Buildings have a significant impact on energy usage and the environment. Much of the research in architectural sustainability has centered on economically advanced countries because they consume the most energy and have the most resources. However, sustainable architecture is important in developing countries, where the energy consumption of the building sector is increasing significantly. Currently, developing countries struggle with vaccine storage because vaccines are typically warehoused in old buildings that are poorly designed and wasteful of energy. This thesis created and studied a decision support tool that can be used to aid in the design of economically feasible Net Zero Energy vaccine warehouses for the developing world. The decision support tool used a simulation-optimization approach to combine an optimization technique with two simulation softwares in order to determine the cost-optimal design solution. To test its effectiveness, a new national vaccine storage facility located in Tunis, Tunisia was used. Nine building parameters were investigated to see which have the most significant effect on the annual energy usage and initial construction cost of the building. First, tests were conducted for two construction techniques, five different climates in the developing world, and three photovoltaic system prices to gain insight on the design space of the optimal solution. The results showed the difference between an economically efficient and economically inefficient Net Zero Energy building and the results were used to provide generalized climatic recommendations for all the building parameters studied. The final test showed the benefits of combining two optimization techniques, a design of experiments and a genetic algorithm, to form a two-step process to aid in the building design in the early stages and final stages of the design process. The proposed decision support tool can efficiently and effectively aid in the design of an economically feasible Net Zero Energy vaccine warehouse for the developing world.

Nagrinėjama spausdinimo metu ant atspaudo užnešamų ultravioletinių dažų sukietinimo (užsitvirtinimo) problema. Spausdinama ritinine plokščiosios ofsetinės spaudos spausdinimo mašina. Apžvelgti eksperimentiniai ir teoriniai problemos aspektai. Aprašoma dažų džiovinimo ultravioletinėmis lempomis specifika, spausdinimo mašinos ir džiovinimo įrenginių parametrų įtaka dažų sukietinimo kokybei. Pateikiama eksperimentų planavimo metodu paremta tyrimo metodika ir jos pagrindu gauti duomenys, parodantys technologinių faktorių įtaką dažų sukietinimui. Didžiausią įtaką nagrinėjamų ultravioletinių dažų sukietinimui daro ultravioletinių lempų skaičius. / The problems of hardening (fixing) of ultraviolet ink while putting it on the imprint during the printing process are examined. The product is printed with the web-fed offset printing press. Experimental and theoretical questions are investigated. The specific features of ultraviolet ink curing using the ultraviolet radiation lamps as well as the parameters of the printing press and ultraviolet curing devices, which affect the quality of the imprint, are described. The results are presented in reference to the research methods based on the mathematical design of experiments. The results reveal how different technological factors’ affect the investigated hardening. The biggest influence on the investigated ultraviolet ink hardening has the number of ultraviolet lamps.

The work of this dissertation is centered on two non-conventional synthetic approaches to ferromagnetic nanomaterials: high-throughput experimentation (HTE) (polyol process) and continuous flow (CF) synthesis (aqueous reduction and the polyol process). HTE was performed to investigate phase control between FexCo1-x and Co3-xFexOy. Exploration of synthesis limitations based on magnetic properties was achieved by reproducing Ms=210 emu/g. Morphological control of FexCo1-x alloy was achieved by formation of linear chains using an Hext. The final study of the FexCo1-x chains used DoE to determine factors to control FexCo1-x, diameter, crystallite size and morphology. [Ag] with [Metal] provide statistically significant control of crystallite size. [OH]/[Metal] predict 100 % FexCo1-x at > 30. To conclude section 1, a morphological study was performed on synthesis of Co3-xFexOy using the polyol process. Co3-xFexOy micropillars were synthesized at various sizes. The close proximity of the particles in the nanostructure produced an optical anisotropy and was magnetically induced which is evidence for the magneto-birefringence effect. The second non-conventional synthetic approach involves continuous flow (CF) chemistry. Co nanoparticles (Ms=125 emu/g) were newly synthesized by aqueous reduction in a microreactor and had 30 ±10 nm diameter and were produced at >1g/hr, a marker of industrial-scale up viability. The final work was the CF synthesis of FexCo1-x. The FexCo1-x was synthesized with limitation to the composition. The maximum FexCo1-x phase composition at 20 % resulted from the aqueous carrier solvent triggering oxide formation over FexCo1-x.

