Electric Light Research Articles

Techno-Economic Comparison of Total Cost Ownership of Electric and Combustion Light Commercial Vehicles

Objective: This study aims to investigate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of an Electric Vehicle (EV) and a Combustion Vehicle (CV) to determine the economic viability of the EV. Theoretical Framework: Net Present Value (NPV) is used to evaluate costs over a 10-year timeframe, considering purchase prices, insurance, maintenance costs, fixed-term deposit rates, and road taxes. Method: Two similar commercial light vehicles (Renault Kangoo and Renault Kangoo ZE) are compared using a financial analysis based on NPV. Results and Discussion: The electric version of the vehicle (Renault Kangoo ZE) proves to be economically attractive, especially with intensive use. Research Implications: The results suggest that, with intensive use, electric vehicles can be a financially viable option, which could encourage their widespread adoption in the future. Originality/Value: The value of the study lies in its detailed financial approach to comparing the TCO between an EV and an equivalent combustion vehicle. This analysis allows for the evaluation of the economic viability of electric vehicles, providing a solid basis for decisions on their widespread adoption.

Testing the use of daylight-linked control systems to address integrative lighting and energy savings in office buildings

Daylight-linked control systems (DLCSs) are used to maintain constant work plane illuminance and save energy. If properly calibrated, they could be used to guarantee circadian requirements fulfilment as well. In this study, the functioning of a closed-loop proportional dimming system is simulated based on on-field measurements. Simulations are performed calibrating the system to achieve different targets: three work plane task illuminances (300 lx, 500 lx, 750 lx) and one melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance (melEDI) value (250 lx) alternatively. Four electric light CCT profiles (stable at 3000 K, 4000 K, and 6500 K, and variable during the day) are considered. Results demonstrate that when the system is calibrated according to work plane illuminance, melEDI values are always fulfilled under clear sky and with overcast sky when task illuminance and CCT are high. When the system is calibrated to meet circadian requirements, the CCT choice is crucial to guarantee work plane illuminance.

Use microfluidics to study cell migration in response to fluid shear stress gradients

Cells respond not only to biological regulatory factors but also to physical stimuli such as electric fields, light, and shear stress in their environment. These stimuli can lead to cell migration and morphological changes. In the human body, cells encounter fluid shear stress induced by interstitial flow, lymphatic flow, blood flow, or organ-specific conditions within their micro-environments. Therefore, fluid shear stress, a classic mechanical force, has gained significant attention in wound healing and cancer metastasis. In this study, a microfluidic chip was developed to both culture cells and generate a shear stress gradient to direct cell migration. The design of this device’s geometry allows the generation of a shear stress gradient perpendicular to the direction of medium flow. This greatly eliminates the influence of flow-induced cell responses. Using mouse fibroblast cells (NIH3T3) and human lung cancer cells (CL1-5) as models, their migration directionality, migration rates, and alignment in response to the shear stress gradient were investigated. Within the stress range of 0.095–0.155 Pa and a gradient of 0.015 Pa/mm, NIH3T3 cells did not exhibit significant directional migration, differences in migration rates, or specific alignment patterns. In contrast, CL1-5 cells preferred higher shear stress environments and alignment parallel to the medium flow, suggesting that these conditions could induce higher mobility in these cancer cells.

Advances in Non-thermal Food Processing Methods-Principle Advantages and Limitations for the Establishment of Minimal Food Quality as well as Safety Issues: A Review

Background: The demand from consumers for safe, healthy food with a long shelf life, with no change in taste or nutritive value, has made food safety a key concern in today's world. Traditional thermal food processing technology has trouble meeting these standards. Conventional thermal and non-thermal processing has limitations and to overcome these limitations more studies are conducted regarding the novel non-thermal food processing methods. Objective: The goal of this paper was to present an overview of the research on the development of non-thermal processing techniques, such as electrofreezing, high hydrostatic pressure, pulsed electric fields, ultrasound, pulsed light, and plasma activated water, as well as their advantages and limitations. Methods: The present review aims to summarize findings related to novel non-thermal processing techniques, gathered from work published in scientific journals, related books, and book chapters from sources such as Web of Science (WoS), Google Scholar, Scopus and ScienceDirect. Results: Non-thermal treatment may result in more desirable outcomes, such as greater preservation of heat-sensitive nutrients, fewer changes in sensorial as well as physico-chemical quality of the processed foods. Conclusion: Compared to traditional heat processing, the nutritional value of foods is better preserved, and the sensory qualities of foods are less altered. These novel techniques can be combined with each other to achieve higher efficiency and overcome other limitations. More studies should be conducted regarding the combination of novel non-thermal techniques to achieve greater efficiency.

