Refine
Year of publication
- 2017 (117) (remove)
Document Type
- Conference Proceeding (70)
- Article (reviewed) (29)
- Part of a Book (5)
- Article (unreviewed) (5)
- Letter to Editor (4)
- Book (2)
- Periodical Part (1)
- Report (1)
Conference Type
- Konferenzartikel (44)
- Konferenz-Abstract (19)
- Konferenz-Poster (3)
- Sonstiges (3)
- Konferenzband (1)
Language
- English (117) (remove)
Has Fulltext
- no (117) (remove)
Is part of the Bibliography
- yes (117) (remove)
Keywords
- CST (5)
- HF-Ablation (5)
- Games (4)
- CRT (3)
- Computer Games (3)
- Computerspiele (3)
- Ermüdung (3)
- Game Design (3)
- Gamification (3)
- RoboCup (3)
Institute
- Fakultät Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik (E+I) (bis 03/2019) (46)
- Fakultät Maschinenbau und Verfahrenstechnik (M+V) (40)
- Fakultät Wirtschaft (W) (17)
- Fakultät Medien und Informationswesen (M+I) (bis 21.04.2021) (15)
- ivESK - Institut für verlässliche Embedded Systems und Kommunikationselektronik (10)
- ACI - Affective and Cognitive Institute (7)
- INES - Institut für nachhaltige Energiesysteme (4)
- IfTI - Institute for Trade and Innovation (4)
- WLRI - Work-Life Robotics Institute (3)
- Zentrale Einrichtungen (2)
Open Access
- Closed Access (55)
- Open Access (46)
- Bronze (4)
- Closed (4)
- Diamond (1)
- Gold (1)
Since their dawning, space communications have been among the strongest driving applications for the development of error correcting codes. Indeed, space-to-Earth telemetry (TM) links have extensively exploited advanced coding schemes, from convolutional codes to Reed-Solomon codes (also in concatenated form) and, more recently, from turbo codes to low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. The efficiency of these schemes has been extensively proved in several papers and reports. The situation is a bit different for Earth-to-space telecommand (TC) links. Space TCs must reliably convey control information as well as software patches from Earth control centers to scientific payload instruments and engineering equipment onboard (O/B) spacecraft. The success of a mission may be compromised because of an error corrupting a TC message: a detected error causing no execution or, even worse, an undetected error causing a wrong execution. This imposes strict constraints on the maximum acceptable detected and undetected error rates.
In this TDP we describe a new tool created for testing the strategy layer of our soccer playing agents. It is a complete 2D simulator that simulates the games based on the decisions of 22 agents. With this tool, debugging the decision and strategy layer of our agents is much more efficient than before due to various interaction methods and complete control over the simulation.
In the future, the tool could also serve as a measure to run simulations of game series much faster than with the 3D simulator. This way, the impact of different play strategies could be evaluated much faster than before.
Simulation-based degradation assessment of lithium-ion batteries in a hybrid electric vehicle
(2017)
In the past two decades much has been published on whiplash injury, yet both the confusion regarding the condition, and the medicolegal discussion about it have increased. In this paper, functional imaging research results are summarized using MRIcroGL3D visualization software and assembled in an image comprising regions of cerebral activation and deactivation.
This chapter portrays the historical and mathematical background of dynamic and procedural content generation (PCG). We portray and compare various PCG methods and analyze which mathematical approach is suited for typical applications in game design. In the next step, a structural overview of games applying PCG as well as types of PCG is presented. As abundant PCG content can be overwhelming, we discuss context-aware adaptation as a way to adapt the challenge to individual players’ requirements. Finally, we take a brief look at the future of PCG.
