Search Results (49)

Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is driven by a tri-component system involving the pinewood nematode, Monochamus spp. beetle vectors, and susceptible pine hosts. Chemical control remains a scenario-dependent option for emergency suppression and high-value protection, but its deployment is constrained by strong regional regulatory and practical differences. In Europe (e.g., Portugal and Spain), field chemical control is generally not practiced; post-harvest phytosanitary treatments for wood and wood packaging rely mainly on heat treatment, and among ISPMs only sulfuryl fluoride is listed for wood treatment with limited use. This review focuses on recent progress in PWD chemical control, summarizing advances in nematicide discovery and modes of action, greener formulations and delivery technologies, and evidence-based, scenario-oriented applications (standing-tree protection, vector suppression, and infested-wood/inoculum management). Recent studies highlight accelerated development of target-oriented nematicides acting on key pathways such as neural transmission and mitochondrial energy metabolism, with structure–activity relationship (SAR) efforts enabling lead optimization. Formulation innovations (water-based and low-solvent products, microemulsions and suspensions) improve stability and operational safety, while controlled-release delivery systems (e.g., micro/nanocapsules) enhance penetration and persistence. Application technologies such as trunk injection, aerial/Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations, and fumigation/treatment approaches further strengthen scenario compatibility and operational efficiency. Future research should prioritize robust target–mechanism evidence, resistance risk management and rotation strategies, greener formulations with smart delivery, and scenario-based exposure and compliance evaluation to support precise, green, and sustainable integrated control together with biological and other sustainable approaches. Full article

This study presents the results of an experimental evaluation of ride comfort for children transported in child restraint systems (CRS) during passages over speed bumps, with particular emphasis on the energy contained in vibrations. The tests were carried out under real operating conditions using two vehicles with different suspension characteristics and three loading levels corresponding to different stages of child development. Vertical accelerations were recorded at key points of the vehicle–seat system and subsequently analyzed in accordance with ISO 2631-1. Based on the vibration signals, root mean square acceleration (RMS), vibration dose value (VDV), seat effective amplitude transmissibility (SEAT), and root mean quad (RMQ) indices were calculated, enabling not only the assessment of discomfort levels but also the estimation of mechanical energy transmitted through the seat structure. The results showed that, depending on the type of vehicle, bump geometry, and load mass, the vibration energy can be significant and, in many cases, corresponds to levels classified as “severe” or “extreme discomfort.” At the same time, this energy constitutes a potential power source for low-power sensors in “smart seat” systems, such as those monitoring the child’s posture or environmental conditions. The findings highlight the need to consider vibration comfort criteria and the potential for vibration energy harvesting in the design and homologation of CRS, which aligns with the concept of sustainable transport and the development of energy self-sufficient technologies. Full article

Recent research has focused on energy recovery and storage technologies. One of the materials allowing the recovery of dissipated energy is the piezoelectric material (PE). These functional materials perform reversible energy conversion, transforming electrical energy into mechanical and vice versa. In this study, we investigate the recovery of vibratory energy in vehicle suspension systems—energy traditionally dissipated by conventional shock absorbers—using piezoelectric materials to capture this wasted energy and redirect it to the vehicle’s auxiliary power supply network. We propose an integrated electromechanical model incorporating piezoelectric actuators in parallel with the suspension mechanism. The collected energy is processed and stored for later use in powering accessories such as windows and mirrors. The idea is to integrate renewable energy sources to optimize the performance of the vehicle. We proposed a Multiphysics model of the system under a software used to this type of modeling (Simcenter AMESim v1610_student). The simulation results of the system and its various sub-systems are presented for studying the piezo-actuator response to reduce consumption and increase energy performance in a vehicle. These findings will undergo experimental validation in the project’s subsequent phase. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable and self-powered technologies in automotive applications has led to increased interest in energy harvesting from vehicle suspensions. Recovering mechanical energy from road-induced vibrations offers a viable solution for powering wireless sensors and autonomous electronic systems, reducing dependence on external power sources. This study presents the design, modeling, and experimental validation of a hybrid energy-harvesting system that integrates piezoelectric and magnetoelectric effects to efficiently convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy. A model-based systems engineering (MBSE) approach was used to optimize the system architecture, ensuring high energy conversion efficiency, durability, and seamless integration into suspension systems. The theoretical modeling of both piezoelectric and magnetoelectric energy harvesting mechanisms was developed, providing analytical expressions for the harvested power as a function of system parameters. The designed system was then fabricated and tested under controlled mechanical excitations to validate the theoretical models. Experimental results demonstrate that the hybrid system achieves a maximum power output of 16 µW/cm² from the piezoelectric effect and 3.5 µW/cm² from the magnetoelectric effect. The strong correlation between theoretical predictions and experimental measurements confirms the feasibility of this hybrid approach for self-powered automotive applications. Full article

