1,061 research outputs found
Grain boundaries in polycrystalline materials for energy applications : First principles modeling and electron microscopy
Polycrystalline materials are ubiquitous in technology, and grain boundaries have long been known to affect materials properties and performance. First principles materials modeling and electron microscopy methods are powerful and highly complementary for investigating the atomic scale structure and properties of grain boundaries. In this review, we provide an introduction to key concepts and approaches for investigating grain boundaries using these methods. We also provide a number of case studies providing examples of their application to understand the impact of grain boundaries for a range of energy materials. Most of the materials presented are of interest for photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical applications and so we include a more in depth discussion of how modeling and electron microscopy can be employed to understand the impact of grain boundaries on the behavior of photoexcited electrons and holes (including carrier transport and recombination). However, we also include discussion of materials relevant to rechargeable batteries as another important class of materials for energy applications. We conclude the review with a discussion of outstanding challenges in the field and the exciting prospects for progress in the coming years
Comparative analysis of energy transfer mechanisms for neural implants
As neural implant technologies advance rapidly, a nuanced understanding of their powering mechanisms becomes indispensable, especially given the long-term biocompatibility risks like oxidative stress and inflammation, which can be aggravated by recurrent surgeries, including battery replacements. This review delves into a comprehensive analysis, starting with biocompatibility considerations for both energy storage units and transfer methods. The review focuses on four main mechanisms for powering neural implants: Electromagnetic, Acoustic, Optical, and Direct Connection to the Body. Among these, Electromagnetic Methods include techniques such as Near-Field Communication (RF). Acoustic methods using high-frequency ultrasound offer advantages in power transmission efficiency and multi-node interrogation capabilities. Optical methods, although still in early development, show promising energy transmission efficiencies using Near-Infrared (NIR) light while avoiding electromagnetic interference. Direct connections, while efficient, pose substantial safety risks, including infection and micromotion disturbances within neural tissue. The review employs key metrics such as specific absorption rate (SAR) and energy transfer efficiency for a nuanced evaluation of these methods. It also discusses recent innovations like the Sectored-Multi Ring Ultrasonic Transducer (S-MRUT), Stentrode, and Neural Dust. Ultimately, this review aims to help researchers, clinicians, and engineers better understand the challenges of and potentially create new solutions for powering neural implants
A Supportive Framework for the Development of a Digital Twin for Wind Turbines Using Open-Source Software Tiril Malmedal Mechanics and Process Technology
The world is facing a global climate crisis. Renewable energy is one of the big solutions, nevertheless, there are technological challenges. Wind power is an important part of the renewable energy system. With the digitalization of industry, smart monitoring and operation is an important step towards efficient use of resources. Thus, Digital Twins (DT) should be applied to enhance power output.
Digital Twins for energy systems combine many fields of study, such as smart monitoring, big data technology, and advanced physical modeling. Frameworks for the structure of Digital Twins are many, but there are few standardized methods based on the experience of such developed Digital Twins.
An integrative review on the topic of Digital Twins with the goal of creating a conceptual development framework for DTs with open-source software is performed. However, the framework is yet to be tested experimentally but is nevertheless an important contribution toward the understanding of DT technology development.
The result of the review is a seven-step framework identifying potential components and methods needed to create a fully developed DT for the aerodynamics of a wind turbine. Suggested steps are Assessment, Create, Communicate, Aggregate, Analyze, Insight, and Act. The goal is that the framework can stimulate more research on digital twins for small-scale wind power. Thus, making small-scale wind power more accessible and affordable
A robotic platform for precision agriculture and applications
Agricultural techniques have been improved over the centuries to match with the growing demand of an increase in global population. Farming applications are facing new challenges to satisfy global needs and the recent technology advancements in terms of robotic platforms can be exploited.
As the orchard management is one of the most challenging applications because of its tree structure and the required interaction with the environment, it was targeted also by the University of Bologna research group to provide a customized solution addressing new concept for agricultural vehicles.
The result of this research has blossomed into a new lightweight tracked vehicle capable of performing autonomous navigation both in the open-filed scenario and while travelling inside orchards for what has been called in-row navigation. The mechanical design concept, together with customized software implementation has been detailed to highlight the strengths of the platform and some further improvements envisioned to improve the overall performances.
Static stability testing has proved that the vehicle can withstand steep slopes scenarios. Some improvements have also been investigated to refine the estimation of the slippage that occurs during turning maneuvers and that is typical of skid-steering tracked vehicles.
The software architecture has been implemented using the Robot Operating System (ROS) framework, so to exploit community available packages related to common and basic functions, such as sensor interfaces, while allowing dedicated custom implementation of the navigation algorithm developed.
Real-world testing inside the university’s experimental orchards have proven the robustness and stability of the solution with more than 800 hours of fieldwork.
The vehicle has also enabled a wide range of autonomous tasks such as spraying, mowing, and on-the-field data collection capabilities. The latter can be exploited to automatically estimate relevant orchard properties such as fruit counting and sizing, canopy properties estimation, and autonomous fruit harvesting with post-harvesting estimations.Le tecniche agricole sono state migliorate nel corso dei secoli per soddisfare la crescente domanda di aumento della popolazione mondiale. I recenti progressi tecnologici in termini di piattaforme robotiche possono essere sfruttati in questo contesto.