Within this work, the benefits of using predictive control methods for the operation of Adsorption Cooling Machines (ACMs) are shown on a simulation study. Since the internal control decisions of series-manufactured ACMs often cannot be influenced, the work focuses on optimized scheduling of an ACM considering its internal functioning as well as forecasts for load and driving energy occurrence. For illustration, an assumed solar thermal climate system is introduced and a system model suitable for use within gradient-based optimization methods is developed. The results of a system simulation using a conventional scheme for ACM scheduling are compared to the results of a predictive, optimization-based scheduling approach for the same exemplary scenario of load and driving energy occurrence. The benefits of the latter approach are shown and future actions for application of these methods for system control are addressed.
Electrolyte-Gated Field-Effect Transistors Based on Oxide Semiconductors: Fabrication and Modeling
(2017)
Objective: This paper deals with the design and the optimization of mechatronic devices.
Introduction: Comparing with existing works, the design approach presented in this paper aims to integrate optimization in the design phase of complex mechatronic systems in order to increase the efficiency of this method.
Methods: To solve this problem, a novel mechatronic system design approach has been developed in order to take the multidisciplinary aspect and to consider optimization as a tool that can be used within the embodiment design process to build mechatronic solutions from a set of solution concepts designed with innovative or routine design methods.
Conclusions: This approach has then been applied to the design and optimization of a wind turbine system that can be implemented to autonomously supply a mountain cottage.
Process engineering focuses on the design, operation, control and optimization of chemical, physical and biological processes and has applications in many industries. Process Intensification is the key development approach in the modern process engineering. The proposed Advanced Innovation Design Approach (AIDA) combines the holistic innovation process with the systematic analytical and problem solving tools of the theory of inventive problem solving TRIZ. The present paper conceptualizes the AIDA application in the field of process engineering and especially in combination with the Process Intensification. It defines the AIDA innovation algorithm for process engineering and describes process mapping, problem ranking, and concept design techniques. The approach has been validated in several industrial case studies. The presented research work is a part of the European project “Intensified by Design® platform for the intensification of processes involving solids handling”.
The growing complexity in RF front-ends, which support carrier aggregation and a growing number of frequency bands, leads to tightened nonlinearity requirements in all sub-components. The generation of third order intermodulation products (IMD3) are typical problems caused by the non-linearity of SAW devices. In the present work, we investigate temperature compensating (TC) SAW devices on Lithium Niobate-rot128YX. An accurate FEM simulation model [1] is employed, which allows to better understand the origin of nonlinearities in such acoustic devices.
In the present work, nonlinearities in temperature compensating (TC) SAW devices are investigated. The materials used are LiNbO₃-rot128YX as the substrate and Copper electrodes covered with a SiO₂-layer as the compensating layer. In order to understand the role of these materials for the nonlinearities in such acoustic devices, a FEM simulation model in combination with a perturbation approach is applied. The nonlinear tensor data of the different materials involved in TC-SAW devices have been taken from literature, but were partially modified to fit experimental data by introducing scaling factors. An effective nonlinearity constant is determined by comparison of nonlinear P-matrix simulations to IMD3 measurements of test filters. By employing these constants in nonlinear periodic P-matrix simulations a direct comparison to nonlinear periodic FEM-simulations yields the scaling factors for the material used. Thus, the contribution of different materials to the nonlinear behavior of TC-SAW devices is obtained and the role of metal electrodes is discussed in detail.
Our university carries out various research projects. Among others, the project Schluckspecht is an interdisciplinary work on different ultra-efficient car concepts for international contests. Besides the engineering work, one part of the project deals with real-time data visualization. In order to increase the efficiency of the vehicle, an online monitoring of the runtime parameters is necessary. The driving parameters of the vehicle are transmitted to a processing station via a wireless network connection. We plan to use an augmented reality (AR) application to visualize different data on top of the view of the real car. By utilizing a mobile Android or iOS device a user can interactively view various real-time and statistical data. The car and its components are meant to be augmented by various additional information, whereby that information should appear at the correct position of the components. An engine e.g. could show the current rpm and consumption values. A battery on the other hand could show the current charge level. The goal of this paper is to evaluate different possible approaches, their suitability and to expand our application to other projects at our university.
