Model-based temperature control of a diesel oxidation catalyst

The problem studied in this article is the control of a DOC (diesel oxidation catalyst) as used in aftertreatment systems of diesel vehicles. This system is inherently a distributed parameter system due to its elongated geometry where a gas stream is in contact with a spatially distributed catalyst. A first contribution is a model for the DOC system. It is obtained by successive simplifications justified either experimentally (from observations, estimates of orders of magnitude) or by an analysis of governing equations (through asymptotic developments and changes of variables). This model can reproduce the complex temperature response of DOC output to changes in input variables. In particular, the effects of gas velocity variations, inlet temperature and inlet hydrocarbons are well represented. A second contribution is a combination of algorithms (feedback, feedforward, and synchronization) designed to control the thermal phenomena in the DOC. Both contributions have been tested and validated experimentally. In conclusion, the outcomes are evaluated: using the approach presented in this article, it is possible to control, in conditions representative of vehicle driving conditions, the outlet temperature of the DOC within ±15 °C.     

汽车排气系统的CAE分析与优化设计

给出汽车排气系统对车身振动、车辆噪声等性能的影响因子,建立某柴油汽车排气系统的三维模型,并利用该模型用CAE软件对该汽车排气系统设计过程中出现的断裂情况进行模拟,利用有限元法对排气系统结构进行分析,找出事故原因,并对关键结构进行优化,最后通过实车耐久试验对优化方案进行了验证。该方法为汽车排气系统设计过程中CAE工具的应用提供了参考。     

On the impact of haze on the yield of photovoltaic systems in Singapore

Anthropogenic haze, caused at least in parts by forest and agricultural land clearing fires in Sumatra (Indonesia), is occasionally causing air quality issues in Singapore, located 150–300 km east of the majority of these “hot spots”. The resulting air pollution partially blocks sunlight from reaching the ground, and consequently affects the electric power generation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Singapore. In this work, a methodology is presented to estimate the haze-induced reduction of the light intensity reaching PV panels and the corresponding loss in the electric energy yield. An assessment of a major haze event in June 2013 is the basis for the loss analysis, which takes into account data filtering techniques in order to isolate cloudless conditions for inter-comparison between clear and hazy days. Data from previous years in non-hazy conditions serve as baseline for the determination of the clear sky conditions for Singapore. The novel method is further applied to investigate the power output of ten PV systems in Singapore during the June 2013 haze event. It is found that poor air quality levels during this event caused yield losses of PV systems in Singapore in the range of 15–25%.     

Uniformity of stratum‐ventilated thermal environment and thermal sensation

Three human test series were conducted to evaluate the uniformity of the thermal environments in a stratum‐ventilated chamber with dimensions of 8.8 m (L) × 5.1 m (W) × 2.4 m (H). In all, nineteen conditions were generated by adjusting the room temperature, supply airflow rate, and supply terminal type. An air diffuser performance index (ADPI) of at least 80% was achieved for most cases. This result shows that the air velocity and temperature in the occupied zone are reasonably uniform. Subjective assessments using the ASHRAE 7‐point scale indicate that the thermal sensations of the subjects in stratum ventilation are also uniform. This study examines the applicability of the predicted mean vote (PMV) model for evaluating stratum ventilation. When compared to the actual mean thermal sensation votes (ATS), the PMV values are acceptable. The PMV results at a height of 1.1 m above the floor show better agreement with the ATS than at a height of 0.1 m.     

State-of-the-knowledge on TWIP steel

Abstract

High Mn twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) steel is a new type of structural steel, characterised by both high strength and superior formability. TWIP steel offers an extraordinary opportunity to adjust the mechanical properties of steel by modifying the strain hardening. The use of TWIP steel may therefore lead to a considerable lightweighting of steel components, a reduction of material use and an improved press forming behaviour. These key advantages will help implement current automotive vehicle design trends which emphasise a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and lowering of fuel consumption. In addition, high strength TWIP steel will effectively contribute to weight containment in vehicles equipped with hybrid and electric motors, as these are considerably heavier than conventional motors. The present review addresses all aspects of the physical metallurgy of the high strength TWIP steel with a special emphasis on the properties and key advantages of TWIP sheet steel products relevant to automotive applications.     