Роль виолончели в рок-музыке ХХ века

The focus of this article is the actualization of the cello in the rock music of the 20th century and further performance modifications associated with this instrument in the 21st century. The article examines changes in the design features of the instrument itself (electric cello), the birth of cello rock (Electric Light Orchestra) and the cello boom in rock music in the 1990s-2000s (Apocalyptica and other bands), and from this perspective, it touches upon some aspects of creative work and features of the performing manner of some rock group musicians. Particular attention is paid to the creative activity of the Balkan duo 2CELLOS. Having done a detailed historical and cultural review of this musical phenomenon, the author draws a conclusion about the organic inclusion of cello rock in the musical culture of the 20th — 21st centuries.

Optical control of berry curvature in gated WSe2 bilayers

Abstract Unlike single layers of 2H transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), bilayers of 2H TMDCs maintain inversion and time reversal (TR) symmetries, resulting in a vanishing Berry curvature ( Ω ( k ) ∼ 0 ) that inhibits various potential transport phenomena. A nonzero Berry curvature ( Ω ( k ) ≠ 0 ) is imperative for the occurrence of several unconventional transport phenomena, including the anomalous Hall effect and the anomalous Nernst effect. To overcome this limitation, we break these symmetries in bilayer TMDCs using electrostatic gating and circularly polarized light as external means. For non-gated WSe2 bilayers, circularly polarized light breaks TR symmetry, creating a finite Berry curvature signal in both conduction and valence bands, controllable by light intensity and its polarity. In gated WSe2 bilayers, where inversion symmetry is also broken, we observe a sign reversal in Berry curvature within the conduction bands, the extent of which depends on the relative strengths of the electric gating and light intensity. Overall, under finite bias and light intensity, the 2H bilayers of WSe2 exhibits finite spin Hall, valley Hall, and anomalous Hall conductivities, which depend on the strengths of the applied perturbations.

Untangling light in noisy luminous environments

Electric light sources, including displays and luminaires, often exhibit rapid light fluctuations called temporal light modulation (TLM). TLM can be seen as their electrical footprint. This work demonstrates that TLM can be remotely detected and used to perform in situ photometric and spectroradiometric measurements of very low light levels superimposed to intense backgrounds. Illuminance levels about 500 000 times smaller than the background were reliably measured by lock-in detection, allowing photometric measurements to be performed during daytime, even with sunny conditions. Using a new type of optical lock-in spectrometer, it becomes possible to retrieve spectral quantities through the TLM of the light source. The spectral distribution of an LED lamp was measured against a daylit background more than 1500 times brighter. Lock-in detection is an excellent technique to perform in situ measurements of electric light, even at very low level, in the presence of daylight and other background lights, opening interesting opportunities to characterize anthropogenic light pollution.

Transient response of a megawatt-scale solar photovoltaic in an electric distribution utility

There is an increasing trend among customers of an electrical distribution utility to adopt grid-tied solar photovoltaic systems. This shift offers multiple benefits to consumers, including lower monthly electricity bills and a contribution to the development of green energy. For the electrical distribution utility, various impacts may arise due to varying levels of solar energy penetration. This study investigates the effects of integrating varying levels of solar photovoltaic penetration into the commercial consumer network of Cagayan de Oro Electric Power and Light Company (CEPALCO) in the Philippines. Utilizing PowerWorld simulator, the research evaluates 11 different scenarios with solar penetration levels adjusted according to the percentage of load demand. Key findings include alterations in solar megavolt ampere of reactive power output, bus voltage levels, transformer power loading, and transmission line ampacity, with frequency levels remaining stable across scenarios. The optimal solar penetration level was identified at 70%, balancing the benefits of solar energy integration with the need to maintain grid stability and operational limits. This optimal level ensures the effective utilization of renewable energy sources without compromising the performance of CEPALCO’s electrical infrastructure. The research concludes with recommendations for maintaining grid stability and operational limits at the optimal solar penetration limits.

