Energy‐Efficient Train Speed Profile Generator Combining Partial Energy‐Oriented Driving Approaches

One way of reducing the energy consumption of trains is to drive them in an energy‐efficient manner. There can be various driving patterns between two adjacent stops, or various speed profiles, because there is a gap called the running time supplement between the planned running time set in a timetable and the shortest possible running time of the train. Previous studies have proposed using up the supplement by changing the driving operation from powering to coasting at optimal points in terms of energy consumption. Others have shown that full use of regenerative braking helps save energy. In this study, we developed an energy‐efficient speed profile generator by combining these partial energy‐oriented driving approaches when the planned running time is given. We added this generator to existing shortest running time calculation software, so that it works for various vehicle and train route data. Numerical experiments showed that our profile provided superior performance compared to manually created ones for artificial and real data.     

Experimental Verification for Practical Application of Inductive Power Transfer System for Railway

Inductive Power Transfer systems (IPT systems) for moving Electrical Vehicles (EVs) are often discussed. However, an IPT system for moving railway vehicles has not been sufficiently examined. In order to employ the IPT system for railway vehicles, this paper examines the characteristics of railway IPT systems, such as efficiency, temperature rise, and durability. Because the required characteristics of the IPT system for railway are different from those of EV, one example of a railway IPT system is proposed, and the verification items for practical use are examined. Moreover, we manufactured test equipment that can imitate the field environment in order to verify these items before practical use in the field. The test procedure and test results demonstrate the possibility of practical use of a railway IPT system.     

Uncertain variance in an optimal linear system with white gain

For scalar quadratic optimal linear systems with a white gain coefficient, the influence of the uncertainty of the gain variance is analysed by means of elementary methods. First, the mean-square stability of the closed loop systems is analysed on the assumption that the controller is designed with an erroneous variance. It is shown that the use of an overestimated value of the variance less than a threshold value, which is infinite for the stable free systems, does not damage the stability of closed-loop systems. A relative underestimation error bound guaranteeing the stability of closed-loop systems is obtained. Secondly, performance of the controller designed with an erroneous variance is compared analytically with that of the certainty equivalence controller. An explicit relative overestimation error bound on the variance guaranteeing the superiority of the controller over the certainty equivalence controller is obtained.     

Winding Method to Reduce Vibration and Loss Caused by Fractional Slot of Synchronous Machine

Fractional‐slot windings are widely used in rotating machines in order to improve the output voltage waveform, increase the design flexibility, and gain many other advantages. However, fractional‐slot windings are known to produce different harmonic components such as an even order and/or fractional number of space flux harmonics compared to integral‐slot windings. These harmonics may increase stray losses and cause stator core vibration. This paper describes an analysis of space flux harmonics and proposes new winding methods such as “novel interspersed windings” to reduce these harmonic components. The proposed winding methods were verified by numerical analysis and model tests.     

Computed tomographic evaluation of gas hole formation and structural quality in Gouda‐type cheese

Computed tomography (CT) was performed on Gouda‐type cheese during ripening to evaluate gas hole formation and structural quality. The cheese was exposed to different ripening conditions, including variations in ripening temperature and concentration of butyric acid bacteria. Computed tomography images were obtained every 2 weeks for 16 weeks to assess the volume, shape and location of gas holes. The results demonstrate that CT makes the nondestructive monitoring of cheese gas hole formation and evaluation of the structural features of cheese possible throughout the ripening period.     

A Flux‐Modulating Synchronous Machine with Permanent Magnet Excitation

This paper presents a novel type of flux‐modulating synchronous machine (FMSM) in which permanent magnets (PMs) are embedded in the stator back‐iron. The rotor has neither windings nor PMs. A prototype machine with an outer‐rotor configuration was designed and manufactured to validate the operating principle of the FMSM. The characteristics in the motor mode of the prototype machine were also investigated with a vector control system. The results of the investigations show that, as in surface‐mounted PM motors, the torque of the FMSM is predominantly generated by the PM flux and can be controlled using the armature current.     

Simple evaluation of aortic arch calcification by chest radiography in hemodialysis patients

Vascular calcification is associated with a poor prognosis in dialysis patients. It can be assessed with computed tomography but simple inoffice techniques may provide useful information. We compared the results obtained with a simple noninvasive technique with those obtained using multidetector computed tomography for aortic arch calcification volume (AoACV) in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. The enrolled study subjects were 63 (32 men and 31 women) maintenance HD patients. Calcification of the aortic arch was semiquantitatively estimated with a AoAC score (AoACS) on plain chest radiology. The AoACV was increased, with a mean value of 6.6 ranging from 0% to 36.5%. The coefficient of intraobserver variation was less than 2.5%. Aortic arch calcification score was highly correlated with AoACV (r=0.635, P<0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed age (F value=12.62, P<0.001) and pulse pressure (F value=4.54, P=0.037) to be significant independent determinants of AoACS. In conclusion, a simple measurement of AoACS may be useful for inoffice imaging to choose a therapeutic regimen in HD patients.     

EFFECT OF VISCOSITY ON PERCEIVED SWEETNESS INTENSITY OF SWEETENED SODIUM CARBOXYMETHYLCELLULOSE SOLUTIONS

To establish a relationship between perceived sweetness intensity (Y), sucrose concentration (A%) and viscosity of mixed solutions (B poise), mixtures of sucrose solutions in various concentration and sodium carboxymethylcellulose with medium viscosity (CMC–M) in various concentrations were used, resulting in the equation: where "Y"= sucrose concentration of reference solutions. This equation was effective within the ranges of 4% to 16% sucrose and viscosities of from 1 to 100 poises. This equation was applicable to low and high as well as medium viscosity forms of CMC.