Search Results (621)

Through a systematic review of sustainable rural dwelling recovery, this study offers a broader reflection on retrofitting practices, viewing eco-efficiency as a means to enhance both cultural heritage and agricultural landscapes. The work is based on the assumption that vernacular architecture in rural contexts embodies historical, cultural, and typological values worthy of preservation, while remaining adaptable to reuse through eco-efficient solutions and technological innovation. Using the PRISMA protocol, 115 scientific contributions were selected from 1711 initial records and classified into four macro-groups: landscape relationships; seismic and energy retrofitting; construction techniques and innovative materials; and morphological–typological analysis. Results show a predominance (over 50%) of passive design strategies, compatible materials, and low-impact techniques, while active systems are applied more selectively to protect cultural integrity. The study identifies replicable methodological models combining sustainability, cultural continuity, and functional adaptation, offering recommendations for future operational guidelines. Conscious eco-efficient retrofitting thus emerges as a strategic tool for the integrated valorization of rural landscapes and heritage. Full article

Securing thermal comfort while minimizing energy consumption in educational buildings is vital for achieving sustainable development goals. Drawing on the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, this systematic review synthesizes findings from 84 peer-reviewed studies published over the past decade, with a focus on how thermal comfort and energy use are assessed in educational contexts. The review identifies three primary research themes: climate resilience, multidimensional human-centric design, and energy decarbonization. However, it also reveals that existing studies have placed disproportionate emphasis on the environmental dimension, with insufficient exploration of issues related to social equity and governance structures. To address this gap, this study introduces an ESG-driven theoretical framework encompassing seven dimensions: thermal environment stability, multimodal thermal comfort assessment integration, sustainable energy use, heterogeneous thermal demand equality, passive–active design synergy, participatory thermal data governance, and educational thermal well-being inclusivity. By fostering interdisciplinary convergence and emphasizing inclusive stakeholder engagement, the proposed framework provides a resilient and adaptive foundation for enhancing indoor environmental quality in educational buildings while advancing equitable climate and energy strategies. Full article

Resettlement communities in Qinghai are located in cold, high-altitude regions with dry climates and strong solar radiation. Although not extremely cold, the moderate heating demand aligns well with high solar availability, making passive design highly effective for reducing energy use. This study investigates solar-optimized spatial configurations that enhance passive energy performance while addressing functional settlement needs. Through parametric modeling and climate-responsive simulations, four key spatial parameters are examined: building spacing, courtyard depth, density, and volumetric ratio. The findings highlight the dominant role of front–rear spacing in solar access, with optimal values at 3–4 m for single-story and 5–10 m for two-story buildings, balancing radiation gain and land use efficiency. Courtyard depths under 2.7 m significantly limit south façade exposure due to shading from the opposite courtyard wall under low-angle winter sun. This reduction results in the south façade attaining only 55.7–79.6% of the solar radiation acquisition by an unobstructed south façade (the baseline). Meanwhile, clustered orientations reduce inter-building shading losses by 38–42% compared to dispersed layouts. A three-tiered design framework is proposed: (1) macro-scale solar orientation zoning, (2) meso-scale spacing tailored to building height, and (3) micro-scale courtyard modulation for low-angle winter radiation. Together, these strategies provide practical, scalable guidelines for energy-efficient, climate-responsive settlement design in the alpine regions of Qinghai. Full article

This paper addresses a well-known research topic in the design of complex systems, specifically within the class of reliability optimization problems (ROPs). It focuses on optimal reliability–redundancy allocation problems (RRAPs) for large binary systems with hybrid structures. Two main objectives are considered: (1) to maximize system reliability under cost and volume constraints, and (2) to achieve the required reliability at minimal cost under a volume constraint. The system reliability model includes components with only two states: normal operating or failed. High reliability can result from directly improving component reliability, allocating redundancy, or using both approaches together. Several redundancy strategies are covered: active, passive, hybrid standby with hot, warm, or cold spares, static redundancy such as TMR and 5MR, TMR structures with control logic and spares, and reconfigurable TMR/Simplex structures. The proposed method uses a zero–one integer programming formulation that applies log-transformed reliability functions and binary decision variables to represent subsystem configurations. The experimental results validate the approach and confirm its efficiency. Full article