Three real-lab trigeneration microgrids are investigated in non-residential environments (educational, office/administrational, companies/production) with a special focus on domain-specific load characteristics. For accurate load forecasting on such a local level, à priori information on scheduled events have been combined with statistical insight from historical load data (capturing information on not explicitly-known consumer behavior). The load forecasts are then used as data input for (predictive) energy management systems that are implemented in the trigeneration microgrids. In real-world applications, these energy management systems must especially be able to carry out a number of safety and maintenance operations on components such as the battery (e.g. gassing) or CHP unit (e.g. regular test runs). Therefore, energy management systems should combine heuristics with advanced predictive optimization methods. Reducing the effort in IT infrastructure the main and safety relevant management process steps are done on site using a Smart & Local Energy Controller (SLEC) assisted by locally measured signals or operator given information as default and external inputs for any advanced optimization. Heuristic aspects for local fine adjustment of energy flows are presented.
Gaps in basic math knowledge are among the biggest obstacles to a successful start in university. Students starting their studies in STEM disciplines display significant diversity, “math anxiety” is a widespread phenomenon, and the transition to a self-determined way of studying presents a huge challenge. Universities offer support measures such as preparatory courses. Over the years, Offenburg University realized that with increased diversity, traditional ways of teaching in front of the class have become inefficient. The majority of the students remained inactive and just listened to the teachers’ explanations and the few active participants’ answers.
Since 2013 our new course concept fosters a shift from teaching to active learning on a large scale, involving several hundred participants of our on-site preparatory math courses. This switch to broad active practicing, however, must go hand in hand with providing individual support for an increasingly diverse student body. Meanwhile students bring along their mobile devices, and the training App TeachMatics serves as a facilitator. The course concept has been very well received by both students and teachers.
This paper describes the Sweaty II humanoid adult size robot trying to qualify for the RoboCup 2017 adult size humanoid competition. Sweaty came 2nd in RoboCup 2016 adult size league. The paper describes the main characteristics of Sweaty that made this success possible, and improvements that have been made or are planned to be implemented for RoboCup 2017.
Technology and computer applications influence our daily lives and questions arise concerning the role of artificial intelligence and decision-making algorithms. There are warning voices, that computers can, in theory, emulate human intelligence-and exceed it. This paper points out that a replacement of humans by computers is unlikely, because human thinking is characterized by cognitive heuristics and emotions, which cannot simply be implemented in machines operating with algorithms, procedural data processing or artificial neural networks. However, we are going to share our responsibilities with superior computer systems, which are tracking and surveying all of our digital activities, whereas we have no idea of the decision-making processes inside the machines. It is shown that we need a new digital humanism defining rules of computer responsibilities to avoid digital totalism and comprehensive monitoring and controlling of individuals within the planet Earth.
Automatic Identification of Travel Locations in Rare Books - Object Oriented Information Management
(2017)
The digital content of the Internet is growing exponentially and mass digitization of printed media opens access to literature, in particular the genre of travel literature from the 18th and 19th century, which consists of diaries or travel books describing routes, observations or inspirations. The identification of described locations in the digital text is a long-standing challenge which requires information technology to supply dynamic links to sources by new forms of interaction and synthesis between humanistic texts and scientific observations.
Using object oriented information technology, a prototype of a software tool is developed which makes it possible to automatically identify geographic locations and travel routes mentioned in rare books. The information objects contain properties such as names and classification codes for populated places, streams, mountains and regions. Together, with the latitudes and longitudes of every single location, it is possible to geo-reference this information in order that all processed and filtered datasets can be displayed by a map application. This method has already been used in the Humboldt Digital Library to present Alexander von Humboldt’s maps and was tested in a case study to prove the correctness and reliability of the automatic identification of locations based on the work of Alexander von Humboldt and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
The results reveal numerous errors due to misspellings, change of location names, equality of terms and location names. But on the other hand it becomes very clear that results of the automatic object detection and recognition can be improved by error-free and comprehensive sources. As a result an increase in quality and usability of the service can be expected, accompanied by more options to detect unknown locations in the descriptions of rare books.