Study of factors that influence geomembrane air expansion deformation under ring-restrained conditions

In studies on the geomembrane air expansion in plain reservoirs, the forced deformation of a geomembrane is generally simplified as geomembrane air expansion deformation under ring-restrained conditions. In this study, a test apparatus was developed to measure geomembrane air expansion deformation, and a number of factors that can affect geomembrane air expansion deformation were investigated, including the test apparatus diameter, loading rate, and geomembrane defects. The results of this study show that under ring-restrained conditions, as the test apparatus diameter increases, the burst pressure decreases, and the burst crown height increases. Moreover, the burst pressure and the burst crown height gradually increase as the loading rate increases. Geomembrane defects, such as holes, folds, and scratches, decrease both the burst pressure and the burst crown height.     

Study of key parameters in modeling liquid hydrogen release and dispersion in open environment

Hydrogen storage in liquid state is considered key feature to its efficient volumetric density for transportation applications. However, there are several hazards associated with handling liquid hydrogen, e.g. fire, explosion, asphyxiation in indoor accidents, and frostbites due to exposure in extremely low temperatures. Predictive capabilities of liquid hydrogen dispersion are essential for developing emergency response plans and facilitate the understanding of the physical problem. In the present study, the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methodology is employed to simulate the dispersion of liquid hydrogen based on experiment conducted by the Health Safety Laboratory (HSL), in order to investigate several factors that greatly influence dispersion modeling. The flashed vapour fraction at the pipe exit is estimated assuming isenthalpic expansion combined with the NIST equation of state. Modeling the condensation of ambient humidity and air components (nitrogen and oxygen) and imposing transient wind profile are the main issues addressed by the present study. The Homogeneous Equilibrium Model (HEM model) is compared against the Non-Homogeneous Equilibrium Model (NHEM model) to account for slip effects of the non-vapour phase. To estimate the slip velocity in the NHEM model a methodology (momentum slip model) is employed, which solves along with the conservation equations for the mixture the momentum conservation equation of the non-vapour phase. Comparison of the momentum slip model with the algebraic slip model shows that the latter overestimates the slip velocity for large particles and thus its use needs special attention. Overall satisfactory agreement was found with the experimental data when all the above parameters were modelled.     

Classroom ventilation and indoor air quality—results from the FRESH intervention study

Inadequate ventilation of classrooms may lead to increased concentrations of pollutants generated indoors in schools. The FRESH study, on the effects of increased classroom ventilation on indoor air quality, was performed in 18 naturally ventilated classrooms of 17 primary schools in the Netherlands during the heating seasons of 2010–2012. In 12 classrooms, ventilation was increased to targeted CO₂ concentrations of 800 or 1200 ppm, using a temporary CO₂ controlled mechanical ventilation system. Six classrooms were included as controls. In each classroom, data on endotoxin, β(1,3)‐glucans, and particles with diameters of <10 μm (PM₁₀) and <2.5 μm (PM_2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) were collected during three consecutive weeks. Associations between the intervention and these measured indoor air pollution levels were assessed using mixed models, with random classroom effects. The intervention lowered endotoxin and β(1,3)‐glucan levels and PM₁₀ concentrations significantly. PM₁₀ for instance was reduced by 25 μg/m³ (95% confidence interval 13–38 μg/m³) from 54 μg/m³ at maximum ventilation rate. No significant differences were found between the two ventilation settings. Concentrations of PM_2.5 and NO₂ were not affected by the intervention. Our results provide evidence that increasing classroom ventilation is effective in decreasing the concentrations of some indoor‐generated pollutants.     

Performance of a solar air composite heat source heat pump system

For the shortcoming of air source heat pump in heating condition, a composite heat exchanger was designed which integrates fin tube and tube heat exchanger, and it can achieve synchronous and composite heat exchange in one heat exchanger between working fluids, gaseous and liquid heat source. With the above composite heat exchanger as the core component, the Solar Air Composite Heat Source Heat Pump System (SACHP) was developed which has three working modes, including single solar heat source mode, single air heat source mode and solar air dual heat sources mode. A SACHP experiment table was established and conducted a comprehensive experimental study of three working modes of this system in the standard enthalpy difference laboratory. The results show that when the ambient temperature was −15 °C, compared to the single air heat source mode, the dual heat source mode increased 62% in heat capacity and 59% in COP; when the temperature difference of combined heat transfer was 5 °C, compared to the single air heat source mode, the dual heat source mode increased 51% in heat capacity and 49% in COP. Experimental results demonstrate that the application of the solar air composite heat pump technology can accelerate the application process of the solar heat pump in air conditioners for buildings.