Energy harvesting in the automotive sector is a rapidly growing field aimed at improving vehicle efficiency and sustainability by recovering wasted energy. Various technologies have been developed to convert mechanical, thermal, and environmental energy into electrical power, reducing dependency on traditional energy sources. This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of energy harvesting applications/methodologies, aiming to trace the research lines and future developments. This work identifies the main categories of harvesting solutions, namely mechanical, thermal, and hybrid/environmental solar–wind systems; each section includes a detailed review of the technical and scientific state of the art and a comparative analysis with detailed tables, allowing the state of the art to be mapped for identification of the strengths of each solution, as well as the challenges and future developments needed to enhance the technological level. These improvements focus on energy conversion efficiency, material innovation, vehicle integration, energy savings, and environmental sustainability. The mechanical harvesting section focuses on energy recovery from vehicle vibrations, with emphasis on regenerative suspensions and piezoelectric-based solutions. Specifically, solutions applied to suspensions with electric generators can achieve power outputs of around 1 kW, while piezoelectric-based suspension systems can generate up to tens of watts. The thermal harvesting section, instead, explores methods for converting waste heat from an internal combustion engine (ICE) into electrical power, including thermoelectric generators (TEGs) and organic Rankine cycle systems (ORC). Notably, ICEs with TEGs can recover above 1 kW of power, while ICE-based ORC systems can generate tens of watts. On the other hand, TEGs integrated into braking systems can harvest a few watts of power. Then, hybrid solutions are discussed, focusing on integrated mechanical and thermal energy recovery systems, as well as solar and wind energy harvesting. Hybrid solutions can achieve power outputs above 1 kW, with the main contribution from TEGs (≈1 kW), compared to piezoelectric systems (hundreds of W). Lastly, a section on commercial solutions highlights how current scientific research meets the automotive sector’s needs, providing significant insights for future development. For these reasons, the research results aim to be guidelines for a better understanding of where future studies should focus to improve the technological level and efficiency of energy harvesting solutions in the automotive sector. Full article

This study examines the efficacy of a seat inertial suspension system in relation to vibration isolation and energy recovery in electric commercial vehicles. The research focuses on the structural modifications of the suspension system that arise from the incorporation of an inerter, a novel vibration isolation component. A dynamic model of the seat inertial suspension is constructed, which includes two different structures consisting of components connected in parallel and in series. The analysis explores how the absorption of suspension parameters affects both seat comfort and the characteristics of energy harvesting. Furthermore, an optimal design methodology for the seat inertial suspension is proposed, seat comfort and energy recovery efficiency are also taken into consideration. The findings reveal that the parallel-structured seat inertial suspension system demonstrates superior overall performance. Specifically, it achieves a 36.6% reduction in seat acceleration, a 55.3% decrease in suspension working space, and an energy harvesting efficiency of 41.9%. The seat inertial suspension significantly improves occupant comfort by reducing seat acceleration, significantly reducing the amplitude of seat suspension movement, and recovering most of the seat suspension’s vibration energy, in comparison to traditional seat suspension systems. Full article

