scholarly journals Efficient cruising for swimming and flying animals is dictated by fluid drag

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (32) ◽  
pp. 8116-8118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Floryan ◽  
Tyler Van Buren ◽  
Alexander J. Smits
Keyword(s):  
Strouhal Number ◽  
Dimensionless Parameter ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Narrow Range ◽  
Maximum Efficiency ◽  
Forward Speed ◽  
Peak Efficiency ◽  
Number Range ◽  
Fluid Drag ◽  
Simple Scaling

Many swimming and flying animals are observed to cruise in a narrow range of Strouhal numbers, where the Strouhal number St=2fA/U is a dimensionless parameter that relates stroke frequency f, amplitude A, and forward speed U. Dolphins, sharks, bony fish, birds, bats, and insects typically cruise in the range 0.2<St<0.4, which coincides with the Strouhal number range for maximum efficiency as found by experiments on heaving and pitching airfoils. It has therefore been postulated that natural selection has tuned animals to use this range of Strouhal numbers because it confers high efficiency, but the reason why this is so is still unclear. Here, by using simple scaling arguments, we argue that the Strouhal number for peak efficiency is largely determined by fluid drag on the fins and wings.

scholarly journals ZVS Auxiliary Circuit for a 10 kW Unregulated LLC Full-Bridge Operating at Resonant Frequency for Aircraft Application

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1850 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yann E. Bouvier ◽  
Diego Serrano ◽  
Uroš Borović ◽  
Gonzalo Moreno ◽  
Miroslav Vasić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resonant Frequency ◽  
Power Density ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Harmonic Approximation ◽  
Maximum Efficiency ◽  
Voltage Gain ◽  
Load Range ◽  
Transition Analysis ◽  
Aircraft Application ◽  
Auxiliary Circuit

In modern aircraft designs, following the More Electrical Aircraft (MEA) philosophy, there is a growing need for new high-power converters. In this context, innovative solutions to provide high efficiency and power density are required. This paper proposes an unregulated LLC full-bridge operating at resonant frequency to obtain a constant gain at all loads. The first harmonic approximation (FHA) model is not accurate enough to estimate the voltage gain in converters with high parasitic resistance. A modified FHA model is proposed for voltage gain analysis, and time-based models are used to calculate the instantaneous current required for the ZVS transition analysis. A method using charge instead of current is proposed and used for this ZVS analysis. Using this method, an auxiliary circuit is proposed to achieve complete ZVS within the whole load range, avoiding a gapped transformer design and increasing the efficiency and power density. A 28 Vdc output voltage prototype, with 10 kW peak output power, has been developed to validate the theoretical analysis and the proposed auxiliary circuit. The maximum efficiency (96.3%) is achieved at the nominal power of 5 kW.

scholarly journals Design of Grating Al2O3 Passivation Structure Optimized for High-Efficiency Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cells

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 4849
Author(s):  
Chan Hyeon Park ◽  
Jun Yong Kim ◽  
Shi-Joon Sung ◽  
Dae-Hwan Kim ◽  
Yun Seon Do
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Surface Passivation ◽  
Rear Surface ◽  
Maximum Efficiency ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Carrier Recombination ◽  
Cigs Solar Cells ◽  
Effective Carrier ◽  
Opening Width

In this paper, we propose an optimized structure of thin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells with a grating aluminum oxide (Al2O3) passivation layer (GAPL) providing nano-sized contact openings in order to improve power conversion efficiency using optoelectrical simulations. Al2O3 is used as a rear surface passivation material to reduce carrier recombination and improve reflectivity at a rear surface for high efficiency in thin CIGS solar cells. To realize high efficiency for thin CIGS solar cells, the optimized structure was designed by manipulating two structural factors: the contact opening width (COW) and the pitch of the GAPL. Compared with an unpassivated thin CIGS solar cell, the efficiency was improved up to 20.38% when the pitch of the GAPL was 7.5–12.5 μm. Furthermore, the efficiency was improved as the COW of the GAPL was decreased. The maximum efficiency value occurred when the COW was 100 nm because of the effective carrier recombination inhibition and high reflectivity of the Al2O3 insulator passivation with local contacts. These results indicate that the designed structure has optimized structural points for high-efficiency thin CIGS solar cells. Therefore, the photovoltaic (PV) generator and sensor designers can achieve the higher performance of photosensitive thin CIGS solar cells by considering these results.

scholarly journals Low-pressure reversible axial fan with straight profile blades and relatively high efficiency

