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Abstract The tailpipe zero-emission legislation has pushed the automotive industry toward more electrification. Regenerative braking is the capability of electric machines to provide brake torque. So far, the regenerative braking feature is primarily considered due to its effect on energy efficiency. However, using individual e-machines for each wheel makes it possible to apply the antilock braking function due to the fast torque-tracking characteristics of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM). Due to its considerable cost reduction, in this article, a feasibility study is carried out to investigate if the ABS function can be done purely through regenerative braking using a mid-fidelity model-based approach. An uni-tire model of the vehicle with a surface-mount PMSM (SPMSM) model is used to verify the idea. The proposed ABS control system has a hierarchical structure containing a high-level longitudinal slip controller and a low-level SPMSM torque controller.

Abstract Technological advancements and growth in electric motors and battery packs enable vehicle propulsion electrifications, which minimize the need for fossil fuel consumption. The mobility shift to electric motors creates a demand for an efficient electric motor thermal management system that can accommodate heat dissipation needs with minimum power requirements and noise generation. This study proposes an intelligent hybrid cooling system that includes a gravity-aided passive cooling solution coupled with a smart supplementary liquid cooling system. The active cooling system contains a radiator, heat sink, variable frequency drive, alternating current (AC) fan, direct current (DC) pump, and real-time controller. A complete nonlinear mathematical model is developed using a lumped parameter approach to estimate the optimum fan and pump operations at each control interval.

Abstract A modular, stationary IC engine blow rig for differential and integral flow field measurements using particle image velocimetry (PIV) has been developed. Unlike conventional PIV blow rigs, the given design is capable of operating under near-reality charge air conditions, that is, highly pressurized, hot intake air supply at high flow rates. Its conceptual flexibility as well as peripheral infrastructure allow for comprehensive and wide-ranging flow field analysis. Because of a modular architecture, it is neither confined to a specific cylinder head design nor limited solely to the application of PIV for differential flow field analysis. It also already accounts for direct inlet flow determination through an additional PIV access point upstream of the cylinder head. The inlet and outlet ducts have been designed with regular shapes and smooth walls, such that a digital twin-type CFD model of the blow rig is conveniently feasible.

Abstract Effective circumstance perception technology is the prerequisite for the successful application of autonomous driving, especially the detection technology of traffic objects that affects other tasks such as driving decisions and motion execution in autonomous vehicles. However, recent studies show that a single sensor cannot perceive the surrounding environment stably and effectively in complex circumstances. In the article, we propose a multi-scale feature fusion framework that exploits a dual backbone network to extract camera and radar feature maps and performs feature fusion on three different feature scales using a new fusion module. In addition, we introduce a new generation mechanism of radar projection images and relabel the nuScenes dataset since there is no other suitable autonomous driving dataset for model training and testing.

Abstract Machine learning (ML) for predicting wireless channels of vehicular communications networks has attracted interest in recent years. Beamforming is a technique used to selectively transmit and receive data in a desired direction. The receiver should be capable of choosing the right beam at the right time. The usage of adaptive antenna scanning, i.e., scanning all the beams and choosing the best beam will result only in 30% accuracy, which means 70% of the data will be lost. This article studied a multiagency long short-term memory (LSTM) beamforming prediction model based on signal strength to forecast optimum beams within each beacon interval (BI) for cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) systems. The model combines the outputs of several parallel prediction models resulting in an enhanced accuracy of prediction. Simulation data validated the effectiveness of the proposed prediction model on the university campus, resulting in a 24% improvement in prediction accuracy.

Abstract Autonomy is a key enabling factor in uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) applications ranging from cargo delivery to structure inspection to passenger transport, across multiple sectors. In addition to guiding the UAS, autonomy will ensure that they stay safe in a large number of off-nominal situations without requiring the operator to intervene. While the addition of autonomy enables the safety case for the overall operation, there is a question as to how we can assure that the autonomy itself will work as intended. Specifically, we need assurable technical approaches, operational considerations, and a framework to develop, test, maintain, and improve these capabilities. We make the case that many of the key autonomy functions can be realized in the near term with readily assurable, even certifiable, design approaches and assurance methods, combined with risk mitigations and strategically defined concepts of operations.

Abstract Fast charging is significant for the driving convenience of an electric vehicle (EV). However, this technology causes lithium (Li)-ion batteries’ massive heat generation under such severe current rates. To ensure the thermal performance and lifespan of a Li-ion battery module under fast charging, an artificial neural network (ANN) regression method is proposed for a hybrid phase change material (PCM)—liquid coolant-based battery thermal management system (BTMS) design. Two ANN regression models are trained based on experimental data considering two targets: maximum temperature (Tmax ) and temperature standard deviation (TSD) of the hybrid cooling-based battery module. The regression accuracy reaches 99.942% and 99.507%, respectively. Four sets of experimental data are employed to validate the reliability of this method, and the cooling effect (Tmax and TSD) of the hybrid BTMS are predicted using the trained ANN regression models.