Wireless Sensor Nodes (WSNs) are becoming increasingly popular in various industrial sectors due to their capability of real-time remote monitoring of assets. Powering these devices with vibrational energy harvesters (EHs) provides multiple benefits, such as minimal maintenance and ideally infinite lifespan. Among the vibrational harvesters, translational electromagnetic ones (TEMEHs) are a promising solution due to their simple and reliable architecture and their ability to harvest energy at low frequencies. However, a major challenge is achieving a high power density. In this paper, recent literature about this typology of harvesters is reviewed. Different techniques to tune the resonance frequencies to the fundamental frequencies of the ambient vibrations are analyzed, such as non-linearities and multi-DOF configurations. The harvesters are classified on the basis of the suspension type, highlighting advantages and disadvantages. A final comparison is carried out in terms of NPD and FoMv, two indexes that evaluate power density in relation to size and excitation amplitudes. Full article

Sustainable development is one of the main directions of modern agriculture. First of all, sustainability in the agricultural sector can be achieved through the possible abandonment of traditional mineral fertilizers. Many decades of using these fertilizers have led to the degradation of arable soils and to soil and environmental pollution. As a result, this causes reductions in yields and the environmental quality of agricultural products and affects the health of the population. An alternative to traditional mineral fertilizers may be the use of innovative organomineral fertilizers obtained from local resources. These include manure, humus, compost, sediments, etc. In recent years, fertilizers obtained from the sapropels of the bottom sediments of lakes have become widespread. Their distinctive feature is the environmental friendliness and completeness of the content of chemical elements and substances necessary for the development and growth of plants. In addition, the methods of obtaining and applying these fertilizers allow us to talk about their effectiveness in use. The range of applications of these fertilizers is diverse, from use in the form of a dry extract applied directly to the soil to the use of liquid suspensions used at various stages of processing and from pre-sowing seed treatment to watering and spraying plants at different periods of vegetation. Moreover, an important aspect is the research work on the variational use of sapropel fertilizers on different crops, with different methods of production and concentrations and at different stages of processing. This publication contains the results of a study of the effect of the obtained innovative sapropel fertilizer on productivity, wheat grain quality, and economic efficiency (Triticum aestivum L.). To identify the optimal concentration of sapropel extract, laboratory studies were carried out to determine the germination energy and germination of wheat seeds of different varieties when they were soaked in various concentrations: 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0 g/L. The best indicators of germination energy and germination of wheat seeds during treatment with the extract were obtained at a concentration of 1.2 g/L. The research was conducted at an accredited variety testing laboratory. A field experiment was conducted in the fields of the agrobiological station of North Kazakhstan University named after Manash Kozybayev. The treatment of the seeds was carried out by soaking them in sapropel extract to evenly distribute the substance. The scheme of the field experiment included the option of using foliar treatment with a solution of sapropel extract at the tillering stage. As a result of the application of the obtained extract in the field, environmental and socio-economic efficiency was noted. The conducted field studies note its positive effect and effectiveness on the morphological, qualitative, and quantitative indicators of the wheat harvest. In the areas where wheat seeds were pretreated, as well as where foliar treatment with the resulting sapropel suspension was carried out, the best yield indicators were revealed. In these variants of the experiment with pre-sowing and pre-sowing and foliar treatment with the sapropel extract solution, the yield was 3.63 and 3.81 tons per hectare, respectively. The introduction of sapropel extract at the stage of seed treatment before sowing, as well as foliar processing of wheat at the tillering stage, will increase the efficiency and profitability of the agricultural industry and obtain a synergistic effect in the form of socio-economic efficiency and environmental safety of production. In our opinion, this will contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture and the production of environmental products. Full article

Coffee is one of the most consumed commodities globally, and its harvests generate large quantities of wood waste with low industrial value. This study aimed to explore the potential of residual Coffea arabica wood to produce lignocellulose microfibrils and lignocellulose nanofibrils (LCMF/LCNF) and biodegradable films with possible application in packaging. The fibers were treated with 5% NaOH and fibrillated in an ultrarefiner until they formed a gel. The resulting suspensions were used to create films whose physical, morphological, optical, and mechanical properties were analyzed. The NaOH treatment removed extractives and exposed hemicelluloses, allowing the gel point to be reached with just seven passes through the ultrarefiner, saving energy (~4700 kWh/t). More than 65% of the fibers had diameters of less than 100 nm and little sedimentation after 8 h. The films were flexible, thin (24.5 µm), with a high density (~1100 kg/m³) and good resistance to grease, as well as a water vapor permeability of ~1230 g/m²/day, suitable for packaging bread, fruit, and vegetables. However, the higher wettability of the surface may limit its use in humid environments. The films showed moderate tensile strength (~25 MPa) but low puncture resistance (~7 N mm), making them suitable for biodegradable packaging. Full article

