Insight into the HEV/PHEV optimal control solution based on a new tuning method

The paper presents a formulation of the energy management problem for Hybrid Electrical Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrid Electrical Vehicles alike, which permits to consider different cost indexes like fuel consumption, total and primary energy consumption, economic cost or CO2 footprint. In-depth analysis of the problem optimal solution is done by means of the application of the λ-plot method, which also permits the optimal tuning of other implementable control strategies. Such an approach is used to understand the effect of the selected cost index, the regional energetic share, the driving conditions, and for deriving rules for battery sizing.C. Guardiola and B. Pla research has been partially supported by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion through Project TRA2010-16205 uDiesel, and the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia through Grants PAID-00-11 2105 and PAID-00-11 2106.Guardiola García, C.; Plá Moreno, B.; Onori, S.; Rizzoni, G. (2014). Insight into the HEV/PHEV optimal control solution based on a new tuning method. Control Engineering Practice. 29:247-256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conengprac.2014.01.022S2472562

Development of a control-oriented model to optimise fuel consumption and NOX emissions in a DI Diesel engine

This paper describes a predictive NOX and consumption model, which is oriented to control and optimisation of DI Diesel engines. The model applies the Response Surface Methodology following a two-step process: firstly, the relationship between engine inputs (intake charge conditions and injection settings) and some combustion parameters (peak pressure, indicated mean effective pressure and burn angles) is determined; secondly, engine outputs (NOX and consumption) are predicted from the combustion parameters using NOX and mechanical losses models. Splitting the model into two parts allows using either experimental or modelled combustion parameters, thus enhancing the model flexibility. If experimental in-cylinder pressure is used to obtain combustion parameters, the mean error of predicted NOX and consumption are 2% and 6% respectively, with a calculation time of 5.5 ms. Using modelled parameters reduces the calculation time to 1.5 ms, with a penalty in the accuracy. The model performs well in a multi-objective optimisation, reducing NOX and consumption in different amounts depending on the objective of the optimisation.The support of the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (PAID-06-09) and Generalitat Valenciana (GV/2010/045) is greatly acknowledged.Molina, S.; Guardiola, C.; Martín Díaz, J.; Garcia Sarmiento, D. (2014). Development of a control-oriented model to optimise fuel consumption and NOX emissions in a DI Diesel engine. Applied Energy. 119:405-416. doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.01.021S40541611

Fast estimation of diesel oxidation catalysts inlet gas temperature

With the tightening of on-board diagnostics requirements, accuracy of sensors is essential to monitor the efficiency and ensure a proper control of the after-treatment systems. Temperature sensors are commonly used in the exhaust line at the diesel oxidation catalyst-inlet of turbocharged diesel engines for control and diagnosis of the after-treatment system. In particular, negative temperature constant sensors are used for this purpose. However, due to the necessary robustness that on-board sensors must fulfil, thermal inertia causes significant differences during engine transient operating conditions in temperature measurements. A Kalman filter is proposed in this paper for the on-line dynamic estimation of the catalyst-inlet temperature, which combines a slow but accurate measurement of the on-board temperature sensor with a fast but drifted temperature model. A fast research-grade thermocouple is used as reference of the actual exhaust gas temperature as well as a frequency analysis is performed in order to calibrate the model and analyse results of the signal reconstruction. Results of the algorithm are then successfully proved in experimental transient tests and typical European approval test cyclesThis research has been partially financed by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad, through project TRA2013-40853-R PRELIMIT.Guardiola, C.; Dolz García, VM.; Plá Moreno, B.; Mora-Pérez, J. (2016). Fast estimation of diesel oxidation catalysts inlet gas temperature. Control Engineering Practice. 56:148-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conengprac.2016.08.020S1481565

A learning algorithm concept for updating look-up tables for automotive applications

Look-up tables are commonly used in the automotive field for handling operating point variations. However, constant maps cannot cope with systems variations and ageing. Methods, such as Kalman filter or Extended Kalman filter for non-linear cases, can be used for table adaptation providing an optimal solution to the problem. But these methods are computationally intensive, making difficult to implement them on commercial engine control units. The current paper proposes a learning method for online updating of look-up tables or maps. This algorithm uses precalculated membership functions based on a standard Kalman filter observer for weighting the adaptation. The main contribution of the method is the derivation of a steady-state Kalman filter observer that lowers the calculation burden and simplifies the implementation against the standard Kalman filter implementation that requires higher computational cost. As far as table is updated online while engine runs, this allows correcting drift errors and the unit-to-unit dispersion. The method is illustrated for mapping engine variables such as λ−1 and NOx in a Diesel engine by using an adaptive look-up table, and its characteristics make it suitable for implementing in commercial engine electronic control units for online purposes.Guardiola García, C.; Plá Moreno, B.; Blanco Rodriguez, D.; Cabrera López, P. (2013). A learning algorithm concept for updating look-up tables for automotive applications. Mathematical and Computer Modelling. 57(7-8):1979-1989. doi:10.1016/j.mcm.2011.02.001S19791989577-

Considerations on the low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system control in turbocharged diesel engines

Although high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation has been commonly used in turbocharged diesel engines for controlling the NOx formation, recent advances in after-treatment and material technology make possible using a low-pressure architecture, which recirculates the exhaust gas upstream the compressor. This brief article presents a basic study of control aspect related to the low-pressure architecture, emphasising the similarities and differences with the highpressure system. Data from experimental tests with both configurations and from a one-dimensional wave action model simulations are combined for the analysis of the input–output paring, linearity and the transient performance of both systems.This research has been partially financed by the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad, through project IPT-370000-2010-022 'Investigacion y desarrollo de tecnologias de EGR adaptadas a las nuevas arquitecturas y requerimientos de refrigeracion en motores diesel sobrealimentados para automocion (HIREFIRE)'.Lujan Martinez, JM.; Guardiola García, C.; Plá Moreno, B.; Cabrera López, P. (2014). Considerations on the low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system control in turbocharged diesel engines. International Journal of Engine Research. 15(2):250-260. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468087413485209S25026015

