Comparative Analysis of Parallel vs Series Hybrid Electric Powertrains

In the United States, more than a quarter of greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions (27%) are attributed to the transportation sector which comprises mainly of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines (ICE). To reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and the resulting GHG emissions associated with conventional ICE vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles are being promoted as a viable near-term vehicle technology. This paper is a comparative experimental study of two types of hybrid systems: parallel (also known as plug-in hybrid) and series (also known as extended-range electric) hybrid systems. The two hybrid systems are modelled on an electric bicycle platform and field tested to analyze their performance. The fuel economy was measured and compared in L/100km and the electric powertrain efficiency of the system was measured and compared in watt-hours per kilometer (Wh/km). A sensitivity analysis is carried out in terms of different transmission gear ratios and the variable setpoints in the hybrid control logic to access the impact these factors have on the performance of the hybrid system. This paper focuses only on the technological aspect of the hybrid system and any social and policy aspects associated are not considered. The constructive modeling of the hybrid system, the limitations faced during the process and the results of the field tests are presented

Advances on Smart Cities and Smart Buildings

Modern cities are facing the challenge of combining competitiveness at the global city scale and sustainable urban development to become smart cities. A smart city is a high-tech, intensive and advanced city that connects people, information, and city elements using new technologies in order to create a sustainable, greener city; competitive and innovative commerce; and an increased quality of life. This Special Issue collects the recent advancements in smart cities and covers different topics and aspects

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Opportunities for Local Governments: A Quantification and Prioritization Framework

Local governments have steadily increased their initiative to address global climate change, and many present their proposed strategies through climate action plans (CAPs). This study conducts a literature review on current local approaches to greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction strategies by assessing CAPs in California and presents common strategies in the transportation sector along with useful tools. One identified limitation of many CAPs is the omission of quantitative economic cost and emissions data for decision-making on the basis of cost-effectiveness. Therefore, this study proposes a framework for comparing strategies based on their life cycle emissions mitigation potential and costs. The results data can be presented in a marginal abatement cost curve (MACC) to allow for side-by-side comparison of considered strategies. Researchers partnered with Yolo and Unincorporated Los Angeles Counties to analyze 7 strategies in the transportation and energy sectors (five and two, respectively). A MACC was subsequently developed for each county. Applying the life cycle approach revealed strategies that had net cost savings over their life cycle, indicating there are opportunities for reducing emissions and costs. The MACC also revealed that some emissions reduction strategies in fact increased emissions on a life cycle basis. Applying the MACC framework to two case study jurisdictions illustrated both the feasibility and challenges of including quantitative analysis in their decision-making process. An additional barrier to using the MACC framework in the context of CAPs, is the mismatch between a life cycle and annual accounting basis for GHG emissions. Future work could explore more efficient data collection, alternative scopes of emissions for reporting, and environmental justice concerns.View the NCST Project Webpag

Next Generation Bike Sharing Design Concept using axiomatic design theory

Bike sharing systems have been in use since the 1960’s, from the modest beginning to one of the fastest spreading services today. Each generation of bike sharing systems had its challenges, but the advancement in technology was and is a key factor in eliminating any short comings or problem facing it as well as opening new opportunities for enhancing the service and the user experience. The main focus of this thesis is to propose a new design concept of bike sharing system using axiomatic design theory, the concept consist of a modified bike sharing model that can help solve some of the challenges faced by the traditional models while meeting the customer’s needs and the basic functional requirements of a traditional bake sharing program. Axiomatic design theory provides a method for the design of products, it makes it possible to design structure and decompose function at the same time. Utilizing currently available technologies such as electrical components and global positioning systems, the new system will include a new design for the bike, the docking station, central control station, and payment systems.fi=Opinnäytetyö kokotekstinä PDF-muodossa.|en=Thesis fulltext in PDF format.|sv=Lärdomsprov tillgängligt som fulltext i PDF-format

Next Generation Bike Sharing Design Concept using axiomatic design theory

Bike sharing systems have been in use since the 1960’s, from the modest beginning to one of the fastest spreading services today. Each generation of bike sharing systems had its challenges, but the advancement in technology was and is a key factor in eliminating any short comings or problem facing it as well as opening new opportunities for enhancing the service and the user experience. The main focus of this thesis is to propose a new design concept of bike sharing system using axiomatic design theory, the concept consist of a modified bike sharing model that can help solve some of the challenges faced by the traditional models while meeting the customer’s needs and the basic functional requirements of a traditional bake sharing program. Axiomatic design theory provides a method for the design of products, it makes it possible to design structure and decompose function at the same time. Utilizing currently available technologies such as electrical components and global positioning systems, the new system will include a new design for the bike, the docking station, central control station, and payment systems.fi=Opinnäytetyö kokotekstinä PDF-muodossa.|en=Thesis fulltext in PDF format.|sv=Lärdomsprov tillgängligt som fulltext i PDF-format

