El trabajo se acoge a la modalidad de tesis por compendio de publicaciones del Departamento de Proyectos de Ingeniería de la Universidad Politécnica de Valencia. Consta de seis artículos, de los cuales, dos de ellos han sido publicados en la revista "Packaging Technology and Science", otros dos artículos publicados en "Advances in Experimental Mechanics Vols 7-8", un quinto artículo publicado en "World Congress on Engineering 2007, Vols 1 and 2" y un sexto artículo enviado y pendiente de ser aceptado en la revista "Packaging Technology and Science". El nexo común que los une es el de profundizar en la generación de nuevo conocimiento dentro del campo de la ingeniería del embalaje, siendo su objetivo final, el de mejorar las técnicas actuales de simulación de los riesgos transmitidos al producto y su embalaje en los procesos de transporte y distribución. Las investigaciones planteadas y detalladas en cada uno de los artículos pretenden aportar una contribución parcial a un objetivo tan ambicioso como el planteado. Uno de los abusos mecánicos importantes, aplicado al producto embalado durante el proceso de transporte y distribución, son los impactos o caídas a los que son sometidos los productos embalados. El primer artículo de investigación se ha centrado en la medida y análisis de estos impactos recibidos por productos embalados que son enviados por avión mediante empresas transportistas de paquetería (DHL y FedEx) entre Europa y USA, obteniendo datos necesarios para simular en laboratorio las condiciones intercontinentales del transporte de paquetería para el correcto diseño de los embalajes de protección. La severidad de los impactos a menudo se describe en función de su altura de caída-libre equivalente (EDH) y de la orientación del impacto, para así facilitar los ensayos de caída en laboratorio. El enfoque generalmente utilizado es utilizar un paquete que contiene un registrador de aceleraciones y procesar los datos obtenidos para obtener una distribución estad / García-Romeu Martínez, MA. (2008). Contribución a la determinación y simulación de las vibraciones e impactos en operaciones de transporte y distribución de productos de consumo embalados [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/2927 / Palancia

The goal of this diploma thesis is to clarify possibilities of usage of acoustic emission as a hydraulic machinery diagnostics tool. Especially for exposing presence of ruptures or cracks in the parts of machine, assuming changes in acoustic exposure of the part during operation. This clarification is based on series of simple measured experiments, which consist of monitoring the bolt placed in fluid stream inside of a pipe. This bolt was preloaded against inner wall of pipe by appropriate tightening torque. This preload is supposed to simulate effects of the size of rupture. High preload simulates small rupture or none in object and respectively small preload is supposed to simulate big rupture. A group of pressure sensors and accelerometers measures experiments and their evaluations are processed by script created in software MATLAB. Outputs of this script are charts with effective values of respective sensors from the entire record split into individual frequency spectrums. These charts compare spectrums of each configuration to judge effects of parameters changes.

This thesis, which is a continuation of the previous Bachelor thesis, is dedicated to the study of polyelectrolyte complexes between hyaluronan (HA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Interactions between HA and BSA and a formation of complexes were studied by SEC-MALLS method, where a molar mass, a root mean square (rms) radius, a hydronamic radius and an intrinsic viscosity of particles of the system were defined. Furthermore the interactions were studied by calorimetric measurement ITC, where thermodynamic character of complex formation was determined. Additionally, dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering methods (DLS and ELS) were applied, where hydrodynamic radius and a value of the zeta potential were defined. Also the effect of higher temperature on the character and complex formation was examined by SEC-MALLS and ITC measurements. The interactions were confirmed at any of the used media, but with different efficiency. It was also proved that complexes become smaller in their radii and viscosity with growing BSA concentration. Furthermore it was proved, that the high ionic strength hinders surface charges of HA and BSA molecules and minimizes their mutual interactions. At the higher ionic strength the radii of the complexes, their intrinsic viscosity and zeta potential are increased. The higher temperature has only minimal effect on the formation of the complexes.

