Conceptual Design Research Articles

Machine learning-based techno-econo-environmental analysis of CO2-to-olefins process for screening the optimal catalyst and hydrogen color

CO2 to light olefins (CTLO) is an attractive strategy for CO2 fixation to obtain high-value-added chemical products. Selecting the optimal catalyst and hydrogen source for the process has become increasingly challenging due to the wide range of developed catalysts and diverse hydrogen sources available. Herein, this study proposes a machine learning-based techno-econo-environmental analysis framework for screening catalysts and hydrogen colors for the CTLO process. The preferred machine learning model is employed to screen the most promising catalyst for the CTLO process, which is then applied to accomplish the conceptual design of the entire process to obtain essential material and energy balance results by process modeling and simulation. Finally, the techno-econo-environmental performance of the CTLO processes using various colored hydrogen are compared to provide more informed choices. The results indicate the extreme gradient boosting model exhibits superior predictive accuracy, making it suitable for integrating with the genetic algorithm to screen the optimal catalyst for the CTLO process. After multi-objective optimization, an optimal Fe-based catalyst is screened and used for the modeling and simulation of the CTLO process due to its highest light olefins yield (36.43%). The carbon, hydrogen, and exergy utilization efficiencies of the CTLO process considering solely the target light olefins are 59.58%, 21.71%, and 40.41%, respectively. After evaluating the impact of different H2 colors on the total operating cost, unit production cost, and minimum selling price of the CTLO process, it was found the CTLO process using gray H2 generated by coke oven gas and coal gasification technologies exhibits the most favorable cost-effectiveness and optimal market price compared to alternative production scenarios. However, using green H2 proves highly advantageous for the CTLO process in attaining comprehensive negative carbon emissions throughout its lifecycle. Moreover, it anticipates the influence of technological advancements and market fluctuations on the market competitiveness of CTLO processes with diverse hydrogen colors.

Dissociation extraction: Theoretical foundations and applications

Dissociation extraction (DE) is a separation method that has been known for many decades but is not yet widely used in industry. However, there are a number of applications for which DE may be applied, for example, for new biorefinery separations. To facilitate future applications, we derived a new shortcut method for DE processes and demonstrated its application in the conceptual design of a separation process for acidic and basic organic mixtures. The new method allows for the calculation of the minimum energy requirement and a fast comparison of dissociation extraction with other separation methods. The shortcut method was validated using experimental data from the literature and is easy to implement because it is based only on the physical distribution coefficients and dissociation constants of the acids or bases to be separated.In the second part of this paper, we identify several areas that require effective separation techniques, where dissociation extraction can have an impact. These include biorefinery separation, polymer recycling, and fatty acid fractionation.In conclusion, we hope to promote DE as a known but less-used separation method for difficult separation problems in both fossil-based and bio-based sustainable chemical products.

Boosting Physical Fitness in Primary School Students with Learning Disabilities: A Conceptual Framework Design

Boosting Physical Fitness in Primary School Students with Learning Disabilities: A Conceptual Framework Design

Organic Nonvolatile 2T Memory Cell Employing a NOT-Gate-Like Architecture Toward Binary Output Level With Enhanced Noise Tolerance.

Organic nonvolatile memory has been considered a low-cost memory technology for flexible electronics and Internet-of-things (IoT). However, a major concern is the nonuniformity of memory units, which is primarily caused by random grain boundaries, interface defects, and charge traps, making it difficult to develop high-density reliable memory arrays. This nonuniformity problem would induce read error, which is directly caused by the narrow distribution margin of memory states and low noise tolerance in conventional organic memory cells. To break this limitation, a novel 2T memory cell employing a NOT-gate-like architecture achieving self-enhancing noise tolerance is presented. This unique cell consists of a pair of commonly-gated memory transistors with contradictory "write-and-erase" features. It functions as a voltage divider, producing a well-distinguished binary voltage output capability. The concept and design model of this brand-new 2T memory cell is thoroughly discussed. It is originally characterized by noise-tolerant memory cells irrespective of device nonuniformity. The noise tolerance range of this 2T memory cell is also investigated. The binary voltage-readable memory state with a large noise tolerance range is obtained. Moreover, the conceptual design of the 1T2T FeRAM cell is further developed for low-cost voltage-readable memory technology in wearable electronic applications.

