Nano/microrobots (NMRs) are tiny devices that can convert energy into motion and operate at nano/microscales.54 Especially in biomedical research, NMRs have received much attention over the past twenty years because of their excellent capabilities and great potential in various applications, including on-demand drug delivery, gene and cell transport, and precise microsurgery. Reports published in recent years show that synthetic nano/microrobots have promising potential to function in the gastrointestinal (GI) region, particularly in terms of drug delivery. These tiny robots were able to be designed in such a way that they propel in their surroundings (biological media) with high speed, load cargo (drug) efficiently, transport it safely, and release upon request successfully. Their propulsion, retention, distribution, and toxicity in the GI tract of mice has been evaluated. The results envisage that such nano/microrobots can be further modified and developed as a new-generation treatme... [more]

The performance of a plate heat exchanger (PHE), in comparison with the conventional shell and tube types, through a trade-off analysis of energy cost and capital cost resulting from different temperature approaches in the cross-exchanger of a solvent-based CO2 capture process, was evaluated. The aim was to examine the cost reduction and CO2 emission reduction potentials of the different heat exchangers. Each specific heat exchanger type was assumed for the cross-exchanger, the lean amine cooler and the cooler to cool the direct contact cooler’s circulation water. The study was conducted for flue gases from a natural-gas combined-cycle power plant and the Brevik cement plant in Norway. The standard and the lean vapour compression CO2 absorption configurations were used for the study. The PHE outperformed the fixed tube sheet shell and tube heat exchanger (FTS-STHX) and the other STHXs economically and in emissions reduction. The optimal minimum temperature approach for the PHE cases ba... [more]

The energy consumption of artificial lighting and its impacts on health have stimulated research into natural lighting systems. However, natural lighting system designs are mainly custom, making them costly and difficult to replicate. This study took an office space as a testing field in order to develop a highly adaptable and adjustable modular natural light illumination system. We divided the system into multiple module designs, demonstrated the use of simple development and fabrication processes and integrated a freeform reflector into the system. In creating a freeform mirror, the optical simulation results of the tested field were regressed (through polynomial regression) to achieve a uniformly illuminated plane, and a high-efficiency light-emitting system was produced. Finally, an active heliostat was used to collect sunlight, combined with actual manufacturing verification and measurement results, in order to create an excellent indoor lighting system. As a result, we presented... [more]

The continuous quest for improving the performance of heat exchangers, together with ever more stringent volume and weight constraints, especially in enclosed applications like internal combustion engines and electronic devices, has stimulated the search for compact, high-performance units. One of the shapes that has emerged from a vast body of research is the disc-shaped heat exchanger, in which the fluid to be heated/cooled flows through radial—often bifurcated—channels carved inside a metallic disc. The disc in turn exchanges thermal energy with the hot/cold source (the environment or another body). Several studies have been devoted to the identification of an “optimal shape” of the channels: most of them are based on the extremization of some global property of the device, like its monetary or resource cost, its efficiency, the outlet temperature of one of the fluids, the total irreversibility of the process, etc. The present paper demonstrates that-for all engineering purposes the... [more]

Light-emitting diodes based on quantum dots as an active emission can be considered as a promising next generation for application in displays and lighting. We report a theoretical investigation of green emission at 550 nm of microcavity inorganic−organic light-emitting devices based on Zn (Te, Se) alloy quantum dots as an active layer. Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) has been applied as a bottom mirror. The realization of high-quality DBR consisting of both high and low refractive index structures is investigated. The structures applied for high refractive index layers are (ZrO2, SiNx, ZnS), while those applied for low index layers are (Zr, SiO2, CaF2). DBR of ZnS/CaF2 consisting of three pairs with a high refractive index step of (Δn = 0.95) revealed a broad stop bandwidth (178 nm) and achieved a high reflectivity of 0.914.

