Design and Optimization of Hybrid Electric Vehicle Drivetrain and Control Strategy Parameters Using Evolutionary Algorithms

Advanced propulsion technologies such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have demonstrated improved fuel economy with lower emissions compared to conventional vehicles. Superior HEV performance in terms of higher fuel economy and lower emissions, with satisfaction of driving performance, necessitates a careful balance of drivetrain component design as well as control strategy parameter monitoring and tuning. In this thesis, an evolutionary global optimization-based derivative-free, multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) is proposed, to optimize the component sizing of a NOVA® parallel hybrid electric transit bus drivetrain. In addition, the proposed technique has been extended to the design of an optimal supervisory control strategy for effective on-board energy management. The proposed technique helps find practical trade off-solutions for the objectives. Simulation test results depict the tremendous potential of the proposed optimization technique in terms of improved fuel economy and lower emissions (nitrous-oxide, NOx, carbon monoxide, CO, and hydrocarbons, HC). The tests were conducted under varying drive cycles and control strategie

Torque Characterization of Permanent Magnet and Synchronous Reluctance Machines

The characterization of an electric machine can be evaluated using different available machine design and analysis softwares prior to manufacturing. These machine design softwares are either Finite Element Analysis (FEA) based or analytical model based. Each design software formulates and solves the machine design problem differently. Therefore, there is always a discrepancy in the results obtained from each of these softwares. The expertise of the user also affects the outcome of the analysis. Moreover, the desired performance of a machine is highly influenced by the manufacturing and assembly process of its various components. Hence, it is extremely important to characterize the design and performance of a special machine in different machine design softwares before and after fabrication. To validate the design methodologies, the accuracy of FEA softwares, machine models, as well as the manufacturing and assembly process, a comparative analysis should be performed between the results obtained from the software and experimental characterizations. In this thesis, the characterization of a variable-flux permanent magnet machine, synchronous reluctance machines (SynRMs), and a novel interior permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) with improved torque utilization, is presented. Three different machine design softwares, namely MotorSolve, MagNet, and MagneForce are used to characterize the machines. This thesis initially presents the characterization of a 7.5 hp variable-flux permanent magnet machine. The back emf, magnet flux linkage, torque-angle, and core loss characterization is carried out for this machine. An error band is introduced for the experimental torque-angle curves. This error band contains the tolerance and resolution of the torque transducer and conditioner. Additionally, an analytical model is implemented to estimate the core losses in the prototyped variable-flux PM machine. The results obtained from software and experimental characterizations show an acceptable agreement. A comprehensive manufacturing and assembly process of the SynRMs for rapid prototyping is also presented in this thesis. The application of nonconventional photochemical machining process to produce the SynRM laminations is described. In addition, various stages of manufacturing, stator and rotor assembly techniques, rotor balancing procedure as well as specialized components used at various stages of the process are also presented. To validate the accuracy of the design and fabrication, the characterization of three SynRMs is then performed. This consists of static torque-angle characterization, inductance characterization, and dynamic characterization. An error band is also included for the experimental torque-angle curves. A regenerative dynamometer test system is developed to perform various static and dynamic characterizations. This test setup is equipped with a real-time supervisory controller as well as measurement and monitoring instruments. Finally, a novel interior PMSM topology with improved torque utilization to reduce magnet volume is characterized. The no-load back emf and static torque-angle are simulated and measured. A search coil based advance instrumentation system to monitor the machine’s parameters is discussed. The design, manufacturing, and implementation of the search coils to measure flux density in the stator of the novel interior PMSM are also discussed. For every characterization, a comparative analysis is performed to validate the design methodologies, accuracy of FEA softwares, machine models, manufacturing, and assembly process

Review Paper on Home Automation System using Raspberry PI

Home Automation refers to the branch of automation that deals with the methods dedicated to the reduction of human efforts and involvement in achieving tasks. The main objective of these Home Automation systems(HAS) using internet of things(IoT) is to inhibit automatic and electronic control of household features activity and appliances. This paper deals with the wide range connectivity and energy efficient control of the home appliances in a user-friendly manner. These features of connectivity, scalability, power saving can be achieved by the use of Raspberry Pi, which acts as an interface between the hardware and the software of the entire system which can be connected to number of peripherals using USB ports or HDMI port and GPIO, it can be connected to the internet using the Ethernet port or by Wi-Fi connectivity

Study of tension band wiring in management of fracture of patella in tertiary care hospital in Vadodara

