The system is connected to the Internet via Wireless Area Network (WAN) and allows remote control via the cloud and VPN. IoT dashboards, as human–machine interfaces (HMIs), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and OPC-UA (Open Platform Communication-Unified Architecture), facilitate remote monitoring and control of the MRC, as well as the planning and management of A/D/R tasks. The assignment, planning, and execution of A/D/R tasks were carried out using an augmented reality (AR) tool. Synchronized timed Petri nets (STPN) were used as a digital twin akin to a virtual reality (VR) representation of A/D/R MRC operations. This integration of advanced technology into a laboratory mechatronic system, where the devices are organized in a decentralized, multilevel architecture, creates a smart, flexible, and scalable environment that caters to both industrial applications and educational frameworks. Full article

Disassembly is a key step in remanufacturing, especially for end-of-life (EoL) products such as electric vehicle (EV) batteries, which are challenging to dismantle due to uncertainties in their condition and potential risks of fire, fumes, explosions, and electrical shock. To address these challenges, this paper presents a robotic teleoperation system that leverages augmented reality (AR) and digital twin (DT) technologies to enable a human operator to work away from the danger zone. By integrating AR and DTs, the system not only provides a real-time visual representation of the robot’s status but also enables remote control via gesture recognition. A bidirectional communication framework established within the system synchronises the virtual robot with its physical counterpart in an AR environment, which enhances the operator’s understanding of both the robot and task statuses. In the event of anomalies, the operator can interact with the virtual robot through intuitive gestures based on information displayed on the AR interface, thereby improving decision-making efficiency and operational safety. The application of this system is demonstrated through a case study involving the disassembly of a busbar from an EoL EV battery. Furthermore, the performance of the system in terms of task completion time and operator workload was evaluated and compared with that of AR-based control methods without informational cues and ‘smartpad’ controls. The findings indicate that the proposed system reduces operation time and enhances user experience, delivering its broad application potential in complex industrial settings. Full article

This paper showcases the integration of the Interfacing Toolbox for Robotic Arms (ITRA) with our newly developed hybrid Visual Servoing (VS) methods to automate the disassembly of electric vehicle batteries, thereby advancing sustainability and fostering a circular economy. ITRA enhances collaboration between industrial robotic arms, server computers, sensors, and actuators, meeting the intricate demands of robotic disassembly, including the essential real-time tracking of components and robotic arms. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our hybrid VS approach, combined with ITRA, in the context of Electric Vehicle (EV) battery disassembly across two robotic testbeds. The first employs a KUKA KR10 robot for precision tasks, while the second utilizes a KUKA KR500 for operations needing higher payload capacity. Conducted in T1 (Manual Reduced Velocity) mode, our experiments underscore a swift communication protocol that links low-level and high-level control systems, thus enabling rapid object detection and tracking. This allows for the efficient completion of disassembly tasks, such as removing the EV battery’s top case in 27 s and disassembling a stack of modules in 32 s. The demonstrated success of our framework highlights its extensive applicability in robotic manufacturing sectors that demand precision and adaptability, including medical robotics, extreme environments, aerospace, and construction. Full article

Virus particles consist of a protein coat that protects their genetic material and delivers it to the host cell for self-replication. Understanding the interplay between virus structure and function is a requirement for understanding critical processes in the infectious cycle such as entry, uncoating, genome metabolism, capsid assembly, maturation, and propagation. Together with well-established techniques in cell and molecular biology, physical virology has emerged as a rapidly developing field, providing detailed, novel information on the basic principles of virus assembly, disassembly, and dynamics. The Spanish research community contains a good number of groups that apply their knowledge on biology, physics, or chemistry to the study of viruses. Some of these groups got together in 2010 under the umbrella of the Spanish Interdisciplinary Network on Virus Biophysics (BioFiViNet). Thirteen years later, the network remains a fertile ground for interdisciplinary collaborations geared to reveal new aspects on the physical properties of virus particles, their role in regulating the infectious cycle, and their exploitation for the development of virus-based nanotechnology tools. Here, we highlight some achievements of Spanish groups in the field of physical virology. Full article