Une étude expérimentale sur la faisabilité du procédé de dessalement par congélation sur les parois d'un tube cylindrique est présentée. Le procédé se décompose en deux étapes essentielles : la cristallisation suivie par le ressuage. Les cristallisations sont conduites à partir d'une solution stagnante ou agitée par un bullage d'air. Les paramètres opératoires clés sont la rampe de refroidissement et la salinité de l’eau traitée. Leur effet sur la salinité de la glace produite a été quantifié, dans les deux modes de fonctionnement, statique et agité. Le dispositif expérimental permet également de contrôler le gradient thermique à travers la couche de solution pour les cristallisations effectuées en statique. L'absence de gradient thermique et donc de courant de convection mène à des couches de glace très contaminées en sels. Les résultats combinant la cristallisation et le ressuage montrent que dans tous les cas, on peut obtenir de l'eau potable mais avec un rendement plus élevé et une durée réduite si la cristallisation a lieu en mode dynamique. Les conditions opératoires optimales sont proposées. La modélisation des transferts de matière et de chaleur à travers les couches de glace et de solution en régime diffusionnel et convectif a permis d’interpréter l’influence des paramètres opératoires des cristallisations opérées sans agitation. Enfin, l’évaluation économique du procédé complet de dessalement, basées sur des points de fonctionnement expérimentaux, indique que la consommation énergétique d’une petite installation pourrait être très faible en utilisant une machine frigorifique idéale fonctionnant entre l’unité de ressuage et l’unité de congélation. / An experimental study on the feasibility of sea water desalination by indirect freezing is presented. The whole process of desalination involves a freezing step, followed by a purification of the ice layer by sweating. Crystallization is led from quiescent solution or from agitated solution by air bubbling. The key operating parameters are the cooling rate, and solution salinity. Their effect on ice purity has been quantified in the static and agitated modes. The experimental setup enables as well the control of temperature gradient through the solution when the freezing step is conducted in the static mode. In the absence of temperature gradient and consequently the absence of convection currents, the ice layers formed are very contaminated in salts. The results combining crystallization and sweating show that in all cases, we can obtain drinking water, but with high yield and reduced process time when the crystallization is led in agitated mode. The optimal operating conditions are presented. The modelling of mass and heat transfers in the two phases in the diffusional and convective regimes has enabled the interpretation of the influence of operating parameters of crystallizations operated without agitation. At last, the economic evaluation of the whole desalination process, based on experimental operating points, indicates that energetic consumption of a small scale unit maybe low when using an ideal refrigerating machine which works between the sweating and the crystallization unities.

The Swedish truck industry is looking for new material solutions to achieve lighter engines with increased strength to meet customer demands and to fulfil the new regulations for more environmentally friendly trucks. This could be achieved by increasing the peak pressure in the cylinders. Consequently, a more efficient combustion is obtained and the exhaust lowered. This, however, exposes the engine to higher loads and material physical properties must therefore be enhanced. One material that could meet these demands is Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI). Its mechanical and physical properties make it ideal as cylinder block material, though there are drawbacks concerning its machinability as compared to other materials that are commonly used for the same purpose. Knowledge about machining of the material and its machinability is consequently inadequate. The main goal of this thesis is to identify and investigate the effect of the major factors and their individual contributions on CGI machining process behaviour. When the relationship between the fundamental features; machinability, material microstructure, and material physical properties, are revealed, the CGI material can be optimized, both regarding the manufacturing process and design requirements. The basic understanding of this is developed mainly through experimental analysis as, e.g., machining experiments and material characterization. The machining model presented in this thesis demonstrates the influence of material and process parameters on CGI machinability. It highlights machinability from both design and production planning perspectives. Another important objective of the thesis is an inverse thermo−mechanical FE model for intermittent machining of CGI. Here, experimental results obtained from a developed simulated milling method are used as input data, both to calibrate and validate the model. With these models, a deeper understanding is obtained regarding the way to achieve a stable process, which is the basis for future optimization procedures. The models can therefore be used as a foundation for the optimization of CGI component manufacturing. / <p>QC 20111121</p> / MERA - OPTIMA CGI / FFI - OPTIMA phase two