Research on Failure Characteristics of Electric Logistics Vehicle Powertrain Gearbox Based on Current Signal

As a core component of the powertrain system of Electric Logistics Vehicles (ELVs), the gearbox is crucial for ensuring the reliability and stability of ELV operations. Traditional fault diagnosis methods for gearboxes primarily rely on the analysis of vibration signals during operation. This paper presents research on diagnosing gear tooth wear faults in ELV powertrains using motor current signals. Firstly, an experimental test platform was constructed based on the structural principle of the powertrain of ELV models. Subsequently, a pure electric light truck powertrain gearbox with tooth wear was tested. Time–frequency domain analysis, amplitude analysis, ANOVA analysis, kurtosis analysis, and zero−crossing points analysis were used to analyze the U−phase current of the motor connected to the gearbox to study the characteristics of the phase current of the drive motor after tooth wear. The results indicate that while the time–frequency domain characteristics of the U−phase currents are not significantly altered by tooth wear faults, the amplitude, variance, and kurtosis of the current increase with the severity of the wear. Conversely, the number of zero−crossing points decreases. These findings provide valuable insights into new methodologies for diagnosing faults in ELV powertrain systems, potentially enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of troubleshooting processes.

Intermolecular Electrostatic Interactions in Cytochrome c Protein Monolayer on Montmorillonite Alumosilicate Surface: A Positive Cooperative Effect.

Montmorillonite (MM) crystal nanoplates acquire anticancer properties when coated with the mitochondrial protein cytochrome c (cytC) due to the cancer cells' capability to phagocytize cytC-MM colloid particles. The introduced exogenous cytC initiates apoptosis: an irreversible cascade of biochemical reactions leading to cell death. In the present research, we investigate the organization of the cytC layer on the MM surface by employing physicochemical and computer methods-microelectrophoresis, static, and electric light scattering-to study cytC adsorption on the MM surface, and protein electrostatics and docking to calculate the local electric potential and Gibbs free energy of interacting protein globules. The found protein concentration dependence of the adsorbed cytC quantity is nonlinear, manifesting a positive cooperative effect that emerges when the adsorbed cytC globules occupy more than one-third of the MM surface. Computer analysis reveals that the cooperative effect is caused by the formation of protein associates in which the cytC globules are oriented with oppositely charged surfaces. The formation of dimers and trimers is accompanied by a strong reduction in the electrostatic component of the Gibbs free energy of protein association, while the van der Waals component plays a secondary role.

Study on the electrostatic shedding and crushing characteristics of ethanol and diesel droplets

The study of electrostatic shedding and crushing characteristics of droplets is the basis of understanding electrostatic atomization, and the study of its shedding and crushing behavior in electrostatic field is conducted. Micropump drive is used to control the flow rate, electrostatic generation device to form a stable electric field, light lighting and high-speed camera to obtain the dynamic behavior of shedding and crushing process, and use digital image processing technology to extract the process parameters. The results show that: when the capillary tube diameter and flow are unchanged, when the electric field voltage is low, the droplet deviates and falls off, the diesel droplet is smaller than the ethanol; when the electric field voltage is moderate, the droplet is closed or deformed into wave strip; only when the flow rate increases and the electric field voltage is large, the average particle size of ethanol is smaller than diesel, indicating that the electrostatic atomization effect of ethanol with small surface tension is significantly better than that of diesel oil.

Literature Review on Conjugated Polymers as Light-Sensitive Materials for Photovoltaic and Light-Emitting Devices in Photonic Biomaterial Applications

Due to their extended p-orbital delocalization, conjugated polymers absorb light in the range of visible–NIR frequencies. We attempt to exploit this property to create materials that compete with inorganic semiconductors in photovoltaic and light-emitting materials. Beyond competing for applications in photonic devices, organic conjugated compounds, polymers, and small molecules have also been extended to biomedical applications like phototherapy and biodetection. Recent research on conjugated polymers has focused on bioapplications based on the absorbed light energy conversions in electric impulses, chemical energy, heat, and light emission. In this review, we describe the working principles of those photonic devices that have been applied and researched in the field of biomaterials.

Cost-Effective Automatic Portable Air Purifier

Indoor air pollution has become a severe concern on human health due to improper ventilation, pets and fine dust particles. The demand for efficient air purifiers has surged, yet many existing solutions are generally pricey and lack portability. The suggested air purifier uses modern filtration technologies, including activated carbon filters, to remove a wide range of airborne contaminants, such as dust, allergies, pet hair, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). By adopting a tiny and lightweight design, the purifier offers outstanding portability, enabling customers to experience clean and fresh air wherever they go. The proposed air purifier possesses a distinctive design that integrates a high electric field generator and UV light source. The high electric field technique effectively accumulates and neutralizes airborne particles, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and germs. Simultaneously, the UV light component kills dangerous microbes, such as viruses and bacteria, by breaking their DNA structure, offering cleaner and healthier air. To achieve best performance and energy economy the air purifier adopts an automated operation mode. The device operates only upon the detection of motion a human being.