The optimal design of electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters relies on accurate characterization of noise source impedance. The conventional insertion loss method involves integrating two distinct passive two-port networks between the linear impedance stabilization network (LISN) and the equipment under test (EUT). The utilization of the insertion loss to formulate a system of binary quadratic equations concerning the real and imaginary components of the impedance of the noise source enables the precise extraction of the magnitude and phase of the noise source impedance in theory. However, inherent inaccuracies in the insertion loss method during extraction can compromise impedance accuracy or even cause extraction failure. This work employs a series inductance method to overcome these limitations. Exact analytical expressions are derived for the magnitude and phase of the noise source impedance. Subsequently, the application scope of the series insertion loss method is analyzed, and the impact of insertion loss measurement error on noise source impedance extraction accuracy is quantified. Requirements for improving extraction accuracy are discussed, and method optimization strategies are proposed. The permissible range of insertion loss error ensuring a solution exists is deduced. Finally, simulation and experimental results validate the proposed approach in a buck converter. Full article

Promoting municipal solid waste (MSW) sorting is critical to advancing sustainable and low-carbon urban development. While existing research often focuses separately on external policy tools or internal behavioral drivers, limited attention has been given to their joint effects within an integrated framework. This study addresses this gap by analyzing micro-survey data from 1983 residents across 34 prefecture-level and above cities in China, using a bivariate probit model to examine how policy tools and policy perception—both independently and interactively—shape residents’ active and passive compliance with MSW sorting policies. The findings reveal five key insights. First, the adoption and spatial distribution of policy tools are uneven: environment-type tools dominate, supply-type tools are moderately deployed, and demand-type tools are underutilized. Second, both policy tools and policy perception significantly promote compliance behaviors, with policy cognition exerting the strongest effect. Third, differential effects are observed—policy cognition primarily drives active compliance, whereas policy acceptance more strongly predicts passive compliance. Fourth, synergistic effects emerge when supply-type tools are combined with environment-type or demand-type tools. Finally, policy perception not only directly enhances compliance but also moderates the effectiveness of policy tools, with notable heterogeneity among residents with higher cognitive or emotional alignment. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of compliance mechanisms and offer practical implications for designing perception-sensitive and regionally adaptive MSW governance strategies. Full article

This research introduces an innovative passive vibration control methodology employing acoustic black hole (ABH) structures to mitigate vibration transmission in electric automotive steering machines—a prevalent issue adversely affecting driving comfort and vehicle safety. Leveraging the inherent bending wave manipulation properties of ABH configurations, we conceive an integrated vibration suppression framework synergizing advanced computational modeling with intelligent optimization algorithms. A high-fidelity finite element (FEM) model integrating ABH-attached steering machine system was developed and subjected to experimental validation via rigorous modal testing. To address computational challenges in design optimization, a hybrid modeling strategy integrating parametric design (using Latin Hypercube Sampling, LHS) with Kriging surrogate modeling is proposed. Systematic parameterization of ABH geometry and damping layer dimensions generated 40 training datasets and 12 validation datasets. Surrogate model verification confirms the model’s precise mapping of vibration characteristics across the design space. Subsequent multi-objective genetic algorithm optimization targeting RMS velocity suppression achieved substantial vibration attenuation (29.2%) compared to baseline parameters. The developed methodology provides automotive researchers and engineers with an efficient suitable design tool for vibration-sensitive automotive component design. Full article

In this paper, a new solution is proposed for the problem of mooring safety of large ships in complex sea conditions. Firstly, a dual-mode mooring system is designed to adaptively switch between active control and passive energy storage, adjusting the mooring strategy based on real-time sea conditions. Second, a collaborative analysis platform based on AQWA-Python-MATLAB/Simulink was researched and developed. Thirdly, based on the above simulation platform, the performance of the mooring system and the effects of different configurations on the stability of ship motion and dynamic tension of the cable are emphasized. Finally, by comparing the different mooring positions under various sea conditions with the traditional mooring system, the results show that the constant tension mooring system significantly improves the stability and safety of the ship under both conventional and extreme sea conditions, effectively reducing the fluctuation of cable tension. Through the optimization analysis, it is determined that the configuration of bow and stern cables is the optimal solution, which ensures safety while also improving economic benefits. Full article

