Design Modifications Research Articles

Energy and exergy analysis of conventional and modified flat-plate solar collector with dual spiral flow tubes: A comparative study

ABSTRACT The most fundamental collectors for water heating are flat plate solar collectors (FPSCs). They are inexpensive, simple to build, and need little maintenance. Conventional FPSCs have relatively low efficiency. More study is needed to increase the efficiency of FPSC by using novel designs. To enhance thermal performance, various strategies have been implemented through design modifications of flow tubes. In this study, dual spiral-shaped flow tubes were constructed instead of the usual FPSCs number of riser tubes and headers and tested with three different mass flow rates (20.9, 29.9, and 42.1 l/h). The optimum instantaneous efficiency achieved is 70.8% at a flow rate of 42.1 l/h, representing a 13.7% improvement in efficiency compared to the conventional collector and lowering the mass flow rate results in an enhanced exergy efficiency of 3.51% at 20.9 l/h. The modified collector achieves its highest instantaneous efficiency when the outlet water temperature is measured at 53.4°C. The modified collector boosts heat transfers by enlarging the water’s surface contact area and prolonging its flow time, resulting in greater heat absorption and significantly improved efficiency. When all other parameters are kept the same as in a conventional design, highly encouraging results in a modified collector have been recorded.

Identifying and mitigating energy losses in Tesla turbines: A study on CFD optimization

AbstractThis study investigates the flow dynamics and energy losses of Tesla turbines using Computational Fluid Dynamics with OpenFOAM. Our goal is to identify the main sources of energy loss. Four main sources of energy loss were identified. The most significant loss occurred during the conversion of pressure energy to kinetic energy, estimated to range from to of the total energy. Energy losses due to leaks between the rotor and the casing were also quantified, ranging from to of the kinetic energy at peak efficiency points. Design modifications, such as incorporating a nozzle at the entrance of the turbine, can improve efficiency. These findings highlight specific areas for efficiency improvement, offering opportunities for improved turbine design and integration into energy‐generation systems.

Numerical investigation of the geometric parameters effect of helical blades installed on horizontal geo heat exchanger

In this study, we investigate the enhancement of horizontal geothermal heat exchangers equipped with helical fins on the pipe's exterior and internally ribbed turbulators. Our approach focuses on the interplay between geometry and thermal efficiency through innovative design modifications. Utilizing the finite element method, three-dimensional numerical simulations assessed the effects of varying geometric parameters such as the diameter and thickness of the fins. Our findings indicate significant increases in heat transfer efficiency with the addition of helical fins; specifically, increasing the fin diameter from 5 mm to 10 mm results in a 15 % increase in the heat transfer rate, while doubling the fin thickness from 2 mm to 4 mm enhances the rate by 10 %. These improvements are due to the expanded surface area facilitating greater heat exchange. Optimization using the desirability function approach yielded models with high performance, achieving desirability scores of 0.9879 for outlet temperature and 0.9534 for the heat transfer coefficient. This reflects the effective tuning of geometric parameters to maximize thermal performance. The study also introduces two predictive mathematical models for the outlet temperature and convective heat transfer coefficient of the U-shaped pipe equipped with these enhancements. These models, derived from extensive numerical data, provide practical tools for future design and operational applications of geothermal heat exchangers. This research advances the design and operational efficiency of geothermal heat exchange systems, establishing new benchmarks for thermal efficiency in the field with actionable insights and robust mathematical tools.

