Hybrid Electric Power System Validation through Parameter Optimization

Battery models can be developed from first principles or from empirical methods. The work presented in this thesis is semi-empirical, the model was validated using test data through parameter optimization. Simulink Parameter Estimation toolbox was used to identify the battery parameters and validate the battery model with test data. Experimental data was obtained by discharging the battery of a modified 2013 Chevrolet Malibu hybrid electric vehicle. The resulting battery model provided accurate simulation results over the validation data. For the constant current discharge, the mean squared error between measured and simulated data was 0.26 volts for the terminal voltage and 6.07e-4 (%) for state of charge. For the extended variable current discharge, the mean squared error between measured and simulated data was 0.21 volts for terminal voltage and 9.25e-4 (%) for state of charge. The validated battery model was implemented in the hybrid electric vehicle model and an optimization routine was conducted in Simulink to validate a launch control strategy. The vehicle model was subject to two maximum acceleration tests from 0-60mph. Test 1 corresponded to a maximum acceleration in EV-only mode and test 2 corresponded to a maximum acceleration in HEV mode or launch control mode. In both tests, the simulated data matched the experimental data with a root mean square error below 0.45 mph for vehicle speed and 3.5 volts for bus voltage

Evaluation of Smart Water Flooding In a Selected UAE Carbonate Oil Reservoir

Water flooding is by far the most common method of improved oil recovery applied in oil reservoirs. Water is the cheapest source of external energy that has been used over decades in water flooding schemes, provided that the damage does not adversely affect its injectivity. Displacement efficiency of water flooding can be significantly affected by crude oil/water/rock interactions. Historically, some consideration was given to such interactions in the practice of reservoir engineering. In recent years, extensive research in this area has documented that higher oil recoveries can be obtained when low-salinity water is injected in a formation with high salinity formation water. Hence, selecting a “smart water” with the proper salinity and ionic composition could be considered as a tertiary recovery fluid. While laboratory tests and historical field evidences validated the observation in carbonate reservoirs, the mechanism behind the observed incremental increase of oil recovery is still a topic of discussion. In this work, selected core samples from a carbonate reservoir were used to run flooding and spontaneous imbibition experiments at reservoir temperature and a potential smart water that could yield maximum oil recovery has been identified. Measurements of endpoint effective permeabilities along which chemical analysis of the effluents at the end of each core flooding test were employed to suggest the likely mechanism for the incremental increase of oil recovery

