Experimental investigation with optimal prediction of emission in diesel engine using combined NSR–SCR catalyzer

Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy - The utilization of catalytic converters is one of the well-known strategies to clean the exhaust. The catalytic converters oxidize the destructive...     

Comparative study of tolerance on cost for various metal-removal processes

Tolerance design has been identified as one of the key areas to realize the objective of producing quality goods at affordable cost. The impact of tolerance on the cost of manufacture for various metal-removal processes are shown by cost models. These cost models are in turn used in tolerance design to arrive at the relative cost of manufacture to various tolerances. Most of the cost models available untill recently were based on data from industries in the USA. However, Gunasekaran et al. (Gunasekaran, K., Neelakrishnan, S., Ragu, K. and Mohanram, P.V., Influence of tolerance on cost for various manufacturing processes, in National Conference on CAGQ — 2004, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, India, 2004) presented the relative cost of tightening manufacture in Indian industries for attaining various tolerance values in Indian rupees and the results have been presented in graphical format. These formats are useful in determining the cost involved when tolerance synthesis methods are used to allocate tolerances to parts. In order to have an understanding of the costs involved to manufacture to a specific tolerance among the job shop-type and organized sector found in Indian industry, the cost versus tolerance data presented by Gunasekaran et al. (job-shop industry) have been compared with further data gathered by the present authors. In addition, the comparison includes the cost curves presented by Chase et al. (Chase, K.W., Greenwood, W.H., Loosli, B.G. and Hauglund, L.F., Least cost tolerance allocation for mechanical assemblies with automated process selection, J. Manuf. Rev. ASME, 1989, 2(4), 49–59). This is especially useful in analysing the differences in sourcing from a job shop versus the organized sector. In addition, the results that are displayed graphically are also compared with the cost models that already exist. In addition, one of the benefits of the cost curves is illustrated with a case study of a simple component.     

Evaluation of energy requirements for all-electric range of plug-in hybrid electric two-wheeler

Recently plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are emerging as one of the promising alternative to improve the sustainability of transportation energy and air quality especially in urban areas. The all-electric range in PHEV design plays a significant role in sizing of battery pack and cost. This paper presents the evaluation of battery energy and power requirements for a plug-in hybrid electric two-wheeler for different all-electric ranges. An analytical vehicle model and MATLAB simulation analysis has been discussed. The MATLAB simulation results estimate the impact of driving cycle and all-electric range on energy capacity, additional mass and initial cost of lead-acid, nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries. This paper also focuses on influence of cycle life on annual cost of battery pack and recommended suitable battery pack for implementing in plug-in hybrid electric two-wheelers.     

Sound and thermal insulation properties of flax/low melt PET needle punched nonwovens

Noise pollution is an ever increasing problem in the world because of the industrial revolution. Recently, researchers have begun investigating natural fiber composites as potential materials for the manufacture of sound absorption structures. In this work, flax/low melting point polyester needle punched nonwoven fabrics were manufactured and characterized for sound and thermal insulation applications. Nonwovens were developed by blending flax fibers with low melt PET at three blend ratios (10%, 20%, and 30%) with 7 mm and 10 mm needle penetration depth. The test results showed that there was a decrease in thermal resistance value with increase in low melt PET % and needle penetration depth. The developed nonwovens had better sound insulation value at medium and high frequency. There was no significant change in sound insulation value with increase in low melt PET %.     

Review of design considerations and technological challenges for successful development and deployment of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles

Automobile drivetrain hybridization is considered as an important step in reducing greenhouse gases and related automotive emissions. However, current hybrid electric vehicles are a temporary solution on the way to zero emission road vehicles. Recently there has been a lot of interest in the concept of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, which have great potential to attain higher fuel economy and efficiency, with a longer range in pure electric propulsion mode. PHEVs represent the next generation of hybrid vehicles that bridges the gap between present hybrid electric vehicles and battery operated electric vehicles. In this paper a brief review of design considerations and selection of major components for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles is provided. This paper also focuses on the technological challenges ahead of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in relation to its major components, which are reviewed in detail. The importance of economics and government support for the successful deployment of this plug-in hybrid technology in the near future to achieve national energy security is also discussed in the paper.     

Impact of real world driving pattern and all-electric range on battery sizing and cost of plug-in hybrid electric two-wheeler

This study addresses the impact of an actual drive pattern on the sizing and cost of a battery pack for a plug-in hybrid electric two-wheeler. To estimate the daily average travel distance in fixing the all-electric range of two wheelers, a study conducted in Coimbatore city is presented. A MATLAB simulation model developed for estimating the energy and power requirements in an all-electric strategy using an Indian driving cycle (IDC) and a real-world driving pattern are discussed. The simulation results reveal the impact of the real-world driving pattern on energy consumption and also the influence of all-electric range in sizing the battery pack. To validate the results, a plug-in hybrid electric two-wheeler developed by modifying a standard two-wheeler has been tested on the road with the help of the IDC simulator kit. An annual battery cost comparison shows that nickel-metal-hydride batteries are more economical and suitable for in plug-in hybrid electric two-wheelers.