Study of the turbocharger shaft motion by means of infrared sensors

This work describes a technique for measuring the precession movement of the shaft of small automotive turbochargers. The main novelty is that the technique is based on infrared light diode sensors. With presented technique it is possible to perform secure mounting of electronics and also to measure, with good accuracy, far enough from the turbocharger shaft. Both advantages allow applying it even in critical lubrication conditions and when blade contact occurs. The technique's main difficulties arise from the small size of the turbocharger shaft and the high precession movement in critical conditions. In order to generate the optimum albedo reflection for infrared measurement, a special cylindrical nut with larger diameter than the original one is assembled at the shaft tip in the compressor side. Following, shaft balancing, the calibration of the sensors and the compensation of errors from different sources are needed steps before the method is able to identify the main frequencies of shaft motion. Once synchronous and sub-synchronous frequencies have been obtained it is possible to reconstruct the instantaneous position of the shaft to determine its precession movement.This research has also been partially supported by the Programa de Desarrollo del Talento Humano de la Secretaria Nacional de Educacion Superior, Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion del Gobierno Ecuatoriano No. 20100289.Serrano Cruz, JR.; Guardiola, C.; Dolz García, VM.; López, M.; Bouffaud, F. (2015). Study of the turbocharger shaft motion by means of infrared sensors. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing. 56-57:246-258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymssp.2014.11.006S24625856-5

Formation of stimuli-responsive cyclophanes by self-assembly: the case of carbazole-based biradicals

Dynamic covalent bonds has recently received lot of attention because of their unique feature to become reversible under mild conditions.[1] In this context, π-conjugated biradical compounds has emerged as essential building blocks.[2] For instance, we have demonstrated that 2,7-dicyanomethylene-9-(2-ethylhexyl)carbazole biradical reversibly converts to a macrocycle cyclophane upon soft stimuli (temperature, pressure, light), showing strong chromic effects.[3] We now extent this study towards longer conjugated carbazole backbone (i.e., indolocarbazole shown in Figure 1), aiming at investigating how the elongation of the conjugated backbone impacts on the formation of stimuli-responsive cyclophanes. The self-assembly process is investigated both in solution and solid state by linking theory and experiments.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Carbazole-based Diradicals for Dynamic Covalent Chemistry

Dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) is focused on the creation of structural scaffolds based on chemical components that interact through strong but reversible bonds. In fact, dynamic covalent bonds receive lot of attention because of their unique feature to become reversible under mild conditions.1 conjugated diradical compounds has emerged as essential building blocks in DCC.2 In this work, we will review our most recent works on the formation of stimuli-responsive cyclophanes by self-assembly of carbazole-based diradicals. To this end, we use a combined experimental and theoretical approach that links vibrational spectroscopy with DFT calculations. In this sense, it is interesting to note that we have recently demonstrated the potential of a para-substituted carbazole with terminal dicyanomethylene (DCM) groups to act as building blocks in DCC.3 This quinoid carbazole monomer transforms to a macrocycle cyclophane upon soft external stimuli (temperature, pressure, light), showing strong chromic features. In addition, we have also recently explored how the different DCM substitution position affects the interesting chromoactive properties of carbazole compounds.4 Finally, we are currently exploring the effect of the elongation of the carbazole backbone on the formation of stimuli-responsive cyclophanes.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Multiresponsive chromic soft materials: formation of strongly coupled σ-dimers from IndoloCarbazole-based biradicaloids

Dynamic covalent chemistry is focused on the creation of structural scaffolds based on chemical components that interact through strong but reversible bonds. In fact, dynamic covalent bonds receive lot of attention because of their unique feature to become reversible under mild conditions.1 π-conjugated biradical compounds has emerged as essential building blocks in DCC (dynamic covalent chemistry).2 We have recently demonstrated the potential of a para-substituted carbazole with terminal dicyanomethylene groups to act as building blocks in DCC.3 In fact, this quinoid carbazole monomer transform to a macrocycle cyclophane upon soft external stimuli (temperature, pressure, light), showing strong chromic features. Here, we explore the effect of the elongation of the carbazole backbone on the formation of stimuli-responsive cyclophanes by self-assembly. To this end, we use a join experimental and theoretical approach that links vibrational spectroscopy (Raman and IR) with DFT calculationsUniversidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Experience of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis with HLA Matching at the University Hospital Virgen del Rocío in Spain: Technical and Clinical Overview

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of genetic diseases, combined with HLA matching (PGD-HLA), is an option for couples at risk of transmitting a genetic disease to select unaffected embryos of an HLA tissue type compatible with that of an existing affected child. Here we present the results of our PGD-HLA program at the Department of Genetics, Reproduction and Fetal Medicine of the University Hospital Virgen del Roc´ıo in Seville. Seven couples have participated in our program because of different indications. Overall, 26 cycles were performed, providing a total of 202 embryos. A conclusive molecular diagnosis and HLA-typing could be assured in 96% of the embryos. The percentage of transfers per cycle was 26.9% and the birth rate per cycle was 7.7% per transfer. Our PGD-HLA program resulted in the birth of 2 healthy babies, HLA-identical to their affected siblings, with successful subsequent haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantations. Both HSC-transplanted children are currently doing well 48 and 21 months following transplantation, respectively. All the procedures, including HSCs umbilical cord transplantation, were performed in our hospital