Piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting from airflow in HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems

This study focuses on the design and wind tunnel testing of a high efficiency Energy Harvesting device, based on piezoelectric materials, with possible applications for the sustainability of smart buildings, structures and infrastructures. The development of the device was supported by ESA (the European Space Agency) under a program for the space technology transfer in the period 2014-2016. The EH device harvests the airflow inside Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, using a piezoelectric component and an appropriate customizable aerodynamic appendix or fin that takes advantage of specific airflow phenomena (vortex shedding and galloping), and can be implemented for optimizing the energy consumption inside buildings. Focus is given on several relevant aspects of wind tunnel testing: different configurations for the piezoelectric bender (rectangular, cylindrical and T-shaped) are tested and compared, and the effective energy harvesting potential of a working prototype device is assessed

Development of a piezoelectric energy-harvesting sensor: from concept to reality

This study focuses on the development and integrated design over a 24-month period of a high efficiency energy-harvesting (EH) temperature sensor, based on piezoelectric materials, with applications for the sustainability of smart buildings, structures and infrastructures. The EH sensor, harvests the airflow inside Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, using a piezoelectric component and an appropriate customizable aerodynamic fin that takes advantage of specific air flow effects, and is implemented for optimizing the energy consumption in buildings. The project was divided in several work-packages (some running in parallel) that cover different aspects of the device development. Some of them focus on engineering aspects (starting from the numerical modeling, then prototyping, and concluding with experimental testing). Other aspects focus on the sensor promotion (including the development of a business plan, the intellectual property rights, the final design and the go-to-market actions). Considering the multidisciplinary character of the project (involving knowledge from fields such as wind engineering, electrical engineering, industrial design, entrepreneurship), this study tries to provide an insight on the complex design issues that arise when such complex, sometimes conflicting and overlapping aspects have to be managed within strict deadlines. In doing so, the most important design and development aspects are critically presented

Ultimate capacity of diagrid systems for tall buildings in nominal configuration and damaged state

One of the evocative structural design solutions for tall buildings is recently embraced by the diagrid (diagonal grid) structural system. Diagrid, with a perimeter structural configuration characterized by a narrow grid of diagonal members involved both in gravity and in lateral load resistance, requires less structural steel than a conventional steel frame, provides for a more sustainable structure and has emerged as a new design trend for tall-shaped complex structures due to aesthetics and structural performance. The purpose of this study is twofold. First, to assess the optimal structural design of a diagrid tall-building, also compared to a typical outrigger building, focusing on the sustainability (the use of structural steel) and the structural safety and serviceability. To this aim, dierent diagrid geometries are tested and compared. Second, to provide some insight on the residual strength of diagrid structures, also in the damaged state (modelled by the elimination of diagonal grids). Both goals are accomplished using FEM nonlinear analyses

Simplified FEM modelling for the collapse assessment of a masonry vault

This study is motivated from the collapse of an old masonry building in the Southern Italy. FEM analyses are carried out focusing on the influence of the contrasting wall on the stability of the vault. In the analyses, the structure is subjected to a damage scenario on the contrasting wall due to a demolition project, and the consequence of the damage is evaluated using the explicit dynamic simulation made by Ls-Dyna�. A micro modelling technique (discrete FEM model) is adopted to model the masonry: the mortar is modelled by contact surfaces between the masonry units, which are explicitly modelled by blocks of meshes. This modelling technique is proven to be effective to predict the collapse behavior of the structure

Digital Transformation Supporting Transport Decarbonisation: Technological Developments in EU-Funded Research and Innovation

The European Commission&rsquo s Communication on a European Green Deal sets out the objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, which will require a reduction in transport emissions. To this aim, digital technologies, together with connectivity and automation, are transforming traditional concepts of mobility, with a potential impact towards transport decarbonisation. New business models are emerging and giving rise to innovative mobility services including new online platforms for car-pooling, car or bicycle sharing services, freight operations, or smartphone applications offering real-time travel information and other analytics. This study provides an overview of the European Union (EU) funded research and innovation (R&amp I) and related technologies that are influencing the uptake of digital transformation in transport and identifies issues and challenges from a European perspective. To that end, it follows a two-tier approach that examines policy and legislative initiatives from the European Commission, highlighting possible challenges and enablers. Moreover, it analyses transport technology developments in Europe, focusing on the technology maturity from EU R&amp I framework programmes, using the European Commission&rsquo s Transport Research and Innovation Monitoring and Information System (TRIMIS). The technology analysis provides insights that aid policy decisions related to funding allocation in future R&amp I framework programmes. Document type: Articl

Simplified FEM modelling for the collapse assessment of a masonry vault

This study is motivated from the collapse of an old masonry building in the Southern Italy. FEM analyses are carried out focusing on the influence of the contrasting wall on the stability of the vault. In the analyses, the structure is subjected to a damage scenario on the contrasting wall due to a demolition project, and the consequence of the damage is evaluated using the explicit dynamic simulation made by Ls-Dyna®. A micro modelling technique (discrete FEM model) is adopted to model the masonry: the mortar is modelled by contact surfaces between the masonry units, which are explicitly modelled by blocks of meshes. This modelling technique is proven to be effective to predict the collapse behavior of the structure

Research and innovation capacity in cooperative, connected and automated transport

The European Commission’s Strategic Transport Research and Innovation Agenda (STRIA) defines cooperative, connected and automated transport (CAT) as a key research area. TRIMIS supports STRIA by monitoring the status of transport research across Europe, including CAT. This report maps CAT research and innovation capacity and focuses on framework programmes, the geographical and organisational distribution of funds, as well as investments per Member State and per mode of transport. The results inform policy makers where potential interventions are beneficial.JRC.C.4-Sustainable Transpor

Research and innovation in smart mobility and services in Europe: An assessment based on the Transport Research and Innovation Monitoring and Information System (TRIMIS)

For smart mobility to be cost-efficient and ready for future needs, adequate research and innovation (R&I) in this field is necessary. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of R&I in smart mobility and services in Europe. The assessment follows the methodology developed by the European Commission’s Transport Research and Innovation Monitoring and Information System (TRIMIS). The report critically assesses research by thematic area and technologies, highlighting recent developments and future needs.JRC.C.4-Sustainable Transpor

TRIMIS as a support tool for transport research and innovation horizon scanning

The Transport Research and Innovation Monitoring and Information System (TRIMIS) is an open-access transport information system. The TRIMIS database contains transport research and innovation projects and programmes classified according to the seven Strategic Transport Research and Innovation Agenda (STRIA) roadmaps that were adopted by the European Commission (EC) in May 2017. The roadmaps cover: cooperative, connected and automated transport; transport electrification; vehicle design and manufacturing; low-emission alternative energy for transport; network and traffic management systems; smart mobility and services; infrastructure. One of the objectives of TRIMIS is to support Transport Research and Innovation (R&I) horizon scanning. The Joint Research Centre (JRC) has developed a capacity for foresight and horizon scanning. Within the TRIMIS framework, horizon scanning is a structured and systematic collaborative exercise that contributes to the identification of new and emerging technologies and trends, helps to assess current and future research needs, and feeds into the broader JRC horizon scanning system with regard to transport. TRIMIS therefore aims to support the establishment of an anticipatory and adaptive culture in the field of European transport R&I, providing insights to users and contributing to a higher-level strategic framework. This report provides a first overview of the TRIMIS horizon scanning methodology and identifies areas for further development.JRC.C.4-Sustainable Transpor