Society is going through a change to be more sustainable, and one big step in that process is to convert the power grid from convectional power generation to increased part of renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources often require power electronics such as converters to connect to the power grid, and power electronics can cause interference in the grid. This development in Sweden and rest of the Nordic countries is driven by the large increase of load based on power electronics. To maintain a stable power grid, it is essential to detect disturbances through measurement techniques adapted to the challenges that may arise.   The measurement techniques in the Swedish power grid have historically been based on power quality meters and RMS-based measurements, and this thesis focuses on the disturbances that RMS-based measurements may fail to detect. The objective is to compare the RMS-based measurements techniques available in the power grid with waveform measurement techniques developed to see how they could detect disturbances in the power grid. The first research question pertains to the characteristic frequency bandwidths within which a power system typically operates, and what frequency bandwidths a system could have with a significant amount of power electronics installed. The second research question concerns the measurement techniques.   This work consists of four main parts: bandwidth analysis of control systems for voltage source converter, RMS vs waveform detection techniques, interaction between converter and voltage perturbation, and realistic phenomena studies. The bandwidth analysis aims to determine the frequency range expected in future power systems, which in turn informs the minimum detection capabilities required for measurement techniques. This was achieved through calculations involving the control loops of converters, including the inner current control loop, outer control loop, and phase locked loop. Bode diagrams were generated for each control loop, with variables manipulated, and the short circuit ratio adjusted to determine the bandwidth of the control loop.   The RMS vs waveform detection techniques  phase was central to the study, involving simulations imitating various phenomena that could occur in the power grid. This was accomplished using two ideal sources and examining their interactions. The simulations included frequency perturbations, amplitude perturbations, and added oscillations apparent at sub-synchronous, super-synchronous, and high super-synchronous frequencies. Simulation results were presented for both RMS and waveform based defection techniques, simulating different reporting rates to mimic real measurement tools.   The third and fourth parts involved validating the RMS vs waveform detection techniques  results using real-case simulations. An HVDC model was employed to simulate the effects of voltage perturbation and observe the coupling over frequency mechanism. The same HVDC model was also used to simulate phenomena occurring in weak grids. Additionally, a wind park model was utilized to simulate the induction generator effect phenomena.   The findings reveal that the bandwidth of a power system undergoes significant expansion as the proportion of power electronics increases in the grid. Specifically, analysis of converter indicates a shift from under 50 Hz to several kHz in systems dominated by synchronous generators versus those dominated by power electronics. To effectively detect higher frequency oscillations within the grid, waveform measurement tools become essential, as classical RMS measurement tools are inadequate for capturing oscillations originating from power electronics. As power systems evolve towards dominance by power electronics, it becomes imperative to develop measurement systems capable of accurately detecting high frequency oscillations.   The recommendation of this thesis is to invest in waveform measurement tools alongside the already existing RMS-based ones to enhance the detection of disturbances, particularly those with super synchronous frequencies, addressing future power grid challenges.

Three-level diode-clamped inverter is being widely used these days. Extensive research has been carried out on pulse width modulation (PWM) strategies for a three-level inverter. The most widely used PWM strategies are sine-triangle pulse width modulation (SPWM) and centered space vector pulse width modulation (CSVPWM). The influence of these PWM strategies on the DC-link capacitor current and voltage ripple is studied in this thesis. The sizing of the DC capacitor depends on value of the maximum RMS current flowing through it. In this work, an analytical expression for capacitor RMS current is derived as a function of operating conditions like modulation index, power factor angle of the load and peak load current. The worst case current stress on the capacitor is evaluated using the analytical expression. The capacitor RMS current is found to be the same in SPWM and CSVPWM schemes. The analytical expression is validated through simulations and experiments on a 3kVA MOSFET based three-level inverter. Harmonic analysis of the capacitor current is helpful in better evaluation of capacitor power loss. Therefore, harmonic analysis of the capacitor current is carried out, using the techniques of geometric wall model and double Fourier integral for SPWM and CSVPWM schemes. The theoretical predictions are validated through experiments. The capacitor RMS current is divided into low-frequency RMS current (where low frequency component is defined as a component whose frequency is less than half the switching frequency) and high-frequency RMS current. The capacitor voltage ripple is estimated analytically for SPWM and CSVPWM schemes, using the low-frequency and high-frequency capacitor RMS current. The voltage ripples due to SPWM and CSVPWM schemes are compared. It is found that the voltage ripple with SPWM is higher than that with CSVPWM. A simplified method to estimate the capacitor power loss, without the requirement of FFT analysis of capacitor current, is proposed. The results from this simplified method agree reasonably well with the results from the detailed method. A space vector based modulation scheme is proposed, which reduces the capacitor RMS current at high power factor angles. However, the proposed method leads to higher total harmonic distortion (THD) than CSVPWM. Simulation and experimental results, comparing CSVPWM and the proposed PWM, are presented.