PSVII-30 Assessing writing and visual models as a pedagogical strategy for creating individual learning paths in animal nutrition

Abstract Self-directed learning harnesses intrinsic drive of students to create and preserve knowledge fostering comprehension of broader concepts and real-world applicability. Principles of animal nutrition, a required course in animal science curricula nationwide, is foundational to sustainable management of livestock and companion animals. Mastery of the principles governing nutrient digestion and metabolism is imperative as students progress into upper-level classes and pursue careers in the agriculture field. In this study, 304 students, enrolled in an upper-level animal nutrition class were invited to participate in an honors contract, entailing the completion of the “Explorer” project to earn honors credit. Throughout the semester, students (n = 27) researched a unique herbivore or omnivore, to create novel visual models illustrating nutrient digestion and metabolism (e.g., carbohydrates, lipids, proteins). We hypothesized that explaining these processes and models through writing would build confidence and proficiency in lecture material. The honors cohort convened weekly for 1 h sessions on campus; meetings offered scientific writing seminars, collaborative brainstorming activities, and project feedback. A Likert scale survey was generated and administered using Qualtrics software during the last weekly meeting to those who completed the “Explorer” project (88.8% response rate). Additionally, participating students completed a learning reflection addressing prompts regarding engagement, critical thinking, comparison with lecture writing assignments, and proposed design modifications. An open coding methodology was employed, utilizing MAXQDA Analytics Pro (Version 24.1.0) to analyze reflections qualitatively. Subsequently, the AI assist feature was used to enhance inter-coder reliability by generating summaries and sub-codes that aided in the exploration of common themes across reflections. Our analysis revealed that writing to learn in a nutrition course provided an authentic avenue for scientific expression, fostering skills such as communication, time management, research, comprehension of literature, and effective citation usage. Information gathering improved confidence in their ability to interpret and integrate concepts from lectures and external sources. Incorporating group activities and peer-reviews bolstered project efficacy, motivating students to revise, incorporate feedback, and consider alternative perspectives iteratively. Moreover, the learner-generated drawing enhanced critical thinking by encouraging students to dissect processes thoroughly. In conclusion, the combination of creating visual models alongside written explanations proved highly effective in simplifying complex nutritional concepts, facilitating deeper comprehension, and providing a high-impact learning experience. Future research should focus on peer teaching following similar writing activities to further improve student engagement and foster avenues for autonomy. Efforts should be made to encourage participation from a more diverse range of students that represent all backgrounds in animal science.

Dynamic Measurement Method for Steering Wheel Angle of Autonomous Agricultural Vehicles

Steering wheel angle is an important and essential parameter of the navigation control of autonomous wheeled vehicles. At present, the combination of rotary angle sensors and four-link mechanisms is the main sensing approach for steering wheel angle with high measurement accuracy, which is widely adopted in autonomous agriculture vehicles. However, in a complex and challenging farmland environment, there are a series of prominent problems such as complicated installation and debugging, spattered mud blocking the parallel four-bar mechanism, breakage of the sensor wire during operation, and separate calibrations for different vehicles. To avoid the above problems, a novel dynamic measurement method for steering wheel angle is presented based on vehicle attitude information and a non-contact attitude sensor. First, the working principle of the proposed measurement method and the effect of zero position error on measurement accuracy and path tracking are analyzed. Then, an optimization algorithm for zero position error of steering wheel angle is proposed. The experimental platform is assembled based on a 2ZG-6DM rice transplanter by software design and hardware modification. Finally, comparative tests are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and priority of the proposed dynamic sensing method. Experimental results show that the average absolute error of the straight path is 0.057° and the corresponding standard deviation of the error is 0.483°. The average absolute error of the turning path is 0.686° and the standard deviation of the error is 0.931°. This implies the proposed dynamic sensing method can accurately realize the collection of the steering wheel angle. Compared to the traditional measurement method, the proposed dynamic sensing method greatly improves the measurement reliability of the steering wheel angle and avoids complicated installation and debugging of different vehicles. The separate calibrations for different vehicles are not needed since the proposed measurement method is not dependent on the kinematic models of the vehicles. Given that the attitude sensor can be installed at a higher position on the wheel, sensor damage from mud blocking and the sensor wire breaking is also avoided.

Lessons in cognition: A review of maze designs and procedures used to measure spatial learning in fish.