This article introduces a novel regenerative suspension system designed for active seat suspension, to reduce vibrations while recovering energy. The system employs a four-quadrant electric actuator operation model and utilizes a brushless DC motor as an actuator and an energy harvester. This motor, a permanent magnet synchronous type, transforms DC into three-phase AC power, serving dual purposes of vibration energy recovery and active power generation. The system’s advanced vibration control is achieved through the switching of MOSFET transistors, ensuring the suspension system meets operational criteria that contrast with traditional vibro-isolation systems, thereby reducing the negative effects of mechanical vibrations on the human body, while also lowering energy consumption. Comparative studies of the regenerative system dynamics against passive and active systems under random vibrations demonstrated its effectiveness. This research assessed the system’s performance through power spectral density and transmissibility functions, highlighting its potential to enhance energy efficiency and the psychophysical well-being of individuals subjected to mechanical vibrations. The effectiveness of the energy regeneration process under the chosen early excitation vibrations was investigated. Measurements of the motor torque in the active mode and during regenerative braking mode, and the corresponding phase currents of the motor, are presented. Full article

The energy efficiency of vehicles is a crucial challenge relating to sustainable energy preservation and regeneration methods. Regenerative breaking has proven feasible, and there is interest in whether harvesting energy from a vehicle’s suspension is similarly feasible. We here provide methods for estimating the amount of power that can be regenerated from the suspension for given vehicle and road parameters. We show that a reasonable road model is a generalised Gaussian process known as AR(1). Using this model, we can derive the key equation used in the ISO 8608 standard for measuring road roughness, such that the AR(1) parameters can be related to the measured road roughness data. We find that the road roughness coefficient of ISO 8608 and the diffusion coefficient of the AR(1) road are equal up to a factor. We provide an analytical expression for the maximum amount of power that can be generated for given road and car parameters, derived via Fourier analysis. We further model harvesting from large bumps using Simulink. These results help to estimate the potential power output given the measured road data. Full article

This study primarily investigates the adaptability and performance of hydraulic–electric regenerative dampers for high-speed trains by substituting conventional primary dampers with hydraulic–electric regenerative dampers. The primary objectives are to develop a detailed model of primary suspension regenerative damper (PSRD) energy conversion that incorporates factors such as oil pressure loss, motor efficiency, and overall system efficiency, and to perform a comprehensive comparative analysis of vibration responses, wheel wear, comfort indices, and power generation using an integrated MATLAB and SIMPACK co-simulation platform. The results reveal that at an operational speed of 350 km/h, the dynamic responses of the carbody, bogie, wheelset, and dampers equipped with the proposed PSRD systems closely align with those of conventional primary vertical damper systems. The detailed PSRDs’ hydraulic–mechanical–electrical model effectively captures the subtleties of oil pressure fluctuations and their impacts. The wear distribution and magnitude across the vehicle remain consistent during acceleration, constant, and deceleration speeds, ensuring uniform wear characteristics. Under real-world railway operational conditions, the ride comfort metrics of vehicles fitted with regenerative dampers are comparable to those with conventional primary vertical dampers. Furthermore, each regenerative damper can generate up to 21.72 W of electrical power, achieving a generation efficiency of 45.28%. Finally, a test rig was designed and fabricated to validate the primary suspension regenerative damper (PSRD) model, showing good agreement between predicted and actual damping force and power regeneration, with results indicating a peak damping force of 12.5 kN and approximately 230 W of regenerated power. This research provides a theoretical foundation and experimental validation for implementing power regeneration mechanisms in railway transportation, demonstrating that the hydraulic–mechanical–electrical PSRD model can fulfil the performance criteria of conventional dampers while offering substantial energy harvesting capabilities. This advancement not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to the sustainable development of high-speed rail systems. Full article