In this paper we show that a model-free approach to learn behaviors in joint space can be successfully used to utilize toes of a humanoid robot. Keeping the approach model-free makes it applicable to any kind of humanoid robot, or robot in general. Here we focus on the benefit on robots with toes which is otherwise more difficult to exploit. The task has been to learn different kick behaviors on simulated Nao robots with toes in the RoboCup 3D soccer simulator. As a result, the robot learned to step on its toe for a kick that performs 30% better than learning the same kick without toes.
Background: R-wave synchronised atrial pacing is an effective temporary pacing
therapy in infants with postoperative junctional ectopic tachycardia. In the technique
currently used, adverse short or long intervals between atrial pacing and ventricular
sensing (AP–VS) may be observed during routine clinical practice.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyse outcomes of R-wave synchronised
atrial pacing and the relationship between maximum tracking rates and AP–VS
intervals.
Methods: Calculated AP–VS intervals were compared with those predicted by experienced
pediatric cardiologist.
Results: A maximum tracking rate (MTR) set 10 bpm higher than the heart rate (HR)
may result in undesirable short AP–VS intervals (minimum 83 ms). A MTR set 20 bpm
above the HR is the hemodynamically better choice (minimum 96 ms). Effects of either
setting on the AP–VS interval could not be predicted by experienced observers. In our
newly proposed technique the AP–VS interval approaches 95 ms for HR > 210 bpm
and 130 ms for HR < 130 bpm. The progression is linear and decreases strictly
(− 0.4 ms/bpm) between the two extreme levels.
Conclusions: Adjusting the AP–VS interval in the currently used technique is complex
and may imply unfavorable pacemaker settings. A new pacemaker design is advisable
to allow direct control of the AP–VS interval.
Economic growth is usually driven by improvements in productivity, economic efficiency, trade and innovation. Increasing efficiency means to produce larger output using the same amount of factors for production such as raw materials, labour, and capital. However, regardless of the driver, growth is often investment-hungry and it is not rare to find an economy with potential for growth but lacking locally available investment. In this scenario, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) can fill the gap between investment needed to promote economic growth and locally available investments.
Critical theory and philosophy across many fields in the humanities has become awash with what has been characterised as ‘the material turn’. This material turn, which seems to involve varying combinations of what is known as Object Orientated Ontology (Harman), Actor-Network Theory (Latour), process philosophy (Whitehead), speculative realism (Bryant), or agential realism (Barad), emphasises some move toward a posthuman understanding of what the world is, and our relation to it.
Micro gas turbines (MGTs) are regarded as combined heat and power (CHP) units which offer high fuel utilization and low emissions. They are applied in decentralized energy neration.
To facilitate the planning process of energy systems, namely in the context of the increasing application of optimization techniques, there is a need for easy-to-parametrize component models with sufficient accuracy which allow a fast computation. In this paper, a model is proposed where the non-linear part load characteristics of the MGT are linearized by means of physical insight of the working principles of turbomachinery. Further, it is shown that the model can be parametrized by the data usually available in spec sheets. With this model a uniform description of MGTs from several manufacturers
covering an electrical power range from 30kW to 333kW can be obtained. The MGT model was
implemented by means of Modelica/Dymola. The resulting MGT system model, comprising further heat exchangers and hydraulic components, was validated using the experimental data of a 65kW MGT from a trigeneration energy system.