The use of different mazes to assess spatial learning has become more common in fish behavior studies in recent decades. This increase in fish cognition research has opened the door to numerous possibilities for exciting and diverse questions, such as identifying ecological drivers of spatial cognition and understanding the role individual variation plays in navigational abilities. There are many different types of mazes, each with its own specific considerations, making it challenging to determine exactly which spatial test is the most relevant and appropriate for a particular experiment. Many spatial mazes, such as the T-maze and Y-maze, have been successfully adapted from rodent studies, particularly with respect to zebrafish, a widely accepted non-mammalian model in biomedical studies. Standardization across studies is increasing with these easily accessible maze designs, validating them for use in fish; however, variations in design (e.g., length of arms and scale) and procedure still exist, and the impact of these variations on results is largely unknown. The efforts to standardize mazes outside zebrafish work are also more limited. Other mazes have been developed specifically for use on fish, with design modifications varying widely, making it difficult to draw comparisons. In this review, we have highlighted the many design and procedural elements that should be considered for the acquisition of reliable behavioral data, with the goal of drawing readers' attention to aspects of experimentation that are often not given the careful consideration that they deserve. We then argue that additional focused research and reporting is needed to produce more reliable methods in spatial learning research across a broader range of subjects.

A comprehensive analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of pulsed electric fields during soil electrokinetic remediation

AbstractSoil electrokinetic remediation (SEKR) is considered an effective method for removing pollutants by integrating chemical, physical, and biological treatments. It has multiple applications in fields such as dewatering, consolidation, sedimentation, seed germination, etc. This work builds upon a series of recent publications on SEKR, covering topics like electrode approaches, reverse polarity-based SEK, SEK design modifications, installation of perforated materials, and chemical-based SEK. This review focuses on the role of pulsed electric field (PEF) in enhancing the performance of SEKR. There are several other names for the PEF, including periodic, interval, “ON” and “OFF”, intermittent, and breaking electric fields. PEF is proposed as a solution to overcome certain obstacles in SEKR. The review evaluates PEF's impact on (a) remediating organic and inorganic hazards, anions, and salt, (b) integrating with other processes (reverse polarity, phytoremediation, and bioremediation), and (c) electro-dewatering and consolidation. PEF offers several advantages, such as reducing energy consumption, converting the residual fractions into weakly bound fractions, achieving satisfactory remediation, avoiding the voltage drop in the area across the cation exchange membrane, enhancing desorption and/or migration of charged species, permits the exchange of contaminant from solid to the liquid phase (interstitial fluid), allows contaminant diffusion through the soil pores during the off time, generate high electroosmotic flow, avoiding electrode corrosion, decreasing concentration polarization, etc. However, it may also prolong the remediation period and cause contaminant diffusion through the soil pores, which are considered obstacles for SEKR. This review also describe different techniques related to PEF and highlights the potential use of solar cells as a renewable energy source for SEKR. Graphic abstract

Structural state nonlinearity-based design and modification formulae of inerter-based systems

As structural safety emerges as a paramount concern and with the advancement in vibration control technology, a notable gap persists in accurately simulating structural state nonlinearity, especially within the field of inerter-based seismic control technology. Dealing with the need to upgrade the seismic performance of practical nonlinear structures, this study proposes a structural state nonlinearity-based design method for inerter-incorporated civil structures by incorporating the target seismic performance, structural nonlinearity level, and ground motion effects. By establishing mechanical models of inerter-based systems with straightforward parameters and a prototypical bilinear model for the primary structure, governing equations for inerter-incorporated structures were derived. Later, structural state nonlinearity-based design method for inerter-based systems, including optimization criteria and parameter distribution pattern, is elaborated. Simultaneously, this study also provides structural state nonlinearity-based design curves and modification formulae related to structural state nonlinearity and peak ground acceleration of earthquake. Validated using a 10-story multiple-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) structure subjected to earthquakes, the results highlight the effectiveness of the method, emphasizing its potential in controlling seismic responses of structures within the predetermined performance target. In addition, the absolute acceleration mitigation effect of inerter-based systems is investigated. The efficiency and robustness of the proposed method are also verified under near-fault and far-fault earthquakes. In essence, this research pioneers an approach in inerter-based design, bridging structural state nonlinearity, and potentially reshaping seismic control strategies to align with diverse structural states.