The effect of manufacturing geometry deviations on the flow past a NACA 64(3)-618 asymmetric airfoil is studied. This airfoil is 3D printed according to the coordinates from a public database. An optical high-precision 3D scanner, GOM Atos, measures the difference from the idealized model. Based on this difference, another model is prepared with a physical output closer to the ideal model. The velocity in the near wake (0−0.4 chord) is measured by using the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique. This work compares the wakes past three airfoil realizations, which differ in their similarity to the original design (none of the realizations is identical to the original design). The chord-based Reynolds number ranges from 1.6×104 to 1.6×105. The ensemble average velocity is used for the determination of the wake width and for the rough estimation of the drag coefficient. The lift coefficient is measured directly by using force balance. We discuss the origin of turbulent kinetic energy... [more]

Increasing the modulation index by utilizing the negative voltage states of full-bridge submodules (FBSMs) can greatly reduce capacitor usage of modular multilevel converters (MMCs), thereby optimizing the cost and volume. The hybrid MMC is composed of half-bridge submodules (HBSMs) and FBSMs, and the capacitor voltages of the two types of submodules (SMs) have different shapes as long as negative voltage states exist. This condition greatly complicates the analysis and design of the energy storage requirement of the hybrid MMC, which utilizes the negative voltage states of FBSMs to boost the AC voltage. A numerical calculation method for solving the capacitor voltages and designing the capacitances of FBSMs and HBSMs is proposed in order to accurately determine the minimum energy storage requirement considering the difference between the energy variations in FBSMs and HBSMs. In the numerical calculation, the energy storage and voltage of the arm are decomposed into FBSM and HBSM parts... [more]

The paper introduces a novel structure of a dual-band filtering Wilkinson power divider (WPD). Its essential component is a dual-band bandpass filter (BPF), implemented using coupling lines and two T-shaped resonators. The BPF is incorporated into the divider structure to suppress the unwanted harmonics within the circuit. The latter is achieved owing to a wide stopband of the filter. The designed dual-band WPD can suppress third unwanted harmonics in both channels with high levels of attenuation. The designed dual-band WPD operates at 2.6 GHz and 3.3 GHz with a return loss of 22.1 dB and 22.3 dB at the operating frequencies. Furthermore, the insertion loss and isolation are 0.3 dB and 20.2 dB at 2.6 GHz and 0.9 dB and 24.5 dB at 3.3 GHz. The analysis and simulation results are corroborated by the measurements of the fabricated divider prototype. The competitive performance of the proposed circuit is also demonstrated through comparisons with state-of-the-art divider circuits from the... [more]

Several techniques for cooling mass concrete structures were developed in order to increase structural integrity and reduce the influence of cement hydration, which sometimes causes cracking in concrete structures, negatively affecting their durability. This research focuses on cooling system design, initial investment, and the influence of different refrigerants on cooling system performance aims in producing higher quality massive concrete. Cooling aggregates in massive concrete structures such as desert dams can be performed by employing cooled air from an air conditioning duct system or chilled water. The experimental study illustrates the relationship between the coefficient of performance COP, the evaporator temperature, cooling capacity, and refrigerant mass flow rate as a function of the evaporator temperature, cooling capacity, and refrigerant mass flow rate. The findings of the experiments were utilized to verify a numerical model developed utilizing engineering equation solv... [more]

In order to solve the problem of uneven air inlet flow in the guide channel of autoclave, three optimization schemes for the guide plate were proposed. The flow field in the guide channels of autoclave was simulated and analyzed by the realizable k-epsilon turbulence model and dynamic boundary method. The results show that the three optimization schemes have a certain effect on solving the problem of uneven air inlet flow in each guide channel, but some of them also have some negative effects. The integration of the three optimization schemes effectively increases the total air inlet flow of the guide channels; the increase ratio reaches 4.15%, improves the flow-field characteristics at the outlet of the guide channels and greatly reduces the difference in the air inlet flow in the left and right guide channels; the difference ratio drops from 62.61% to 5.37%.

