Traction system for electric vehicles based on synchronous reluctance permanent magnet machine

Electric vehicles (EVs) integrate two main power electronics systems, namely, the battery charging system and the traction system. In this study, we aimed to complement and deepen the study of the latter, more specifically, focusing on a traction system based on a synchronous reluctance permanent magnet (SRPM) machine, since this is an emerging electric machine in the EV paradigm. The developed prototype integrates bidirectional ac-dc and dc-dc converters, allowing for regenerative braking, and the SRPM machine is controlled using a maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) algorithm. Computer simulations and the experimental results for the traction system are presented in this paper. The dynamic characteristics of the SRPM machine proved to be relevant for EV applications, with effective results obtained during load and speed changes. The effective behavior of the SRPM machine was partially rooted in the use of the MTPA algorithm, which has proven itself to be an effective algorithm for the electric machines of EVs.This work has been supported by FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the R&D Units Project Scope: UIDB/00319/2020

N-(5-Amino-9H-benzo[a]phenoxazin-9-ylidene)propan-1-aminium chlorides as antifungal agents and NIR fluorescence probes

The search for benzo[a]phenoxazines, Nile Blue derivatives, with high antifungal activity and cell labelling capacity based on our previously published works in this type of compounds, led us to the design of compounds with specific substituents in the polycyclic system. Thus, in the present work, four new benzo[a]phenoxazinium chlorides, possessing at the 5-position amino or (3-aminopropyl) amino groups and at the 9-position propylamino or dipropylamino groups, were synthesized. Another analogue, with (3-aminopropyl) amino group at 5-position, ethyl amino group at 9-position and a methyl group at 10-position of the polycyclic system was also synthesized for comparison in the studies performed. Fundamental photophysics (absorption and fluorescent emission) was carried out in absolute ethanol, water, and other aqueous solutions of different pH values, relevant for the potential biological applications of these compounds. The antiproliferative activity of the synthesized benzo[a]phenoxazinium chlorides was determined using Saccharomyces cerevisiae PYCC 4072 and the microdilution method described for antifungal susceptibility tests in yeast. All compounds revealed antifungal activity, being the most active the one possessing an amino group at 5-position and an aminopropyl group at 9-position. The potential as fluorescent probes were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy, using S. cerevisae as a model system of eukaryotic cells, and it was found that the benzo[a]phenoxazinium chlorides stained the cells with preferential accumulation that seems to appear at the vacuolar membrane and/or the perinuclear membrane of the endoplasmatic reticulum.Thanks are due to Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) and FEDER (European Fund for Regional Development)-COMPETE-QRENEU for financial support through the research centres CQ/UM (UID/QUI/0686/2019 and UIDB/00686/2020) and CBMA (PEst-OE/BIA/UI4050/2019 and UID/BIA/04050/2020), as well as a PhD grant to J. C. F. (SFRH/BD/133207/2017). The NMR spectrometer Bruker Avance III 400 is part of the National NMR Network (PTNMR) and is partially supported by Infrastructure Project No. 022161 (co-financed by FEDER through COMPETE 2020, POCI and PORL and FCT through PIDDAC)

New Nile blue derivatives as NIR fluorescent probes and antifungal agents

The synthesis of four new Nile Blue derivatives with hydrogen, propyl and/or aminopropyl groups as substituents of the amines of 5- and 9-positions is described. Photophysical properties were evaluated in acidified ethanol and aqueous solution at physiological pH. Antifungal activity is also studied through the obtention of MIC values.Thanks are due to Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) and FEDER (European Fund for Regional Development)-COMPETE-QRENEU for financial support through the Chemistry Research Centre of the University of Minho (Ref. UID/QUI/00686/2013 and UID/QUI/0686/2016), CBMA (PEst OE/BIA/UI4050/2014) and a PhD grant to J.C.F. (SFRH/BD/133207/2017). The NMR spectrometer Bruker Avance III 400 is part of the National NMR Network (PTNMR) and are partially supported by Infrastructure Project No 022161 (co-financed by FEDER through COMPETE 2020, POCI and PORL and FCT through PIDDAC)

Ground motion simulation for dynamic structural analysis: pros and cons

In many seismic codes the use of simulated ground motions for dynamic structural analysis is already considered. However, from the structural engineer point of view, the use of such simulated accelerograms is not very attractive, mainly because more seismological knowledge background is needed. For this reason, a user friendly freeware computer program named SIMULSIS was developed to help structural engineers to generate simulated accelerograms. A new finite-fault stochastic method was developed for ground motion simulation and implemented in the program together with an equivalent linear model that accounts for superficial soil dynamic amplification. The capabilities of the program and the precision of results produced are illustrated by the simulations carried out for two recorded earthquakes. Moreover, some suggestions related to the use of the developed computer program not only for seismic structural analysis purposes but also in the future generation of hazard maps are presented

Comparative analysis of Algarve`s seismic hazard

In this paper we compared the seismic hazard of Algarve obtained with two different models: a point-source model (proposed by McGuire) and a fault-rupture model (proposed by Der Kiureghian and Ang)