The diplomma thesis is dealing with possibilities of Signal to noise ratio measurement by method, which is based on direct measurement. It is chosen the most suitable method – signal and noise separation to two different parallel signal branches, where is measured signal strength in one branch and root mean square value in the other. The thesis is consisted of a concept of detail block scheme of Signal to noise ratio meter, which was designed in terms of theoretical knowledge. Particular functional blocks were circuit-designed, the active and passive parts were chosen and their function were described. There were made simulation and displayed input and output time flows. There is designed the whole connection of engineered Signal to noise ratio meter in the last part of my thesis. The double-sided board of printed circuit is contained too. It was created simple programme for supervisor micro-processor. Thereby were constructed complete bases for realization.

Magister Scientiae - MSc (Physics) / An increasing energy demand and growing environmental concerns regarding the use of fossil fuels in South Africa has led to the challenge to explore cheap, alternative sources of energy. The generation of electricity from Photovoltaic (PV) devices such as solar cells is currently seen as a viable alternative source of clean energy. As such, crystalline, amorphous and nanocrystalline silicon thin films are expected to play increasingly important roles as economically viable materials for PV development. Despite the growing interest shown in these materials, challenges such as the partial understanding of standardized measurement protocols, and the relationship between the structure and optoelectronic properties still need to be overcome.

This thesis deals with basic methods of root mean square and peak value measurement of a digital acoustic signal, algotithms to measure audio programme loudness and true-peak audio level according to recommendation ITU-R BS.1770-1 and digital systems for control of signal dynamic range. It shows achieved results of root mean square and peak value measurement and results of implementation of dynamic processor with general piecewise linear non-decreasing static curve and algorithms according to recommendation ITU-R BS.1770-1.

This Ph.D. thesis deals with problems about voltage dips and short voltage interruptions, generally named as voltage events, which origin in power supply networks and have a negative influence for all connected electric appliances. In this thesis single phase appliances are considered. These problems closely relate with area of electromagnetic compatibility which solve all questions about correct operation of different types of electric appliances during electromagnetic disturbances impact. Voltage events are ones of the many types of electromagnetic disturbances. The connection between disturbance sources and sensitive electric appliances is created by power supply lines. The immunity of electric appliances to voltage dips and short interruptions is currently tested via voltage dips with strictly defined parameters which are intended by class of electromagnetic environment in which the usage of electric appliance is recommended. During immunity tests the rectangular shape of voltage dips is preferred. The main descriptive parameters of testing voltage events are the residual voltage and the event time duration. But voltage dips and short interruptions defined by this way do not closely relate with parameters of real voltage dips and interruptions occurred in public supply system where parameters of voltage dips are variable. Moreover in the power supply system there are many of others voltage parameters which can have a significant influence to immunity level of connected electric appliances. This Ph.D. thesis also deals with finding more voltage event parameters. Although the voltage events occurrence in the power supply system is not limited and voltage events are considered only as informative voltage parameter it is important to monitor voltage events occurrence. The monitoring device has to be able to operate for ling time period and it has to detect parameters of voltage events with adequate accuracy. The accuracy of detected event parameters and the detection delay depends on the detection algorithm characteristics. That is why the part of this thesis relates with a comparison of several detection algorithms and their abilities to correct detection of voltage event parameters. The main purpose of this thesis is the proposal of connection between classification of voltage dips and short interruptions occurred in power supply system with the classification of electric appliances immunity to these voltage events. On the base of many of provided electric appliances immunity tests and also on the base of long time period voltage events monitoring the special compatibility levels are proposed in this thesis. The observation of proposed compatibility levels will bring the increasing level of reliable operation of all connected electric appliances.