Driven by the rapid advancement of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V) technologies, improving power quality and system stability during charging and discharging has become a research focus. To address this, this paper proposes a Model Predictive Control (MPC) strategy for Active Neutral-Point Voltage Balancing (ANPVB) in a single-phase three-level converter used in on-board V2G chargers. Traditional converters rely on passive balancing using redundant vectors, which cannot ensure neutral-point (NP) voltage stability under sudden load changes or frequent power fluctuations. To solve this issue, an auxiliary leg is introduced into the converter topology to actively regulate the NP voltage. The proposed method avoids complex algorithm design and weighting factor tuning, simplifying control implementation while improving voltage balancing and dynamic response. The results show that the proposed Model Predictive Current Control-based ANPVB (MPCC-ANPVB) and Model Predictive Direct Power Control-based ANPVB (MPDPC-ANPVB) strategies maintain the NP voltage within ±0.7 V, achieve accurate power tracking within 50 ms, and reduce the total harmonic distortion of current (THDi) to below 1.89%. The proposed strategies are tested in both V2G and G2V modes, confirming improved power quality, better voltage balance, and enhanced dynamic response. Full article

This article proposes a nonlinear control strategy to address the voltage instability issue caused by the boost converter with an uncertain constant power load (CPL). This strategy combines a passivity-based controller (PBC) with a virtual DC motor controller (VDCM). Initially, a PBC is designed for the boost converter, which enhances the robustness of the converter with CPL perturbations in the DC bus voltage. To overcome the limitations of PBC, including steady-state errors resulting from variations in load or input voltage, the VDCM is incorporated, simulating the characteristics of a DC motor. This addition improves the system’s inertia and damping, making it more stable and significantly enhancing its dynamic performance. The efficacy and stability analysis of the proposed control strategy is validated through both simulation and experimentation. Full article

Corner separation at the junction of blade surfaces and end walls remains a significant challenge in compressor cascade performance. This study proposes a passive flow control strategy inspired by the geometric arrangement of biological fish scales to address this issue. A fish scale-like surface structure was applied to the suction side of a cascade blade to reduce viscous drag and modulate secondary flow behavior. Wind tunnel experiments and numerical simulations were conducted to evaluate its aerodynamic effects. The results show that the fish scale-inspired configuration induced climbing vortices that energized low-momentum fluid near the end wall, effectively suppressing both passage and corner vortices. This led to a reduction in spanwise flow penetration and a decrease in total pressure loss of up to 5.69%. The enhanced control of secondary flows also contributed to improved flow uniformity in the end-wall region. These findings highlight the potential of biologically inspired surface designs for corner vortex suppression and aerodynamic efficiency improvement in turbomachinery systems. Full article

Series elastic actuators (SEAs) represent a key technological solution to enhance safety, performance, and adaptability in robotic devices for physical training. Their ability to decouple the rigid actuator’s mechanical impedance from the load, combined with passive absorption of external disturbances, makes them particularly suitable for pediatric applications. In children aged 2 to 5 years—where motor control is still developing and movements can be unpredictable or unstructured—SEAs provide a compliant mechanical response that ensures user protection and enables safe physical interaction. This study explores the role of SEAs as a central component for imparting compliance and backdrivability in robotic systems designed for upper-limb training. A dynamic model is proposed, incorporating interaction with the user’s limb, along with a computed torque control strategy featuring integral action. The system’s performance is validated through simulations and experimental tests, demonstrating stable trajectory tracking, disturbance absorption, and effective impedance decoupling. The results support the use of SEAs as a foundational technology for developing safe adaptive robotic solutions in pediatric contexts capable of responding flexibly to user variability and promoting secure interaction in early motor development environments. Full article

