Efficiency Optimization Strategy of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor for Electric Vehicles Based on Energy Balance

This paper presents an efficiency optimization controller for a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) of an electric vehicle. A new loss model is obtained based on the permanent magnet synchronous motor’s energy balance equation utilizing the theory of the port-controlled Hamiltonian system. Since the energy balance equation is just the power loss of the PMSM, which provides great convenience for us to use the energy method for efficiency optimization. Then, a new loss minimization algorithm (LMA) is designed based on the new loss model by adjusting the ratio of the excitation current in the d–q axis. Moreover, the proposed algorithm is achieved by the principle of the energy shape method of the Hamiltonian system. Simulations are finally presented to verify effectiveness. The main results of these simulations indicate that the dynamic performance of the drive is maintained and the efficiency increase is up to about 7% compared with the id=0 control algorithm, and about 4.5% compared with the conventional LMA at a steady operation of a PMSM.

The Effect of the Protein Synthesis Entropy Reduction on the Cell Size Regulation and Division Size of Unicellular Organisms

The underlying mechanism determining the size of a particular cell is one of the fundamental unknowns in cell biology. Here, using a new approach that could be used for most of unicellular species, we show that the protein synthesis and cell size are interconnected biophysically and that protein synthesis may be the chief mechanism in establishing size limitations of unicellular organisms. This result is obtained based on the free energy balance equation of protein synthesis and the second law of thermodynamics. Our calculations show that protein synthesis involves a considerable amount of entropy reduction due to polymerization of amino acids depending on the cytoplasmic volume of the cell. The amount of entropy reduction will increase with cell growth and eventually makes the free energy variations of the protein synthesis positive (that is, forbidden thermodynamically). Within the limits of the second law of thermodynamics we propose a framework to estimate the optimal cell size at division.

Validating dietary assessment tools with energy expenditure measurement methods: Is this accurate?

Having an accurate dietary assessment tool is a necessity for most nutritional studies. As a result, many validation studies have been carried out to assess the validity of commonly used dietary assessment tools. Since based on the energy balance equation, among individuals with a stable weight, Energy Intake (EI) is equal to Energy Expenditure (EE) and there are precise methods for measurement of EE (e.g. doubly labeled water method), numerous studies have used this technique for validating dietary assessment tools. If there was a discrepancy between measured EI and EE, the researchers have concluded that self-reported dietary assessment tools are not valid or participants misreport their dietary intakes. However, the calculation of EI with common dietary assessment tools such as food frequency questionnaires (FFQs), 24-hour dietary recalls, or weighed food records, is based on fixed factors that were introduced by Atwater and the accuracy of these factors are under question. Moreover, the amount of energy absorption, and utilization from a diet, depends on various factors and there are considerable interindividual differences in this regard, for example in gut microbiota composition. As a result, the EI which is calculated using dietary assessment tools is likely not representative of real metabolizable energy which is equal to EE in individuals with stable weight, thus validating dietary assessment tools with EE measurement methods may not be accurate. We aim to address this issue briefly and propose a feasible elucidation, albeit not a complete solution.

Targeting the Gut in Obesity: Signals from the Inner Surface

Obesity is caused by prolonged energy surplus. Current anti-obesity medications are mostly centralized around the energy input part of the energy balance equation by increasing satiety and reducing appetite. Our gastrointestinal tract is a key organ for regulation of food intake and supplies a tremendous number of circulating signals that modulate the activity of appetite-regulating areas of the brain by either direct interaction or through the vagus nerve. Intestinally derived messengers are manifold and include absorbed nutrients, microbial metabolites, gut hormones and other enterokines, collectively comprising a fine-tuned signalling system to the brain. After a meal, nutrients directly interact with appetite-inhibiting areas of the brain and induce satiety. However, overall feeding behaviour also depends on secretion of gut hormones produced by highly specialized and sensitive enteroendocrine cells. Moreover, circulating microbial metabolites and their interactions with enteroendocrine cells further contribute to the regulation of feeding patterns. Current therapies exploiting the appetite-regulating properties of the gut are based on chemically modified versions of the gut hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) or on inhibitors of the primary GLP-1 inactivating enzyme, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). The effectiveness of these approaches shows that that the gut is a promising target for therapeutic interventions to achieve significant weigh loss. We believe that increasing understanding of the functionality of the intestinal epithelium and new delivery systems will help develop selective and safe gut-based therapeutic strategies for improved obesity treatment in the future. Here, we provide an overview of the major homeostatic appetite-regulating signals generated by the intestinal epithelial cells and how these signals may be harnessed to treat obesity by pharmacological means.

Recent Trends in Functional Foods for Obesity Management

Obesity is a medical condition caused by the accumulation of excess fat in the body. The main causes of obesity are lifestyle, less physical activity, and increased health problems. Overweight and obesity have increased over the past 20 years in many regions of the world, particularly the prevalence of obesity in childhood. It is not only a problem of developed countries but also becoming a growing burden for the developing countries. Functional foods might play important role in prevention or treatment of overweight. Functional foods for obesity influences the energy balance equation regulated by the control of energy intake or of energy dissipated as heat (thermogenesis).

A simple model to study wave-surge interaction

ABSTRACT. In this paper we have tried to set up a mathematical model that will show the contribution of wind-induced surface waves of the ocean, on surges in shallow basin of Bay of Bengal. For this, the energy balance equation, excluding non-linear forcing term, is considered and solved by Lax-Wendroff integration scheme. Wind is specified over all the grid points following Cardone' s formulation. The hydrodynamic equations in linearised form as used by Jelesnianski have been considered and using Shuman's algorithm, those equations have been solved. In the process of solving these equations, the output of the energy balance equation is included as wave set up term to incorporate energy contribution of wind waves to surges. The estimated surge height is compared with and without considering wave contribution.