A weight-based efficiency measure for energy dissipating devices for flexible rockfall barriers

Flexible barriers are essential passive measures which are able to protect human life, structures and infrastructures from rockfall hazards. When a barrier is impacted, a significant portion of energy dissipation is concentrated in targeted components, named brakes, which can be replaced after the rockfall event. Several technologies exist, differing in both constitutive elements and energy dissipation mechanisms, but experimental data are generally restricted by producers. The present paper compares the various technologies thanks a new efficiency index, that is the ratio between the component potentially dissipated energy and its weight. To analyse the effects of the design parameters, four of the most common brakes are analytically modelled. It is shown that the performance of the devices is variable and depends on the working mechanism and the adopted material. In particular, plastic deformation energy dissipation induced by buckling is generally more efficient than the one caused by bending. Finally, a discussion on the force that activates the brake is proposed. The proposed analyses are of paramount importance for the conceptual design of new energy dissipation devices in rockfall risk mitigation structures.

“It’s more delicious because I like you”: commercial food influencers’ follower satisfaction, retention and repurchase intention

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate how commercial influencers retain their followers and successfully persuade them to consider purchasing newly recommended products and services within the food industry. We explored the impact of followers’ purchase satisfaction upon their repurchase intention for newly promoted food products and services, directly and by the mediating roles of followers’ affective commitment and loyalty toward commercial food influencers.Design/methodology/approachOur conceptual model design was supported by the tricomponent attitude model, which helps explain followers’ emotional attachment to the influencers. We validated the proposed model using a sample of 200 followers of renowned commercial food influencers in Iran. We used partial least squares structural equation modeling for data analysis, with the assistance of Warp PLS (version 8.0) software.FindingsWe found that followers’ purchase satisfaction exerts a positive influence upon their repurchase intention, both directly and through the mediating roles of affective commitment and loyalty toward commercial food influencers.Practical implicationsThis study elucidates the role of followers’ satisfaction with their previous purchases in influencing their intention to buy newly recommended products. There is a multiplicity of important implications for restauranteur’s business models, as this marketing approach rewards a digital equivalent of a strong customer relationship and an honest, high-quality product. Our results also suggest that food influencers can operate effectively in the affiliate marketing sphere by operating and sustaining enduring relationships.Originality/valueThis work addresses how the influencer–follower relationship, followers’ purchase satisfaction and emotional attachment toward influencers, shape both follower retention and future repurchase intentions. This is from the perspective of the tricomponent attitude model within the food industry.

Aligning the new work environment with OECD Goal 8: a design case of a global automobile brand from Turkey

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the economic sustainability of new work environments by exploring how interior design strategies can contribute to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, which focuses on decent work and economic growth. SDG 8 aims to foster sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic development, as well as full and productive employment. Design/methodology/approach The pilot study was conducted at a global automobile brand’s largest facility in Kocaeli/Turkey, where 102 employees participated in stakeholder meetings divided into 18 groups. Additionally, 46 employees were interviewed through focus groups and one-on-one sessions across nine encounters. The collected data were analyzed using deductive thematic analysis, interpreting codes and themes related to spatial politics, timing politics and hybrid working culture in the new work environment. Findings Identified themes include individually focused tasks, virtual collaboration, agile working, socialization and urban interaction. These themes are then traced through the conceptual design proposal developed by the interior design team and discussed in relation to their alignment with SDG 8.2 (diversify, innovate and upgrade for economic productivity), SDG 8.4 (improve resource efficiency in consumption and production) and SDG 8.8 (protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers). Research limitations/implications These three targets (for inclusivity and innovation, for environmentally sustainable and for employee well-being) were selected for their relevance in shaping the physical work environment. Originality/value The key finding of this paper is the need for a deeper understanding of economic sustainability in interior design and the contribution of SDG 8 targets on the spatial, temporal and cultural dimensions of new work environments. Brands committed to sustainability must adopt new work models and reimagine their work environments to enhance employee satisfaction and performance, through comprehensive user research and design solutions aligned with SDG 8.

Laser-Controlled Information Releasing and Hiding Based on Perovskite Phosphors.

Laser-active interference with high confidentiality and convenience opens up a cutting-edge path for releasing and hiding key targets; however, its development still faces enormous challenges owing to the difficulty of concealing objects. Herein, a novel conceptual design for laser-controlled information release and hiding (LIRH) is proposed and successfully realized. Cs2NaInCl6:Er3+, Yb3+ (CNIC:Er, Yb) perovskite microcrystal is adopted as a carrier for LIRH implementation, exhibiting excellent up-conversion (UC) emission under NIR (980 and 1530 nm) irradiation due to its ultralow phonon energy. The fluorescence intensity crossover and outstanding photon output capacity are revealed in comparison with Er3+/Yb3+ codoped and Er3+ single-doped CNIC phosphors under different laser sources, and the obvious difference in quantum yields (QY) under 980 and 1530 nm excitation provides theoretical possibility for LIRH. More importantly, the obtained LIRH features high stability at temperatures up to 413 K, showing good adaptability in various potential scenarios. Moreover, CNIC:Er, Yb is further combined with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer to form fluorescent fibers with exceptional crystal stability and composite flexibility, thus making the LIRH code a reality based on perovskite composite phosphors. The laser-active invisibility offers an innovative idea for LIRH, further extending the application of LIRH in the field of information encryption, which has promising prospects in information safety, advanced anticounterfeiting, and smart responsive materials.