La litière de fumier recyclé (LFR) est utilisée dans les fermes laitières québécoises depuis quelques années, et ce, malgré le manque de connaissances scientifiques quant aux risques reliés à l’utilisation de ce produit pour la santé des animaux. Le premier objectif de cette thèse était de décrire les méthodes de production de LFR dans un contexte québécois et les pratiques de régie associées. Le deuxième objectif du projet consistait à déterminer le potentiel de recroissance de certaines espèces bactériennes dans la LFR lorsqu’elle est contaminée. Par la suite, le niveau de propreté et la prévalence de lésions aux jarrets chez les vaches laitières exposées ou non à ce produit ont été estimés. Finalement, l’association entre l’utilisation de LFR et l’incidence de mammite sous-clinique et clinique a été évaluée. Des études observationnelles cohorte ou transversale (selon l’objectif de recherche) ont été réalisées en 2018-2019 sur 27 fermes utilisant de la LFR et 61 fermes utilisant de la litière de paille, à titre comparatif. Les visites de fermes ont permis de constater que les méthodes utilisées pour produire de la LFR n’étaient pas standardisées et qu’elles ne permettaient pas un réel compostage de la fraction solide du fumier. Les essais de recroissance ont permis de démontrer que les différentes LFR (traitée en tas, contenant fermé ou cuve rotative) ne réagissaient pas de la même façon à une inoculation par des coliformes. La LFR de cuve rotative contenait une plus faible concentration initiale de Klebsiella spp. et a montré une croissance bactérienne significative dans les premières 24 h post-inoculation. Les LFR conditionnées dans des tas ou contenants avaient quant à elles une concentration initiale importante de Klebsiella spp. et n’ont pas démontré de croissance bactérienne significative suivant leur inoculation, ce qui suggère un effet de saturation de croissance bactérienne. Au cours de l’étude transversale, 30 vaches par troupeau, en moyenne, ont été notées à l’aide d’un score de propreté sur trois zones du corps ainsi que d’un score sur l’état des jarrets, afin d’estimer leur propreté et la présence de lésions aux jarrets. Le score de propreté attribué à chaque zone du corps des vaches allait de 1 à 4, 1 étant très propre et 4 très sale. Nous avons observé que les vaches logées sur LFR avaient, en général, une meilleure propreté du pis et du bas des pattes que celles logées sur paille. La LFR avait un effet protecteur pour le risque d’avoir un score de propreté du pis ≥ 3 (rapport de cotes (RC) : 0,43) ou d’avoir un score de 4 (RC : 0,29). Les vaches logées sur LFR avaient aussi le bas des membres plus propres que celles logées sur paille avec de plus faibles cotes d’avoir un score ≥ 2 (RC : 0,45), un score ≥ 3 (RC : 0,16) ou un score de 4 (RC : 0,07). Cependant, nous n’avons pas trouvé de différence entre les deux groupes d’animaux au niveau de la propreté du flanc et du haut des pattes. Lors de leur évaluation pour la propreté, les vaches ont aussi été notées à l’aide d’un score de lésions aux jarrets allant de 0 à 3. Un score de 0 représentait un jarret parfaitement sain alors qu’un score de 3 était attribué à un jarret présentant une enflure de plus de 2,5 cm. Les deux jarrets étaient évalués et le jarret ayant reçu le score le plus élevé était inclus dans les analyses. Nous n’avons pas identifié de différence quant aux scores de jarret entre les deux groupes d’animaux. Afin d’évaluer la santé de la glande mammaire, une étude cohorte d’une durée d’un an a été mise en place à partir de la visite de la ferme. Les dynamiques de comptages de cellules somatiques ont été suivies sur 11 031 vaches durant cette période afin d’analyser l’incidence de mammite sous-clinique. Nous n’avons pas été en mesure de détecter une différence d’incidence entre les deux groupes d’animaux. Au cours de l’étude cohorte, les producteurs laitiers ont identifié et fait parvenir au laboratoire 1 144 échantillons de lait provenant de vaches atteintes de mammites cliniques. L’incidence totale de mammite clinique