Poiché la gestione del frutteto è una delle applicazioni più impegnative, a causa della sua struttura arborea e della necessaria interazione con l'ambiente, è stata oggetto di ricerca per fornire una soluzione personalizzata che sviluppi un nuovo concetto di veicolo agricolo.
Il risultato si è concretizzato in un veicolo cingolato leggero, capace di effettuare una navigazione autonoma sia nello scenario di pieno campo che all'interno dei frutteti (navigazione interfilare). La progettazione meccanica, insieme all'implementazione del software, sono stati dettagliati per evidenziarne i punti di forza, accanto ad alcuni ulteriori miglioramenti previsti per incrementarne le prestazioni complessive.
I test di stabilità statica hanno dimostrato che il veicolo può resistere a ripidi pendii. Sono stati inoltre studiati miglioramenti per affinare la stima dello slittamento che si verifica durante le manovre di svolta, tipico dei veicoli cingolati.
L'architettura software è stata implementata utilizzando il framework Robot Operating System (ROS), in modo da sfruttare i pacchetti disponibili relativi a componenti base, come le interfacce dei sensori, e consentendo al contempo un'implementazione personalizzata degli algoritmi di navigazione sviluppati.
I test in condizioni reali all'interno dei frutteti sperimentali dell'università hanno dimostrato la robustezza e la stabilità della soluzione con oltre 800 ore di lavoro sul campo.
Il veicolo ha permesso di attivare e svolgere un'ampia gamma di attività agricole in maniera autonoma, come l'irrorazione, la falciatura e la raccolta di dati sul campo. Questi ultimi possono essere sfruttati per stimare automaticamente le proprietà più rilevanti del frutteto, come il conteggio e la calibratura dei frutti, la stima delle proprietà della chioma e la raccolta autonoma dei frutti con stime post-raccolta
Management of socio-economic transformations of business processes: current realities, global challenges, forecast scenarios and development prospects
The authors of the scientific monograph have come to the conclusion that мanagement of socio-economic transformations of business processes requires the use of mechanisms to support of entrepreneurship, sectors of the national economy, the financial system, and critical infrastructure. Basic research focuses on assessment the state of social service provision, analysing economic security, implementing innovation and introducing digital technologies. The research results have been implemented in the different models of costing, credit risk and capital management, tax control, use of artificial intelligence and blockchain. The results of the study can be used in the developing of policies, programmes and strategies for economic security, development of the agricultural sector, transformation of industrial policy, implementation of employment policy in decision-making at the level of ministries and agencies that regulate the management of socio-economic and European integration processes. The results can also be used by students and young scientists in the educational process and conducting scientific research on global challenges and creation scenarios for the development of socio-economic processes
SET2022 : 19th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies 16th to 18th August 2022, Turkey : Sustainable Energy Technologies 2022 Conference Proceedings. Volume 4
Papers submitted and presented at SET2022 - the 19th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies in Istanbul, Turkey in August 202
An investigation into the environmental sustainability of the South African ornamental horticultural industry
The ornamental horticultural industry makes use of natural resources to grow plants and produce allied products to sell to consumers, landscapers, retail garden centres, hardware stores, supermarkets, and government, but at what cost to the environment?
The aim of this work was to determine the current environmental awareness of growers and garden centre retailers within the ornamental horticultural industry in South Africa. Followed by an investigation into the current business practices that promote sustainable natural resource use and management as well as the obstacles and challenges that the industry faces with implementing legislation and recommendations of best practices. The study was conducted over an 18-month period and 41 growers and retail garden centres in eight of the provinces in South Africa (Appendix 10) participated in research. In each case, the study participant was asked to complete the questionnaire and where possible, a site visit was conducted and / or a semi-structured interview as well as participatory observations followed to give a comprehensive overview of the sustainability practices of the businesses. These results were then compared to international best practices and similar research conducted globally by the ornamental horticultural industry. A review of international best practices in the ornamental horticultural industry showed six environmental resources namely soil, water, fertilizers, pesticides, energy, and waste. This was seen to be common to most studies involved in the production, growth, maintenance and sales of plants and allied products. This information was used to compile a best management practice manual for South African ornamental horticulture with guidelines and practical examples for conserving and managing natural resource usage and reducing the environmental impacts of the industry.
Much research has been done on the exploitation and degradation of resources due to urbanisation, industrial activities, and agricultural practices. The resources are essential to the ornamental horticultural industry but if exploited or misused, can have detrimental effects on the environmental productivity of the industry and ultimately the “Sustainable Development Goals” prescribed by the United Nations. The linking of the relevant sustainable development goals to the 9 key factors of the green economy strategized by the South African government will enable the ornamental horticultural industry to play a greater part in the green and circular economy by providing nature-based solutions to environmental problems that it is facing such as climate change and pollution.Environmental SciencesD. Phil. (Environmental Management
Emerging Power Electronics Technologies for Sustainable Energy Conversion
This Special Issue summarizes, in a single reference, timely emerging topics related to power electronics for sustainable energy conversion. Furthermore, at the same time, it provides the reader with valuable information related to open research opportunity niches
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