Optimal Design Strategy Research Articles

Performance investigation of multi-functional series-connected building-integrated photovoltaic/thermal system and analysis of its multi-objective optimization design strategy

The series-connected building-integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPVT) system can significantly increase the terminal temperature and achieve both power generation and heating. However, its utilization of thermal energy is limited. Airborne infectious diseases threaten indoor occupant health. Pathogenic microorganisms can be thermally inactivated, and the effectiveness of inactivation is positively correlated with exposure temperature and duration. Therefore, series-connected BIPVT system has the potential for air thermal disinfection. Based on this, a multifunctional series-connected BIPVT system that provides heating, power generation, and air purification is proposed. However, these three outputs conflict with each other, and there is a lack of optimized design strategies to maximize the system's overall output. In response, this paper develops a multi-objective optimization strategy for the system and optimizes its design across different climate zones. The main content is as follows: (1) Compared with single-stage systems, series systems can significantly improve air purification performance. The series-connected BIPVT system with the best air purification effect can increase the single-pass inactivation ratio to 100% under the irradiance of 600 W/m2. (2) The glazed photovoltaic/thermal-glazed solar thermal system has the best thermal performance and air purification performance, the thermal efficiency is 38.1% and the clean air delivery rate is 98.6 m3/h under the irradiance of 800 W/m2. (3) Compared to single-objective optimization and non-optimized designs, the multi-objective optimization design achieves the highest technique for order of preference similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) score, which is 0.5968.

Seasonal optimization of envelope and shading devices oriented towards low-carbon emission for premodern historic residential buildings of China

The renovation of historic residential buildings is required to balance the daylighting and thermal comfort of the building space with the conservation of the architectural features. However, there is a lack of dynamic optimization in the dimension of seasons for the historic residential buildings, while conservation factors are not considered in the design strategies. Therefore, in this study, a seasonal multi-optimization method for the historic residential buildings was introduced to improve the daylighting and thermal comfort while reducing carbon emissions. At first, the field and network investigation were conducted and a prototypical model was developed based on the second-order cluster analysis method. Furthermore, the envelope (internal insulation materials, internal insulation thickness, window types) and shading devices (inclination angle of shutters and shutter depth for different seasons and orientations) were optimized based on the Grasshopper platform. Finally, the best renovation solution orientated by low-carbon emission was proposed. The results show that the optimal material for the internal insulation of the wall is polyurethane, which has a thickness of 0.10 m. The window type is 6 mm high transmission reflective glass. The greatest inclination angle of shutters in summer is the window facing southeast. Conversely, in spring and autumn, the southwest windows have the greatest inclination angle of shutters. In winter, the inclination angle of shutters for the northeast windows is a maximum of 26°. The inclination angle of shutters for southwest windows in autumn is the most needed for design, and the angle is upward reversed 47°. The maximum shutter depth of 0.19 m in the southeastern windows is a 72.71 % improvement relative to the minimum shutter depth. Compared with the prototypical model, the useful daylight illuminance of the building model is improved by 12.41 %, the thermal discomfort hours percentage is reduced 3.09 %, and the life cycle carbon emissions is reduced by 14.6 %. The optimal design strategies for the building envelope and shading devices considering conservation principles can improve the daylighting and thermal comfort of the historic residential buildings.

The individualized optimal pillow height and neck support design for side sleepers.