In this study, we developed the design process and optimization of structural parameters of a new low-NOx burner based on low-NO combustion technology and the flame stabilization principle. Firstly, on the basis of the two-stage swirl burner, we applied the fuel-graded combustion technology and introduced the central nozzle structure to explore the influence law of graded combustion on NO emissions. Secondly, on the previously optimized structure, the matching law between the first- and second-stage cyclone blades is analyzed to obtain the optimum structural design solution for heat exchange efficiency and flame front length. Finally, a new conical blunt structure is introduced in conjunction with the flame stabilization principle, and we discuss the effects of different half cone angles on the flame stabilization, flame front length, and heat exchange efficiency of the burner. The research in this paper provides a reliable direction for the design optimization of low-NOx burners.

In this paper, two design optimisation methods are evaluated using gradient-based optimisation for electric vehicle traction applications. A driving cycle-based approach is used to evaluate specific operational points for the design optimisation procedure. To determine the operational points, an energy centre of gravity (ECG) approach is used. Both optimisation methods are described, namely the point based method and the flux mapping method, with a focus on the flux mapping procedure. Within the flux mapping approach, an inner optimisation loop is defined in order to maintain the stability of gradient calculation for the gradient-based optimisation. An emphasis is placed on the importance of how the optimisation problem is defined, in terms of the objective function and constraints, and how it affects a gradient based optimisation. Based on a design case study conducted in the paper, it is found that the point-based strategy realised motor designs with a slightly lower overall cost (5.... [more]

Feeding IC engines with hydrogen-rich syngas as an admixture to hydrocarbon fuels can decrease pollutant emissions, particularly NOx. It offers a potential technique for low-environmental impact hydrocarbon fuel use in automotive applications. However, hydrogen-rich reformate gas (syngas) production via fuel reforming still needs more research and optimization. In this paper, we describe the effect of a plasma torch assembly design on syngas yield and composition during plasma-assisted reforming of gasoline. Additionally, erosion resistance of the cathode-emitting material under the conditions of gasoline reforming was studied, using hafnium metal and lanthanated tungsten alloy. The gasoline reforming was performed with a noncatalytic, nonthermal, low-current plasma system in the conditions of partial oxidation in an air and steam mixture. To find the most efficient plasma torch assembly configuration in terms of hydrogen production yield, four types of anode design were tested, i.e.,... [more]

In this work, sodium aluminate alkaline solution was used to capture CO2 in a continuous bubble column scrubber and aluminum tri-hydrate (ATH) precipitates were produced. As the sodium carbonate could be recycled after the filtrated solution was crystallized by evaporation, a novel CO2 capture process was developed successfully. There were five experimental operation variables, including solution flow rate (A), concentration of the solution (B), gas flow rate (C), CO2 gas concentration (D), and liquid temperature (E), with four levels to each variable. The influence of each variable on absorption efficiency (EF), absorption rate (RA), absorption factor (φ), mass transfer coefficient (KGa), and precipitation rate (RP) in a steady state was explored in this study. The Taguchi experimental design was adopted, and 16 experiments were performed; as the optimum operating conditions found in Taguchi analysis required further verification, there were a total of 21 experiments in the end. Accor... [more]

Compared with planar-type solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), mono-block-layer build (MOLB)-type SOFCs have additional three-phase boundaries per unit volume, and their performance is severely limited by their longer current path. To resolve this issue, a vertical rib design, which was evaluated using a numerical method, was proposed. Compared with the conventional design, the power density for the vertical rib design increased by 12.32%. This is because the vertical rib design provides another short path for current, which not only reduces the ohmic loss in the cathode, but also decreases the ohmic polarization caused by the contact resistance. However, the vertical rib design hinders the transport of oxygen in the cathode and increases the concentration loss. Therefore, the vertical rib size design is crucial. Based on the influence of the vertical rib width, the vertical rib widths on the cathode and anode sides of 0.7 and 1 mm are recommended for different contact resistances, respecti... [more]