n’était pas plus élevée dans les fermes LFR qu’au sein des fermes paille. Cependant, lorsque nous avons analysé l’incidence de mammite clinique par agent pathogène spécifique, nous avons pu constater que les vaches logées sur LFR étaient 7,0 fois plus à risque d’expérimenter une mammite clinique causée par Klebsiella pneumoniae que celles du groupe comparatif. / Recycled manure solids (RMS) bedding has been used on Quebec dairy farms for a number of years, despite the lack of scientific knowledge about the health risks associated with the use of this product for animals. The first objective of this thesis was to describe the RMS production methods in a Quebec context and the associated management practices. The second objective of the project was to determine the potential for regrowth of certain bacterial species in the RMS when it is contaminated. Subsequently, the level of cleanliness and prevalence of hock lesions in dairy cows exposed or not to this product were estimated. Finally, the association between RMS use and the incidence of subclinical and clinical mastitis was evaluated. Observational cohort or cross-sectional studies (depending on the research objective) were conducted in 2018-2019 on 27 farms using RMS and 61 farms using straw bedding for comparison. The farm visits highlighted that the methods used to produce RMS were not standardized and did not allow for true composting of the manure solid fraction. The regrowth trials showed that different RMS (treated in heap, closed container or rotating drum) did not react in the same way to coliform inoculation. The rotating drum RMS contained a lower initial concentration of Klebsiella spp. and experienced significant bacterial growth in the first 24 hours post-inoculation. The heap or closed container RMS had a high initial concentration of Klebsiella spp. and did not show significant bacterial growth following inoculation, suggesting a saturation effect on bacterial growth. In the cross-sectional study, an average of 30 cows were measured using a cleanliness score on three body areas as well as a hock lesion score to estimate their cleanliness and the presence of hock lesions. The cleanliness score assigned to each area of the cows' body ranged from 1 to 4, with 1 being very clean and 4 being very dirty. We found that cows housed on RMS generally had better udder and lower leg cleanliness than those housed on straw. Recycled manure solids bedding had a protective effect for the risk of having an udder cleanliness score ≥ 3 (odds ratio (OR): 0,43) or having a score of 4 (OR: 0,29). Cows housed on RMS also had cleaner lower legs than those housed on straw with lower odds of having a score ≥ 2 (OR: 0,45), a score ≥ 3 (OR: 0,16) or a score of 4 (OR: 0,07). However, we found no difference between the two groups of animals in flank and upper leg cleanliness. When they were evaluated for cleanliness, cows were also measured using a hock lesion score ranging from 0 to 3. A score of 0 represented a perfectly healthy hock, while a score of 3 was assigned to a hock with swelling greater than 2.5 cm. Both hocks were scored and the hock with the higher score was included in the analyses. We did not identify any difference regarding hock lesions between the two groups of animals. To assess mammary gland health, a one-year cohort study was set up from the farm visit. Somatic cell count dynamics were followed on 11 031 cows during this period to analyze the incidence of subclinical mastitis. We were not able to detect a difference in incidence between the two groups of animals. During the cohort study, dairy farmers identified and sent to the laboratory 1 144 milk samples from cows with clinical mastitis. The total incidence of clinical mastitis was not higher on RMS farms than on straw farms. However, when we analyzed the incidence of clinical mastitis by specific pathogen, we found that cows housed on RMS were 7.0 times more likely to experience clinical mastitis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae than those in the comparison group.