Haemophilus influenzae tipo b (Hib) é uma patógeno causador de doenças como meningite. O polissacarídeo capsular (PRP) é usado como antígeno vacinal. O alto custo da vacina provém da instabilidade do PRP. Este trabalho tem por finalidade otimizar o processo de produção do PRP. Primeiro, foi escolhido um modelo matemático para a descrição da cinética de Hib. Em seguida, foi realizado um desenho experimental para avaliar os efeitos de pH e temperatura sobre a cinética. Tanto a produtividade de PRP quanto sua massa molecular foram máximas em pH 7,1, porém em temperaturas mais altas a produtividade foi maior e a massa molecular menor. As condições otimizadas foram definidas como pH 7,1 e 30 °C. Nestas condições, a massa molecular foi cerca de 78 % maior que nas condições da literatura de 37°C e pH 7,5, com uma produção de PRP equivalente. Isto resultou em maior recuperação na primeira etapa de purificação, comprovando que a condição de cultivo otimizada pode contribuir em melhores rendimentos durante o processo e assim impactar na redução do custo final da vacina. / Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a pathogen responsible for deseases like meningitis. The capsular polysaccharide (PRP) is used as antigen in vaccines. The high cost of the vaccine is due to instability of PRP. The goal of this work is to optimize the production of PRP. First, a mathematical model was selected to describe Hib kinetics. Then, an experimental design was carried out to evaluate the effects of pH and temperature. Both PRP productivity and molecular mass were optimal in pH 7.1, but at higher temperature productivity increased and molecular mass decreased. The optimal conditions were set at pH 7.1 and 30 °C. In these conditions, the molecular mass was 78 % higher, with the same amount of PRP produced. This resulted in higher recovery at the first step of purification, ensuring that the improved conditions may contribute with processes efficiency and enable reduction of the final cost of the vaccine.

La carbonisation hydrothermale (HTC) est un procédé de conversion en énergie de la biomasse dans l’eau sous critique (180-250°C) à faibles pressions (10-40 bars). Ce procédé conduit à la production d’un matériau solide carboné appelé "hydro-char". L’objectif de ce travail est d’optimiser le procédé HTC par l’étude des performances de l’hydro-char comme source d’énergie. La biomasse étudiée est un résidu d’extraction d’huile d’olive dénommé grignons d’olive constitués de peau, de pulpe et de noyau (taux d’humidité de 70%). Ces grignons d’origine marocaine ont été préalablement séchés (GOS). Au cours de l’HTC, la biomasse est décomposée via des réactions de déshydratation et de décarboxylation. Les hydro-chars sont moins humides et plus riches en carbone que les GOS. Aussi, ils s’appauvrissent en cendres en les transférant dans la phase liquide. Les hydro-chars ont un PCS plus élevé que celui de la tourbe et de lignite. Les résultats montrent que le rendement et les propriétés de l’hydro-char dépendent surtout de la température du procédé. Pour mieux analyser l’effet des conditions opératoires, l’approche des plans d’expériences a été appliquée pour optimiser et modéliser le procédé HTC. Grâce au plan de Doehlert, on peut relier les propriétés de l’hydro-char avec son rendement massique et son comportement thermique de combustion. La représentation des surfaces de réponses a permis de définir les zones de production d’hydro-char avec ses propriétés permettant d’orienter l’élaboration de l’hydro-char pour répondre aux critères d’une application prédéfinie. Le liquide issu de l’HTC des GOS montre une sensibilité à la variation des conditions opératoires. Le carbone soluble dans ce liquide lui donne un pouvoir polluant. Pour le diminuer, deux procédés de traitement ont été testés: l’évaporation et l’oxydation en voie humide. Les résultats ont montré que la quantité d’eau utilisée pour le traitement est le facteur le plus influent sur le bilan énergétique du procédé HTC. / Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) allows pre-treating humid biomass in subcritical water (180-250°C) and at low pressures (10-40 bars) in the absence of air. This process produces a carbonaceous solid material called "hydro-char". The main aim of this work is to optimize the HTC process by studying the potential of hydro-char to produce energy. The studied biomass is a by-product of the olive oil industry called olive pomace containing water, residual oil, olive skin, olive pulp, and olive stones (with 70% moisture content). The moroccan olive pomace was first air-dried (DOP) and characterized. During the HTC process, the biomass is decomposed via dehydration and decarboxylation reactions. The obtained hydro-char has much less moisture and higher carbon contents than that of untreated DOP. Also, the hydro-char becomes poor in ashes by transferring them into the liquid phase. Hydro-chars have a higher HHV than that of peat and lignite. The results show that hydro-char mass yield and its properties depend on the process temperature especially. For a better analysis of the effect of operating conditions, a Design of Experiments Response Surface Methodology (DoE/RSM) approach was applied to optimize the HTC process. The DoE/RSM allows identifying a relationship between hydro-char properties and its mass yield and thermal combustion behavior. Response-surface plots show defined areas of production of hydro-char which allows tailoring hydro-char elaboration to a specific application. The process liquid from the HTC treatment of DOP shows a sensibility to operating conditions. The soluble carbon in the HTC liquid increases its polluting power and to decrease it two treatment process have been tested: evaporation and wet oxidation. Finally, the results show that the amount of water used for the hydrothermal treatment is the most influential factor on the energy balance of the HTC process.