This paper focuses on a class of 5-degrees-of-freedom (5-DOF) aerial platforms, particularly the Passively Articulated Dual UAVs (PADUAVs). These platforms have the potential to achieve omnidirectional motion, as their joints are free from position constraints. However, PADUAVs encounter singularity issues in certain configurations. To address this challenge, we propose a novel singularity-avoidance control strategy. The approach begins with an analysis of the flat outputs of the 5-DOF aerial system. Based on this analysis, we design a careful allocation strategy that maps position control to attitude control via the flat outputs. A variable intermediate attitude is introduced to ensure that this allocation remains singularity-free across all configurations of the 5-DOF aerial vehicle. The stability of the proposed controller is rigorously proven. We then apply the proposed control method to the PADUAV platform, providing detailed modeling, analysis, and dynamic decoupling of the system. Due to the presence of additional sub-vehicle dynamics in the PADUAV, an auxiliary attitude allocation module is also developed. The proposed position and attitude control allocation strategies enable the controller to maintain singularity-free stability across all configurations. Finally, we implement a 5-DOF tracking control strategy specifically tailored for the PADUAV. Numerical simulations validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, demonstrating its robustness and reliability in aerial manipulation tasks. Full article

Driven by the global energy transition and China’s dual-carbon targets, Passive ultra-low-energy buildings are a key route for carbon reduction in the construction sector. This study addresses the high energy demand of office buildings and the limited suitability of current efficiency codes in the hot-summer/cold-winter, high-humidity zone of central and southern Anhui. Using multi-year climate records and energy-use surveys from five cities and one scenic area (2013–2024), we systematically investigate climate-adaptive passive-design strategies. Climate-Consultant simulations identify composite envelopes, external shading, and natural ventilation as the three most effective measures. Empirical evidence confirms that optimized envelope thermal properties significantly curb heating and cooling loads; a Huangshan office-building case validates the performance of the proposed passive measures, while analysis of a near-zero-energy demonstration project in Chuzhou yields a coordinated insulation-and-heat-rejection scheme. The results demonstrate that region-specific passive design can provide a comprehensive technical framework for ultra-low-energy buildings in transitional climates and thereby supporting China’s carbon-neutrality targets. Full article

The construction sector presently consumes about 40% of global energy and generates 36% of CO₂ emissions, making facade retrofits a priority for decarbonising buildings. This review clarifies how ventilated facades (VFs), wall assemblies that interpose a ventilated air cavity between outer cladding and the insulated structure, address that challenge. First, the paper categorises VFs by structural configuration, ventilation strategy and functional control into four principal families: double-skin, rainscreen, hybrid/adaptive and active–passive systems, with further extensions such as BIPV, PCM and green-wall integrations that couple energy generation or storage with envelope performance. Heat-transfer analysis shows that the cavity interrupts conductive paths, promotes buoyancy- or wind-driven convection, and curtails radiative exchange. Key design parameters, including cavity depth, vent-area ratio, airflow velocity and surface emissivity, govern this balance, while hybrid ventilation offers the most excellent peak-load mitigation with modest energy input. A synthesis of simulation and field studies indicates that properly detailed VFs reduce envelope cooling loads by 20–55% across diverse climates and cut winter heating demand by 10–20% when vents are seasonally managed or coupled with heat-recovery devices. These thermal benefits translate into steadier interior surface temperatures, lower radiant asymmetry and fewer drafts, thereby expanding the hours occupants remain within comfort bands without mechanical conditioning. Climate-responsive guidance emerges in tropical and arid regions, favouring highly ventilated, low-absorptance cladding; temperate and continental zones gain from adaptive vents, movable insulation or PCM layers; multi-skin adaptive facades promise balanced year-round savings by re-configuring in real time. Overall, the review demonstrates that VFs constitute a versatile, passive-plus platform for low-carbon buildings, simultaneously enhancing energy efficiency, durability and indoor comfort. Future advances in smart controls, bio-based materials and integrated energy-recovery systems are poised to unlock further performance gains and accelerate the sector’s transition to net-zero. Emerging multifunctional materials such as phase-change composites, nanostructured coatings, and perovskite-integrated systems also show promise in enhancing facade adaptability and energy responsiveness. Full article