As an important part of the navigation facilities for water conservancy and electricity in Gezhouba, the operation safety of herringbone gates is critical. Due to the minor torsional stiffness of the gate, it is easy to produce torsional deformation during operating under the water pressure, wind load, and gravity, which may lead to fatigue damage. In this study, a gate model with a combination of plate unit and the solid unit was developed, taking a ship lock herringbone gate as an example. According to the gate load under different working conditions, such as self-weight, surge, etc., in this research, we used the finite element analysis software ANSYS to analyze and calculate the stress and strain of the gate, with and without a back tie, and obtained the characteristics of the gate torsional deformation under various working conditions. The results show that the gate’s deformation degree and the direction under different working conditions vary greatly. The maximum deformation poin... [more]

The removal of acidic gases and impurities from gas mixtures is a critical operation in the oil and gas industry. Several separation techniques, e.g., cryogenic fractionation, polymeric membranes, zeolites, and metal−organic frameworks, are employed to treat gas mixtures depending upon the nature of separation and contaminants present in the gas mixtures. However, removing N2, H2, H2S, and CO2 contents from industrial gas mixtures is a challenging step due to economic factors, high energy consumption, and effective separation. Hydrate-based separation for selective gas removal is a promising and efficient separation technique over a range of temperatures, pressures, and acidic gas contents. The enclathration of CO2, H2, N2, H2S, and other natural gas constituents effectively removes acidic gases and other contaminants from process gas streams. This work presents a novel process design to remove acidic gases and other contaminants from industrial waste gases and natural gas mixtures to... [more]

Since each branch of the multiterminal DC circuit system relies on the DC circuit breaker for breaking and fault isolation, the prohibitive cost and huge volume of the Hybrid DC Circuit Breaker (HCB) limit its development and broad application in multiterminal flexible DC systems. Multiport hybrid DC circuit breaker (MP-HDCCB) based on device and branch sharing reduces the configuration cost of the circuit breaker to a certain extent. In order to further reduce the cost of MP-HDCCB, a novel MP-HDCCB topology based on hybrid switching devices is proposed, adopting full controlled switching devices to achieve rapidity of breaking fault current, and using semi-controlled switching devices in series to withstand the transient interruption voltage (TIV), so as to reduce the construction cost and technical difficulty. In this paper, the working principle and fault breaking strategy of the topology are introduced in detail, then the parameters of the major circuit are analyzed theoretically,... [more]

The bidirectional DC-DC converters are widely used in the energy storage system (ESS) and DC distribution system. The power capacity is limited when the converter is operated with smooth power transfer. In addition, the directions of the inductor current and the capacitor voltage cannot change instantaneously. In this study, a rapid energy conversion technique for smoothing and accelerating the energy transfer under the same specification of the main components in steady state is proposed. Moreover, a bidirectional DC-DC converter with a high conversion ratio is proposed to overcome the commonly low voltage input from renewable energy sources. The operating principles of the proposed converter’s step-down and step-up modes are discussed in this study. Furthermore, to achieve rapid energy conversion, digital control is a crucial component in the converter system. A digital signal processor is used as the control platform, and a control strategy is formulated to achieve rapid energy conv... [more]

Designing waterfront redevelopment generally focuses on attractiveness, leisure, and beauty, resulting in various types of building and block shapes with limited considerations on environmental aspects. However, increasing climate change impacts necessitate these buildings to be sustainable, resilient, and zero CO2 emissions. By producing five scenarios (plus existing buildings) with constant floor areas, we investigated how buildings and district forms with building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) affect energy consumption and production, self-sufficiency, CO2 emission, and energy costs in the context of waterfront redevelopment in Tokyo. From estimated hourly electricity demands of the buildings, techno-economic analyses were conducted for rooftop PV systems for 2018 and 2030 with declining costs of rooftop PV systems. We found that environmental building designs with rooftop PV system are increasingly economical in Tokyo with CO2 emission reduction of 2−9% that depends on rooftop si... [more]