Toward Sustainable Production: Emerging Trends in Iron and Steel Making

AbstractThe iron and steel industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for about 7–9 % of the total emissions. This paper examines sustainable production methods in the iron and steel industry, focusing on decarbonization strategies and energy integration. It covers a wide range of alternative reductants to replace the conventional use of coal. Moreover, the paper highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with each approach. Additionally, it discusses the design modifications for coal‐based sponge iron plants, aiming to reduce coal consumption and waste gas generation while ensuring economic viability. This study provides a roadmap for transitioning to environmentally friendly, technically feasible, and economically viable iron and steel manufacturing processes.

Innovative Approaches to Mitigating Noise Pollution from Electric Power Generators: Design Modifications for Enhanced Sound Control

Aims: The noise emanating from high sound power electric generators has adverse effects on human health. In this view, this paper reports a modification that can be done to reduce this high levels of noise to a permissible noise limit. Place and Duration of Study: This study identified the major source and levels of noise emission from selected electric power generators sampled in Ile-Ife, Osun-State, Nigeria. Also determined the controlling parameters of the identified source and modified the identified parameters for low noise generation. Methodology: Noise assignment was carried out on Four (4) medium size electric power generating sets using ATP: MODEL MT- 901A sound measuring instrument at distance of about one centimeter. The major sources of noise emission were investigated on the four selected generating sets. The source of noise from these generating sets was further analysed to identify the major controlling parameters of the identified source. Theoretical modification was done based on these identified parameters for low noise generation. Results: The results of the findings showed that at silencer length of 46.5, 44.0 and 41.2 centimeter, the total sound power levels of the sampled generating sets will be 50, 55 and 60 decibels respectively which is within the permissible noise limits of World Bank.

Investigating key factors for superior CRMC-based mortars cured under CO2 pressurized environment

An exploratory programme was undertaken to individually test the influence of reactive magnesia to waste-based material (biomass fly ash) ratio, water to solids in binder ratio, static compaction pressure, accelerated carbonation curing period, and curing temperature, on the compressive strength results of Carbonated Reactive Magnesia Cement (CRMC)-based mortars. Subsequently, the observed optimal conditions of each parameter were combined to assess their influence when applied together. A total of twenty-four mixture labels were designed, with specimens moulded under static compaction pressure and subjected to a pressurized accelerated carbonation curing under controlled conditions. The devised mortars were evaluated through compressive strength tests, and the microstructure was carried out through TG-DTG, ATR-FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX, and MIP analyses. The results demonstrated that none of the tested influencing factors can be exclusively considered as the sole determinant for the compressive strength outcomes. Thus, this study highlights the importance of thoroughly considering any modifications in both mixture design and accelerated carbonation curing conditions to achieve the optimal properties of CRMC-based mortars. Additionally, the devised CRMC-based mortars exhibited favourable binding properties with biomass fly ashes, allowing for its secondary use and contributing to waste circularity by avoiding landfill disposal, supporting the development of the waste circularity and CO2 sequestration through mineralization in carbonated materials.

Role of Pyridine Nitrogen Position on the Moisture Sensitivity of Organic Emitters.

