Advanced thermal-management systems for internal combustion engines can improve coolant-temperature regulation and servomotor power consumption by better regulating the combustion process with multiple computer-controlled electromechanical components. The traditional thermostat valve, coolant pump, and clutch-driven radiator fan are upgraded with servomotor actuators. When the system components function harmoniously, desired thermal conditions can be accomplished in a power-efficient manner. In this paper, a comprehensive nonlinear-control architecture is proposed for transient-temperature tracking. An experimental system has been fabricated and assembled which features a variable-position smart valve, variable-speed electric water pump, variable-speed electric radiator fan, engine block, and various sensors. In the configured system, the steam-based heat exchanger emulates the heat generated by the engine's combustion process. Representative numerical and experimental results are discussed to demonstrate the functionality of the thermal-management system in accurately tracking the prescribed temperature profiles and minimizing electrical power consumption.

The integration of computer-controlled electro-mechanical components in ground vehicle cooling systems can improve coolant temperature regulation and servomotor power consumption. Advanced thermal management systems for internal combustion engines can better regulate the combustion process by harmoniously controlling the cooling system's actuators to obtain desired thermal conditions in a power-efficient manner. In this paper, a comprehensive nonlinear control architecture is proposed for transient temperature tracking in multiple cooling circuits, which builds on single-loop studies. An experimental engine and transmission cooling system have been assembled that feature a variable-position smart thermostat valve, two variable-speed electric pumps, variable-speed electric radiator fan, engine block, transmission, radiator, steam-based heat exchanger, and sensors. Representative experimental results are discussed to demonstrate the functionality of the multiloop thermal management system under normal and elevated ambient temperatures. The presented results clearly show that the proposed robust controller-based thermal management system can accurately track prescribed engine and transmission temperature profiles.

In this study, an optimum seeking-based robust non-linear controller is proposed to maximise wind energy captured by variable speed wind turbines at low-to-medium wind speeds. The proposed strategy simultaneously controls the blade pitch angle and tip-speed ratio, through the turbine rotor angular speed, to an optimal point at which the power coefficient, and hence the wind turbine efficiency, is maximum. The optimal points are given to the controller by an optimisation algorithm that seeks the unknown optimal blade pitch angle and rotor speed. The control method allows for aerodynamic rotor power maximisation without exact knowledge of the wind turbine model. A representative numerical simulation is presented to show that the wind turbine can be accurately controlled to achieve maximum energy capture.

The automotive cooling system has unrealized potential to improve internal combustion engine performance through enhanced coolant temperature control and reduced parasitic losses. Advanced automotive thermal management systems use controllable actuators (e.g., smart thermostat valve, variable speed water pump, and electric radiator fan) that must work in harmony to control engine temperature. One important area of cooling system operation is warm-up, during which fluid flow is regulated between the bypass and radiator loops. A fundamental question arises regarding the usefulness of the common thermostat valve. In this paper, four different thermostat configurations were analyzed, with accompanying linear and nonlinear control algorithms, to investigate warm-up behaviors and thermostat valve operations. The configurations considered include factory, two-way valve, three-way valve, and no valve. Representative experimental testing was conducted on a steam-based thermal bench to examine the effectiveness of each valve configuration in the engine cooling system. The results clearly demonstrate that the three-way valve has the best performance as noted by the excellent warm-up time, temperature tracking, and cooling system power consumption.

In this research study, Recycled Polymer (RP) composites are synthesized by using compression molding process, initial mixtures of RP and Date Palm Fibers (DPF) with four different lengths (e.g., 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10mm) and weight ratios (e.g., 5, 10, 15, and 20wt). The RP composites utilized in this study are polyethylene and polypropylene. The mixtures of RP and DPF are heated at 80C and then poured into a priori prepared mold. The mold is designed to have three cavities for three specimens in order to characterize them through impact, creep, and tensile tests. The results showed that the hardness and impact increased with this process. In addition, an increase in the DPF up to 15wt was observed with a small increase in the DPF length. High creep resistance was also observed to be 10mm with 20wt in the DPF specimens. The maximum strain was obtained in a 2.5mm fiber length with 5 of DPF due to ductility of the plastic matrix. Moreover, with a small ratio of tough DPF, short fibers are unable to block or resist rapid plastic deformation in specimens. In fact, the DPF specimens of 10 mm length with 20 wt exhibit a high tensile strength of 78N/mm² in comparison with other composite specimens. This is due to the length and content of fibers, which improve transferring action and microfailure modes.