This study explores the advanced mathematical modeling of electromagnetic energy harvesting in vehicle suspension systems, addressing the pressing need for sustainable transportation and improved energy efficiency. We focus on the complex challenge posed by the non-linear behavior of magnetic flux in relation to displacement, a critical aspect often overlooked in conventional approaches. Utilizing Taylor expansion and Fourier analysis, we dissect the intricate relationship between oscillation and electromagnetic damping, crucial for optimizing energy recovery. Our rigorous mathematical methodology enables the precise calculation of the average power per cycle and unit mass, providing a robust metric for evaluating the effectiveness of energy harvesting. Further, the study extends to the practical application in a combined system of passive and electromagnetic suspension, demonstrating the real-world viability of our theoretical findings. This research not only offers a comprehensive solution for enhancing vehicle efficiency through advanced suspension systems but also sets a precedent for the integration of complex mathematical techniques in solving real-world engineering challenges, contributing significantly to the future of energy-efficient automotive technologies. The cases reviewed in this article and listed as references are those commonly found in the literature. Full article

The extraction of timber is expensive, energy intensive, and potentially damaging to the forest soil. Machine development aims to mitigate risks for environmental impact and decrease energy consumption while maintaining or increasing cost efficiency. The development of rubber-tracked forwarders has gained renewed interest, not least due to climate change leading to unreliable weather in combination with low tolerance for soil damage. The increased cost of rubber tracks compared to wheels is believed to be compensated by higher driving speed enabled by semi-active suspension. Thus, the aim of this study was to theoretically investigate how the productivity and cost efficiency of rubber-tracked forwarders are affected by variations in driving speed and machine costs. The calculations were made with fixed stand parameters, to evaluate performance in well-defined working conditions, and with parameters from 2500 final felling stands in central Sweden, to evaluate performance in varied working conditions. Scenarios were compared to a baseline corresponding to mid-sized wheeled forwarders. The results show higher productivity with the increased driving speed enabled by rubber tracks and suspension at all extraction distances, with larger differences at long extraction distances. Assuming a 15% higher machine price for the rubber-tracked forwarder and a variable cost increase proportional to speed increase, extraction costs break even with the baseline at 400 m and 700 m extraction distance for moderate and fast driving speed, respectively. Furthermore, a rubber-tracked forwarder is likely to enable access to a larger part of the harvest area during longer seasons. For the studied set of stands, the year-round accessible volumes are estimated to increase from 9% to 92% with a rubber-tracked forwarder. With rubber tracks instead of wheels, good accessibility has the potential to be combined with low soil impact and cost efficiency in a favourable way for both industry and ecosystem. Full article

The advantages of the proposed novel magnetic energy-harvesting suspension (MEHS) are high safety, compact structure and convenient maintenance, compared with the previous studies. However, the force generated by the energy harvester with harvesting energy can affect the motion of the mechanical system. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the ride comfort and road handling of the MEHS, and investigates the dynamic performance of the MEHS. Firstly, the structure and the working principle of the MEHS are illustrated and introduced, and the dynamic mechanism of the quarter-vehicle with the MEHS is revealed and investigated. Secondly, the effects of the electromechanical coupling coefficient and external load resistance on the dynamic performance are investigated by numerical calculation. An experimental setup is established to verify the dynamic performance of the proposed MEHS. According to the experimental results, the dynamic performance of the suspension is contradictory with the increase of the external load resistance at the periodic frequency 7 Hz. And compared with the passive suspension, the dynamic performance of the MEHS is changed at various excitations, in which the sprung displacement and relative dynamic load of the tire of MEHS at the periodic frequency 3.3 Hz are reduced by 39.45% and 41.18%, respectively. Overall, the external load resistance of the proposed MEHS can be utilized to realize the variable damping of the suspension system and reduce the effect of vibration on the suspension system at the resonance frequency. And the dynamic performance has been verified in the laboratory, which lays the foundation for the dynamic analysis in a real vehicle. Full article