Integrated motor drives: state of the art and future trends

With increased need for high power density, high efficiency and high temperature capabilities in Aerospace and Automotive applications, Integrated Motor Drives (IMD) offers a potential solution. However, close physical integration of the converter and the machine may also lead to an increase in components temperature. This requires careful mechanical, structural and thermal analysis; and design of the IMD system. This paper reviews existing IMD technologies and their thermal effects on the IMD system. The effects of the power electronics (PE) position on the IMD system and its respective thermal management concepts are also investigated. The challenges faced in designing and manufacturing of an IMD along with the mechanical and structural impacts of close physical integration is also discussed and potential solutions are provided. Potential converter topologies for an IMD like the Matrix converter, 2-level Bridge, 3-level NPC and Multiphase full bridge converters are also reviewed. Wide band gap devices like SiC and GaN and their packaging in power modules for IMDs are also discussed. Power modules components and packaging technologies are also presented

Divergent Patterns of Built-up Urban Space Growth Following Post-Socialist Changes

An important challenge for the research on post-socialist big cities is to identify the mechanisms of their uncontrolled urban space growth. This analysis is focused on the built-up urban space affected by transformations from a centrally planned to a market-based economy. Post-socialist changes in Bucharest are clearly reflected in the dynamics of built-up space. Land cover dynamics were evaluated using spectral mixture analysis of Landsat 5 TM (Thematic Mapper) data to map percent impervious surface area in 1988 and 2010. Change analysis reveals (1) a decrease of built space in central and peri-central areas of Bucharest, (2) an expansion of new residential areas to the south, (3) land fragmentation to the east and southeast, (4) a mixture of densities to the north, and (5) the role of the ring road in spurring recent development. A key challenge facing Bucharest is the disposition and repurposing of the lands covered by old large housing estates and shuttered heavy industries

Overcrowding and ‘under-occupancy’ in Romania : a case study of housing inequality

This paper examines aspects of space consumption in two very different housing types, the communist mid-rise estates and post-communist suburban self-built housing. Examining residents’ perceptions in order to categorize space as overcrowded or under-occupied, the paper engages critically with the issue of the inefficient distribution of Romanian housing, that is a considerable mismatch between dwelling and household size. The analysis documents the continued salience of overcrowding in the communist estates and conversely, self-builders’ satisfaction with the generous size of their new homes. Market forces permit various modes of residential mobility but their likely outcome is growing housing inequality while any redistributive impact will remain insignificant unless policy incentives could facilitate conversion of under-occupied space into (social) renting housing. However, only a sustained delivery of larger and affordable new dwellings could alleviate overcrowding.PostprintPeer reviewe

Effects of Wine by-Products on Growth Performance, Complete Blood Count and Total Antioxidant Status in Broilers

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the effect of whole grape pomace (GP), grape seed (GS) and grape pomace polyphenolic extract (GPEP) on growth performance, total antioxidant status (TAS) and complete blood count (CBC) of 40-day-old chicks (hybrid Cobb 500). A total of 432 unsexed one-day-old chicks were divided into six groups: control (CON) and five experimental groups, 10 g/kg GP, 20 g/kg GP, 5 g/kg GS, 10 g/kg GS and 15 mL/L GPEP. The results showed a higher increase in growing rate in 5 g/kg GS group, from the first week of the chicks’ life throughout their growth, the average body weight of the chicks being significantly higher (p0.05) at 40 days of age. As a conclusion, the amount of 5 g/kg seeds, 10 g/kg and 20 g/kg pomace, can be added to the diet of the broilers, the dose of 5 g/kg seeds in the diet offering advantages in growing rate and feed valorization in weight gain

Strategies for In Situ Home Improvement in Romanian Large Housing Estates

Socio-economic and physical change have visibly affected post-socialist cities, yet the state of decay of their inherited large housing estates has only deepened throughout the 1990s, despite the change in tenure through policies of large-scale privatisation. Housing disrepair has now reached a critical stage that requires rapid private and public intervention. This paper examines the extent to which Romanian block residents have been able to improve in situ their housing conditions since 2000, the strategies they employed and the challenges they faced. It focuses on the often ignored private domain of housing, flats and blocks, where changes are also likely to be less visible. By analysing the process of individual utility metering and the practice of collective block management, I argue that besides economics, the unregulated housing context and a relaxed legal culture have challenged individual and collective action and have generated a framework of housing privatism.PostprintPeer reviewe

GUIDANCE REPORT. Teaching integrated planning and design for coastal landscapes in Europe by exploring digital dimensions of transnational collaboration in higher education

This guidance report aims at supporting teachers and other interested parties in developing and innovating programmes for integrated spatial planning. The focus is on coastal landscapes, but the methods and techniques are also applicable to other subject areas. This report has been developed within the framework of the CO-LAND Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership. The CO-LAND Toolbox, added as an online supplement, is intended to enhance the use of e-learning and to support the practical implementation of an online course. It compares different platforms and instruments, provides online tools, links, video clips etc. and is freely available as open access at the CO-LAND wiki. This report divides into three major parts; the why, the what and the how of the CO-LAND project Part A describes the innovative teaching approach and methodology applied and further developed during the project. Chapter 2 contains the six dimensions of curriculum innovation, such as bridging the scales of planning, integrating academic disciplines, and including community and stakeholder perspectives. Chapter 3 highlights the underlying theories and teaching methods for integrated planning and design; the concept of landscape, educational constructivism, competences for sustainable development, the integrated planning and design framework and the principles of blended learning. Part B explains the relevance of coastal areas for current global developments related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Chapter 4) and their suitability as a study and research issue for planning and design disciplines, illustrated by the examples of the Sand Motor and the BlueHealth project (Chapter 5). Moreover, it shows the subject-specific, methodical, (inter)personal and generic competences and learning outcomes that form the basis of the curriculum. It presents the topics, exercises and references to the main lectures of the online course. It concludes with the outline of the integrated CO-LAND Case Study Assignment that students carry out through all phases of the online course (Chapter 6). Part C focuses on the implementation and dissemination process. Showing the practical steps based on the CO-LAND experiences, it describes how to set-up a blended learning project, presenting the elements of the online area and modes of student participation and the assessment strategy (Chapter 7). Chapter 8 presents the organisation of on-site workshops, with the selection of stakeholders, a preparatory visit, and schedule of the intensive programme. The fourth workshop presents a blended form that was able to deal with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The process of monitoring and evaluation for quality management is explained in a process chart and an overview of the quality objectives and indicators. Examples of the results of the survey of students give an impression of the outcomes (Chapter 9). Chapter 10 presents the dissemination of the project: the objectives, target groups, methodology and actions for communication and sharing the results. An online multiplier event forms part of it. The report concludes with the findings of the project and summarises recommendations for university teaching. The main recommendations are to improve the interactive learning platforms to allow for increased possibilities of participatory or collaborative design and more frequent iterative feedback to learners. In addition, one should be prepared to organise Intensive Student Programmes and workshops in a way that a blended form of on-site and online work can create a productive learning and working environment