Polygeneration systems are a key technology for the reduction of primary energy usage and emissions. High costs, lack of flexibility and effort for parameterization hinder the wide usage of modeling tools during their conceptual design. This paper describes how planning tools can be structured for the conceptual design phase where only little information is available to the planner. A library concept was developed using the principles of object-oriented modeling to address the flexibility issue. With respect to cost and expandability, the open-source modeling language Modelica was chosen. Furthermore, easy-to-parameterize component models were developed. In addition to the improved library concept and novel component models, an easy-to-adapt control concept is proposed. The component models were validated and the applicability of the library was demonstrated by means of an example. It was shown that the data usually obtained from spec sheets are sufficient to parameterize the models. In addition to this, the control concept was approved.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a widely-used diagnostic technique to characterize electrochemical processes. It is based on the dynamic analysis of two electrical observables, that is, current and voltage. Electrochemical cells with gaseous reactants or products (e.g., fuel cells, metal/air cells, electrolyzers) offer an additional observable, that is, the gas pressure. The dynamic coupling of current and/or voltage with gas pressure gives rise to a number of additional impedance definitions, for which we have introduced the term electrochemical pressure impedance spectroscopy (EPIS) [1,2]. EPIS shows a particular sensitivity towards transport processes of gas-phase or dissolved species, in particular, diffusion coefficients and transport pathway lengths. It is as such complementary to standard EIS, which is mainly sensitive towards electrochemical processes. This sensitivity can be exploited for model parameterization and validation. A general analysis of EPIS is presented, which shows the necessity of model-based interpretation of the complex EPIS shapes in the Nyquist plot (cf. Figure). We then present EPIS simulations for two different electrochemical cells: (1) a sodium/oxygen battery cell and (2) a hydrogen/air fuel cell. We use 1D or 2D electrochemical and transport models to simulate current excitation/pressure detection or pressure excitation/voltage detection. The results are compared to first EPIS experimental data available in literature [2,3].
Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is one of the most promising technologies for sustainable energy production due to the high power density, low operative temperature and more convenient use for several applications. Nevertheless, the high generated current that characterizes PEMFC requires a specific power conditioning. In addition, specific controller must be designed to fit with system operative points changing associated with the variation of this high current. To deal with this challenge, in this paper, an electrochemical system composed of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) feeding via two phases IBC has been proposed and investigated. For robustness, the used IBC for fuel cell voltage regulation is controlled by linear quadratic regulator (LQR). Then, genetic algorithms technique is applied to optimize the LQR controller parameters giving optimal control coefficients and can if necessary be adjusted according to each working situation change. The model of the entire system is studied using Matlab/Simulink environment. The simulation’s comparative standard and robustness results both demonstrate that the proposed GA-based LQR controller outperforms the conventional PI in terms of performance metrics (overshoot reduction: between 58.93% and 97.09%; response time reduction: between 56.40% and 77.00% and ripple reduction: between 84.00% and 94.86%).
This book has emerged from lectures and courses given in recent years by the authors at their universities and shows how theoretical concepts of Business Intelligence are applied in SAP BW on HANA.
The authors developed a set of case studies guiding the student through the complete process of building an end-to-end BI system, based on a simple but realistic business scenario. The cases are designed in such a way that the application of many concepts such as staging, core data warehouse, data mart, reporting, etc., in SAP BW on HANA is introduced and demonstrated step by step.
Target Audience:
The cases are primarily designed for SAP BW beginners, who want a first introduction and hands-on experience with the latest version of BW on HANA. We briefly touch the general concepts of Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing. These concepts are discussed in many excellent books out in the market, which we don’t want to replace. The reader should either already be familiar with these concepts or should be willing to use the references we provide. Also, this book can NOT replace a complete consultant training for BW, but it can serve as a starting point for a journey into the world of SAP BW on HANA.