Abstract The following work presents a new concept for optical accessibility of a single-cylinder medium-speed large-bore marine engine from the concept development to the implementation and feasibility investigation in a test bench observing the flame chemiluminescence of dual-fuel (DF) combustion. The design’s feasibility is verified using conjugated heat transfer (CHT) and finite element method (FEM) simulation during the whole design process presented herein. Assumptions made for the simulation, e.g., of the mount between the optical component and the steel engine parts, are evaluated in pretesting setups presented and described as follows. The optical access is made to withstand steady-state full-load operating conditions and is proofed so. The optical access is designed for an engine with a bore of 350 mm and a stroke of 440 mm.

Abstract The two-wheel system design is widely used in various mobile tools, such as remote-control vehicles and robots, due to its simplicity and stability. However, the specific wheel and body models in the real world can be complex, and the control accuracy of existing algorithms may not meet practical requirements. To address this issue, we propose a double inverted pendulum on mobile device (DIPM) model to improve control performances and reduce calculations. The model is based on the kinetic and potential energy of the DIPM system, known as the Euler-Lagrange equation, and is composed of three second-order nonlinear differential equations derived by specifying Lagrange. We also propose a stable feedback control method for mobile device drive systems. Our experiments compare several mainstream reinforcement learning (RL) methods, including linear quadratic regulator (LQR) and iterative linear quadratic regulator (ILQR), as well as Q-learning, SARSA, DQN (Deep Q Network), and AC.

Abstract Integrated control for automated vehicles in platoons with nonlinear coupled dynamics is developed in this article. A nonlinear MPC approach is used to address the multi-input multi-output (MIMO) nature of the problem, the nonlinear vehicle dynamics, and the platoon constraints. The control actions are determined by using model-based prediction in conjunction with constrained optimization. Two distinct scenarios are then simulated. The first scenario consists of the multivehicle merging into an existing platoon in a controlled environment in the absence of noise, whereas the effects of external disturbances, modeling errors, and measurement noise are simulated in the second scenario. An extended Kalman filter (EKF) is utilized to estimate the system states under the sensor and process noise effectively.

Abstract The principal issue in choosing an energy management strategy (EMS) for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) has been the way of determining the optimal share of electric energy in hybrid drive. In this article, a novel EMS is proposed that, along with maximum engine efficiency in the hybrid drive, can optimize the share of battery energy for the maximum efficiency of vehicle power train expanded with an imaginary power plant that, by delivering the electric energy to a grid, feeds the vehicle battery. It is proved that the expanded power train efficiency has the local maximum for a wide range of wheel power demand. The relation between the wheel power demand in hybrid drive, the share of battery energy, and the maximum efficiency of the expanded power train is conducted offline. Downloaded to the onboard control system, it enables the operation with the instantaneously optimal share of battery energy and the control system to operate with the low computational load.

Abstract This article presents a novel approach to optimize the placement of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors in autonomous driving vehicles using machine learning. As autonomous driving technology advances, LiDAR sensors play a crucial role in providing accurate collision data for environmental perception. The proposed method employs the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm, which takes the vehicle’s surface geometry as input and generates optimized 3D sensor positions with predicted high visibility. Through extensive experiments on various vehicle shapes and a rectangular cuboid, the effectiveness and adaptability of the proposed method are demonstrated. Importantly, the trained network can efficiently evaluate new vehicle shapes without the need for re-optimization, representing a significant improvement over classical methods such as genetic algorithms.

Abstract The demand for contactless, rapid manufacturing has increased over the years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additive manufacturing (AM), a type of rapid manufacturing, is a computer-based system that precisely manufactures products. It proves to be a faster, cheaper, and more efficient production system when integrated with cloud-based manufacturing (CBM). Similarly, the need for semiconductors has grown exponentially over the last five years. Several companies could not keep up with the increasing demand for many reasons. One of the main reasons is the lack of a workforce due to the COVID-19 protocols. This article proposes a novel technique to manufacture semiconductor chips in a fast-paced manner. An algorithm is integrated with cloud, machine vision, sensors, and email access to monitor with live feedback and correct the manufacturing in case of an anomaly.