Evaporators used in organic Rankine cycles (ORC) are designed using existing flow boiling correlations that are mainly based on HVAC&R data. However, the ORC evaporators employed in the industry typically have larger diameters and operational conditions at higher reduced pressures compared to the HVAC&R applications. The present study presents the results of flow boiling heat transfer experiments in operational conditions that are representative for an industrial waste heat recovery low-temperature ORC’s evaporator tube, by being performed at high reduced pressures and in a large-diameter horizontal tube with R245fa as working fluid. The measurements are performed within a range of mass flux, saturation temperature and heat flux at 83−283 kg/m2s, 85−120 °C (8.9−19.2 bar) and 17−29 kW/m2, respectively. Test section is a round and plain horizontal carbon steel tube with 21 mm I.D., 2.5 m length. 513 local two-phase heat transfer coefficients are recorded. The experimental results are com... [more]

This research aims to enter the miniature refrigeration machine sector with the objective of designing a small scale unit while maintaining a competitive coefficient of performance (COP), comparing with a Peltier plates system. To this end, a research of the current technology was carried out in order to obtain indicative values on the scales that were being worked on and their application. After the previous research, a refrigeration cycle was designed in EES (engineering equation solver). From this design, different conclusions were obtained: (1) The correct sizing of the compressor revolutions together with its displacement is crucial for the equipment to be able to provide the desired cooling capacity. (2) In order to obtain the desired cooling capacity in the microscale refrigeration system, the heat exchangers must have fins. (3) Of the analysed refrigerants, R600a is the best choice, as it shows favourable characteristics (high COP and low compression ratio) when working in this... [more]

At present, the wheel loaders on the market have steering vibration problems, which can be summarized as follows: the front frame and the cab vibrate violently at the beginning and at the end of steering. This paper analyzed the steering vibration mechanism by collecting the pressure at different positions of the hydraulic steering system and AMESim simulation. A cushion valve was designed to solve the problem of steering vibration. Finally, the prototype test was carried out and it was concluded that the cushion valve reduced the steering pressure starting shock by 50%, the stop vibration was reduced by 75%, and the suction problem no longer occurred. Further, the analysis provides theoretical and experimental basis for research on the steering system of loaders, and also provides new ideas for the design and optimization of vehicle steering systems.

The cavity receiver’s thermal conversion performance is critical for parabolic dish and tower Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems. Distinct from precedent research aiming to increase the receiver’s absorption through cavity geometry optimization, the objective of this work was to investigate the thermal conversion performance of a novel, positive conical cavity receiver design, following the heat loss reduction approach with simplified pipe forming, to stress the effectiveness of this approach in cavity receiver design, and to provide data for future optimization of the proposed design. To accomplish these goals, the novel receiver and existing designs’ heat flux absorption and heat loss are compared numerically. The resulting conversion power is also experimentally validated. The concept is inspired by analysis of formulas, suggesting the novel design may realize a thermal conversion improvement of 8.6%, at 650 K, and increases with the rise in temperature. The comprehensive numeri... [more]

As a key component of a large-capacity converter, the laminated busbar can improve the reliability, integration and power density of the converter and has great advantages in reducing the parasitic inductance of the switching loop. The laminated busbar suitable for a high-capacity back-to-back converter has a complex structure, and couple with each side converter. It has been challenging to optimize the equivalent inductance by using the traditional single-converter busbar design method. In this paper, the coupling inductance model of the back-to-back converter is established, and the relationship between the voltage stress of the switch tube and the stray inductance is analyzed in detail. Based on this, the design principle of the laminated busbar is proposed, and an optimized design structure of the laminated busbar suitable for the large-capacity back-to-back converter is given. Finally, the results were effectively verified by simulation analysis and a 180 kW integrated intermediat... [more]