Forecast of Performance Parameters of Automotive Fuel Cell Systems – Delphi Study Results

Fuel cells are a promising propulsion technology option in sustainable and zero‐emission drivetrain strategies as they offer a high potential to significantly reduce well‐to‐wheel greenhouse gas emissions and the dependency on fossil energy resources. At the same time, the current technological performance of automotive fuel cell systems is not yet sufficient to meet market demands. Therefore, the technical development of fuel cells is a critical factor for a successful market introduction of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). This paper describes the methodology and results of a two‐round Delphi Survey conducted by the Institut für Kraftfahrzeuge of RWTH Aachen University to assess the technological potential of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) systems in automotive applications by 2030. The analysis of the current and future performance level of key performance indicators (KPI) of automotive fuel cell systems helps to identify critical performance parameters and to prioritize research and development demands. KPI analyzed in the Delphi Survey as forecast parameters include system efficiency, durability, power density, and specific power.     

Exploration of the Performance of a Data Mining Application via Hardware Based Monitoring

The performance of software on modern architectures has grown more and more difficult to predict and analyze, as modern microprocessors have grown more complex. The execution of a program now entails the complex interaction of code, compiler and processor architecture. The current generation of microprocessors is optimized to an existing set of commercial and scientific benchmarks but new applications such as data mining are becoming a significant part of the workload. In this paper we explore the use of performance monitoring hardware to analyze the execution of C4.5, a data mining application, on the IBM Power2 architecture. We see how the data gathered by the hardware can be used to identify potential changes that can be made to the program and the processor micro-architecture to improve performance. We then go on to evaluate changes to C4.5 and to the micro-architecture. Based on our experience, we identify issues that limit the use of performance monitoring hardware in user level tuning and in extending its use to high performance computing environments.     

Evaluation of a Rapidly Disintegrating, Moisture Resistant Lacquer Film Coating

Simplex optimization was used during the development of a rapidly disintegrating, moisture resistant lacquer film coating. A hygroscopic aniomic exchange resin with the capability of adsorbing four to five times its weight in water was used as the model drug. The coating variables investigated included levels of magenesium stearate, talc, hydroxypropylmethylcelluslose (5 cps), polyethylene glycol 8000, Opaspray, and Eudragit E30D. Response parameters monitored included disintegration time, percent weight gain after 48 hours in a 30 deg C 75% relative humidity chamber and physical appearance. The effect of the core tablet on the performance of the coated tablet was also investigated. This study illustrates the use of the simplex design in the development of a film coating formula. It also examines the interaction between the core tablet and the film coating.