Designs, Volume 6, Issue 2 (April 2022) – 19 articles

Industry 4.0 tools, such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, digital twinning, and cloud computing, create a technological revolution that accelerates efforts to optimize the efficiency of cyber-physical operations and services. The waste management system requires a critical share of city logistics optimization, especially when using cyber-physical systems. Modern tools reduce the required municipal waste handling, such as loading and unloading, transportation, and warehousing, which leads to an increase in efficiency and flexibility, saving energy and time, and protecting the environment. In this paper, we present a cyber-physical waste management system solution by providing a cyber-physical model design and description, mathematical modeling, and two cases to investigate the impact on energy consumption and emissions. After an introduction and literature review, we describe the design of the cyber-physical model and tackle the first echelon. The designed system incorporates the IoT, smart bins with multi-percentage sensors, data and information analysis, vehicles’ actual routes, energy and emissions optimization, multi-echelon systems, time windows, and flexibility. Mathematical modeling equations for the optimized total energy consumption are presented. Thirty and twenty smart bins located in VIII District in Budapest are detailed as two case studies, where solutions for the optimized real routes and energy consumption are found using three metaheuristic algorithms: genetic, particle swarm, and simulated annealing optimization algorithms. The accrued emissions of CO, NMHC, CH₄, NO_x, and PM for the optimized solutions are calculated. Finally, the results are compared with a random traditional solution to measure the effectiveness. Full article

The objective of this work is to analyze the economic viability of a replacement to the energy supplied by the grid during costly periods by infrastructure owned by the consumer. The study takes into account the costs to purchase, manage and operate the structure to set which option an affordable option. A statistical approach based on the Monte Carlo Method distributes the costs through a 25 lifecycle period, establishing the cash flow and the economic parameters for each energy source combination scenario. The scenarios are evaluated for a Brazilian consumer, and the current regulatory parameters and market values are deployed to study the viability for a Diesel Generator, and two different types of batteries as replacements during the most energy-costly periods. As a result, the work establishes the most affordable scenarios from a technical and economic approach. Batteries are still costly for the consumer, and a 48.3% reduction in the costs may enable the deployment of batteries as an alternative in the country. The results establish that multi-source energy set with a Diesel Generator is an economically viable possibility during peak hours. Full article

The control of noise propagating along ventilation system ducts has always been an important issue in the building and vehicle sectors. This problem is generally tackled by selecting noise-reducing components with a suitable transmission loss, possibly verifying their effectiveness at a later time. The aim of this article is to characterize the nature of the problem and propose a design approach focusing directly on the perceived effect, that is, on the sound pressure level downstream of the outlet. Because the nature of the noise emission depends on various generation mechanisms, different methods can be applied. Usually, it is more difficult to realize good attenuations at low frequencies because of the limits of sound absorbing materials in such frequency range. For this reason, the ability of reactive components to attenuate the noise below the cut-on frequency will be investigated. This goal is reached by applying the transfer matrix approach to a duct system, with the implementation of the transfer matrices of each single element, and then assembling a system capable of acoustically describing the source and the duct structure. The coupling between the duct system with source and receiver impedances allows one to predict the sound pressure level at a given distance from the outlet. The proposed methodology is implemented in a user-friendly calculation tool with possible academic and professional application. Predictive capability, usability, and intuitiveness of the proposed design procedure are validated against experimental results by real potential users, who express positive feedback. Full article

Vibration is one of the most dangerous phenomena that happens to a structure. It leads to premature fatigue and eventually failure, with potentially fatal consequences. A smart structure is an excellent solution to this problem; it adds an actuator, a sensor, and an appropriate control law to the system to reduce/eliminate the vibration. This study developed a complete analytical model for a cantilever beam with a collocated PZT sensor/actuator pair. First, we used a coupling of a collocated PZT sensor and an actuator to measure and control vibration levels based on a PID control law considering the physical constraints associated with PZT operation as the voltage level of the actuator. Next, the damping coefficient of the structure was determined by using genetic algorithms best fit to satisfy specific vibration conditions. Finally, we conducted a complete optimization for sensor/actuator position and PID parameters, using genetic algorithms. Thus, this paper gives a thorough understanding of the potential vibration control of the cantilever beam. Full article