A complete thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) life prediction methodology is developed for predicting the TMF life of cast iron cylinder heads for efficient heavy duty internal combustion engines. The methodology uses transient temperature fields as thermal loads for the non-linear structural finite-element analysis (FEA). To obtain reliable stress and strain histories in the FEA for cast iron materials, a time and temperature dependent plasticity model which accounts for viscous effects, non-linear kinematic hardening and tensioncompression asymmetry is required. For this purpose a unified elasto-viscoplastic Chaboche model coupled with damage is developed and implemented as a user material model (USERMAT) in the general purpose FEA program ANSYS. In addition, the mechanismbased DTMF model for TMF life prediction developed in Part I of the paper is extended to three-dimensional stress states under transient non-proportional loading conditions. The material properties of the plasticity model are determined for lamellar graphite cast iron GJL250 and vermicular graphite cast iron GJV450 from isothermal and non-isothermal uniaxial tests. The methodology is applied to obtain a TMF life prediction on two cast iron cylinder heads for heavy duty diesel engine applications made from both cast iron materials. It is shown that the life predictions using the developed methodology correlate very well with observed lives from two bench tests in terms of location as well as number of cycles to failure.
Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with biventricular (BV) pacing is an established therapy for heart failure (HF) patients (P) with sinus rhythm, reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) and electrical ventricular desynchronization. The aim of the study was to evaluate electrical interventricular delay (IVD) and left ventricular delay (LVD) in right ventricular (RV) pacemaker pacing before upgrading to CRT BV pacing.
Methods: HF P (n=11, age 69.0 ± 7.9 years, 1 female, 10 males) with DDD pacemaker (n=10), DDD defibrillator (n=1), RV pacing, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 3.0 ± 0.2 and 24.5 ± 4.9 % LVEF were measured by surface ECG and transesophageal bipolar LV ECG before upgrading to CRT defibrillator (n=8) and CRT pacemaker (n=3). IVD was measured between onset of QRS in the surface ECG and onset of LV signal in the transesophageal ECG. LVD was measured between onset and offset of LV signal in the transesophageal ECG. CRT atrioventricular (AV) and BV pacing delay were optimized by impedance cardiography.
Results: Interventricular and intraventricular desynchronization in RV pacemaker pacing were 228.2 ± 44.8 ms QRS duration, 86.5 ± 32.8ms IVD, 94.4 ± 23.8ms LVD, 2.6 ± 0.8 QRS-IVD-ratio with correlation between IVD and QRS-IVD-ratio (r=-0.668 P=0.0248) and 2.3 ± 0.7 QRS-LVD-ratio. The LVEF-IVD-ratio was 0.3 ± 0.1 with correlation between IVD and LVEF-IVD-ratio (r=-0.8063 P=0.00272) and with correlation between QRS duration and LVEF-IVD-ratio (r=-0.7251 P=0.01157). Optimal sensing and pacing AV delay were 128.3 ± 24.8 ms AV delay after atrial sensing (n=6) and 173.3 ± 40.4 ms AV delay after atrial pacing (n=3). Optimal BV pacing delay was -4.3 ± 11.3 ms between LV and RV pacing (n=7). During 30.4 ± 29.6 month CRT follow-up, the NYHA class improved from 3.1 ± 0.2 to 2.2 ± 0.3.
Conclusions: Transesophageal electrical IVD and LVD in RV pacemaker pacing may be additional useful ventricular desynchronization parameters to improve P selection for upgrading RV pacemaker pacing to CRT BV pacing.
Background: The electrical field (E-field) of the biventricular (BV) stimulation is important for the success of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with cardiac insufficiency and widened QRS complex. The 3D modeling allows the simulation of CRT and high frequency (HF) ablation.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to model different pacing and ablation electrodes and to integrate them into a heart model for the static and dynamic simulation of atrial and BV stimulation and high frequency (HF) ablation in atrial fibrillation (AF).
Methods: The modeling and simulation was carried out using the electromagnetic simulation software CST (CST Darmstadt). Five multipolar left ventricular (LV) electrodes, one epicardial LV electrode, four bipolar right atrial (RA) electrodes, two right ventricular (RV) electrodes and one HF ablation catheter were modeled. Selected electrodes were integrated into the Offenburg heart rhythm model for the electrical field simulation. The simulation of an AV node ablation at CRT was performed with RA, RV and LV electrodes and integrated ablation catheter with an 8 mm gold tip.