Assessment of the Performance of Shape Memory Alloys as Implant Devices

Shape memory alloys are one class of the family of smart materials. They are considered as biomaterials, since they are well accepted by the human body. One special feature of shape memory alloys (SMA) is their ability to revert to their previous shape. This material is deformed at low temperature and when it is heated, it returns (remember) to its original form. Although, the implant binary NiTi SMA is particularly successful as a biomaterial, our NiTi SMA consist of more that 50% (55.7%) of nickel. The main purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the biological response of the shape memory alloys. In this project, two classes of shape memory alloys were investigated: Nitinol family (NiTi SMA) and capper based alloys (CuAINi SMA). A comparison was made between standard NiTi, oxide NiTi, non-oxide NiTi, and CuAINi SMA. These four materials were subjected to the following experiments. Electrochemical techniques such as potentiodynamic polarization, tafel experiments, and polarization resistance were evaluated to identify the corrosion performance for these alloys. Test specimens from the four materials had been implanted into rat\u27s left legs and near the sciatic nerve to evaluate the tissue response regarding toxicity of nickel release and biocompatibility in vivo. Muscle contraction measurements were evaluated to study muscle response. The electrodes of SMA were removed after a period of 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. The muscles were taken for ultrastructure examination under TEM. In these two main experiments, the materials being used were tested via SEM to analyze the surface conditions and microstructure and EDAX to find chemical composition of the surface. Blood analysis, which was collected from rats, was prepared to evaluate the amount of metal release in the blood sample using ICP-AES. Electrochemical test was evaluated in the physiological medium to investigate corrosion resistance and therefore corrosion rate of the tested SMA. The main finding was that oxide NiTi SMA has the lowest corrosion rate, which indicated that it has the best corrosion resistance. This is due to the oxide layer acting as a protective layer that defends the NiTi from melting. The resulting micrographs agreed with the electrochemical test. Also, it was found that the surface of non-oxide NiTi SMA had pitting corrosion on its surface. It is founded from blood analysis that the nickel release from Nitinol SMA family was less than CuAINi SMA regardless of the time of removal of the electrodes from animals. The effects of these SMA alloys were considered in flexor muscle of implanted animals as a model for studying muscle contraction and neuromuscular ultrastructure. Comparative analysis of in muscle contractile characteristics has been studied (at 1 Hz, 5 Hz, and 30 Hz nerve stimulation) in control and animals that were implanted with tested SMA at four points: 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Twitch tension (evoked directly by muscle stimulation and indirectly by nerve stimulation) and synaptic delay time were recorded in rats via a transducer connected to a computer system. There was a significant increase in synaptic delay time in animals that were implanted with standard NiTi and the electrode was pushed out earlier at the end-of- test point. Compared to control, the muscle of animal that kept non-oxide NiTi showed reduced twitch tension at all three frequencies. However, there was a significant decrease in twitch tension at the end-of-test point in muscle response of animals that were implanted with CuAINi SMA. This occurred regardless of whether the electrode was left inside the body. Ultrastructural alterations were determined via TEM. There was impairment in neuromuscular junctions; nerve terminal, nerve axon, and blood pial microvessels. It seems that standard NiTi did not show significant degree of muscle or nerve impairment. Non-oxide NiTi caused significant damage in blood pial microvessels and intramuscular nerves, where it caused the appearance of thrombi that consisted of platelet aggregates, compared with control. Furthermore, the myelin sheath of the intramuscular nerve was disrupted with the degeneration of microtubules and neurofilaments with mitochondria. This finding demonstrated that non-oxide NiTi caused the most damage in the muscle tissue among other tested alloys. Moreover, CuAINi altered the nerve terminal and intramuscular nerve. Furthermore, oxide NiTi showed less synaptic vesicles and degenerated mitochondria in the nerve terminal in neuromuscular junction. These changes are possibly related to alteration in Ca2+ mobilization across muscle membrane. The SMA electrodes, which were removed from the animal\u27s body, showed a small degree of corrosion but this relates to a small pits. It can be concluded from most of the experimental results that oxide NiTi SMA could be represented as superior when compared to the other three tested SMA. Unfortunately at the end of this thesis, the tested SMA was not biocompatible, as one would expect. The reasons could be from the absence of a good surface treatment and high nickel concentration

Quarrying in coastal Kenikra and its area of influence: environmental impact study