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a COVID-19 pandemic accompanied by a series of mass lockdowns. Some of the consequences of these lockdowns were (1) psychological problems, (2) development of simultaneous activities in spaces not prepared for it, and (3) indoor spaces that generate negative emotions in people. To improve people’s mental health during times of lockdown, this research proposes a methodology to design positive interior environments through color, texture, objects, furniture, and equipment. For this, 147 qualitative surveys were carried out, the structure of which is based on research methods and tools inherited from marketing discipline (Likert Scale and Customer Satisfaction Score). Several operative graphs were created to make decisions on the design of interior environments. To avoid some of the problems caused by indoor environments during lockdowns it is recommended that users return to paying attention to the design of the interior spaces of their homes. Note that there is no standard solution to this problem, but a method to design interior environments based on people’s positive mental health such as the one presented here can help. The trends found in this work open a field of exploration towards the improvement of interior spaces through neutral colors, natural materials (cotton and wood) and objects with which emotional relationships are created, either with the objects (collections) or because they allow you to connect with other people (technology). It is considered necessary to continue with the research by expanding the sample to incorporate into the analysis the most vulnerable sectors of population during COVID-19 lockdowns. Full article

Production engineering methods and geotechnical instrumentation for the construction and reconstruction of railway beds in high temperatures in the Arctic zone are proposed. High-technology construction facilitates the development of transport infrastructure of the energy-producing industries in the Arctic. The example of the Northern Latitudinal Railway (NLR) highlights the probability of dangerous cryogenic processes and phenomena during works, such as waterlogging and the structural decline of the active soil layer, the development of taliks, and frost cracking, which lead to a decrease in bearing capacity of soil. The features of the construction and production plans used at the sites of railway embankment reconstruction with heavy-duty equipment are outlined. New process control methods have been developed based on the selection of and systematic changes in the parameters of maximum permissible construction loads depending on the results of geotechnical structure monitoring. The structural diagram of high technology for strengthening the weak subgrade soil under the conditions of talik development is substantiated. In order to regulate intensive process parameters, the vehicle fleet needs to be equipped with positioning devices and automation process control systems. The effectiveness of process control in terms of improving the reliability and accelerating roadbed consolidation is substantiated. Full article

Virtual reality (VR) and real-world simulations have become an important tool for product development, product design, and product tests. Product tests in VR have many advantages, such as reproducibility and shortened development time. In this paper, we investigate the virtual testing of a collision avoidance system for drones in terms of economic benefits. Our results show that virtual tests had both positive and negative effects on the development, with the positive aspects clearly predominating. In summary, the tests in VR shorten the development time and reduce risks and therefore costs. Furthermore, they offer possibilities not available in real-world tests. Nevertheless, real-world tests are still important. Full article

Active power filters (APFs) are used to mitigate the harmonics generated by nonlinear loads in distribution networks. Therefore, due to the increase of nonlinear loads in power systems, it is necessary to reduce current harmonics. One typical method is utilizing Shunt Active Power Filters (SAPFs). This paper proposes an outstanding controller to improve the performance of the three-phase 25-kVA SAPF. This controller can reduce the current total harmonic distortion (THD), and is called fractional order PI-fractional order PD (FOPI-FOPD) cascade controller. In this study, another qualified controller was applied, called multistage fractional order PID controller, to show the superiority of the FOPI-FOPD cascade controller to the multistage FOPID controller. Both controllers were designed based on a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II). The obtained results demonstrate that the steady-state response and transient characteristics achieved by the FO (PI + PD) cascade controller are superior to the ones obtained by the multistage FOPID controller. The proposed controller was able to significantly reduce the source current THD to less than 2%, which is about a 52% reduction compared to the previous work in the introduction. Finally, the studied SAPF system with the proposed cascade controller was developed in the hardware-In-the Loop (HiL) simulation for real-time examinations. Full article

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been gaining increased importance due to their variety of applications. In some specific tasks, UAVs require the addition of payloads and onboard components, including sensors, which require great stability to provide safe and reliable responses (related to the payload characteristics, such as the temperature, pressure, vibrations and many other factors). In contrast with the suspended payloads carried by a quadrotor aircraft with a rigid attachment, an elastic attachment is designed to assess the influence of the vibration characteristics on the quadrotor and its payload. Since the payload dynamics can alter the flight performance, sensor measurement accuracy and payload integrity, an adapted sliding mode control is used to guide the quadrotor on its desired trajectory and to compensate for the payload dynamics. To reduce the need for position sensors, a reduced-dimension observer is designed to estimate the payload trajectory, as well as the external disturbance behavior. Numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate that the flexibility influences the quadrotor’s dynamics and can create residual oscillation on its payload. Full article