Light as a Form of Visual Language Supporting Daily Schedules in Educational Spaces: A Design Framework

This study explores how lighting can be employed as a visual language to enhance communication between the space and its users and develop a design framework for educational spaces. A primary school is used as a case study to apply the proposed design framework. The study focuses on lighting interventions in existing educational spaces to support daily schedules and transitions between activities. In this context, electric light is used as an indicator, highlighting the daily schedule and activities in the space. A theoretical approach is used as a foundation for establishing the design framework that leads to lighting proposals based on the specific spatial characteristics of each study. The outcome is a design solution based on the dominant spatial elements that define the space’s identity and function. The study focuses on educational spaces and lighting for peripheral vision while considering pupils’ visual and spatial development. The proposal has the role of an additional light layer that signals transitions in terms of activities or spatial mobility.

Modulating the Transmission of Light Using Asymmetric Janus Particles

AbstractThe ability to manipulate the absorption, scattering, or reflectivity of light using synthetic materials has inspired innovations in nano‐ and micro‐materials for applications ranging from geoengineering to display optics. Asymmetric materials, like Janus particles, offer one solution to meet the needs of such technologies, as composition and geometry can be optimized to maximize directional optical properties in response to magnetic and/or electric fields, light, or electrostatic charge. In this work, a gram‐scale synthesis is applied to generate Janus matchstick particles comprising a gold head with a silica rod. Conditions are explored and optimized to elicit rotation of these matchstick particles under an alternating current (AC) electric field with varying field strength and frequency to maximize particle alignment. While only modest changes in transmission (≈8%) are observed over the visible spectral region with a bare silica rod, the application of an absorbing element increased transmission changes up to ≈23% demonstrating their utility as color‐changing materials. Experimental results are supported by theory and computation and highlight an important first step in activating directional optical effects in these materials which can be optimized for future adaptive technologies.

Measurement of the coupling of magnetism with electricity or light irradiation in BiFeO3 using the Kerr angle

The magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) in monodomain bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) thin films was investigated under applied electric fields and light irradiation. The field-swept MOKE measurements show that the Kerr rotation of BiFeO3 changes under applied electric fields or light irradiation. The piezoresponse force microscopy measurements found that the variation in electrical polarization at the BiFeO3 surface was similar under an applied electric field and ultraviolet irradiation, confirming that the Kerr rotation of BiFeO3 can be controlled using both electric fields and light irradiation. This paper presents a method to couple a magnetic field with an electric field or light irradiation via the Kerr angle measurements of BiFeO3, providing a concept for fabricating multifunctional devices in oxide electronics.

Investigating the Impact of Combined Daylight and Electric Light on Human Perception of Indoor Spaces

People spend more than 90% of their time indoors, and, as such, improving indoor lighting quality can enhance their quality of life by positively influencing both physiological and psychological aspects. Numerous studies suggest that perceptions of a space vary depending on a number of lighting attributes present. Significant effort has been made across various fields to identify the spatial lighting conditions and attributes that impact human perception, although we lack studies that explore the impact of these conditions in tandem. This paper investigates how interior lighting conditions influence human impressions of room ambiance. The study examines 16 different interior scenes, considering factors such as sky condition (sunny vs. overcast), shading blinds position (open vs. closed), presence or absence of electric light (on vs. off), and Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) (2700 K, 4000 K, and 6500 K). The evaluation is conducted within an office environment at Carnegie Mellon University, using a combination of objective lighting metrics and subjective assessments. In total, 26 participants, consisting of 11 females, 14 males, and one undisclosed, aged between 18 and 50, evaluated the office ambiance under various lighting conditions using semantic differential scales. The analysis showed that the variation of blinds and CCT levels significantly influenced the participants’ impression of light. The study also identified statistically significant interactions between “blinds and CCT” and “blinds and sky” conditions, highlighting the combined influence of these variables on shaping indoor light impressions. This research offers valuable insights into the complex interplay of different lighting factors in shaping human perceptions, and underscores the importance of optimizing indoor lighting conditions for creating healthy and sustainable indoor environments.