Moisture-sensitive fluorescent emitters are a class of smart materials that can change their emission behavior upon exposure to water. In this study, we have synthesized two highly fluorescent organic emitters, 4BPy-PTA and 2BPy-PTA, and showed how moisture sensitivity can be enhanced by molecular design modification. Owing to the different nitrogen atom positions in the acceptor units, the emitters show different degrees of moisture sensitivity. Upon moisture exposure, both emitters change their emission color from greenish-yellow to blue, but a larger shift was witnessed in 4BPy-PTA (81 nm) than in 2BPy-PTA (68 nm). Moisture exposure enhances the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 4BPy-PTA from 37 to 48%, whereas it suppresses the PLQY of 2BPy-PTA from 59 to 15%. A shorter moisture sensing time, large emission color shift, and enhanced PLQY make 4BPy-PTA a better moisture-sensitive material than 2BPy-PTA. Interestingly, the emission colors of the emitters can be completely regained by heating and partially by applying mechanical force to the moisture-exposed solids. In addition, these emitters also show mechanochromic luminescence behavior with a completely reversible emission color switch between blue and green.

Investigating the Impact of 3D Printing Parameters on Hexagonal Structured PLA+ Samples and Analyzing the Incorporation of Sawdust and Soybean Oil as Post-Print Fillers

Today, around the world, there is huge demand for natural materials that are biodegradable and possess suitable properties. Natural fibers reveal distinct aspects like the combination of good mechanical and thermal properties that allow these types of materials to be used for different applications. However, fibers alone cannot meet the required expectations; design modifications and a wide variety of combinations must be synthesized and evaluated. It is of great importance to research and develop materials that are bio-degradable and widely available. The combination of PLA+, a bio-based polymer, with natural fillers like sawdust and soybean oil offers a novel way to create sustainable composites. It reduces the reliance on petrochemical-based plastics while enhancing the material’s properties using renewable resources. This study explores the creation of continuous hexagonal-shaped 3D-printed PLA+ samples and the application of post-print fillers, specifically sawdust and soybean oil. PLA+ is recognized for its eco-friendliness and low carbon footprint, and incorporating a hexagonal pattern into the 3D-printed PLA+ enhances its structural strength while maintaining its density. The addition of fillers is crucial for reducing shrinkage and improving binding capabilities, addressing some of PLA+’s inherent challenges and enhancing its load-bearing capacity and performance at elevated temperatures. Additionally, this study examines the impact of varying filler percentages and pattern orientations on the mechanical properties of the samples, which were printed with an infill design.

Mixing screw design and high density polyethylene toughening modification for recycled polypropylene based on screw 3D printing

AbstractThe recycling of waste plastics primarily involves physical modification and the addition of modifiers, often utilizing equipment such as twin‐screw extruders for miscible modification. Considering the widespread use of single‐screw 3D printing, improving the mixing efficiency of the single‐screw is crucial to achieve a “one‐stop” recycling modification that is suitable for 3D printing. This paper introduces a 3D printer equipped with a mixing screw (MS) and compares it with a conventional screw (CS). We conduct numerical simulations to investigate the pressure build‐up capacity, velocity streamline distribution, and the mixing effect of the MS. The mechanical properties, thermal characteristics, and molecular orientation of the recycled Polypropylene (rPP) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) mixture are investigated through experiments. The results show that the MS provides more effective elongational flows compared to the CS by breaking down the reinforcing materials into smaller particles. Additionally, toughening and modification experiments are performed on rPP and HDPE. The composites treated with the MS showed improved elongation at break (increased by ~111%), a stable melt crystallization temperature, and an enhanced mixing effect. This study on single‐screw 3D printers lays the groundwork for streamlining the plastic recycling process and increasing the reuse rate of recycled plastics.

Endodontic Access Cavity Design and Fracture Resistance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Conventional vs. Newer Access Cavity.