Background: Patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the body and is situated in front of the knee joint. Patellar fractures are encountered very frequently in day to day clinical practice due to increase in accidents. Objective: Present study is carried out to know the role of tension band wiring in management of fracture of patella. Material and Methods: This study was conducted during April 2003 to July 2005. All the patients were following trauma and all were treated, followed up and studied according to a fixed protocol. History of all patients was taken and local, general as well as radiological examinations were done. After confirmation of diagnosis patients were admitted with posterior cylindrical slab. After that preoperative evaluation was done and one the patient was fit for surgery, he was operated on appropriate day. Fracture fragments were reduced and then fixed with k-wire. Reduction was confirmed on IITV (image intensification Television). Result: In the patients after tension band wire insertion, 120-130 degree flexion was present in 50% patients, quadriceps strength was equivalent to opposite limb in 90% patients, difficulty in sitting cross legged /squatting was present in 50% patients, change of work was observed in 25% patients, infection was observed in 5% patients, non union or mal union was not observed in any patient. Conclusion: Tension band wiring produces good results when there is minimal or no communication and exact reduction of articular surface is achieved. Our results are comparable with some of studies conducted in India and abroad

Alterations in the Phosphorus Metabolism During Seed Germination of Simarouba glauca

Phosphorus (P) is the second most important macronutrient for plant growth and is responsible for plant metabolism. Phosphorus is an important component of nucleic acid and also a component of phospholipids as a basic requirement for cellular organization and function as a membrane building block. Plants respond to Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) in phosphorus content in a variety of ways. A study was conducted to assess the activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases on seed germination and seedling growth in response to various PGRs of S. glauca at different time intervals. Seeds were subjected to 100 ppm solutions of various PGRs, which include GA, 6-BA, CCC, SA, Cysteine, and Methionine. The activity of the enzymes ATPase, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase increases in response to the most of PGRs

Effects of plant growth regulators on the carbohydrate accumulation in Simarouba glauca seedlings

A study was conducted to assess the accumulation of carbohydrate in germinating seeds as well as leaves, stem and roots of Simarouba glauca in response to various Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs). Field experiment was carried out to investigate effect of foliar application of PGRs like 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), gibberellic acid (GA), chlormequat (CCC), salicylic acid (SA), cysteine and methionine with 5 and 20 ppm concentration on carbohydrate content of Simarouba glauca DC whereas Seeds were subjected to 100 ppm solutions of various PGRs, which include GA, 6-BA, CCC, SA, Cysteine, and Methionine. It could be concluded that application of PGRs affect the carbohydrate metabolism or synthesis. Thus, the application of growth regulators in present study will be beneficial for induction of synthesis of primary metabolic products followed by synthesis of secondary metabolites of S. glauca

Effect of liver histopathology on islet cell engraftment in the model mimicking autologous islet cell transplantation

Background: The inflammatory milieu in the liver as determined by histopathology is different in individual patients undergoing autologous islet cell transplantation. We hypothesized that inflammation related to fatty-liver adversely impacts islet survival. To test this hypothesis, we used a mouse model of fatty-liver to determine the outcome of syngeneic islet transplantation after chemical pancreatectomy. Methods: Mice (C57BL/6) were fed a high-fat-diet from 6 weeks of age until attaining a weight of ≥28 grams (6–8 weeks) to produce a fatty liver (histologically > 30% fat);steatosis was confirmed with lipidomic profile of liver tissue. Islets were infused via the intra-portal route in fatty-liver and control mice after streptozotocin induction of diabetes. Outcomes were assessed by the rate of euglycemia, liver histopathology, evaluation of liver inflammation by measuring tissue cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α by RT-PCR and CD31 expression by immunohistochemistry. Results: The difference in the euglycemic fraction between the normal liver group (90%, 9/10) and the fatty-liver group (37.5%, 3/8) was statistically significant at the 18th day post- transplant and was maintained to the end of the study (day 28) (p = 0.019, X2 = 5.51). Levels of TNF–α and IL-1β were elevated in fatty-liver mice (p = 0.042, p = 0.037). Compared to controls cytokine levels were elevated after islet cell transplantation and in transplanted fatty-liver mice as compared to either fatty- or islet transplant group alone (p = NS). A difference in the histochemical pattern of CD31 could not be determined. Conclusion: Fatty-liver creates an inflammatory state which adversely affects the outcome of autologous islet cell transplantation

Perioperative Management of Patients Undergoing Total Pancreatectomy with/without Islet Cell Autotransplantation: A Single Center Experience