One year on from the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic, EU policies have defined recovery instruments that enhance the transition towards a more circular economy, making European industries more sustainable, resilient, digital and innovative. The underground work industry is no exception and must crystallise the trends in innovation that have been developing in recent years, which will undoubtedly contribute to achieving better safety and efficiency parameters in tunnel construction, with the economic impact that this means. This work shows different innovation strategies along the design and construction of the Arnotegi tunnel, as part of the extension works of the Bilbao South Metropolitan Bypass. These strategies have been the implementation of the BIM methodology in the underground works, the use of environmental sensors and the optimisation of the shotcrete placement and the positioning of machinery inside the tunnel. The implementation of these strategies has allowed improved collaboration between agents and a time saving of 6.60% with respect to the initially planned deadline. Full article

In this work, it has been shown the effect of a piezoelectric material on postponing the flutter phenomenon and even removing it completely on a regular wing. First, the system response of a smart wing with only plunge DOF and pitch DOF are presented. Using an efficient piezopatch can effectively decay the oscillations of the smart wing in a very short time. In addition, implementing one piezopatch in the plunge DOF of a regular wing with three DOF can postpone the flutter speed by 81.41%, which is a considerable increase in the flutter speed. We then present the effect of adding one more piezopatch to a smart wing in the pitch DOF to further postpone the flutter phenomenon. The flutter speed in a smart wing can be postponed by 115.96%, which is a very considerable value. Finally, adding one more piezopatch on a smart wing in the control DOF can completely remove the flutter phenomenon from the wing, which represents a great achievement in the dynamic aeroelectic behavior of a wing. Full article

We propose a methodology to determine the impact of different potential mission scenarios upon energy resilience for mission-critical loads attached to a military base’s microgrid infrastructure. The proposed methodology applies to any installation with changing operational states that has energy-resilience requirements. The proposed methodology may be used by energy managers to account for potential mission scenarios that a base may be part of, followed by assessing the microgrid energy resilience to supply the critical loads for said mission scenarios, especially where the external grid power may be unavailable and/or damage to microgrid components may be present. In the event a microgrid design is unable to provide sufficient electrical energy, distributed energy resources and energy storage systems including renewable energy resources may be added to improve energy resilience. A case study is conducted on a fictitious representative military base, microgrid design, and changing mission demands to demonstrate the application of the proposed methodology. This article contributes a methodology for energy managers to evaluate energy resilience using microgrids by accounting for potential mission scenarios, their energy requirements, resulting energy preparedness, and recommendations for improvement, as necessary. Full article

Waste management is an essential societal issue, and the classical and manual waste auditing methods are hazardous and time-consuming. In this paper, we introduce a novel method for waste detection and classification to address the challenges of waste management. The method uses a collection of deep neural networks to allow for accurate waste detection, classification, and waste size quantification. The trained neural network model is integrated into a mobile-based application for trash geotagging based on images captured by users on their smartphones. The tagged images are then connected to the cleaners’ database, and the nearest cleaners are notified of the waste. The experimental results using publicly available datasets show the effectiveness of the proposed method in terms of detection and classification accuracy. The proposed method achieved an accuracy of at least 90%, which surpasses that reported by other state-of-the-art methods on the same datasets. Full article

Services of public interest concern the design of spaces and services in their most systemic and transformative conception, offering access to the essential functions of everyday life, and developing open solutions for a social collective understood as a ‘public’. Public services have been changing in recent years due to a digitalisation of services and tools. At the same time as there is a great deal of discussion on these issues, involving different opinions and continuous evolutions, the space as a container for these services is less subject to reflection and not considered for any evolution in design. Through the project of the requalification of the Salone Anagrafico of the Chamber of Commerce in Milan, or the Hall of the Future project, a research experiment is described, which highlights the importance of spatial heritage, and which can be replicated in other contexts, regardless of usage. Full article

The modern stage of technology development is characterized by the emergence of new paradigms for the construction of anthropogenic systems, such as cyber-physical systems, socio-cybernetic systems, etc. The task of data acquisition about the state of a multi-level system and managing the structure and behavior of a system consisting of many thousands of elements of different physical nature is a complex task. This article describes one of possible approaches to solving the problem of data acquisition and management of the structure of a large-scale heterogeneous system. The proposed approach is based on the idea of using dynamic digital twins, which are dynamic models of the observed system. This approach was used for the development of systems in various subject domains, in particular, in production management systems built on the Industry 4.0 principle, in the development of a technical support system for cable television networks and in the development of support systems for the construction of educational trajectories. Full article