Towards high-level fuzzy control specifications for building automation systems

UID/CEC/50021/2019. Grant: FCT/MCTES TUBITAK/0008/2014 FCT/DAAD - 2018/2019 (Poc. DAAD 441.00). UID/EMS/50022/2019. project TIN2015-73566-JIN and by the Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Ordenación Universitaria (accreditation 2016–2019, ED431G/08 and reference competitive group 2019–2021, ED431C 2018/29) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).The control logic underlying building automation systems has consisted, traditionally, of embedded discrete programs created using either low-level or proprietary scripting languages, or using general purpose fourth-generation visual languages like Simulink. It is also well known that programs developed in this way are hard to evolve, test, and maintain. These difficulties are intensified when continuous control problems have to be tackled or when the actuation must vary continually subject to the sensor inputs. Such is the case in day-lighting or occupancy-based control applications. In this paper, we propose a declarative high-level Domain-Specific Language that aims to reduce the effort required to specify the control logic of building automation systems. Our language combines fuzzy logic and temporal logic, enabling to define the behaviour in terms of domain abstractions. Finally, the approach has been validated in two ways: (i) in a case study that simulates the control system of an automated office room and (ii) by means of an empirical study to confirm usability (with a System Usability Scale questionnaire) and effectiveness, here regarded from the perspective of correctness, of the proposed language with respect to a well-known language like Simulink.authorsversionpublishe

Application of shearband boudins analysis to understand ductile shear zones

The methodology used for the kinematic analysis of H-T ductile shear zones based on geometric analysis of boudins, proved to be a easy application tool. The boudin analysis begans with the measurement of the Lb (boudin axis) orientation, as a fundamental element of the kinematic analysis in simple shear – Lb proved always to be perpendicular to a local displacement plane (Sx) that is defined as the plane that contains different lineations (e.g., stretching lineation in the host rock) and so, validates the orientation of the outcrop plane. The methodology also includes the measurement of several angular and dimensional parameters. The main objective of this study deals with the validation of the broad utility of this methodology in shear zones with different P-T conditions. It was studied a shearband boudin field on a Grt-St shear zone, which was compared with previous studies on Sil shear zone.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Characterization of ductile shear zones with different P-T conditions based on the geometric analyzes of shearband boudins

No presente trabalho analisou-se a relação entre a morfologia de corpos boudinados e as condições tectono-metamórficas em que estes se formaram e evoluíram. Com base neste pressuposto formula-se a hipótese de ser possível associar boudins, com características geométricas bem definidas, a ambientes metamórficos específicos. Foram estudados 345 boudins, distribuidos por quatro regiões com distintos graus de metamorfismo: Serra da Salgosa, Praia da Granja, Aracena e Acebuches. Relativamente a cada boudin foi analisada a relação entre os rácios de parâmetros geométricos e o ângulo θ (ângulo entre a superficie interna do boudin – Sib – e a superfície externa do boudin – Sb). Os dados obtidos permitiram concluir que a morfologia do boudin parece depender de fatores, tais como, a espessura e natureza do corpo boudinado, o contraste de viscosidade e a taxa de deformaçao, não sendo clara uma relação entre a morfologia do boudin e o ambiente metamórfico em que este se formou.In this study we pretend to analyze the relation between the boudins morphology and the tectono-metamorphic environment where they were formed and evolved. Therefore, it would be possible to associate boudins, with well-defined geometric parameters, to a specific metamorphic environment. During this study 345 boudins have been analyzed, distributed along four different areas with distinct metamorphism degrees: Serra da Salgosa, Praia da Granja, Aracena and Acebuches. For each boudin, the relation between ratios of different geometric parameters and the θ angle (angle between the boudin internal surface – Sib – and the boudin external surface – Sb) were analyzed. The obtain data allow us to conclude that the boudin morphology appears to depend on factors such as the layer thickness and nature, matrix/layer viscosity contrast and strain rate. The relation between the boudin morphology and the metamorphic environment where it was formed doesn´t seems clear.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Integration of seismic, well, potential-field and geological data for ore prospecting in the Iberian Pyrite Belt

Ore prospecting using gravimetric and magnetic data has become one of the traditional approaches in the last decades, often complemented with electric and electromagnetic methods. However, due to the problem of non-uniqueness inherent to potential-filed modelling, constrains provided by structural methods such as seismic reflection are often used. During the exploration of massive sulphide polimetallic minerals in the Iberian Pyrite Belt Figueira de Cavaleiros sector, located in the Sado Tertiary Basin, several gravimetric and magnetic anomalies were considered as interesting targets. In order to reduce ambiguity of the gravimetric modelling and to confirm the geological model of the area, two seismic reflection profiles were acquired. The interpretation of these profiles was assisted by three mechanical boreholes, two of them located in the research area, in order to make a seismostratigraphic interpretation. Unfortunately, the gravimetric modelling suggests that the anomaly has a lithological and structural origin and is not related with massive sulphides. Nevertheless, a good agreement between the seismic and potential-field data was achieved and new insights into the geological model for the region were obtained form this work, with accurate data about the Tertiary cover and Palaeozoic basement