An optimal pillow effectively increases sleep quality and prevents cervical symptoms. However, the influence of body dimension on optimal pillow design or selection strategy has not been clarified quantitatively. This study aims to investigate the individualized optimal pillow height and neck support for side sleepers. Nine healthy subjects were recruited and laid laterally on foam-latex pillow with four height levels (8 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm, 14 cm) and with/without neck support, respectively. Healthiness was evaluated using cervical spine morphology (measured by motion capturing system) and musculoskeletal internal force (simulated by a multi-body model). Comfortability was evaluated by a deviation standardized overall comfort rating. Individualized pillow height was identified by Hφ (calculated by the subject's shoulder width and absolute pillow height). Correlation analysis and linear mixed model were performed between C1-T1 slope and Hφ. A paired-t test was performed on the cervical curve and comfort score comparisons between neck support pillow and flat pillow. The C1-T1 slope of the cervical curve showed statistically significant correlation to Hφ and was well predicted by Hφ through linear relation (R2 = 0.80 for flat pillow, R2 = 0.82 for neck support pillow). The correlation between comfort score and Hφ was moderate or weak. Medium individualized height pillow (Hφ 9.74-11.76 cm) with neck support showed a cervical curve closest to natural standing and the lowest musculoskeletal internal force. Sub-low individualized height pillow (Hφ 11.76-13.78 cm) with neck support showed the highest average comfort score. For side sleepers, cervical curve morphology and optimal individualized pillow height are well predicted by Hφ. Comfortability perception is not sensitive to Hφ. Sub-low individualized height pillow showed the best comfortability and relatively good healthiness. Medium individualized height pillow with neck support showed the best healthiness.

Analyzing the Impact of Interior Public Space on User Satisfaction in Shopping Malls Using Virtual Reality Simulation Experiments

The growth in per capita consumption levels and the e-commerce industry have shifted the shopping mall model from a product consumption to a time-based consumption focus. This paper evaluates customer satisfaction with shopping malls using an importance–performance questionnaire, which identified eight key areas for improvement. Through field surveys and virtual reality (VR) simulation experiments, the impact of the components of public spaces within shopping malls on user satisfaction was assessed using both quantifiable and unquantifiable elements. Our findings inform the formulation of optimization design strategies in the areas of multipurpose functionality of facilities, intensification of boundaries, complexity of functions, and integration of resources, and have implications for the future design of internal public spaces in shopping malls.

Economical design strategies for reinforced concrete one-way slabs: a parametric approach considering material strength and rebar size

Despite the rapid advancements in optimization algorithms for economical reinforced concrete (RC) structures, their application to RC slabs has been significantly limited. The primary constraint is slab depth, governed only by deflection control criteria, which impedes further depth reduction—a key factor in cost optimization. The deflection check relies solely on one design parameter—span length, which is often fixed. This constraint limits the effectiveness of even advanced algorithms, which have consistently failed to deliver substantial cost savings in slab design. To address this issue, this study presents a detailed parametric investigation of three key cost-reducing factors in RC one-way slabs: steel strength, concrete strength, and reinforcing bar sizes, in accordance with the ACI 318–19 code. By bypassing algorithmic constraints, the study formulates optimal design strategies through extensive manual design iterations, providing novel trend-based solutions for cost-effective slab design. The findings indicate that for lower live loads, grade 280 steel offers a 20–30% cost reduction compared to higher-grade steel, despite the latter's strength advantage. However, for higher loads, grade 420 or 500 is recommended. Additionally, optimal bar sizes and concrete strengths are recommended for varying load conditions, offering practical design strategies. This approach provides designers with actionable insights to achieve cost-efficient designs without relying on traditional optimization algorithms.

Integrated uncertain optimal design strategy for truss configuration and attitude–vibration control in rigid–flexible coupling structure with interval uncertainties

Integrated uncertain optimal design strategy for truss configuration and attitude–vibration control in rigid–flexible coupling structure with interval uncertainties

Investigation on in-situ thermal behavior of tunnel surrounding rock based on the thermal probe test