The nuclear membrane serves a critical role in protecting the contents of the nucleus and facilitating material and signal exchange between the nucleus and cytoplasm. While extensive research has been dedicated to topics such as nuclear membrane assembly and disassembly during cell division, as well as interactions between nuclear transmembrane proteins and both nucleoskeletal and cytoskeletal components, there has been comparatively less emphasis on exploring the regulation of nuclear morphology through nuclear membrane integrity. In particular, the role of type II integral proteins, which also function as transcription factors, within the nuclear membrane remains an area of research that is yet to be fully explored. The integrity of the nuclear membrane is pivotal not only during cell division but also in the regulation of gene expression and the communication between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Importantly, it plays a significant role in the development of various diseases. This review paper seeks to illuminate the biomolecules responsible for maintaining the integrity of the nuclear membrane. It will delve into the mechanisms that influence nuclear membrane integrity and provide insights into the role of type II membrane protein transcription factors in this context. Understanding these aspects is of utmost importance, as it can offer valuable insights into the intricate processes governing nuclear membrane integrity. Such insights have broad-reaching implications for cellular function and our understanding of disease pathogenesis. Full article

A digital twin for a multifunctional technology for flexible manufacturing on an assembly, disassembly, and repair mechatronics line (A/D/RML), assisted by a complex autonomous system (CAS), is presented in the paper. The hardware architecture consists of the A/D/RML and a six-workstation (WS) mechatronics line (ML) connected to a flexible cell (FC) and equipped with a six-degree of freedom (DOF) industrial robotic manipulator (IRM). The CAS has in its structure two driving wheels and one free wheel (2DW/1FW)-wheeled mobile robot (WMR) equipped with a 7-DOF robotic manipulator (RM). On the end effector of the RM, a mobile visual servoing system (eye-in-hand MVSS) is mounted. The multifunctionality is provided by the three actions, assembly, disassembly, and repair, while the flexibility is due to the assembly of different products. After disassembly or repair, CAS picks up the disassembled components and transports them to the appropriate storage depots for reuse. Disassembling or repairing starts after assembling, and the final assembled product fails the quality test. The virtual world that serves as the digital counterpart consists of tasks assignment, planning and synchronization of A/D/RML with integrated robotic systems, IRM, and CAS. Additionally, the virtual world includes hybrid modeling with synchronized hybrid Petri nets (SHPN), simulation of the SHPN models, modeling of the MVSS, and simulation of the trajectory-tracking sliding-mode control (TTSMC) of the CAS. The real world, as counterpart of the digital twin, consists of communication, synchronization, and control of A/D/RML and CAS. In addition, the real world includes control of the MVSS, the inverse kinematic control (IKC) of the RM and graphic user interface (GUI) for monitoring and real-time control of the whole system. The “Digital twin” approach has been designed to meet all the requirements and attributes of Industry 4.0 and beyond towards Industry 5.0, the target being a closer collaboration between the human operator and the production line. Full article

In the last few years, the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in the transportation sector has contributed to the increased use of electric rechargeable batteries. At present, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the most commonly used in electric vehicles. Although once their storage capacity has dropped to below 80–70% it is no longer possible to use these batteries in EVs, it is feasible to use them in second-life applications as stationary energy storage systems. The purpose of this study is to present an embedded system that allows a Nissan^® LEAF Li-ion battery to communicate with an Ingecon^® Sun Storage 1Play inverter, for control and monitoring purposes. The prototype was developed using an Arduino^® microcontroller and a graphical user interface (GUI) on LabVIEW^®. The experimental tests have allowed us to determine the feasibility of using Li-ion battery packs (BPs) coming from the automotive sector with an inverter with no need for a prior disassembly and rebuilding process. Furthermore, this research presents a programming and hardware methodology for the development of the embedded systems focused on second-life electric vehicle Li-ion batteries. One second-life battery pack coming from a Nissan^® Leaf and aged under real driving conditions was integrated into a residential microgrid serving as an energy storage system (ESS). Full article

The circular economy is attracting the attention of governments and companies who recognize the importance of promoting a sustainable approach toward social and industrial development. The European Union requires EU State members to support a sustainable approach to improving the production and consumption of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). This paper supports the conceptualization of a sustainable circular economy model, proposing the reuse of lithium-ion batteries from WEEE. The aim is to define a circular economy-based production model for the reuse of waste lithium-ion batteries and support the inclusion of disadvantaged people in the recovery process, breaking the barriers of social discrimination. The activities introduced in this paper are part of a circular economy project for the social integration of disadvantaged people. In this paper, the preliminary results of the project are introduced, proposing a methodology for the disassembly of waste lithium-ion batteries. The disassembly line balancing proposed in this paper focuses on the need to include workers with physical, psychological, sensory, or intellectual limitations, as well as people experiencing communication difficulties. Future steps of the project will focus on the design of the assembly line to produce battery packs for pedal-assisted bicycles from the recovered lithium-ion cells. Full article