Conceptual Design of an Urban Pocket Park Located in the Site of the Occurrence of a Nineteenth-Century Chapel Using Representatives of Local Xerothermic Vegetation

The 19th century neo-Gothic chapel located in the Stradom district of Czestochowa, Southern Poland and built at the intersection of the main streets is a recognizable landmark of great historical value. Unfortunately, the current condition of the surroundings depreciates the charm of such a chapel, and thus does not encourage people to admire it. Therefore, in order to expose such a valuable object, we planned to create a conceptual design of a pocket park around this cultural monument. When choosing the location of any park, it is recommended to know the needs of the local residents, so we conducted a survey regarding their wishes. When designing the area, we intended to use species representing the vegetation characteristic of the Krakow–Czestochowa Upland located in Southern Poland. At the same time, we used a material typical of the area, namely limestone. Design principles around the chapel were taken into account, separating the sacred and profane zones with the intention of giving this site a unique character and creating the first urban pocket park of this kind.

BIM-based search and selection of construction material suppliers: a dedicated framework and prototype

Purpose This study aims to address the key issues concerning supplier selection in traditional construction procurement by proposing an innovative, novel, state-of-the-art prototype plugin building information modelling – supplier search and ranking (BIM-SSR) and an associated conceptual framework. It enhances building information modelling (BIM) capabilities through web crawling and analytical hierarchy processes (AHP). It uses the World Wide Web to procure construction material suppliers. Design/methodology/approach Prevalent issues in traditional procurement of material suppliers have been identified through a rigorous literature review. Field experts vetted these issues. A framework has been presented to address these issues based on integrated web crawling and AHP as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method. A BIM prototype (BIM-SSR) has been developed using Python and plugged into Autodesk Revit to automate the search and evaluation of material suppliers based on precise material specifications from the BIM design. The BIM-SSR prototype is tested through a case study and validated by field professionals for its efficiency in tackling the identified issues. Findings Thirteen key issues have been identified concerning traditional construction procurement pertinent to supplier selection. Best-value procurement was encouraged by identifying supplier selection criteria such as cost, delivery time, experience, compliance with quality management standards, warranties, and claim period. The presented BIM-SSR prototype has an efficiency of 80%–95% in addressing the issues identified in this study and 97.5% effectiveness in improving the overall procurement management process. Originality/value The BIM-SSR prototype developed in this study is a novel and innovative addition to the body of knowledge that has been integrated into Autodesk Revit as a Plugin. Automation of supplier search and selection through digital technologies, including web crawling and integration of traditionally accepted MCDM methods such as AHP in BIM, is another innovation in the current study. Overall, this study presents a holistic, innovative system, from conceptual design to practical implementation and demonstration. This is one of the steps to help the traditional construction procurement process evolve into a more modern and digital procurement.

A Conceptual Design Method Based on Concept–Knowledge Theory and Large Language Models

Abstract To obtain innovative concepts in the design, designers often need to retrieve and use interdisciplinary knowledge. Concept–knowledge (C–K) theory emphasizes the role of knowledge and introduces the knowledge (K) space and concept (C) space, employing operators to transform the contents between these spaces. Some studies, based on this theory, have successfully provided designers with different forms of knowledge to stimulate concept generation. However, the amount of knowledge provided in these studies is limited, and they fail to offer convenient methods for knowledge retrieval and reasoning, making it challenging to meet the needs of conceptual design across different fields. This paper proposes an enhanced C–K method leveraging large language models (LLMs) to help designers retrieve knowledge and uncover potentially new concepts. Our method redefines the C space and K space within the context of LLMs, dividing the properties of concept into function, appearance, and technology, and requiring the knowledge to correspond to these properties, thereby facilitating a structured connection between concepts and knowledge. Based on this definition, we achieved flexible knowledge retrieval and concept ideation leveraging LLMs. We also conducted a case study on wearable devices to validate our method. The results showed that our method helped designers to retrieve professional knowledge and inspired them to create feasible and innovative concepts.