The era of minimally invasive dentistry has led to the development of new access cavity designs. The impact of various access cavity designs on the fracture resistance of teeth has been extensively studied. The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate and compare the effects of recent modifications in endodontic access cavity design- specifically, conventional, conservative, and truss designs on tooth fracture resistance. Three independent reviewers searched studies across six different databases (PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost, BVS, Wiley, and Google Scholar) from January 2000 to July 2024, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The articles were then screened using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. A quality assessment was performed using a modified version of the quality assessment of in-vitro studies according to the QUIN (Quality Assessment Tool For In Vitro Studies) tool, categorizing the selected articles into low, moderate, and high risk of bias. Quantitative data synthesis was conducted to combine equivalent results using STATA. Forest plots were created with the level of significance set at 0.05 (p = 0.05). Out of 243 articles, 14 met the strict inclusion criteria. Among the selected articles, 11 showed a low risk of bias and three showed a moderate risk. The meta-analysis revealed that fracture resistance of conservative and truss access designs is significantly higher than that of conventional endodontic access, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 2.61 (95% 1.47 to 3.74; p-values <0.001) and SMD = -1.26 (95% confidence interval (CI): -1.81 to 0-0.71; p<0.001). The heterogeneity (I²) values for these comparisons were 92% and 65.6%, respectively. The extent of the access cavity has a substantial impact on tooth fracture resistance. Newer conservative and truss endodontic access designs offer better fracture resistance compared to conventional endodontic access.

Research Progress of Novel Inorganic Nanomaterials in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.

The global increase in the number of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients has posed numerous treatment challenges. Six Food and Drug Administration-approved medications (e.g., donepezil and memantine) have demonstrated some efficacy but are primarily used to alleviate symptoms. The etiology of AD is unknown, and the blood-brain barrier restricts drug penetration, which severely restricts the use of various therapeutic agents. With their high targeting, long-lasting effect, and multifunctionality, inorganic nanomaterials provide a novel approach to the treatment of AD. A review of inorganic nanoparticles in the diagnosis and therapy of AD. This paper reviews the research literature on the use of inorganic nanomaterials in the treatment of AD. Gold nanoparticles, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots are among the inorganic nanomaterials studied. As knowledge of the origins of AD remains limited, the majority of studies on inorganic nanomaterials have primarily focused on interventions on Aβ proteins. Adjusting and enhancing the properties of these inorganic nanomaterials, such as core-shell structure design and surface modification, confer benefits for the treatment of AD. Inorganic nanoparticles have a wide spectrum of therapeutic potential for AD. Despite their potential benefits, however, the safety and translation of inorganic nanomaterials into clinical applications remain formidable obstacles.

AC Zeeman effect in microfabricated surface traps.

Quantum processors and atomic clocks based on trapped ions often utilize an ion's hyperfine transition as the qubit state or frequency reference, respectively. These states are a good choice because they are insensitive in first order to magnetic field fluctuations, leading to long coherence times and stable frequency splittings. In trapped ions, however, these states are still subject to the second order AC Zeeman effect due to the necessary presence of an oscillating magnetic field used to confine the ions in a Paul trap configuration. Here, we measure the frequency shift of the 2S1/2 hyperfine transition of a 171Yb+ ion caused by the radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field used to create confinement in several microfabricated surface trap designs. By comparing different trap designs, we show that two key design modifications significantly reduce the AC Zeeman effect experienced by the ion: (1) an RF ground layer routed directly below the entire RF electrode, and (2) a symmetric RF electrode. Both of these changes lead to better cancellation of the AC magnetic field and, thus, overall reduced frequency shifts due to the AC Zeeman effect and reduced variation across the device. These improvements enable a more homogeneous environment for quantum computing and can reduce errors for precision applications such as atomic clocks.