This paper presents a mechanism for active power sharing among multiple dispatchable and distributed generation units within a micro grid comprising one or multiple interconnections with the main grid. Ideally, a micro grid should act as a constant load or a constant voltage source when connected to the main grid. However, to achieve ideal operation, natural load variations and the intermittency of renewable energy sources within the microgrid need to be adequately and timely compensated for by dispatchable power sources. While several control algorithms have been reported in the literature to achieve ideal microgrid operation, the majority of the proposed methods assumed a micro grid with a single interconnection to the main grid. In the real world, micro grids may have to maintain multiple live links with the main grid for several technical and operational reasons such as reliability, power-dispatch restriction, and operational limitations requirements. Therefore, a new method of active power sharing is proposed in this paper, which is equally effective for micro grids with one or multiple grid connections. The robustness of the proposed method is examined under different microgrid operating conditions. The results reveal the flexibility of the proposed method to adapt under various real-world operating conditions. Full article

This paper aims to provide a case study related to two small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the Italian footwear supply chain, comparing sales and production data from pre-pandemic years with those affected by the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Specifically, two Tuscany companies in the world of fashion footwear sector have been assisted in the analysis of their supply chains. In particular, the case research method has been employed for theory building to evaluate how companies reacted to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to focus on potential resilience strategies that could be adopted to deal with a disruption, such as that caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, in order to understand the dynamics of the supply chains, the standard production processes were initially studied and mapped, analyzing in detail the planning, programming, and control phase. After conducting a descriptive analysis of the data, possible resilience factors of SMEs’ fashion supply chains have been extracted, and strategies that SMEs could adopt to better cope with the disruption caused by the pandemic have been suggested. The outcomes of this study can be used by decision-makers to predict the operative and long-term impacts of epidemic outbreaks on the supply chains with some suggestions of potential resilience improvement strategies. The paper is concluded by summarizing the most important insights and outlining future research agenda. Full article

Rising carbon emissions are linked to the increase in global temperature, because of increasing human activities and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Since manufacturing is one of the most carbon intensive sectors, it is vital to suggest solutions that lead to carbon emission reduction in all sectors, among which is the steelmaking manufacturing sector. The present study focuses on presenting a framework for energy intensive industries introducing digitalization and energy efficient equipment in the production line. The current framework proposes different metrics, both from carbon emissions and cost viewpoints. A secondary steelmaking industry was used as a case study, showcasing the impact of digitalization and energy efficient equipment towards the reduction of carbon emissions. In addition, different metrics were calculated with energy efficient scenarios providing the lowest energy consumption metric, but their high purchasing costs make these scenarios less attractive. However, if carbon emission reduction per cost is the metric, a combination of digital tools and energy efficient equipment is the answer to the company’s needs. Applying the concepts of innovation absorption and digitalization, the number of alternatives is kept low, however, the impact on the line is quite large. The introduction of new technologies is also supported by training of the workforce, aligning the framework with current industrial trends. Full article

The obtainment of new luminophores for molecular sensorics of biosystems is becoming one of the urgent tasks in the field of chemical synthesis. The solution to each practical problem imposes its own limitations in the design of new structures with practically useful properties. The relationship between the structure and spectral properties is still to be unveiled. Three aza-BODIPY complexes with substituents of different natures were studied using time-resolved and steady-state fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy. The solvatochromic properties of aza-BODIPYs were studied with the use of a combined polyparametric approach and analysis by chemoinformatics methods for the first time. It was found that red shift of aza-BODIPY dyes was due to the increase of their structural lability. Predictive and experimental methods showed that the investigated aza-BODIPYs exhibited a positive solvatochromic effect, in contrast to classic BODIPYs (bearing C in the meso-position of the dipyrromethene core), which represents the negative solvatochromic properties. Spectral maxima in the area of the therapeutic window, low and predictable solvatochromism, and the ability to fine-tune the spectral characteristics make the investigated aza-BODIPYs promising scaffolds for the construction of bioengineering devices. Generalizations on the aza-BODIPYs’ design patterns were made in accordance with further bioimaging applications. Full article