Abstract Nowadays, with the great advancement of automobile intellectualization, vehicle integrated dynamic control is increasingly becoming a hot research field. For vehicle stability, this article focuses on the coordinated control of Direct Yaw-moment Control (DYC) and Active Front Steering (AFS). First of all, the nominal control variables (yaw rate and sideslip angle) are designed based on the linear two Degrees of Freedom (2 DOF) vehicle model, in which the phase difference between the actual and nominal variables has been pointed out due to the approximate substitution with first-order time-delay transfer function. Secondly, considering the uncertainty of cornering stiffness per axle, and increasing robustness of the system, the Optimal Guaranteed Cost Control (OGCC) theory is adopted to design the coordinated controller.

Abstract Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is widely used to diagnose the state of health (SOH) of lithium-ion batteries. One of the essential steps for the diagnosis is to analyze EIS with an equivalent circuit model (ECM) to understand the changes of the internal physical and chemical processes. Due to numerous equivalent circuit elements in the ECM, existing parameter identification methods often fail to meet the requirements in terms of identification accuracy or convergence speed. Therefore, this article proposes a novel impedance model parameter identification method based on the random mutation differential evolution (RMDE) algorithm. Compared with methods such as nonlinear least squares, it does not depend on the initial values of the parameters. The method is compared with chaos particle swarm optimization (CPSO) algorithm and genetic algorithm (GA), showing advantages in many aspects.

Abstract In this article, a novel hybrid metaheuristic based on passing vehicle search (PVS) cultural algorithm (CA) is proposed. This contribution has a twofold aim: First is to present the new hybrid PVS-CA. Second is to prove the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for adaptive signal timing optimization. For this, a system that can adapt efficiently to the real-time traffic situation based on priority signal control is developed. Hence, Transit Signal Priority (TSP) techniques have been used to adjust signal phasing in order to serve emergency vehicles (EVs) and manage the tram priority in a coordinated tram intersection. The system used in this study provides cyclic signal operation based on a real-time control approach, including an optimization process and a database to manage the sensor data from detectors for real-time predictions of EV and tram arrival time.

Abstract Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) are increasingly gaining focus and usage for their ability to effectively reduce fuel consumption and emissions. In retrofit HEVs, additional electrical power components are retrofitted to the existing fuel-powered engine-based conventional vehicles which provide an easier and more economical means to transform them into HEVs. In this work, a novel control strategy is developed for the energy management of a retrofit mild parallel HEV where there is neither any control over the engine system nor direct sensing of engine variables. The energy management–based control strategies of a Model Predictive Control (MPC) and Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy (ECMS) are analyzed in the context of a retrofit HEV, and the ECMS cost function is integrated into the MPC framework, which is successfully implemented in a Model-In-the-Loop (MIL) platform by execution under suitable driving cycles.

Abstract In this study, a parametric thoracic spine (T-spine) model was developed to account for morphological variations among the adult population. A total of 84 CT scans were collected, and the subjects were evenly distributed among age groups and both sexes. CT segmentation, landmarking, and mesh morphing were performed to map a template mesh onto the T-spine vertebrae for each sampled subject. Generalized procrustes analysis (GPA), principal component analysis (PCA), and linear regression analysis were then performed to investigate the morphological variations and develop prediction models. A total of 13 statistical models, including 12 T-spine vertebrae and a spinal curvature model, were combined to predict a full T-spine 3D geometry with any combination of age, sex, stature, and body mass index (BMI). A leave-one-out root mean square error (RMSE) analysis was conducted for each node of the mesh predicted by the statistical model for every T-spine vertebra.

Abstract Lane changes are stressful maneuvers for drivers, particularly during high-speed traffic flows. However, modeling driver’s lane-changing decision and implementation process is challenging due to the complexity and uncertainty of driving behaviors. To address this issue, this article presents a personalized Lane-Changing Model (LCM) for Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) based on deep learning method. The LCM contains three major computational components. Firstly, with abundant inputs of Root Residual Network (Root-ResNet), LCM is able to exploit more local information from the front view video data. Secondly, the LCM has an ability of learning the global spatial-temporal information via Temporal Modeling Blocks (TMBs). Finally, a two-layer Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network is used to learn video contextual features combined with lane boundary based distance features in lane change events.

Abstract Many consider hydrogen to be the automobile fuel of the future. Indeed, it has numerous characteristics that makes it very attractive. Hydrogen has a much higher energy density than gasoline, can be produced from water, and its only emission is water. However, there are numerous challenges associated with hydrogen. In particular, the production of hydrogen is a key issue. Currently, most hydrogen is developed from methane, resulting in hydrogen having a carbon footprint. New investments into electrolysis from renewable energy sources is showing promise as an alternative for generating hydrogen. Further, the distribution of hydrogen poses many problems, requiring substantial infrastructure to support a hydrogen economy. Additionally, hydrogen storage is a key issue since most conventional storage mechanisms are overly bulky. If these three issues can be addressed, hydrogen is posed for being a key fuel as the world tries to move away from fossil fuels.