Potential for improving passenger car emissions through analysis of real driving emissions data

V této práci jsou shrnuty základy motorů, prvků výfukového systému, emisí a obsahuje úvod do analýzy emisních dat a kalibrace. Na rozdílech mezi WLTC (Worldwide harmonized Light duty Test Cycle) a RDE (real driving emissions) je prezentována důležitost zahrnutí RDE testů do emisního testování. Pomocí Ricardo RDE Data Mining Tool byla provedena analýza RDE dat a byly identifikovány rizikové oblasti z hlediska aktuálních emisních limitů. Na základě této analýzy se práce zaměřila na studený start, a především na to, v jakém rozsahu se promítá do výsledků městské části RDE testu. Následně byly analyzovány absolutní hodnoty emisí za účelem nalezení provozních režimů a kombinací podmínek, které nejvíce přispívají k vyšším celkovým emisím. Na základě vyhodnocovaných dat má největší potenciál ke zlepšení emisí automobilu optimalizace úplného začátku testu/jízdy a mód vyhřívání katalyzátoru. Dále jsou popsána nejvhodnější řešení této problematiky, jako např. elektricky vyhřívaný katalyzátor.In this thesis, relevant background on emissions, engines, aftertreatment technology is summarized and introduction into emissions data analysis and calibration is presented. The importance of involving the real driving emissions (RDE) procedure into the emissions testing process was emphasized based on differences between Worldwide harmonized Light duty Test Cycle and RDE test. RDE Data Analysis through Ricardo RDE Data Mining Tool was performed and the risk areas in terms of emissions testing were identified. Based on the analysis, cold start was examined in more detail with a particular focus on its impact on the RDE urban part. Afterwards, absolute emissions analysis was carried out in order to find the periods that contributed the most to the overall emissions. The very beginning of a drive and catalyst heating mode were identified as having the greatest potential to improve the emissions of passenger cars. The most reasonable solutions, e.g. electrically heated catalyst were explored

The round robin test of the SPT method for its use in the assesment of mechanical properties of power plants materials

The long-term operation of power plants can cause changes in the properties of structural materials. To ensure the safe and reliable operation, it is necessary to monitor and evaluate these changes. Samples for standard mechanical tests are quite large and their availability is limited. The Small Punch Test (SPT) method can be used to evaluate the mechanical properties from a small volume of obtained material, which can reduce radiation exposure during testing of irradiated samples. This method is currently undergoing a standardization process both CEN and ASTM. This paper presents the results of the round-robin tests of the SPT method, carried out in the three different labs, on the materials from the power plant components. On the basis of the obtained results, the influence of the test matrix geometry and production accuracy was evaluated, as well as the defined test parameters

The round robin test of the SPT method for its use in the assesment of mechanical properties of power plants materials

The long-term operation of power plants can cause changes in the properties of structural materials. To ensure the safe and reliable operation, it is necessary to monitor and evaluate these changes. Samples for standard mechanical tests are quite large and their availability is limited. The Small Punch Test (SPT) method can be used to evaluate the mechanical properties from a small volume of obtained material, which can reduce radiation exposure during testing of irradiated samples. This method is currently undergoing a standardization process both CEN and ASTM. This paper presents the results of the round-robin tests of the SPT method, carried out in the three different labs, on the materials from the power plant components. On the basis of the obtained results, the influence of the test matrix geometry and production accuracy was evaluated, as well as the defined test parameters

Treatments for intracranial hypertension in acute brain-injured patients: grading, timing, and association with outcome. Data from the SYNAPSE-ICU study

Purpose: Uncertainties remain about the safety and efficacy of therapies for managing intracranial hypertension in acute brain injured (ABI) patients. This study aims to describe the therapeutical approaches used in ABI, with/without intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring, among different pathologies and across different countries, and their association with six months mortality and neurological outcome. Methods: A preplanned subanalysis of the SYNAPSE-ICU study, a multicentre, prospective, international, observational cohort study, describing the ICP treatment, graded according to Therapy Intensity Level (TIL) scale, in patients with ABI during the first week of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Results: 2320 patients were included in the analysis. The median age was 55 (I-III quartiles = 39-69) years, and 800 (34.5%) were female. During the first week from ICU admission, no-basic TIL was used in 382 (16.5%) patients, mild-moderate in 1643 (70.8%), and extreme in 295 cases (eTIL, 12.7%). Patients who received eTIL were younger (median age 49 (I-III quartiles = 35-62) vs 56 (40-69) years, p < 0.001), with less cardiovascular pre-injury comorbidities (859 (44%) vs 90 (31.4%), p < 0.001), with more episodes of neuroworsening (160 (56.1%) vs 653 (33.3%), p < 0.001), and were more frequently monitored with an ICP device (221 (74.9%) vs 1037 (51.2%), p < 0.001). Considerable variability in the frequency of use and type of eTIL adopted was observed between centres and countries. At six months, patients who received no-basic TIL had an increased risk of mortality (Hazard ratio, HR = 1.612, 95% Confidence Interval, CI = 1.243-2.091, p < 0.001) compared to patients who received eTIL. No difference was observed when comparing mild-moderate TIL with eTIL (HR = 1.017, 95% CI = 0.823-1.257, p = 0.873). No significant association between the use of TIL and neurological outcome was observed. Conclusions: During the first week of ICU admission, therapies to control high ICP are frequently used, especially mild-moderate TIL. In selected patients, the use of aggressive strategies can have a beneficial effect on six months mortality but not on neurological outcome