Allothermally Heated Reactors for Solar-Powered Implementation of Sulphur-Based Thermochemical Cycles

Catalytic sulphur trioxide splitting is the highest-temperature (650-950oC), endothermic step of several sulphur-based thermochemical cycles targeted to production of hydrogen or solid sulphur. Concentrated solar power tower plants are an attractive renewable energy source to provide the necessary heat. Furthermore, the development of solar receivers capable of delivering solid or gaseous heat transfer fluids at these temperature ranges enable the implementation of such endothermic reactions in allothermally-heated reactors/heat exchangers placed away from the solar receiver. In this context, a 2-kW laboratory-scale shelland-tube reactor/heat exchanger to perform thermal sulphuric acid decomposition and catalytic sulphur trioxide splitting was in-house designed, built and tested with electrically heated bauxite particles, in the perspective of eventually coupling such a reactor with a centrifugal particle solar receiver. Thermal test runs demonstrated the in-principle feasibility of the concept. The temperatures reached were sufficient to ensure complete sulphuric acid evaporation. However, the ones in the SO3 splitting zone were of the order of 750°C, high enough to demonstrate SO3 splitting but not reaching the levels required for close-toequilibrium conversion of the Fe2O3 catalyst system used (~ 850oC). An improved version of the reactor is under construction incorporating design modifications based on lessons learned from the test campaigns, in the perspective of scaling up the process.

Conversion of An Existing 3 – Phase BLDC Hub motor to A 6 – Phase BLDC Hub Motor and their Performance Analysis for EV Application

In this research work a six–phase BLDC Hub motor designed, developed by using an existing 3–phase BLDC Hub motor material. This conversion orients towards design modifications in the stator winding layout, the number of phases, the number of hall-sensors, placement of hall-sensors and stator winding commutation. Also, a new controller is designed to commutate the six-phase stator winding. The rotor is kept the same without any modification in geometry and number of magnets. The existing 3–phase BLDC Hub motor, which is used in two – wheel EV application, has 48 slots and 52 magnets and a concentrated double layer winding layout is observed in it. This paper presents a novel direct approach for the conversion of the existing 3–phase BLDC Hub motor to a six–phase BLDC Hub motor. Using this proposed approach, a six-phase winding layout is designed and developed for the existing 48 slots stator of the BLDC Hub motor. This approach reduces the number of iterations to determine the proper phase sequence and phase offset among the phase windings compared to regular Cros’ method. In this work, first the existing 3–phase BLDC Hub motor is dismantled, and its stator is rewound with the six – phase winding layout, which is determined by author’s presented direct approach. The winding was designed in such a way to keep the stator slot fill factor in practical limits. Six hall-sensors placed in the stator slots to identify the position of the rotor. Secondly, a new controller is designed to run the developed six-phase BLDC Hub motor. Six-phase and 3–phase BLDC Hub motors are loaded at common load conditions, for performance comparison, and experimental results of both the motors presented. The results show that the six-phase BLDC Hub motor performs better than the existing 3–phase BLDC Hub motor. Hence, this work proves that the conversion of existing 3–phase BLDC Hub motor to a six–phase BLDC Hub motor is viable and can be adopted commercially.

An Overview of Carbon Dioxide Photo/Electrocatalyzed by Titanium Dioxide Catalyst

AbstractThis study provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in photocatalytic and electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction using titanium dioxide catalysts. The basic concepts of light absorption, electron transport, and reduction processes are introduced in this paper, which also delves into the specifics of photocatalytic and electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide. The paper highlights the key applications and benefits of titanium dioxide, including its strong stability, outstanding light absorption capacity, and good electron transport performance, in the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide. Furthermore, it examines the impact of various surface modification techniques on catalytic performance, as well as the effects of various titanium dioxide catalyst forms on catalytic activity and selectivity in carbon dioxide reduction. The in‐depth analysis exhibit promising catalytic properties and hold significant potential for future advancements. However, some obstacles still need to be overcome, such as increasing catalytic activity and selectivity while minimizing energy dissipation. In order to improve catalytic performance and efficiency, future research should prioritize the optimization of structural design and surface modification techniques for catalysts. Additionally, the paper provides a scientific foundation for accomplishing sustainable carbon conversion, it also calls for additional experimental and theoretical research into the mechanism of action for titanium dioxide catalyst.