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (suppl. 2) ◽  
pp. 593-603 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zivan Spasic ◽  
Sasa Milanovic ◽  
Vanja Sustersic ◽  
Boban Nikolic
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulations ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Suction Side ◽  
Standard Test ◽  
Maximum Efficiency ◽  
Specific Work ◽  
Blade Profile ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
Axial Fan ◽  
Increase Energy Efficiency

The paper presents the design and operating characteristics of a model of reversible axial fan with only one impeller, whose reversibility is achieved by changing the direction of rotation. The fan is designed for the purpose of providing alternating air circulation in wood dryers in order to reduce the consumption of electricity for the fan and increase energy efficiency of the entire dryer. To satisfy the reversibility of flow, the shape of the blade profile is symmetrical along the longitudinal and transversal axes of the profile. The fan is designed with equal specific work of all elementary stages, using the method of lift forces. The impeller blades have straight mean line profiles. The shape of the blade profile was adopted after the numerical simulations were carried out and high efficiency was achieved. Based on the calculation and conducted numerical simulations, a physical model of the fan was created and tested on a standard test rig, with air loading at the suction side of the fan. The operating characteristics are shown for different blade angles. The obtained maximum efficiency was around 0.65, which represents a rather high value for axial fans with straight profile blades.

Theoretical Study on the Influence of Transmission Parameters on the Transmission Performance of Magnetic Resonance Wireless Power Transmission Systems

2014 ◽  
Vol 926-930 ◽  
pp. 434-439
Author(s):  
Chang Sheng Li ◽  
Juan Cao ◽  
He Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Power Transmission ◽  
Maximum Efficiency ◽  
System Quality ◽  
Wireless Power ◽  
Transmission Performance ◽  
Wireless Power Transmission ◽  
Transmission Systems ◽  
Transmission Parameters

Magnetic resonance wireless power transmission technology is based on the phenomenon of resonant coupling to realize non-contact power transmission via near magnetic field. Based on the mutual coupling model of resonance system, the influence laws of system transmission parameters, such as coil coupling coefficients, load resistance, etc., on the transmission performance are theoretically studied in this paper. The research results shows that the power high-efficiency and high-quality transmission does not depend on the large coil loop coupling coefficient and the working frequencies of maximum power and maximum efficiency transmission do not coincide at most condition. Transmission systems with a high resonance frequency can produce high power and efficiency transmission over short distances. In addition, by increasing the coil diameter or wire diameter can improve the system quality factor, and optimize the energy transmission performance.

EFFICIENCY OF ENERGY CONVERSION DURING SINUSOIDAL MOVEMENT OF WHITE MUSCLE FIBRES FROM THE DOGFISH SCYLIORHINUS CANICULA

1993 ◽  
Vol 183 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. A. Curtin ◽  
R. C. Woledge
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Fibre Length ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Energy Output ◽  
Maximum Efficiency ◽  
Muscle Fibres ◽  
Work Output ◽  
Sinusoidal Movement ◽  
Myotomal Muscle

Net work output and heat production of white myotomal muscle fibres from the dogfish were measured during complete cycles of sinusoidal movement at 12°C. The peak-to-peak movement was about 9 % of the muscle fibre length; three stimuli at 32 ms intervals were given in each mechanical cycle. The frequency of movement and the timing of the stimulation were varied for each preparation to find the optimal conditions for power output and those optimal for efficiency (the ratio of net work output to total energy output as heat+work). To achieve either maximum power or maximum efficiency, the tetanus must start while the muscle fibres are being stretched, before the beginning of the shortening part of the mechanical cycle. The highest power output, averaged over one cycle, was 0.23+/−0.014 W g-1 dry mass (+/−s.e.m., N=9, 46.9+/−2.8 mW g-1 wet mass) and was produced during movement at 3.5 Hz. The highest efficiency, 0.41+/−0.02 (+/−s.e.m., N=13), occurred during movements at 2.0-2.5 Hz. This value is higher than the efficiency previously measured during isovelocity shortening of these fibres. The implications of the high efficiency for crossbridge models of muscle contraction are discussed.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of a Flexible Flapping Hydrofoil Propulsor

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harikrishnan Vijayakumaran ◽  
Parameswaran Krishnankutty
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Strouhal Number ◽  
Thrust Coefficient ◽  
Number Range ◽  
Wake Field ◽  
Propulsive Performance ◽  
Velocity Magnitude ◽  
Maximum Angle ◽  
Motion Parameters