La extracción de materiales de construcción, principalmente aquellos que se utilizan para fabricar los conglomerados utilizados en ingeniería civil, construcción y obras públicas, es una práctica generalizada en la región de Kenitra, y se concentran principalmente a lo largo del cordón dunar entre Kenitra y Moulay Bousselham. Esta industria extractiva se caracteriza por explotar una materia prima poco o simplemente no renovable. Por otra parte, su preservación requiere indispensablemente un conocimiento al detalle de los diversos yacimientos en explotación así como aquellos potencialmente explotables, y sus grados de sensibilidad frente a un uso inapropiado. Se requiere un estudio a fondo de los yacimientos existentes e identificar sus límites ambientales para así definir unas directrices de uso racional y económico de los conglomerados. El desarrollo de la región norte y la ejecución de proyectos claves en el desarrollo y la gestión de infraestructuras y superestructuras, como son la circunvalación del mediterráneo, el puerto de Tánger-Med, la autovía de Tánger-Larache, la construcción de la ciudad de Al Hoceima y de zonas turísticas como la que podemos encontrar en la ciudad de Saaidia, han resultado en una mayor demanda de materiales de construcción, que sigue aumentando, a nivel de toda la región. Esta necesidad es sin duda importante, pero al mismo tiempo cada vez mayor, y puede resultar en una explotación abusiva, no conforme a la legislación vigente. Esta actividad minera, por la ausencia de instrumentos apropiados para el seguimiento y un plan de gestión que tenga en consideración los recursos disponibles y los ecosistemas y entornos naturales sensibles, puede ser la causa de perjuicios que pueden afectar tanto al medio natural como al sector socio-económico. Este estudio consiste en la realización de la Evaluación de Impacto Ambiental (EIA) de las canteras en la región de Kenitra. Su propósito es asegurar que las canteras activas, abandonadas o las que se inaugurarán en un futuro no causará ningún daño significativo o irreversible al medio ambiente local y / o regional. Teniendo en cuenta el gran número de canteras que existen, los impactos que pueden ocasionar y su situación generalmente agrupada, este estudio está diseñado para identificar los riesgos potenciales que suponen, los efectos globales causados las explotaciones en su conjunto así como a nivel especifico. Este estudio incluye una descripción de las agrupaciones de canteras pertenecientes al área de estudio, una descripción de las condiciones ambientales de la zona y, finalmente, una identificación de los impactos que puedan causar dichas canteras en el medio ambiente.Extraction of building material, especially those that are used to make the clusters used in civil engineering, construction and public works, is widespread in the region of Kenitra, and are mainly concentrated along the dunes between Kenitra and Moulay Bousselham. The extractive industry is characterized by exploiting a little simply not renewable. Moreover, its preservation requires detailed knowledge of the various existing mines as well as those potentially exploitable, as well as their degree of vulnerability to inappropriate use. It requires a thorough study of existing quarries and minig, to identify environmental limits and drawing guidelines in order to define rational and economical use of clusters. The development of the northern region and the implementation of key projects in the management of infrastructure and superstructure, such as circumnavigating the Mediterranean port of Tanger-Med, the Tanger-Larache highway, the construction of the city of Al Hoceima and tourist areas such as we can find in the city of Saaidia, have resulted in an increased demand for building materials, which continues increasing at the level of the entire region. This need is certainly important but at the same time increasing, and may result in an abuse, not according to laws. This mining activity, due to the lack of appropriate tools for monitoring and management nor a plan that takes into account the available resources and ecosystems and sensitive natural environments, may be causing damage that can affect both the environment and socioeconomy. This paper faces the performance of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the quarries in the region of Kenitra. Its purpose is to ensure that active quarries, either abandoned or to be opened in the future, will not cause any significant or irreversible damage to the local/regional environment. Considering the large number of existing quarries, the impacts that may result and generally grouped situation, this study is designed to identify potential risks caoused by the the overall effects from mining and quarries as a whole as well as an specific level. This study includes a description of the groups of quarries belonging to the study area, a description of the environmental conditions of the area and, finally, an identification of the impacts caused by these quarries on the environment.Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional AECID PCI 201

Analysis of a stochastic distributed delay epidemic model with relapse and Gamma distribution kernel

In this work, we investigate a stochastic epidemic model with relapse and distributed delay. First, we prove that our model possesses and unique global positive solution. Next, by means of the Lyapunov method, we determine some sufficient criteria for the extinction of the disease and its persistence. In addition, we establish the existence of a unique stationary distribution to our model. Finally, we provide some numerical simulations for the stochastic model to assist and show the applicability and efficiency of our results.Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICINN). EspañaEuropean Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER

Environmental Disclosure as a Tool for Public Sector Legitimacy: A Twitter Intelligence Approach

The purpose of this study is to measure the extent of Twitter environmental reporting by Andalusian municipalities (Spain) and identify the determinant factors of such a disclosure. Thus, factors such as population, geolocation, political signs, and sustainable commitments were analyzed under the legitimacy theory approach. The sample consisted of the official Twitter accounts of the 153 biggest local governments in Andalusia. The classification of the environmental tweets was based on a dictionary based on the GRI reporting standards for environmental disclosure, and a Twitter environmental disclosure index (TEDI) was developed. The results show that most of the local governments in Andalusia (77.78%) have an official Twitter account with different levels of audience, penetration, and activity. On the other hand, it was found that environmental disclosure is very low. However, municipalities with more surplus budget and municipalities with a greater number of sustainable commitments networks tend to report more on environmental issues through Twitter