Heat-transfer mechanism of energy tunnel is different from that of conventional borehole heat exchanger, where the thermal flux flows along perpendicular to the tunnel circumferential direction. However, the existing measurement methods cannot directly detect the in-situ thermal behavior and thermal conductivity of surrounding rock of tunnel circumferential direction. Hence, a thermal probe test (TPT) equipment was developed and the TPT was performed to investigate the in-situ thermal behavior of surrounding rock, the thermal conductivity measurement methods of tunnel surrounding rock was proposed and compared with laboratory measurement methods. The results showed that the developed TPT equipment achieved to directly detect the in-situ thermal behavior and thermal conductivity of circumferential surrounding rock. There was a significant variation in thermal response curves of different test areas due to the fact that joint development affected the transfer paths of the thermal flux, the temperature difference between test point 1 and test point 2 could reach up to 11.4 °C. The thermal conductivity tested by TPT was reliable and reflected the in-situ thermal behavior, the deviation was 6.99 % and 1.08 %, respectively, compared with laboratory measurement results. The joint development of the surrounding rock had a major impact on the thermal conductivity, where the thermal conductivity ranged from 0.66 to 2.91 W/m K in the 1# borehole and 1.96 to 3.66 W/m K in the 2# borehole. The local thermal conductivities were difficult to apply to an energy tunnel design, hence, the comprehensive thermal conductivity model of surrounding rock with joints was proposed based on series–parallel theory and was simplified according to the heat-transfer mechanism of energy tunnel. The comprehensive thermal conductivity model provided a new idea for obtaining the heterogeneity of thermal-physical properties of tunnel surrounding rock, which improved performance predictions and optimized design strategies for energy tunnel projects, enhancing their efficiency and reliability in various applications.

Development of A Workshop on the Topic of the Bionically Inspired Lightweight Design Method for 3D Printed Components

Additive manufacturing methods, particularly 3D printing, are widely utilized in research and engineering for crafting lightweight yet durable materials capable of withstanding substantial forces. Leveraging insights from biomechanical structures offers a deeper understanding of reinforcement techniques and optimal design strategies to enhance strength. This paper focuses on the development of a Draisine design, historically significant in Karlsruhe, as part of the BWSplus project "Drais3D-Trinational" workshop. Through a comprehensive analysis of bionic influences on lightweight design and 3D printing parameters, this study aims to create an optimal design framework for the workshop. Utilizing Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software such as SolidWorks and Creo Parametric, along with Finite Element Analysis using ANSYS R2023 Workbench, deformation and stress analysis are conducted. Investigation into 3D printing parameters, including infill patterns, temperature, support systems, and orientation, seeks to identify optimal solutions considering factors like processing time, robustness, and filament wastage. The objective is to explore the biomechanical influence on construction methods, concept design, and parameter construction in preparation for the Drais3D-Trinational workshop in March 2023. The expected outcomes include the presentation of two main designs with varied parameters, alongside analyses such as Finite Element Analysis and optimization of 3D printing parameters, emphasizing the role of bionic structures in defining the optimal Draisine design.

Optimal design and control strategy for enhanced battery thermal management

The Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) plays a crucial role in the safety and performance of new energy vehicles. This study proposes an innovative cooling structure design that ingeniously combines the advantages of air cooling, water cooling, and Phase Change Materials (PCMs) to enhance the cooling efficiency of the battery system. Through numerical simulations, the effectiveness of this cooling system was validated and further supported by experimental evidence confirming the accuracy of the simulation results. Subsequently, this research utilized the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to optimize key parameters of the cooling structure, including the fin height, gap length, and PCM thickness, with their optimal values determined to be 5.20 mm, 17.69 mm, and 3.38 mm, respectively. This parameter optimization work provides precise guidance for the design of battery thermal management systems, contributing to enhanced heat dissipation performance. To further enhance the intelligence of battery thermal management, this study introduced a novel neural network model based on Temporal Convolutional Networks (TCN) and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) with Multi-Head Attention (MHA). This model is capable of predicting temperature changes during the battery discharge process in real-time with high accuracy. Based on the prediction results, this research designed an efficient control strategy that, compared to a scenario without a control strategy, demonstrated a reduction in energy consumption by 20.87 %, a decrease in maximum temperature by 2.52 K, and a reduction in the maximum temperature difference by 0.05 K. These results not only prove the effectiveness of the control strategy but also provide a new direction for the optimization of battery thermal management systems.

Improvement of aerogel-incorporated concrete by incorporating polyvinyl alcohol fiber: Mechanical strength and thermal insulation

Aerogel incorporated concrete (AIC) effectively improves its thermal insulation performance. However, the potential mechanical strength degradation in AIC limits its further promotion and application. Fiber reinforcement is an effective means for improving the properties of cement-based materials. However, there is currently a lack research on enhancement mechanisms involved in fiber-reinforced AIC. In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers with high strength and low thermal conductivity are introduced. The influence on the properties of AIC with various lengths (6–12 mm) and proportions (0–1.2 wt%) of PVA fiber was analyzed, and the mechanism of AIC enhancement was discussed based on microscopic test. The enhancing mechanism of PVA fiber on AIC was studied at microscopic scale to establish new solutions to the development of cementitious materials with both excellent load-bearing capacity and thermal insulation performance. The results revealed a synergistic effect of hydrophobic aerogel and PVA fiber on the fluidity of the mix due to the improvement of particle dispersibility and distribution uniformity. Additionally, the PVA fibers crossed aerogel particles around could inhibit crack expansion caused by aerogel fractures, thus effectively mitigating the loss of strength heat transfer with aerogel incorporation. At the same time, PVA fiber also plays a role in thermal resistance. Specifically, the incorporation of 0.6 wt% 9-mm fibers yielded the best overall reinforcement results, with an increase of 31.4 % and 15.5 % in flexural and compressive strengths, respectively, and a 28.5 % decrease in thermal conductivity. The microstructural tests indicated that incorporating PVA fibers at 0–0.6 wt% could optimize the pore structure, reduce the porosity, and increase the water resistance of AIC. The hydration degree of the cement matrix increased due to Ca2+ adsorption by PVA fibers. This study provides an optimized design strategy incorporating PVA fibers to enhance both the physical properties, mechanical strength, and thermal insulation properties of AIC.

Innovative flow field design strategies for performance optimization in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

This study introduces an innovative flow field design methodology that departs from traditional approaches, aiming to simplify design variables and ensure an efficient, automated design process. This methodology integrates topology optimization, the Gray-Scott reaction/diffusion system, and Murray's law to design the flow field layout. We applied this methodology to the flow field design of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) bipolar plates. Specifically, the optimal two-dimensional pattern of the PEMFC cathode flow field was achieved by merging topology optimization with the Gray-Scott reaction/diffusion system. Applying Murray's law, an optimal three-dimensional flow field with an unpredictable new pattern was established. The design emphasizes efficient fuel diffusion and reduced flow resistance, validated through experiments. Quantitative comparisons with serpentine and parallel flow fields showed performance differences of approximately 60 mV and 120 mV at a current density of 1.43 A/cm2, respectively. These metrics reflect the impact on mass transfer efficiency under high-power PEMFC operations, serving as critical indicators of flow field effectiveness. Additionally, simulations confirmed an 18-fold reduction in pressure drop compared to the serpentine design. This innovative design process offers advantages that could be incorporated into diverse research areas in the future.

Towards circular manufacturing systems implementation: An integrated analysis framework for circular supply chains

The transition to circular manufacturing systems (CMS) is crucial for achieving sustainable growth, addressing the environmental concerns and resource scarcity challenges. Shifting towards CMS requires a systemic approach that integrates value proposition models, product design, and supply chains (SCs). Circular supply chains (CSCs) emerge as a core pillar of CMS, incorporating value delivery, use, recovery, and reuse. CSCs are inherently more complex and dynamic than linear SCs requiring a holistic analysis approach to capture their complex and dynamic attributes. This research proposes an integrated analysis framework combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to explore the complexities and dynamics of CSCs and assess their economic, environmental, and technical performance. Through the lens of two different CMS implementation case studies, one in automotive parts remanufacturing and one in white goods manufacturing, this research illustrates the framework's applicability. In the automotive case, centralizing core management activities was found to improve economic performance by 50-54 %. However, the introduction of regional logistics hubs, while economically efficient, led to a 20 % increase in CO2-equivalent emissions. On the other hand, the white goods case study highlighted the trade-offs in centralizing end-of-life recovery facilities, where financial savings of up to 60 % were offset by increased transportation costs and increased CO2 emissions. The analysis of CSCs in these two distinct manufacturing sectors underscores the relevance and flexibility of the proposed framework, providing decision-makers with a tool to examine how different CSCs configurations and strategies impact overall performance. This guidance is crucial for developing optimal CSCs design and implementation strategies.

Optimal prototype filter design in GFDM systems for self-interference elimination: A novel signal processing approach

We present an innovative conceptual framework and a comprehensive mathematical model to advance the understanding and mitigation of self-interference phenomena within generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM). By introducing a novel analytical perspective, we decompose the self-interference effects inherent to GFDM into two orthogonal constituents through a vectorized representation. Our elucidation of the self-interference components in terms of prototype filter parameters in the frequency domain is of particular significance. This theoretical characterization allows us to derive explicit analytical expressions, thereby paving the way for the proposition of an optimal filter design strategy that effectively mitigates self-interference distortions within GFDM systems. Our investigation reveals a noteworthy linkage between the required bandwidth allocation for individual subcarriers and the sub-symbol configuration within the proposed optimal prototype filter. This relationship underscores the filter’s adeptness in optimizing spectrum utilization across the system. Through an analytical examination of the bit error rate (BER) performance within the GFDM framework, we establish the superior efficacy of our proposed optimal filter design relative to contemporary approaches documented in extant literature. Validation of our analytical findings is conducted via meticulous computer simulations, where a strong concurrence between the analytical predictions and the observed simulation outcomes is manifest.

Analysis of Interactive Educational Puzzle Media to Improve Elementary School Students' English Language Skills

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of interactive edugame puzzle media in improving English language skills of primary school students. The method used is a literature study that reviews various literature and previous research results related to using interactive learning media, especially edugame puzzles, in learning English at the primary school level. The results of the analysis show that interactive edugame puzzle media has significant potential to improve students’ English language skills, especially in the aspects of vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension. Factors contributing to this media’s effectiveness include interactive elements, immediate feedback, and fun aspects that increase students’ learning motivation. However, effective implementation requires careful design and support from teachers. This study concludes that interactive edugame puzzle media can be a valuable tool in English language learning in primary schools, with recommendations for further research into optimal design and implementation strategies in different learning contexts.

A Low-Complexity Artificial Neural Network-Based Optimal Droop Gain Design Strategy for DC Microgrids Onboard the More Electric Aircraft

A Low-Complexity Artificial Neural Network-Based Optimal Droop Gain Design Strategy for DC Microgrids Onboard the More Electric Aircraft

Unraveling Nanomaterials in Biomimetic Mineralization of Dental Hard Tissue: Focusing on Advantages, Mechanisms, and Prospects.

The demineralization of dental hard tissue imposes considerable health and economic burdens worldwide, but an optimal method that can repair both the chemical composition and complex structures has not been developed. The continuous development of nanotechnology has created new opportunities for the regeneration and repair of dental hard tissue. Increasingly studies have reported that nanomaterials (NMs) can induce and regulate the biomimetic mineralization of dental hard tissue, but few studies have examined how they are involved in the different stages, let alone the relevant mechanisms of action. Besides their nanoscale dimensions and excellent designability, NMs play a corresponding role in the function of the raw materials for mineralization, mineralized microenvironment, mineralization guidance, and the function of mineralized products. This review comprehensively summarizes the advantages of NMs and examines the specific mineralization mechanisms. Design strategies to promote regeneration and repair are summarized according to the application purpose of NMs in the oral cavity, and limitations and development directions in dental hard tissue remineralization are proposed. This review can provide a theoretical basis to understand the interaction between NMs and the remineralization of dental hard tissue, thereby optimizing design strategy, rational development, and clinical application of NMs in the field of remineralization.

Screening, Growing, and Validation by Catalog: Using Synthetic Intermediates from Natural Product Libraries to Discover Fragments for an Aspartic Protease Through Crystallography

Fragment screening directly on protein crystals has been applied using AnalytiCon’s collection of intermediates that have been utilized to generate libraries of larger synthetic natural product-like molecules. The fragments with well-balanced physicochemical properties show an impressively high hit rate for a screen using the aspartic protease endothiapepsin. The subsequent validation and expansion of the discovered fragment hits benefits from AnalytiCon’s comprehensive library design. Since the screened fragments are intermediates that share a common core with larger and closely related analogs with modulated substitution patterns, they allow for the retrieval of off-the-shelf follow-up compounds, which enable the development of design strategies for fragment optimization. A promising bicyclic core scaffold found in several fragment hits could be validated by selecting a set of enlarged follow-up compounds. Due to unexpected changes in binding mode and no significant improvement in ligand efficiency, this series was quickly deemed unsuitable and therefore discontinued. The structures of follow-up compounds of two other fragments helped to evaluate a putative fusion of two overlapping fragment hits. A design concept on how to fuse the two fragments could be proposed and helps to plan a suitable substitution pattern and promising central bridging element.

A study of the impact of entrance space on indoor air quality in vernacular dwellings in desert areas during sandstorms

Alxa League, located in the western part of Inner Mongolia, China, frequently suffers from sandstorms. Such dusty conditions result in sharp increases in respirable particulate matter (PM10) concentration in outdoor and indoor environments, posing a significant health risk to local inhabitants. Vernacular dwellings in this area feature a specific floor plan that includes an entrance space to safeguard indoor air quality during sandstorms while being compatible with the local climate. This study utilises CONTAM, a multizone indoor air quality and ventilation analysis computer program, and field measurements to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of the entrance space in protecting indoor air quality against ambient PM10 pollution under both dusty and normal conditions. The simulation results reveal that the entrance space can effectively mitigate PM10 pollution in the middle room, lowering the average concentration from 47.0 μg/m3 to 37.5 μg/m3 during dust periods. However, PM10 pollution may increase in the entrance space, reaching an average concentration of up to 70.0 μg/m3. Experimental outcomes align with the simulated results. Given that construction activities exacerbate desertification and frequent sandstorms, the above findings help identify the optimal design strategies for energy-efficient green vernacular dwellings in the targeted desert area, promoting environmental harmony and addressing climate change challenges.

Governing Lateral Load on Tall Buildings in Canadian Regions

Urbanization has led to a significant increase in the construction of tall buildings in Canada. The design of tall buildings must ensure structural integrity in withstanding lateral loads, such as wind and earthquakes. The tendency for a specific lateral load to govern building design varies based on the building characteristics, building height, and location of the building. There is a need to identify the governing lateral load (i.e., wind or earthquake) for use in the preliminary design and city-scale assessment. This study examines the governing lateral loads for tall buildings across different Canadian regions through a parametric analysis of a typical high-rise building based on the Commonwealth Advisory Aeronautical Council (CAARC) building. This research evaluates varying building heights, structural systems, and geographic locations under the guidelines of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC). The analysis identifies the dominant lateral load, providing insights into assessing the existing infrastructure and optimal design strategies for enhancing building sustainability and resilience. Our findings highlight the critical role of geographic location in determining lateral load impacts and the necessity of context-specific design to promote long-term structural performance and environmental sustainability.

Theoretical study on sequential splitting of droplets flowing through fractal tree-shaped microchannel networks

A theoretical model for describing the sequential splitting of droplets flowing through the fractal tree-shaped microchannel network with arbitrary branch level is developed to explore the mechanisms underlying the hydraulic imbalance on the high-throughput droplets production. Accordingly, detailed droplet splitting characteristics are presented, including the droplet velocities in branches, droplet distribution coefficient, and monodispersity of droplets production. It is found that the uniformity of droplet mainly depends on two key dimensionless parameters, namely Λ1 and Λ2, where Λ1 is determined by the initial working condition involving the initial lengths and viscosity of the continuous and discrete phases, the width of the 0th level channel, and the initial capillary number, and Λ2 is concerned with the outlet pressure pout, [2n-1] and the pressure drops of the continuous and discrete phases at the 0th level channel. The monodispersity of droplets goes down with the decreasing Λ1 and the increasing Λ2. Based on the Λ1 and Λ2, the optimal design strategies contributing to enhancing the droplet generation uniformity are recommended, including increasing Ca, enlarging the length of continuous phase flow at the main channel, and increasing the lengths of each level channels. Furthermore, the tree-shaped microchannel networks with higher branch level (n) have stronger ability to resist asymmetric disturbances. In particular, in our work, the width fractal dimension Δ = 2 is adopted as a proper key structure parameter, so as to ensure sequential breakup of droplet at each T-junction under symmetric condition.