This paper aims to describe modeling and control in what concerns advanced manufacturing technology running on a flexible assembly, disassembly and repair on a mechatronic line (A/D/RML) assisted by an Autonomous Robotic System (ARS), two robotic manipulators (RM) and visual servoing system (VSS). The A/D/RML consists of a six workstations (WS) mechatronics line (ML) connected to a flexible cell (FC) equipped with a 6-DOF ABB industrial robotic manipulator (IRM) and an ARS used for manipulation and transport. A hybrid communication and control based on programmable logic controller (PLC) architecture is used, which consists of two interconnected systems that feature both distributed and centralized topology, with specific tasks for all the manufacturing stages. Profinet communication link is used to interconnect and control FC and A/D/RML. The paper also discusses how to synchronize data between different field equipment used in the industry and the control systems. Synchronization signals between the master PLC and ARS is performed by means of Modbus TCP protocol and OPC UA. The structure of the ARS consists of a wheeled mobile robot (WMR) with two driving wheels and one free wheel (2DW/1FW) equipped with a 7-DOF RM. Trajectory tracking sliding-mode control (TTSMC) is used to control WMR. The end effector of the ARS RM is equipped with a mobile eye-in-hand VSS technology for the precise positioning of RM to pick and place the workparts in the desired location. Technology operates synchronously with signals from sensors and from the VSS HD camera. If the workpiece does not pass the quality test, the process handles it by transporting back from the end storage unit to the flexible cell where it will be considered for reprocessing, repair or disassembling with the recovery of the dismantled parts. The recovered or replaced components are taken over by the ARS from disassembling location and transported back to the dedicated storage warehouses to be reused in the further assembly processes. Full article

Polymersomes are biomimetic cell membrane-like model structures that are self-assembled stepwise from amphiphilic copolymers. These polymeric (nano)carriers have gained the scientific community’s attention due to their biocompatibility, versatility, and higher stability than liposomes. Their tunable properties, such as composition, size, shape, and surface functional groups, extend encapsulation possibilities to either hydrophilic or hydrophobic cargoes (or both) and their site-specific delivery. Besides, polymersomes can disassemble in response to different stimuli, including light, for controlling the “on-demand” release of cargo that may also respond to light as photosensitizers and plasmonic nanostructures. Thus, polymersomes can be spatiotemporally stimulated by light of a wide wavelength range, whose exogenous response may activate light-stimulable moieties, enhance the drug efficacy, decrease side effects, and, thus, be broadly employed in photoinduced therapy. This review describes current light-responsive polymersomes evaluated for anticancer therapy. It includes light-activable moieties’ features and polymersomes’ composition and release behavior, focusing on recent advances and applications in cancer therapy, current trends, and photosensitive polymersomes’ perspectives. Full article

In a short-term model of hyperosmotic stress, primary murine astrocytes were stimulated with a hyperosmolar sucrose solution for five minutes. Astrocytic gap junctions, which are mainly composed of Connexin (Cx) 43, displayed immediate ultrastructural changes, demonstrated by freeze–fracture replica immunogold labeling: their area, perimeter, and distance of intramembrane particles increased, whereas particle numbers per area decreased. Ultrastructural changes were, however, not accompanied by changes in Cx43 mRNA expression. In contrast, transcription of the gap junction regulator zonula occludens (ZO) protein 1 significantly increased, whereas its protein expression was unaffected. Phosphorylation of Serine (S) 368 of the Cx43 C–terminus has previously been associated with gap junction disassembly and reduction in gap junction communication. Hyperosmolar sucrose treatment led to enhanced phosphorylation of Cx43S368 and was accompanied by inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication, demonstrated by a scrape loading-dye transfer assay. Taken together, Cx43 gap junctions are fast reacting elements in response to hyperosmolar challenges and can therefore be considered as one of the first responders to hyperosmolarity. In this process, phosphorylation of Cx43S368 was associated with disassembly of gap junctions and inhibition of their function. Thus, modulation of the gap junction assembly might represent a target in the treatment of brain edema or trauma. Full article