A Conceptual Design of Deployable Antenna Mechanisms

Over the last decade, large-scale antennas have been developed to enhance precise blue force tracking and improve situational awareness. In general, such large-scale antennas, ranging from 1 to up to 10 m, need a specific mechanism that can reconfigure their shapes and morphologies, resulting in stowing and deploying upon the given environment. In parallel, it must be noted that such deployable mechanisms should accommodate a large aperture diameter while ensuring they are lightweight, robust, and structurally rigid to avoid undesired deformations due to the deployment. With these in mind, this work presents a large frustum-shaped deployable antenna mechanism with a large aperture diameter of 7.5 m. The deployable mechanism is composed of hierarchical bayes the radial direction at 30° intervals. Twelve bayes in total identify the overall morphology of the deployable antenna, which features a dodecagon. Specifically, the bay is composed of three linkage structures: a six-bar linkage mechanism, a V-folding mechanism, and a single pantograph mechanism. As a result of static and dynamic simulations, it is identified that the mechanism achieves an area-to-mass ratio of 5.003 m2/kg and a safety factor of 323.8 upon deployment. Conclusively, this work demonstrates a strong potential of the deployable antenna mechanism, providing high rigidity and large aperture diameter while ensuring high stability in space environments.

Single/Multi-band graphene-based disk THz absorbers with single graphene layer: conceptual design

Single/Multi-band graphene-based disk THz absorbers with single graphene layer: conceptual design

Apple Pomace Integrated Biorefinery for Biofuels Production: A Techno-Economic and Environmental Sustainability Analysis

The combination of techno-economic process modelling and life cycle assessment is an integrated methodology that addresses quantitative operational data, and evaluates the emissions associated with any process under development. In particular, the valorisation of waste streams within the context of the circular economy could be considered a valid and promising approach, especially regarding techno-economic and environmental indicators. This manuscript aims to evaluate the integral valorisation of apple pomace from the processing industry into bioethanol, and vinasses (a byproduct of the distillation process) into biogas and digestate as biofertiliser. In addition to biogas production, lagooning and composting were considered as strategies for vinasse management. After the conceptual design of the process options was completed, the environmental profile of bioethanol production was estimated across different scenarios. When biogas production was integrated to reduce the biorefinery’s energy demand, the carbon footprint was 1.13 kg CO2eq∙kg−1. This footprint increased to values around four when lagooning and composting were used as vinasse management strategies. Although the economic dimension posed a significant limitation due to high investment costs, the eco-efficiency analysis showed that the scenario of the co-production of bioethanol and biogas is the best alternative. Despite the promising results, further research is needed to explore the recovery of additional co-products to develop a high-potential strategy for apple pomace.

Procedure of developing more energy efficient and electrified hydraulic systems for loader cranes

This work presents a process for the requirement management and conceptual design phases of hydraulic systems. The aim is to provide a foundation for developing more energy efficient systems for the working hydraulics of construction machines. A framework is developed and applied in a case study of a loader crane. An important part of the framework is to evaluate and compare different designs based on customer usage of the machine. Emphasis has also been put on incorporating the knowledge and experience of both industry and academia. A large number of different designs are evaluated during a concept exploration phase. The design space is then narrowed down to the system design analysis phase. Losses from simultaneous operation are significant, systems with two and four pumps respectively are therefore selected for analysis by demonstrators. In order to reach equal energy performance, two-pump systems need to be more complex, i.e., they require a more sophisticated control and more components, than four-pump systems. When comparing demonstrator results, the conclusion is that for two-pump systems, it is more challenging to reach the theoretical performance, both in terms of energy efficiency and of drivability, than for the less complex systems made possible with four-pumps.

Design and Technical-Economic-Environmental Evaluation of a Biorefinery Using Non-Marketable Edible Mushroom Waste

Edible mushrooms are gaining popularity as functional foods, not only for their distinctive taste and subtle flavor but also for their potential health benefits. They are rich in essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. However, it is estimated that up to 30% of total mushroom production generates non-marketable waste, which is currently used as animal feed, fertilizer, or compost. From a circular economy perspective, the objective of this work is to propose a conceptual design for a biorefinery to produce high-value-added products from non-marketable edible mushroom waste and to conduct a comprehensive assessment using modeling and simulation tools for process engineering. The general approach first involves identifying high-potential products, then determining the best processing routes, followed by developing a process flowsheet diagram for a case study (A. bisporus), and ultimately conducting a comprehensive assessment of the biorefinery to evaluate its sustainability. As a result, the proposed biorefinery may produce chitin, citric acid, and fertilizer, demonstrating the technical feasibility of waste valorization in terms of product yields, with positive profitability in terms of the rate of return on investment and payback period, and low environmental impact in terms of water and energy consumption as well as CO2 emissions.

Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment Method Based on Aczel–Alsina T-Norm and T-Conorm Under Bipolar T-Spherical Fuzzy Information: Design Scheme Selection Application

Selecting optimal design solutions is inherently complex due to multiple criteria encompassing users’ uncertain needs, experiences, and costs. This process must manage uncertainty and ambiguity, making developing a scientific, rational, and efficient guidance method imperative. Bipolar T-spherical fuzzy sets (BTSFS), a hybrid of bipolar fuzzy sets and T-spherical fuzzy sets, effectively handle the bipolarity inherent in all elements. In this work, we propose a Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) method based on BTSFS and the Aczel–Alsina T-norm (AATN) and T-conorm (AATCN) to address the problem of selecting conceptual design solutions. We first establish operational rules for BTSFS using AATN and AATCN and introduce weighted aggregation operators (BTSFAAWA) and geometric aggregation operators (BTSFAAWG) while examining fundamental properties, such as idempotency, boundedness, and monotonicity. Subsequently, we propose a two-stage BTSFS-based WASPAS method; criterion weights are calculated using the BTSFAAWA operator, and final rankings are obtained through comprehensive calculations using both the weighted sum method (WSM) based on BTSFAAWA and the weighted product method (WPM) based on BTSFAAWG. Finally, we validate the effectiveness of our method through a case study of the selection of cultural and creative products. Sensitivity and comparative analyses are conducted to demonstrate the advantages of our approach.

Development of PHM Algorithm of e-Latch to Prepare for the Era of Autonomous Driving

In self-driving vehicles linked with mobility electrification, system failures that occur suddenly in situations where customers are unaware of signs of failure are directly related to customer injuries. Securing the durability and safety of closure automation system is necessary to increase the customer's safety value so PHM technology makes it possible to predict failures and remaining life in advance during system operation. In addition, since not only various forms of new concept design styling but also innovative new handle designs are applied, it is obviously seen that e-Latch system is widely equipped in the mobility. Thus, in this paper, the study to predict the failure of e-Latch and closure system is implemented via data-driven and physics-driven method, and the algorithm for PHM to estimate remaining life of e-Latch system is also introduced.

Conceptual design and optimization of a hydrogen-powered aircraft with a dorsal tank layout

Abstract The application of hydrogen as a clean energy source is revolutionizing the aerospace industry, especially in the design and optimization of next-generation aircraft. In this study, a tubular-wing hydrogen-powered aircraft is designed based on a modified Boeing 737 configuration with a dorsal fuselage tank layout. During the design process, the fuselage was parametrically reconstructed to accommodate tanks of different sizes; Subsequently, a multidisciplinary optimization of the hydrogen aircraft was carried out with fuel consumption as the optimization objective. During the optimization process, dynamic mission profiles were introduced to make the fuel consumption calculation more accurate. Finally, this paper compares and analyzes the differences between kerosene-powered and hydrogen-powered aircraft. The results show that the hydrogen airplane has an increase in weight of about 10% and a decrease in lift-to-drag ratio of 1 to 2 units. To offset these effects, a hydrogen airplane would need to be designed with a larger aspect ratio and provide more thrust during flight. Nonetheless, the results also show that, because of the high calorific value of liquid hydrogen, the total energy consumption of the designed hydrogen aircraft is lower than that of a kerosene aircraft for the same range.

Analysing a grid-forming storage hub for an offshore platform cluster supplied by wind energy

Abstract This paper performs an analysis of the electrification of an of-the-grid offshore oil and gas cluster of six platforms by means of a wind farm combined with a hydrogen energy hub. The latter, whose model is made publicly available, contains a grid-forming battery system and grid-following electrolysis and fuel cells units. State-of-the-art aerodynamic simulations are used for representing the wind farm power output, which encompasses wake losses and correlated wind fuctuations between turbines arising from farm-scale turbulence. One of the offshore platforms is represented by a detailed publicly available model named LEOGO. The other five platforms are represented as aggregated mixes of constant power and constant impedance loads. The computer simulations presented in the paper provide valuable insights into furthering the design and optimization of the hub concept. These insights include, among others, sizing of batteries depending on maximum ramp rates of fuel cells and electrolysers, identifying and mitigating instabilities induced by interactions among power electronic converters, and evaluating the consequences for the converters when those contribute with voltage support at the hub.