La fabrication additive est un procédé d’élaboration permettant la mise en forme d’une pièce par ajout de matière, par empilement de couches successives. Bien que de plus en plus de polymères puissent être mis en œuvre par cette technologie, les polymères chargés en sont quasiment absents, alors qu’ils sont largement utilisés dans les autres types de procédés de mise en forme. Les objectifs scientifiques et technologiques du projet concernent (i) une meilleure compréhension des relations entre le comportement rhéologique de systèmes polymères et leur aptitude à la mise en forme par les technologies de fabrication additive FDM, (ii) le développement de formulations de base de polymères bio-sourcés adaptées à ces technologies et apportant une multifonctionnalité. Le premier objectif nécessitera tout d’abord d’identifier les conditions (température, gradients de vitesse, nature des contraintes, …) imposées par les procédés considérés puis de mettre en place et/ou d’adapter les moyens de caractérisation du comportement rhéologique des systèmes polymères dans ces conditions. Le comportement rhéologique en cisaillement mais aussi en élongation pourra être considéré. Il conviendra en particulier d’identifier les compromis nécessaires entre comportement adapté à l’écoulement en filière ou en buse et aptitude à la fusion et à la consolidation couche par couche. Enfin, l’effet des différentes voies de fonctionnalisation envisagées sur le comportement rhéologique et thermique et donc sur l’aptitude à la mise en forme devra être analysé. De façon à adapter les polymères bio-sourcés à un large panel d’applications, diverses voies de fonctionnalisation seront considérées, basées sur le compoundage avec des charges particulaires. / Additive manufacturing process is a preparation for the forming of a workpiece by the addition of material, by stacking successive layers. Although more and more polymers can be implemented by this technology, the filled polymers are practically absent, so they are widely used in other types of shaping methods. The scientific and technological objectives of the project are (i) a better understanding of the relationship between the rheological behavior of polymer systems and their ability to shaping by additive manufacturing technologies FDM, (ii) the development of polymer-based formulations biosourced adapted to these technologies and providing multifunctionality. The first goal will require first of all to identify the conditions (temperature, velocity gradients, nature constraints ...) imposed by the processes considered then to implement and / or adapt the means of characterization of the rheological behavior of polymer systems under these conditions. The rheological behavior in shear but also in elongation may be considered. It should in particular identify the necessary compromise between behavior adapted to the flow at the die or nozzle and meltability and consolidation layer by layer. Finally, the effect of different ways of functionalization considered on the rheological and thermal behavior and thus on the ability to formatting will be analyzed. In order to adapt the bio-sourced polymers for a wide range of applications, various routes of functionalization will be considered based on compounding with particulate fillers.