Results: The right atrial stimulation was performed with an amplitude of 1.5 V with a pulse width of 0.5. The far-field potentials generated by the atrial stimulation were perceived by the right and left ventricular electrode. The far-field potential at a distance of 1 mm from the right ventricular electrode tip was 36.1 mV. The far-field potential at a distance of 1 mm from the left ventricular electrode tip was measured with 37.1 mV. The RV and LV stimulation were performed simultaneously at amplitude of 3 V at the LV electrode and 1 V at the RV electrode with a pulse width of 0.5 ms each. The far-field potentials generated by the BV stimulations could be perceived by the RA electrode. The far-field potential at the RA electrode tip was 32.86 mV. AV node ablation was simulated with an applied power of 5 W at 420 kHz and 10 W at 500 kHz at the distal 8 mm ablation electrode.
Conclusions: Virtual heart and electrode models as well as the simulations of electrical fields and temperature profiles allow the static and dynamic simulation of atrial synchronous BV stimulation and HF ablation at AF. The 3D simulation of the electrical field and temperature profile may be used to optimize the CRT and AF ablation.
Comparison of Time Warping Algorithms for Rail Vehicle Velocity Estimation in Low Speed Scenarios
(2017)
The need to measure basic aerosol parameters has increased dramatically in the last decade. This is due mainly to their harmful effect on the environment and on public health. Legislation requires that particle emissions and ambient levels, workplace particle concentrations and exposure to them are measured to confirm that the defined limits are met and the public is not exposed to harmful concentrations of aerosols.
The DMFC is a promising option for backup power systems and for the power supply of portable devices. However, from the modeling point of view liquid-feed DMFC are challenging systems due to the complex electrochemistry, the inherent two-phase transport and the effect of methanol crossover. In this paper we present a physical 1D cell model to describe the relevant processes for DMFC performance ranging from electrochemistry on the surface of the catalyst up to transport on the cell level. A two-phase flow model is implemented describing the transport in gas diffusion layer and catalyst layer at the anode side. Electrochemistry is described by elementary steps for the reactions occurring at anode and cathode, including adsorbed intermediate species on the platinum and ruthenium surfaces. Furthermore, a detailed membrane model including methanol crossover is employed. The model is validated using polarization curves, methanol crossover measurements and impedance spectra. It permits to analyze both steady-state and transient behavior with a high level of predictive capabilities. Steady-state simulations are used to investigate the open circuit voltage as well as the overpotentials of anode, cathode and electrolyte. Finally, the transient behavior after current interruption is studied in detail.
Passive hybridization of battery cell and photovoltaic cell: modeling and experimental validation
(2017)
Additive manufacturing processes have evolved rapidly in recent years and now offer a wide range of manufacturing technologies and workable materials. This range from plastics and metals to paper and even polymer plaster composites. Due to the layer by layer structure of the components the additive processes have in comparison with conventional manufacturing processes the advantage of freedom of design, that means the simple implementation of complex geometries. Moreover, the additive processes provide the advantage of reduced consumption of resources, since essentially only the material is consumed, which is required for the actual component, since no waste in the form of chips is produced. In order to use these advantages, the potentials of additive manufacturing and the requirements of sustainable design must already be observed in the product development process. So the design of the components and products must be made so as little as possible construction and supporting material is required for the generative production and therefore little resources are consumed. Also, all steps of the additive manufacturing process must be considered properly, that includes the post processing. This allows components be designed so that for instance the effort for removing the support structure is considerably reduced. This leads to a significant reduction in manufacturing time and thus energy consumption. The implementation of these potentials in product development can be demonstrated by means of a multiple-stages model. A case study shows how this model is applied in the training of Master students in the field of product development. In a workshop the students work as a group while implementing the task of developing a miniature racing car under the rules of sustainable design in compliance with the boundary conditions for an additive manufacturing. In this case, Fused Deposition Modelling FDM using plastics as a building material is applied. The results show how the students have dealt with the different requirements and how they have implemented them in product development and in the subsequent additive manufacturing.