Hysteretic Energy Demand under Superposition of Bidirectional Ground Motions

To address the irrationality of making a structure subjected to bidirectional ground motions equivalent to an SDOF system, a new approach method is presented in this paper. The ratio between modal participation factors of the two components of the structure is expressed as γ, and the superposition of bidirectional ground motions is regarded as one-directional earthquake excitation for the equivalent SDOF system. Based on this, an energy balance equation is established, and a method used to estimate normalized hysteretic energy (NHE) is proposed. Analysis of the ratio between NHE (γ ≠ 0) and NHE (γ = 0) is suggested in order to analyze the influence of bidirectional ground motions on hysteretic energy demand, and then, “α1 = NHE (γ ≠ 0)/NHE (γ = 0)” is defined, and bidirectional ground motion records for different soil sites are selected for establishing superimposed excitations. In addition, the period range of 0–5 s for the energy spectrum is divided into 6 ranges. In each period range, the means of α1 are defined as α. The curves of α of constant ductility factors for different soil sites are established, in which α is the vertical coordinate and γ is the horizontal coordinate. Through nonlinear response history analysis, the influence of soil types at different sites, the ductility factor, the ratio of modal participation factors, and the period on the values of α are analyzed. According to the analytical results, correction coefficient αs (the simplified value of α) is obtained so that the hysteretic energy demand under bidirectional ground motions can be determined.

Energy balance of the airflow boundary layer in the brake disc ventilation

Airflow through the brake disc ventilation causes the formation of a boundary layer at the walls. It affects both the dynamic processes related to air exchange in the space between the walls and thermal processes associated with air insulation of the heated surfaces of the ventilation ducts. The present paper aims to develop a model for calculating plane airflow in a ventilation duct in polar coordinates. Using the Navier-Stokes equations and the equations of the energy balance of the airflow boundary layer, we succeeded in determining the elements that affect the intensity of changes in the air masses in the boundary layer and the elements that are responsible for the thermal conductivity of the thermal boundary layer of the airflow. Besides, we obtained an energy balance equation, which takes into account the enthalpy and thermodynamic parameters of the thermal boundary layer, as well as found the possibilities of influencing the heat exchange processes by minimizing factors of the heat-insulating boundary layer. Finally, we specified the dependence of the boundary layer temperature on the temperature of the walls of the brake disc ventilation. The obtained dependences lay the ground for formulating variants of the influence on the heat-insulating boundary layer of the airflow, namely, the design of a forced air supply system at different angles of attack into the ventilation cavity of the brake disc or the manufacture of ventilation ducts with complex geometry.

Study on Damage Evolution Model of Sandstone under Triaxial Loading and Postpeak Unloading Considering Nonlinear Behaviors

Conventional triaxial loading and unloading tests were carried out on sandstone samples in the Zigong area, of Sichuan Province, China. The changes in the elastic modulus of the unloading curves under different confining pressures were calculated, and the evolution law of the nonlinear properties of rock was analyzed. The results show that the rock is subjected to nonlinear damage during initial compaction, the elastic phase, destruction, and postpeak unloading. Moreover, the nonlinear behaviors of rock are restrained by the confining pressures. On this basis, a nonlinear stress-strain relationship affected by the average stress is proposed to describe nonlinear behaviors in the initial compaction stage. According to the test data, the evolution laws of various energies inside the rock during loading and unloading cycles are obtained. The results show that the external work is transformed into elastic energy and damage dissipated energy. Based on the energy analysis, the energy balance equation is established according to the law of energy conservation. By deriving the energy balance equation, the damage evolution equation of sandstone under triaxial loading is solved to establish a continuous constitutive model. The calculation results of the model are compared with the test results from two aspects of loading and postpeak unloading. The comparison results show that the proposed model, which reflects the whole stress-strain process and nonlinear properties of rock, could also describe the stress-strain relationship at the postpeak unloading stage to some extent.

RANS CFD Analysis of Hump Formation Mechanism in Double-Suction Centrifugal Pump under Part Load Condition

The RANS (Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations) with CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation method is used to analyze the head hump formation mechanism in the double-suction centrifugal pump under a part load condition. The purpose is to establish a clear connection between the head hump and the microcosmic flow field structure, and reveal the influence mechanism between them. It is found that the diffuser stall causes a change in the impeller capacity for work, and this is the most critical reason for hump formation. The change in the hydraulic loss of volute is also a reason for hump, and it is analyzed using the energy balance equation. The hump formation mechanism has not been fully revealed so far. This paper found the most critical flow structure inducing hump and revealed its inducing mechanism, and greatly promoted the understanding of hump formation. The impeller capacity for work is analyzed using torque and rotational speed directly, avoiding large error caused by the Euler head formula, greatly enhancing the accuracy of establishing the connection between the impeller capacity for work and the coherent structure in the flow field under a part load condition. When a pump is running in the hump area, a strong vibration and noise are prone to occur, endangering the pump safety and reliability, and even the pump start and the transition of different working conditions may be interrupted. Revealing the hump formation mechanism provides a key theoretical basis for suppressing hump. Hump problems are widespread in many kinds of pumps, causing a series of troubles and hazards. The analysis method in this paper also provides a reference for other pumps.