Carbon Free Boston: Transportation Technical Report

Part of a series of reports that includes: Carbon Free Boston: Summary Report; Carbon Free Boston: Social Equity Report; Carbon Free Boston: Technical Summary; Carbon Free Boston: Buildings Technical Report; Carbon Free Boston: Waste Technical Report; Carbon Free Boston: Energy Technical Report; Carbon Free Boston: Offsets Technical ReportOVERVIEW: Transportation connects Boston’s workers, residents and tourists to their livelihoods, health care, education, recreation, culture, and other aspects of life quality. In cities, transit access is a critical factor determining upward mobility. Yet many urban transportation systems, including Boston’s, underserve some populations along one or more of those dimensions. Boston has the opportunity and means to expand mobility access to all residents, and at the same time reduce GHG emissions from transportation. This requires the transformation of the automobile-centric system that is fueled predominantly by gasoline and diesel fuel. The near elimination of fossil fuels—combined with more transit, walking, and biking—will curtail air pollution and crashes, and dramatically reduce the public health impact of transportation. The City embarks on this transition from a position of strength. Boston is consistently ranked as one of the most walkable and bikeable cities in the nation, and one in three commuters already take public transportation. There are three general strategies to reaching a carbon-neutral transportation system: • Shift trips out of automobiles to transit, biking, and walking;1 • Reduce automobile trips via land use planning that encourages denser development and affordable housing in transit-rich neighborhoods; • Shift most automobiles, trucks, buses, and trains to zero-GHG electricity. Even with Boston’s strong transit foundation, a carbon-neutral transportation system requires a wholesale change in Boston’s transportation culture. Success depends on the intelligent adoption of new technologies, influencing behavior with strong, equitable, and clearly articulated planning and investment, and effective collaboration with state and regional partners.Published versio

15-05 Infrastructure and Technology for Sustainable Livable Cities

Providing access and mobility for key installations and businesses located in cities become a challenge when there is limited public transport and non-motorized facilities. The challenges are significant in cities that are subjected to severe winter weather conditions. Improving access to sustainable mobility choices is a key aspect of developing livable cities. This project scope is limited to identifying methods and infrastructure to promote walking and cycling. With regards to cycling, bike-share program development and use of location-allocation models as planning tools are presented. To minimize exposure to adverse weather conditions, underground and above ground pedestrian systems are provided. These two infrastructure options are explored during this study. Providing energy efficient lighting systems to make pedestrians and cyclists feel safe to travel within cities is paramount to improve mobility. Energy efficient lighting systems, cost of implementation, and planning tools are discussed. In winter cities, providing snow and ice free streets and walkways promote walking and cycling. Technologies used for such endeavors and implementation case studies are presented. Electricity needed to operate kiosks at bike-share stations, pedestrian lighting, and snow melting systems can be generated through renewable sources. Solar and wind are two such resources discussed in this report. Also, a few tools that can be used for identifying optimal locations for placing solar and wind sensitive infrastructure are presented

Getting Fit in a Sustainable Way: Design and Optimization of a Low-Cost Regenerative Exercise Bicycle

With the increase in demand for more sustainable energy sources, recent researchers have been looking into harvesting energy spent by humans for various purposes. One of the available sources of such energy is exercise equipment. While a few products are available in the market to harvest the power expended during an exercise session, these products are costly, and the cost may prohibit a day-to-day user from purchasing those. Motivated by this challenge, this paper describes a long-running research project that uses a static exercise bicycle to sustainably harvest human energy. A regenerative spin bike that uses the friction between a flywheel and a BaneBots wheel was designed and deployed. For the motor mount, two methods are investigated: linear preloading and rotary preloading. A commercially available indoor static bicycle is modified to incorporate the flywheel and the motor attachment. The generated electricity is converted to DC using a three-phase rectifier. A car charger is used for charging any devices attached to the setup. The resulting configuration is very effective in operating small electronic devices. This setup, which uses only off-theshelf components, can be considered a replacement for its expensive custom-made counterparts