As cargas transportadas pelas ferrovias têm aumentado consideravelmente nos últimos anos, tanto pela capacidade individual do vagão como pela quantidade numa mesma composição. Após simulações e análise de dados obtidos em vagões instrumentados, uma das maiores operadoras logísticas do país observou que seus Sistemas de Choque e Tração estão sendo submetidos a esforços longitudinais considerados extremos. Desta forma, os trens formados por vagões do tipo GDU (capacidade de 118 t) estão limitados a uma quantidade de apenas 122 vagões, perdendo produtividade em relação aos trens formados por vagões do tipo GDT (capacidade de 110 t), os quais vêm circulando com 134 vagões. Em função das cargas extremas e consequente redução da produtividade nos trens, o Cliente solicita um trabalho conjunto para o desenvolvimento de um Sistema de Choque e Tração que torne possível a formação dos trens de minério com 134 vagões do tipo GDU. Desta forma, foi desenvolvido, como alternativa ao aço convencional, um aço baixa liga com desempenho superior, protótipos dos componentes citados para ensaios de campo e respectivos corpos de prova, validados por ensaios laboratoriais, bem como os parâmetros tecnológicos do produto e do processo. Os resultados obtidos são um aumento do Limite de Resistência, Limite de Escoamento, Tenacidade e Vida em Fadiga da ordem de 18% (em função da Temperatura de Revenido adotada), com a manutenção das características de Dutilidade (Alongamento e Redução de Área). / Loads transported by rail have increased considerably in recent years, both for individual freight car capacity and total train tonnage. Following data analysis and simulations obtained in instrumented freight cars, one of the largest logistics operators in the country noted that its Draft Gear Systems are being subjected to longitudinal efforts considered extreme. Thus, trains consisting of cars type GDU (118 ton capacity) have been limited to a quantity of only 122 cars, losing productivity gains regarding trains formed by cars type GDT (110 ton capacity), which circulate with 134 cars. Because of the extreme loads and consequential reduction in productivity of the trains, the Client requests a joint work for the development of a Draft Gear System that enables the formation of ore trains with 134 cars of type GDU. Thus, an alternative to the conventional steel, a low-alloy steel with superior performance was developed from which prototypes of the applicable components for field trials and respective test coupons were produced. This has been validated by laboratory tests, as well as the technological parameters of product and process. The results have indicated an increase in Tensile Strength, Yield Strength, Toughness and Fatigue Life of approximately 18% (depending on Tempering temperature adopted) while maintaining the characteristics of Ductility (Elongation and Area Reduction).

Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib) é uma bactéria patogênica causadora de pneumonia e meningite. Sua cápsula polissacarídica (PRP) é considerada como principal fator de virulência e utilizada como antígeno vacinal. Hib é fastidioso e requer micronutrientes para seu desenvolvimento. A finalidade deste trabalho é estabelecer o meio quimicamente definido para desenvolvimento de Hib e produção de PRP. Inicialmente, definiu-se um meio a partir de dados da literatura. Este meio foi estudado através do delineamento de Plackett-Burman de 44 ensaios, obtendo-se valores máximos de DO540nm de 5,0 UA, e 227,7 mg/L de PRP. A análise estatística revelou que EDTA, NH4Cl, Cys e PVA podem ser removidos do meio sem impactar os parâmetros estudados e que Glm, Hipoxantina, Inosina, Tiamina, Hemina e Tween 80 apresentam efeito significativo positivo para produção de PRP. Analisando os meios estudados, foi possível verificar que a composição do E44 possibilitou produzir o PRP a US$ 16,50/g, sendo considerado o meio quimicamente definido estabelecido neste trabalho. / Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib) is a pathogenic bacterium that causes pneumonia and meningitis. Its capsular polysaccharide (PRP) is considered as a major virulence factor and used as vaccine antigen. Hib is fastidious and requires micronutrients for its development. The purpose of this study is to establish the chemically defined medium for Hib development and PRP production. Initially, a medium was defined based in the literature. This medium was studied by the Plackett-Burman design of 44 trials, achieving maximum values of DO540nm of 5.0 AU and 227.7 mg / L of PRP. Statistical analysis revealed that EDTA, NH4Cl, Cys and PVA can be removed from the medium without impacting the parameters studied and Glm, Hypoxanthine, Inosine, Thiamine, Tween 80 and Hemin exhibit significant positive effect on the PRP production. Analyzing the studied media, it was possible to verify that the composition of E44 enabled to produce PRP to $ 16.50/g, being considered the chemically defined medium established in this work.