The laws of planning in the environment in Morocco

Dans cet article, nous dressons un aperçu historique sur les lois en vigueur depuis le protectorat. Par la suite, nous étudions de manière détaillée les lois 12- 90 relative à l’urbanisme et 25-90 relative aux lotissements et aux groupements d’habitation considérées comme des références juridiques pour la planification et la gestion urbaine. Nous nous penchons également sur les circulaires de dérogation et leurs impacts sur l’environnement.En este artículo, se traza una perspectiva histórica de las leyes urbanísticas vigentes en el antiguo protectorado francés. Se estudian en detalle las leyes 12-90 sobre urbanismo y la 25-90 sobrevivienda, consideradas actualmente referencia legal para la planificación y la gestión urbana. También se tienen en cuenta las normas derogadas y el impacto de éstas sobre el medio ambiente.The article examines the historical perspective of existing planning laws in the former french protectorate. The paper analyzes in detail the law 12-90 on planning laws and 25-90 on housing, currently considered legal reference for planning and urban management. It also takes into account the repealed rules and their impact on the environment

Governance of the national initiative for human development, the challenges of advanced regionalization and the requirements of administrative deconcentrating in Morocco

This article aims to analyze the new governance approach of the National Initiative for Human Development, within the unique context of Morocco's territorial development. The text will focus on providing objective evaluations and clear, concise information while maintaining a logical flow of information with causal connections between statements. Technical term abbreviations will be explained when first used, and consistent academic formatting and language will be employed throughout. Any subjective evaluations will be clearly marked as such, and the language used will be formal, precise, and free from grammatical errors, biased, or embellished language. This approach is crucial, particularly given that scientific literature has demonstrated the significance of governance in socioeconomic development. It ensures transparency, efficiency, and performance in any project aimed at initiating developmental processes. Our conceptual framework is based on the increasing importance given to territorial development, principles of good governance of the National Initiative for Human Development, and the interdependence between governance of this initiative and territorial development. the objective of this research is to reflect on the convergence of public policies in their various facets. Prerequisites, challenges, best practices, strategies, and areas of improvement will be discussed. Specifically, we will focus on the institutional and organizational aspects of implementing the new governance model of the National Initiative for Human Development. Similarly, we will attempt to explore the scope and limitations of the dynamics of this initiative in terms of governance and convergence to the best of our ability.This article aims to analyze the new governance approach of the National Initiative for Human Development, within the unique context of Morocco's territorial development. The text will focus on providing objective evaluations and clear, concise information while maintaining a logical flow of information with causal connections between statements. Technical term abbreviations will be explained when first used, and consistent academic formatting and language will be employed throughout. Any subjective evaluations will be clearly marked as such, and the language used will be formal, precise, and free from grammatical errors, biased, or embellished language. This approach is crucial, particularly given that scientific literature has demonstrated the significance of governance in socioeconomic development. It ensures transparency, efficiency, and performance in any project aimed at initiating developmental processes. Our conceptual framework is based on the increasing importance given to territorial development, principles of good governance of the National Initiative for Human Development, and the interdependence between governance of this initiative and territorial development. the objective of this research is to reflect on the convergence of public policies in their various facets. Prerequisites, challenges, best practices, strategies, and areas of improvement will be discussed. Specifically, we will focus on the institutional and organizational aspects of implementing the new governance model of the National Initiative for Human Development. Similarly, we will attempt to explore the scope and limitations of the dynamics of this initiative in terms of governance and convergence to the best of our ability

El Ingreso Mínimo Vital y otras prestaciones

Este trabajo aborda el análisis del Ingreso Mínimo Vital (IMV), la renta mínima garantizada por la Seguridad social para aquellos que se encuentren en situación de vulnerabilidad económica. Esta prestación nace con el objetivo de prevenir el riesgo de pobreza y exclusión social en España, reducir las desigualdades sociales y alcanzar el denominado “Estado Social”, que garantice la libertad e igualdad de los ciudadanos. Mediante el desarrollo teórico y estadístico-descriptivo realizado en las siguientes páginas se desglosarán las características y grandes cifras del IMV y otras prestaciones no contributivas similares. Así, el lector podrá comprender el funcionamiento, la naturaleza y la magnitud de la prestación dentro del sistema de protección social español. La revisión de la legislación y de las estadísticas de la Seguridad Social, junto a una breve comparación internacional y la presentación de una serie de ejemplos prácticos de aplicación, supondrá no solo una radiografía relativamente completa del Ingreso Mínimo Vital, si no de la acción protectora de la Seguridad Social en general