The present-day methods of numerical simulation offer a great variety of options for optimizing metal forming processes. Although it is possible to simulate complex forming processes, the results are typically available only as 2D projections on screens. Some forming processes have reached a level of complexity beyond the level of spatial sense, which makes it necessary to use physical 3D representations to develop a deeper understanding of the material flow, microstructural processes, process and design limits, or to design the required tooling. Physical 3D models can be produced in a short amount of time using 3D printing, and indexed with a wide range of colors. In this paper, the additive manufacturing of 3D color models based on simulation results are explored by means of examples from metal forming. Different 3D-printing processes are compared on the basis of quality as well as technical and economic criteria. Other examples from the fields joining by upset-bulging of tubes and microstructure simulation are also analyzed. This paper discusses the possibilities offered by the rapid progress and wide availability of 3D printers for the design and optimization of complex metal forming processes.
Architecture models are an essential component of the development process and enable a physical representation of virtual designs. In addition to the conventional methods of model production using the machining of models made of wood, metal, plastic or glass, a number of additive manufacturing processes are now available. These new processes enable the additive manufacturing of architectural models directly from CAAD or BIM data. However, the boundary conditions applicable to the ability to manufacture models with additive manufacturing processes must also be considered. Such conditions include the minimum wall thickness, which depends on the applied additive manufacturing process and the materials used. Moreover, the need for the removal of support structures after the additive manufacturing process must also be considered. In general, a change in the scale of these models is only possible at very high effort. In order to allow these restrictions to be adequately incorporated into the CAAD model, this contribution develops a parametrized CAAD model that allows such boundary conditions to be modified and adapted while complying with the scale. Usability of this new method is illustrated and explained in detail in a case study. In addition, this article addresses the additive manufacturing processes including subsequent post-processing.
Implementation of lightweight design in the product development process of unmanned aerial vehicles
(2017)
The development and manufacturing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) require a multitude of design rules. Thereby, additive manufacturing (AM) processes provide a number of significant advantages over conventional production methods, particularly for implementing requirements with regard to lightweight construction and sustainability. A new, promising approach is presented, with which, through the combination of very light structural elements with a ribbed construction, an attached covering by means of foil is used. This contribution develops and presents a development process that is based on various development cycles. Such cycles differ in their effort and scope within the overall development, and may only comprise one part of the development process, or the entire development process. The applicability of this development process is demonstrated within the framework of a comprehensive case study. The aim is to develop an additively manufactured product that is as light as possible in the form of a UAV, along with a sustainable manufacturing process for such product. Finally, the results of this case study are analyzed with regard to the improvement of lightweight construction.
In this paper we present the implementation of a model-predictive controller (MPC) for real-time control of a cable-robot-based motion simulator. The controller computes control inputs such that a desired acceleration and angular velocity at a defined point in simulator’s cabin are tracked while satisfying constraints imposed by working space and allowed cable forces of the robot. In order to fully use the simulator capabilities, we propose an approach that includes the motion platform actuation in the MPC model. The tracking performance and computation time of the algorithm are investigated in computer simulations. Furthermore, for motion simulation scenarios where the reference trajectories are not known beforehand, we derive an estimate on how much motion simulation fidelity can maximally be improved by any reference prediction scheme compared to the case when no prediction scheme is applied.
Comparing anomalies and exceptions to multilateral dysfunction across a number of spheres of world politics, the book chapter explores pathways through and beyond gridlock in trade. It provides a vital new perspective on world politics as well as a practical guide for positive change in global policy.