Total pancreatectomy (TP) and islet cell autotransplantation (IAT) are complex operations that require intensive postoperative monitoring with standardized protocols. There are few studies detailing immediate perioperative management. The purpose of this study was to describe the perioperative management of post-pancreatectomy patients in the first week following surgery to guide clinicians in addressing salient points from different organ systems. This is a retrospective cohort review of prospectively collected data from September 2017 to September 2022 at a single institution, including patients 16 years and older who underwent TP or TPIAT for chronic pancreatitis. Patients were maintained on a heparin drip (TPIAT), insulin drip, and ketamine infusion. Primary outcomes were complications in the first 5 days following surgery and ICU length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included overall LOS and mortality. Of 31 patients, 26 underwent TPIAT, and 5 underwent TP. Median ICU LOS was five days (IQR 4–6). The most common immediate postoperative complications were reintubation [n = 5 (16%)] and bleeding [n = 2 (6%)]. Median insulin drip use was 70 h (IQR 20–124). There was no mortality. Patients were extubated quickly and progressed well on the protocol. Immediate postoperative complications were generally minor and without long-term effects

The Demise of Islet Allotransplantation in the US: A Call for an Urgent Regulatory Update The ISLETS FOR US Collaborative

Islet allotransplantation in the United States (US) is facing an imminent demise. Despite nearly three decades of progress in the field, an archaic regulatory framework has stymied US clinical practice. Current regulations do not reflect the state-of-the-art in clinical or technical practices. In the US, islets are considered biologic drugs and more than minimally manipulated human cell and tissue products (HCT/Ps). Across the world, human islets are appropriately defined as minimally manipulated tissue which has led to islet transplantation becoming a standard-of-care procedure for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and problematic hypoglycemia. As a result of the outdated US regulations, only eleven patients underwent allo-ITx in the US between 2011-2016 and all in the setting of a clinical trial. Herein, we describe the current regulations pertaining to islet transplantation in the United States. We explore the progress which has been made in the field and demonstrate why the regulatory framework must be updated to both, better reflect our current clinical practice and to deal with upcoming challenges. We propose specific updates to current regulations which are required for the renaissance of ethical, safe, effective, and affordable allo-ITx in the United States

Adolescent transport and unintentional injuries: a systematic analysis using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background: Globally, transport and unintentional injuries persist as leading preventable causes of mortality and morbidity for adolescents. We sought to report comprehensive trends in injury-related mortality and morbidity for adolescents aged 10–24 years during the past three decades. Methods: Using the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors 2019 Study, we analysed mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributed to transport and unintentional injuries for adolescents in 204 countries. Burden is reported in absolute numbers and age-standardised rates per 100 000 population by sex, age group (10–14, 15–19, and 20–24 years), and sociodemographic index (SDI) with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). We report percentage changes in deaths and DALYs between 1990 and 2019. Findings: In 2019, 369 061 deaths (of which 214 337 [58%] were transport related) and 31·1 million DALYs (of which 16·2 million [52%] were transport related) among adolescents aged 10–24 years were caused by transport and unintentional injuries combined. If compared with other causes, transport and unintentional injuries combined accounted for 25% of deaths and 14% of DALYs in 2019, and showed little improvement from 1990 when such injuries accounted for 26% of adolescent deaths and 17% of adolescent DALYs. Throughout adolescence, transport and unintentional injury fatality rates increased by age group. The unintentional injury burden was higher among males than females for all injury types, except for injuries related to fire, heat, and hot substances, or to adverse effects of medical treatment. From 1990 to 2019, global mortality rates declined by 34·4% (from 17·5 to 11·5 per 100 000) for transport injuries, and by 47·7% (from 15·9 to 8·3 per 100 000) for unintentional injuries. However, in low-SDI nations the absolute number of deaths increased (by 80·5% to 42 774 for transport injuries and by 39·4% to 31 961 for unintentional injuries). In the high-SDI quintile in 2010–19, the rate per 100 000 of transport injury DALYs was reduced by 16·7%, from 838 in 2010 to 699 in 2019. This was a substantially slower pace of reduction compared with the 48·5% reduction between 1990 and 2010, from 1626 per 100 000 in 1990 to 838 per 100 000 in 2010. Between 2010 and 2019, the rate of unintentional injury DALYs per 100 000 also remained largely unchanged in high-SDI countries (555 in 2010 vs 554 in 2019; 0·2% reduction). The number and rate of adolescent deaths and DALYs owing to environmental heat and cold exposure increased for the high-SDI quintile during 2010–19. Interpretation: As other causes of mortality are addressed, inadequate progress in reducing transport and unintentional injury mortality as a proportion of adolescent deaths becomes apparent. The relative shift in the burden of injury from high-SDI countries to low and low–middle-SDI countries necessitates focused action, including global donor, government, and industry investment in injury prevention. The persisting burden of DALYs related to transport and unintentional injuries indicates a need to prioritise innovative measures for the primary prevention of adolescent injury. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation