Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Data Driven And Machine Learning Based Modeling And Predictive Control Of Combustion At Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition Engines, Behrouz Khoshbakht Irdmousa

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI) engines operates has capacity to provide higher thermal efficiency, lower particular matter (PM), and lower oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions compared to conventional diesel combustion (CDC) operation. Achieving these benefits is difficult since real-time optimal control of RCCI engines is challenging during transient operation. To overcome these challenges, data-driven machine learning based control-oriented models are developed in this study. These models are developed based on Linear Parameter-Varying (LPV) modeling approach and input-output based Kernelized Canonical Correlation Analysis (KCCA) approach. The developed dynamic models are used to predict combustion timing (CA50), indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP), …

Capturing Microstructural Heterogeneity And Predicting Local Transport Phenomena In Pemfc Catalyst Layers: A Comprehensive Network Modeling Approach, Shahriar Alam

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

A unique network architecture that captures the microstructural heterogeneity and predicts the local transport properties of PEMFC catalyst layers is proposed. Separate networks containing numerous cylindrical elements and nodes are generated that represent the solid and pore phase of the catalyst layer. Transport resistances are assigned to the elements while the nodes are volumeless. The networks are interlinked through nodes where local properties are stored. The generated computational grid's macroscopic behaviors (percolation behavior, gas diffusivity, and ion conductivity) will be matched against the experimental data for validation. Diffusion-like transport equations are applied to the networks that provide local water balance, …

On The Gaussian-Core Vortex Lattice Model For The Analysis Of Wind Farm Flow Dynamics, Apurva Baruah

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Wind power science has seen tremendous development and growth over the last 40 years. Advancements in design, manufacturing, installation, and operation of wind turbines have enabled the commercial deployment of wind power generation systems. These have been due, in a large part, to the expertise in the simulation and modeling of individual wind turbines. The new generation of wind energy systems calls for a need to accurately predict and model the entire wind farm, and not just individual turbines. The commercial deployment of these wind farms depends on model's ability to accurately capture the different physics involved, each at its …

Wireless Power Transfer In Autonomous Mobile Microgrids, Carl Greene

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The ability to autonomously dock unmanned ground vehicles plays a key role in mobile micro-grids, where efficient power transfer is paramount. The approach utilized in this work allows for near-field wireless power transfer in remote locations with minimal support. Establishing a micro-grid power system connection autonomously using wireless power eliminates the arduous task of designing a complex, multiple degrees of freedom (MDOF) robotic arm. The work presented in this thesis focuses on both the hardware and software within the micro-grid system. This particular near-field wireless system consists of a primary and secondary set of modules, comprised of Litz wire coils, …

Partially Stratified Combustion Of Natural Gas For Spark Ignition Engines, Philip S. Zoldak

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

In this work, the advantages of partially stratified direct injection natural gas versus premixed port-fueled injection natural gas spark ignited engines has been studied. The volumetric efficiency, ratio of specific heats and turbulent kinetic energy was found to be higher with direct injection versus port-fueled injection thus improving thermal efficiency. A background study of optical chamber experimental data was performed to develop an understanding on the effect of pressure ratio on direct injection of methane under both fully-expanded (sub-sonic) and under-expanded (super-sonic) conditions. Under-expanded jets had a noticeable advantage in terms of turbulent kinetic energy, which led to enhanced air …

Development Of Advanced Models For Pre-Ignition Prediction In Gas Engines And Analytical Model For Wallfilm Evaporation, Ankith Ullal

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Ever-changing regulations aimed at improving efficiency and reducing harmful emissions have resulted in many power-generation device (engine) manufacturers to adopt new strategies. Computer simulation of these new strategies of power generation requires more accurate and higher fidelity modelling tools. In the present study, two such models are developed. The first model deals with pre-ignition phenomena driven by lubricant (lube) oil in natural gas engines and the second model is relevant to prediction of wallfilm evaporation by employing analytical solutions to transport governing equations for boundary layers.

Pre-ignition in engines has been the subject of current research with the advent of …

Concept Evaluation And Development Of A Novel Approach For Integration Of Turbogeneration, Electrification And Supercharging On Heavy Duty Engines, Satyum Joshi

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

While many technologies such as electrically assisted turbocharging, exhaust energy recovery and mild hybridization have already proven to significantly increase heavy-duty engine efficiency, the key challenge to their widespread adoption has been their cost effectiveness and packaging. This research specifically addresses these challenges through evaluation and development of a novel technology concept termed as the Integrated Turbogeneration, Electrification and Supercharging (ITES) system. The concept integrates a secondary compressor, a turbocompound/expander turbine and an electric motor through a planetary gearset into the engine cranktrain. The approach enables a reduced system cost and space-claim, while maximizing the efficiency benefits of independent technologies. …

Model Predictive Control Of Energy Systems For Heat And Power Applications, Chethan Ramakrishna Reddy

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Building and transportation sectors together account for two-thirds of the total energy consumption in the US. There is a need to make these energy systems (i.e., buildings and vehicles) more energy efficient. One way to make grid-connected buildings more energy efficient is to integrate the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the building with a micro-scale concentrated solar power (MicroCSP) sys- tem. Additionally, one way to make vehicles driven by internal combustion engine (ICE) more energy efficient is by integrating the ICE with a waste heat recovery (WHR) system. But, both the resulting energy systems need a smart …

Optimal Control Of Nonlinear Wave Energy Converters In Heave For Maximum Power Extraction, Kevin Nelson

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The marine renewable energy community is interested in maximizing the power generated by nonlinear wave energy converters. Optimal control methods provide a tool to achieve this aim and can also help to inform the buoy design. An energy-optimal control law for a class of non-linear buoy models is derived and is shown to be singular. The solution approach is illustrated using an hourglass-shaped buoy having a cubic, hydrostatic nonlinearity. The optimal control law is only valid on singular arcs, and a method to search for these arcs is presented. Two singular arcs are found for the hourglass buoy model and …

Marangoni Propulsion Of Active Particles, Saeed Jafari Kang

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

We study the surfing motion of active particles located at a flat liquid-gas interface. The particles create and maintain a surface tension gradient by asymmetrically discharging a surface tension-reducing agent. We employ theory and numerical simulation to investigate the Marangoni propulsion of these active surfers. First, we use the reciprocal theorem to establish a relationship between the propulsion speed and the release of the active chemical. This theoretical relation is utilized to examine the effect of wall confinement and geometry on the Marangoni-driven motion of active particle when the inertial effects are negligible and when the transports of the released …

Multiscale Investigation Of Dropwise Condensation On A Smooth Hydrophilic Surface, Shahab Bayani Ahangar

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The objective of this work is to identify the fundamental mechanism of dropwise condensation on a smooth solid surface by probing the solid-vapor interface during phase-change to evaluate the existence and structure of the thin film and the initial nucleus that develop during condensation. In this work, an automated Surface Plasmon Resonance imaging (SPRi) instrument with the ability to perform imaging in intensity modulation and angular modulation is developed. The SPRi instrument is used to probe (in three dimensions) the adsorbed film that forms on the substrate during dropwise condensation. SPRi with a lateral resolution of ~ 4-10 μm, thickness …

Development Of An Eco Approach And Departure Application To Improve Energy Consumption Of A Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle In Charge Depleting Mode, Brandon Narodzonek

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

A recent study at Michigan Technological University as part of the NEXTCAR DOE APRA-E Project was conducted to determine the potential energy savings of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) equipped with various Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Technologies. One aspect of this study focused on the development of an Eco Approach and Departure (Eco AnD) Application that would further reduce the energy consumed around a signalized intersection.

Many modern intersections are equipped with traffic signals that can broadcast Basic Safety (BSM), MAP, and Signal Phase and Timing (SPaT) message sets that contain intersection ID, location, current phase, and cyclic …

Real-Time Predictive Control Of Connected Vehicle Powertrains For Improved Energy Efficiency, Joseph Oncken

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The continued push for the reduction of energy consumption across the automotive vehicle fleet has led to widespread adoption of hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) by auto manufacturers. In addition, connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technologies have seen rapid development in recent years and bring with them the potential to significantly impact vehicle energy consumption. This dissertation studies predictive control methods for PHEV powertrains that are enabled by CAV technologies with the goal of reducing vehicle energy consumption.

First, a real-time predictive powertrain controller for PHEV energy management is developed. This controller utilizes predictions of future vehicle velocity …

High-Performance Zero Liquid Discharge (Zld) Treatment Of High-Salinity Brines Using A Multiple-Effect Absorption Distillation Concept, Sunil Pinnu

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

State-of-the-art zero liquid discharge (ZLD) technologies are currently bound with either intensive use of high-grade electrical energy such as mechanical vacuum vapor compressors utilized in brine crystallizers or high capital cost with environmental concerns such as evaporation ponds. The present study aims to address these issues by an innovative desiccant-based ZLD system in which a multiple-effect distillation (MED) unit is uniquely embedded at the heart of an absorption-desorption system. Here, the MED and absorption systems are inherently coupled enabling both heat and mass transfer processes between a high-salinity water and a desiccant solution. The proposed technology employs an absorption-based thermally-driven …

Generation Of Premix Laminar Flame Speed Library, Sai Prashanth Kumar

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The Laminar flame speed is an essential parameter in measuring turbulent premixed combustion applied in Spark ignition engines. Instead of using power-law correlations, which is valid only for particular ranges, the procedure for generating a premixed laminar flame speed library is defined using MTU – Master mechanism for a wide range of charge mixture conditions inside an engine combustion chamber: Temperature (300 – 700 K), Pressure (1 – 70 bar) and reactant mixture composition of equivalence ratio (0.4 – 2.0) Laminar flame speed library is generated for methane. The mechanism's performance was improved by adjusting the pre-exponential factor of the …

Measurement Of Current Distribution In The Land Channel Direction Of A Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell, Chinmay Kulkarni

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

A fully functional proton exchange membrane fuel cell with single land channel geometry on the cathode and segmented anode current collector with 9 mm² active area with a 350μm spatial resolution was utilized to measure the local current distribution in the land channel direction. A distinguished printed circuit board approach was used for the data acquisition to adapt to any flow field design.

Performance of this segmented cell was examined at dry, wet and moderate humidity settings to study the water transport phenomenon in the PEMFC. In the dry condition at 60 ͦ C with 0% relative humidity, the …

Optimization And Comparison Of Over-Expanded And Other High Efficiency Four-Stroke Spark-Ignited Boosted Engines, Zhuyong Yang

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Recent fuel economy and emission regulations are the major concern of the research and development of modern internal combustion engine. Such technologies include variable valve timing (VVT), direct injection (DI), turbocharging, downsizing, and over-expanded cycle are used by many manufacturers to improve engine fuel economy or increase power density.

Current Atkinson cycle technology in the production engine is mainly realized by an advanced valvetrain system to reduce the effective compression ratio while maintaining the same expansion ratio. Another approach to realize over-expanded cycle engine is to utilize a multi-link cranktrain mechanism. Although the Atkinson cycle was originally patented in the …

A Hybrid-Powered Wireless System For Multiple Biopotential Monitoring, Shawn Li

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Chronic diseases are the top cause of human death in the United States and worldwide. A huge amount of healthcare costs is spent on chronic diseases every year. The high medical cost on these chronic diseases facilitates the transformation from in-hospital to out-of-hospital healthcare. The out-of-hospital scenarios require comfortability and mobility along with quality healthcare. Wearable electronics for well-being management provide good solutions for out-of-hospital healthcare. Long-term health monitoring is a practical and effective way in healthcare to prevent and diagnose chronic diseases. Wearable devices for long-term biopotential monitoring are impressive trends for out-of-hospital health monitoring. The biopotential signals in …

Influence Of Micro-Nucleate Boiling On Annular Flow Regime Heat Transfer Coefficient Values And Flow Parameters – For High Heat-Flux Flow Boiling Of Water, Soroush Sepahyar

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Analysis of results from steady and steady-in-the-mean high heat-flux (15 - 70 W/cm², with water as working fluid) shear driven annular flow-boiling experiments presented here - and low heat-flux (0.1- 1 W/cm², with FC-72 as working fluid) experiments presented elsewhere – together lead to a key conclusion. The conclusion is that heat carrying nucleation rates go often undetected by the typically used visualization approaches for flow boiling – as such flows often involve µm- to sub- µm scale bubble diameters in millimeter-scale ducts. These nucleation rates play a significant role in most of the so-called convective …

Modeling Of Thermal Dynamics In Chevrolet Volt Gen Ii Hybrid Electric Vehicle For Integrated Powertrain And Hvac Optimal Operation Through Connectivity, Nehal Doshi

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Integrated thermal energy management across system level components in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is currently an under explored space. The proliferation of connected vehicles and accompanying infrastructure in recent years provides additional motivation to explore opportunities in optimizing thermal energy management in EVs and HEVs with the help of this newly available connected vehicle data. This thesis aims to examine and analyze the potential to mitigate vehicle energy consumption and extend usable driving range through optimal control strategies which exploit physical system dynamics via controls integration of vehicle subsystems.

In this study, data-driven and physics-based models …

Networked Microgrid Optimization And Energy Management, Robert S. Jane

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Military vehicles possess attributes consistent with a microgrid, containing electrical energy generation, storage, government furnished equipment (GFE), and the ability to share these capabilities via interconnection. Many military vehicles have significant energy storage capacity to satisfy silent watch requirements, making them particularly well-suited to share their energy storage capabilities with stationary microgrids for more efficient energy management. Further, the energy generation capacity and the fuel consumption rate of the vehicles are comparable to standard diesel generators, for certain scenarios, the use of the vehicles could result in more efficient operation. Energy management of a microgrid is an open area of …

Paddle Mixer-Extrusion Reactor For Torrefaction And Pyrolysis, Stas Zinchik

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

This work is focused on the fundamental understanding and the development of paddle mixer reactors (or modified screw augers). This work will contribute to the effort of the thermal conversion of biomass and wastes. We developed and studied two paddle systems (i) 25-mm lab-scale (up to 1 kg/hr) and (ii) 101-mm pilot-scale (up to 100 kg/hr). Thermal behavior of the two systems was studied and it was estimated that the lab-scale system has a high heating rate of up to 530 °C/s. Residence times were thoroughly measured and were determined as a function of rotation frequency and volume fraction. We …

Development Of A Fused Deposition 3d Printed Buoy And Method For Quantifying Wave Tank Reflections, Samantha G. Swartzmiller

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Testing model scale prototypes is integral to the development of wave energy converter (WEC) technology. Model scale WECs are tested in wave tanks where they are subjected to repeatable wave fields. Their presence in water creates radiated waves that eventually reflect off tank walls disrupting the intended wave field. Fabrication of model scale WECs is another developing aspect of tank testing. Often model WECs are built of foam. Additive manufacturing is a promising alternative although the most common method, fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing, does not typically produce waterproof parts. The goals of this work were 1) develop a …

Optimization And Control Of Arrays Of Wave Energy Converters, Jianyang Lyu

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Wave Energy Converter Array is a practical approach to harvest ocean wave energy. To leverage the potential of the WEC array in terms of energy extraction, it is essential to have a properly designed array configuration and control system. This thesis explores the optimal configuration of Wave Energy Converters (WECs) arrays and their optimal control. The optimization of the WEC array allows both dimensions of individual WECs as well as the array layout to varying. In the first optimization problem, cylindrical buoys are assumed in the array where their radii and drafts are optimization parameters. Genetic Algorithms are used for …

Spray And Combustion Studies Of High Reactivity Gasoline In Comparison To Diesel Under Advanced Compression Ignition Engine Conditions, Meng Tang

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Gasoline compression ignition (GCI) technology has demonstrated great potentials in improving fuel economy and reducing engine-out NO_x and particulate matter emissions. Development and application of the GCI technology on multi-cylinder engines require both fundamental understandings of the gasoline spray combustion characteristics and accurate numerical tools. Due to the large differences in the thermo-physical and the chemical properties between gasoline and diesel range fuels, differences in the spray combustion characteristics between gasoline and diesel is expected. Reports on the gasoline spray combustion characteristics under conditions relevant to medium to heavy-duty engines are scarce and this dissertation aims to fill in …

Investigation On The Potential Of A Co2 Capture System, Downstream Of The Aftertreatment System For A Heavy-Duty Engine Application, Murchana Pathak

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The transportation sector accounts for the second largest source of CO₂ emissions after power generation. New Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations are focusing on improving energy through reduced fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This work investigates the potential of a CO₂ capture system downstream of an aftertreatment system for a heavy-duty engine application. Amine absorption has been described as one of the most effective ways to capture CO₂ from the exhaust for point sources. Therefore, using thermal-swing absorption process with potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) as the absorbent liquid, a process was analyzed …

The Interaction Of Ignition And In-Cylinder Flow On Flame Kernel Development And Its Impacts On Combustion In An Optically Accessible Direct Injection Engine, Yanyu Wang

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

A significant challenge facing spark-ignited (SI) engines to achieve higher efficiency via highly diluted combustion is the quickly increased combustion instability as the dilution level increases. The flow motion variation has been identified as a dominant factor that introduces combustion variability at highly diluted conditions. However, the detailed mechanism of how the variation in flow motion impacts the flame kernel development and introduces combustion instability is only partially understood. This research investigated the impacts of the in-cylinder flow on variability of the ignition and early flame kernel development in a single cylinder direct-injection spark-ignition (DI-SI) optically accessible engine and accessory …

Pyrolysis Of Fiber-Plastic Waste Blends, Shreyas Kolapkar

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The main objective of this work is to investigate fast pyrolysis of fiber and plastic feedstocks in order to understand the synergistic effect from their co-pyrolysis. In this on-going work, fiber, plastic and their blend are characterized and pyrolysis oil is produced from them in the fast batch pyrolysis reactor. Based on a heat transfer model it is shown that results of oil produced from batch reactor will be applicable to the continuous paddle reactor. From feedstock characterization, chlorine was observed particularly in the plastic feedstock. Thus, chlorine removal method using torrefaction and high shear mixing was implemented and was …

Modelling And Analysis Of Chevy Volt Gen Ii Hybrid Vehicle In Electric Mode, Kaushik Surresh

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The technical report discusses the high fidelity modelling of the powertrain of Chevy Volt Gen II Hybrid Vehicle in the Electric Mode. The overall objective of the powertrain model was to predict total energy consumed within 5% of experimental data for different drive cycles in Charge Depleting Mode. The following powertrain elements were modelled in Matlab and Simulink using parameters and performance maps provided by General Motors: battery, E-Motor, TPIM power electronics, transmission auxiliary pumps and spin losses.

An electric circuit based dynamic model of the Li-ion battery was developed. Static models of the E Motor, TPIM inverter, transmission auxiliary …

Experimental And Modeling Study Of Particulate Matter Oxidation Under Loading Conditions For A Scr Catalyst On A Diesel Particulate Filter, Abhishek Jadav

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The heavy-duty diesel engines use a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), a Catalyzed Particulate Filter (CPF), a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) with urea injection and a Ammonia Oxidation Catalyst (AMOX), to meet the US EPA 2010/2013 particulate matter (PM) and NO_x emission standards. However, it is not possible to achieve the 2015 California low NO_x standards with this arrangement. Hence, there is a need to improve the existing aftertreatment system. This can be achieved by coating the SCR catalyst on a diesel particulate filter (DPF), thus combining the PM filtration and NO_x reduction functionality into a single device. …