A CFD study to understand the hydrodynamics and fluid flow around a chordwise flexible hydrofoil with combined sway and yaw motion which imitates the caudal fin flapping in thunniforms, is presented. The dependency of motion parameters of the flexible flapping hydrofoil to its propulsive performance is studied by carrying out the analyses over a Strouhal number range of 0.1 to 0.4 in steps of 0.025 at three maximum angle of attacks viz. 10°,15°,20°. Qualitative observations of the wake field and trailing jet is presented using velocity magnitude contours and vorticity contours. The analyses carried out at 40,000 Reynolds number and sway amplitude of 0.75 chordlength, revealed that the average thrust coefficient increases with increase in Strouhal number and maximum angle of attacks. The highest efficiency is achieved when the maximum angle of attack is 15° and Strouhal number is 0.225.

scholarly journals Weak Tradeoff and Strong Segmentation Among Plant Hydraulic Traits During Seasonal Variation in Four Woody Species

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Liu ◽  
Qiang Li ◽  
Feng Wang ◽  
Xiaohan Sun ◽  
Ning Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Efficiency ◽  
Robinia Pseudoacacia ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Maximum Efficiency ◽  
Quercus Acutissima ◽  
Relative Water ◽  
Warm Temperate Zone ◽  
Low Efficiency ◽  
Embolism Resistance ◽  
Rhus Typhina

Plants may maintain long-term xylem function via efficiency-safety tradeoff and segmentation. Most studies focus on the growing season and community level. We studied species with different efficiency-safety tradeoff strategies, Quercus acutissima, Robinia pseudoacacia, Vitex negundo var. heterophylla, and Rhus typhina, to determine the seasonality of this mechanism. We separated their branches into perennial shoots and terminal twigs and monitored their midday water potential (Ψmd), relative water content (RWC), stem-specific hydraulic conductivity (Ks), loss of 12, 50, and 88% of maximum efficiency (i.e., P12, P50, P88) for 2 years. There were no correlations between water relations (Ψmd, RWC, Ks) and embolism resistance traits (P12, P50, P88) but they significantly differed between the perennial shoots and terminal twigs. All species had weak annual hydraulic efficiency-safety tradeoff but strong segmentation between the perennial shoots and the terminal twigs. R. pseudoacacia used a high-efficiency, low-safety strategy, whereas R. typhina used a high-safety, low-efficiency strategy. Q. acutissima and V. negundo var. heterophylla alternated these strategies. This mechanism provides a potential basis for habitat partitioning and niche divergence in the changing warm temperate zone environment.

Numerical analysis of bluff body wakes under periodic open-loop control

2013 ◽  
Vol 739 ◽  
pp. 94-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derwin J. Parkin ◽  
M. C. Thompson ◽  
J. Sheridan
Keyword(s):  
Strouhal Number ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Vortex Shedding ◽  
Open Loop ◽  
Wake Flow ◽  
Dynamic Mode ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Near Wake ◽  
Recirculation Bubble ◽  
Number Range

AbstractLarge eddy simulations at$Re= 23\hspace{0.167em} 000$are used to investigate the drag on a two-dimensional elongated cylinder caused by rear-edge periodic actuation, with particular focus on an optimum open-loop configuration. The 3.64 (length/thickness) aspect-ratio cylinder has a rectangular cross-section with rounded leading corners, representing the two-dimensional cross-section of the now genericAhmed-body geometry. The simulations show that the optimum drag reduction occurs in the forcing Strouhal number range of$0. 09\leq S{t}_{act} \leq 0. 135$, which is approximately half of the Strouhal number corresponding to shedding of von Kármán vortices into the wake for the natural case. This result agrees well with recent experiments of Henninget al. (Active Flow Control, vol. 95, 2007, pp. 369–390). A thorough transient wake analysis employing dynamic mode decomposition is conducted for all cases, with special attention paid to the Koopman modes of the wake flow and vortex progression downstream. Two modes are found to coexist in all cases, the superimposition of which recovers the majority of features observed in the flow. Symmetric vortex shedding in the near wake, which effectively extends the mean recirculation bubble, is shown to be the major mechanism in lowering the drag. This is associated with opposite-signed vortices reducing the influence of natural vortex shedding, resulting in an increase in the pressure in the near wake, while the characteristic wake antisymmetry returns further downstream. Lower-frequency actuation is shown to create larger near-wake symmetric vortices, which improves the effectiveness of this process.

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