Domains with Varying Conductance in Tensile Strained SrMnO3 Thin Films Using Out‐of‐Plane Electric Fields

AbstractDomains and domain wall engineering have been extensively explored in ferroic materials for a wide range of applications in nanoelectronics and spintronics. Complex oxides exhibiting strongly correlated properties are model platforms for such studies where response to strain or external stimuli such as electric field, temperature and light can be probed. Here, domains in strained SrMnO3 films, grown on a degenerate semiconductor, allowing for conduction in an out‐of‐plane geometry, are studied using a combination of microscopy probes. Using conductive atomic force microscopy, electrically isolated domains with varying conductance are found and their temporal evolution is investigated. Further, their formation and microstructure are studied using scanning transmission electron microscopy and secondary electron contrast in scanning electron microscopy. An important contribution is establishing that the observed domains are formed by cracks, driven by inhomogeneous strain relaxation throughout the film, resulting in significantly high strain planes. The potential of secondary electrons to detect domain dependent contrast over a large area, ensuing due to the use of a degenerate semiconductor correlates with the conductive properties of the domains and serves as a new direction to probe domains and domain walls in ferroic materials.

Stimuli‐Responsive Color/Fluorescence Dual‐Switching Behaviors of 1,10‐Phenanthroline‐Based Viologen Derivatives with Halogen Anions

AbstractRecently, stimuli‐responsive color/fluorescence dual‐switchable materials have attracted great attention, whereas most of them respond to monostimulus. Therefore, it is essential to design two or multi‐stimuli‐responsive color/fluorescence dual‐switchable materials and develop their applications. Viologens, which respond to the electric potential, light irradiation, pH, and heat, are suitable for the construction of two‐ or multi‐stimuli‐responsive materials. Moreover, their easily modified chemical structure, tunable electronic properties, and excellent electrochemical characteristics can endow viologens with the desired color/fluorescence dual‐switching behaviors. Herein, novel electro‐ and photo‐stimuli responsive color/emission dual‐switchable viologen derivatives phen‐Vio[Cl− I−], phen‐Vio[2Cl−] and phen‐Vio[2I−] employing fluorophore 1,10‐phenanthroline as an N‐aryl substituent and halogen ions as anions are designed and synthesized. The introduction of 1,10‐phenanthroline groups onto the viologen skeleton can endow viologen derivatives with the color/fluorescence dual‐switching properties under electrical or light stimulus. While the introduction of halogen ions allows viologen derivatives to respond to both electrical and light stimuli simultaneously. Multifunctional devices fabricated with phen‐Vio[Cl− I−], phen‐Vio[2Cl−] or phen‐Vio[2I−] as active materials exhibit excellent electrochromic/electrofluorochromic and photochromic/photofluorochromic performance. Additionally, anti‐counterfeiting applications are successfully demonstrated by employing a commercial printer with self‐made ink and papers. It is believed that this work has important guiding significance for the design and development of multifunctional materials and devices.

Intercorrelated Ferroelectricity and Bulk Photovoltaic Effect in Two-Dimensional Sn2P2S6 Semiconductor for Polarization-Sensitive Photodetection.

A two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectric semiconductor, which is coupled with photosensitivity and room-temperature ferroelectricity, provides the possibility of coordinated conductance modulation by both electric field and light illumination and is promising for triggering the revolution of optoelectronics for monolithic multifunctional integration. Here, we report that semiconducting Sn2P2S6 crystals can be achieved in a 2D morphology using a chemical vapor transport approach with the assistant of space confinement and experimentally demonstrate the robust ferroelectricity in atomic-thin Sn2P2S6 nanosheet at room temperature. The intercorrelated programming of ferroelectric order along out-of-plane (OOP) and in-plane (IP) directions enables a tunable bulk photovoltaic (BPV) effect through multidirectional electrical control. By combining the capability of anisotropic in-plane optical absorption, a highly integrated Sn2P2S6 optoelectronic device vertically sandwiched with graphene electrodes yields the polarization-dependent open-circuit photovoltage with a dichroic ratio of 2.0 under 405 nm light illumination. The reintroduction of ferroelectric Sn2P2S6 to the 2D asymmetric semiconductor family provides possibilities to hardware implement of the self-powered polarization-sensitive photodetection and spotlights the promising applications for next-generation photovoltaic devices.