Global warming and the energy crisis are two of the greatest challenges on which mankind is currently focused. This has forced governments and other organisations to think how to protect the environment and how to reduce fuel costs. A variety of new and exciting technologies are being investigated to address the energy problem. Alternative energy sources such as solar power, fuel cells, wind power and tidal waves are active areas of commercial and scientific pursuit. A major area of current research is moving towards the hydrogen economy and hydrogen based energy systems. Hydrogen can be produced in many ways, most commonly by steam reforming of hydrocarbon (70% to 85% thermal efficiency) but the downside is that it releases carbon mono oxide (CO)), compared with commercial PEM electrolysers where performance has been reported to be 56 -73% at normal temperature pressure(NTP) with zero carbon emission. Electrochemical production of hydrogen has several advantages: (i) It gives pure hydrogen. (ii) It allows portability (e.g. Solar energy could be used to power the electrochemical cell). (iii) It can be produced on demand. The generation of Hydrogen via electrolysis has been the subject of many studies over the last two hundred years. However, there is still room for further work to improve both the efficiency of the process and methods of storage of the gas. The cleanest method at present is to produce hydrogen by electrolysis, and the main focus of this research is to design and develop such a green energy fuel cell for on-demand application. The aim of the work presented in this thesis was to further investigate the electrolysis method for hydrogen production. An Electrochemical fuel cell contains a minimum of two electrodes: the positively charged electrode called the anode where oxygen bubble will form, and the second negatively charged electrode called the cathode, where hydrogen bubbles will form during a chemical reaction caused by applying electrical current between these electrode. The project was initiated with the objective of finding a low cost solution for on-demand hydrogen generation. To establish a starting point, the first cell (cell-1) design was based on the work of Stephen Barrie Chambers (see chapter 3) to check the performance levels. The fabrication of the cell-1 design resulted in a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen in the same chamber, which means the cell-1 design, has a possible fire and explosion hazard. The device also has the drawback of lower performance of hydrogen production; columbic efficiency is between 40% to 46% at 1 amp to 3 amp current in 30% KOH alkaline solution. However, the advantage of reproducing Stephen’s innovation is that it allowed a quick and deep understanding of hydrogen generation. This thesis presents recent work on the fabrication of low cost electrolysis cells containing continuous flow alkaline (KOH, up to 30%) electrolyte using low cost electrodes (stainless steel 316) and membranes based on ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW PE) to produce hydrogen without the hazard of fire and explosion. In this research an On-Demand Hydrogen Generation cell-3 achieved a 95% hydrogen generation coulombic efficiency, which is about 49% efficiency improvement as compared to the stainless steel electrode, and was 22% better than the nano structured electrode. The typical cell voltage is 2.5 V at current flow ranging from 30 to 120 mA cm-2 in 30% KOH electrolyte. The achievement here of such high efficiencies paves the way for more research in the areas of space management, electrode surface structure and flow control (based on the application requirement). This invention can be used for aeronautic, marine and automotive application as well as in many other areas.

The interaction between the heat flux and fluid flow of an engine compartment fire and the windshield of a post-collision passenger vehicle has been studied using analytical methods. A computational fluid dynamics model of this scenario has been developed with TASCflow using a turbulent, reacting, multi-component fluid flow in a multi-grid domain with conjugate heat transfer objects. A group of computer programs have also been created to automate the grid generation and model construction processes. Calculation tools have also been developed using aspects of fire dynamics for the purpose of making comparisons to the results of CFD modeling as well as experimental measurements. A framework has been established for the modeling and validation of the windshield problem using the tools developed in this study.

Submitted by DHARA CARLESSO ZAMPIVA (dhara.zampiva@univates.br) on 2018-08-07T19:31:22Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) 2018AlexandreBatistaScheifler.pdf: 2840731 bytes, checksum: d1241a4deaa0d7a944cab687b36d6629 (MD5) / Rejected by Ana Paula Lisboa Monteiro (monteiro@univates.br), reason: Inserir o Lattes do autor. on 2018-09-11T18:23:00Z (GMT) / Submitted by DHARA CARLESSO ZAMPIVA (dhara.zampiva@univates.br) on 2018-09-17T17:15:48Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) 2018AlexandreBatistaScheifler.pdf: 2840731 bytes, checksum: d1241a4deaa0d7a944cab687b36d6629 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Paula Lisboa Monteiro (monteiro@univates.br) on 2018-10-03T15:01:35Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) 2018AlexandreBatistaScheifler.pdf: 2840731 bytes, checksum: d1241a4deaa0d7a944cab687b36d6629 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-10-03T15:01:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) 2018AlexandreBatistaScheifler.pdf: 2840731 bytes, checksum: d1241a4deaa0d7a944cab687b36d6629 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-08-07 / A Reserva Legal (RL), segundo o Novo Código Florestal Federal (NCFF), é uma área localizada no interior de uma propriedade ou posse rural, necessária ao uso sustentável dos recursos naturais, com a função de reabilitação dos processos ecológicos, conservação da biodiversidade e abrigo e proteção da fauna e flora nativa. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o status quo da RL das propriedades rurais produtoras de leite do Vale do Taquari (VT), e verificar as necessidades de adequação das mesmas frente à legislação ambiental. Foram amostradas 101 propriedades rurais produtoras de leite as quais se buscou verificar o uso e a cobertura da terra em relação aos os remanescentes de vegetação nativa, as Áreas de Preservação Permanente (APP) e a RL. Para tanto, foi utilizado o procedimento técnico de pesquisa de campo e documental a partir do qual foi possível concluir que as propriedades rurais produtoras de leite do VT estão atendendo aos parâmetros regimentais do NCFF em termos de RL. A pesquisa revelou a necessidade de aprofundar outros aspectos ou mesmo instrumentos que garantam a coexistência da atividade com a preservação ambiental. / The Legal Reserve (LR), according to the new Federal Forest Code (NFFC), is an area located within a rural property or ownership, which is necessary for a sustainable use of natural resources, with the function of the rehabilitation of ecological processes, conservation of biodiversity, shelter and protection of the native fauna and flora. The objective of this work was to evaluate the situation of LR of small farms producing milk in Vale do Taquari (VT), and also check the needs of adequacy of the aforementioned in face of environmental legislation. A hundred and one milk producing rural properties were sampled in order to evaluate the use of land in the PPA (Permanent Preservation Area) and the remnants of native vegetation that might compose the LR. In order to study the areas, a documental and technical field research procedure was used, from which was possible to conclude that the rural milk producing properties from VL in accordance to the legal parameter stablished by the NFFC regarding the LR. Nevertheless, even if the farmers are not obliged to adequate their properties, when it comes down to LR, the present study revealed the need to dig deeper into not only other aspects but also other instruments which could assure the coexistence of this activity and the environmental preservation.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-05T18:57:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 25 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / O setor de seguros no Brasil passou por mudanças significativas desde a abertura na economia brasileira. A pesquisa tem por objetivo analisar de que forma os grupos Bradesco Seguros S.A. e Sul América S.A. se reorganizaram e redefiniram suas estratégias de negócios, no período de 1985 a 2007, em decorrência das mudanças relevantes ocorridas no mercado segurador brasileiro. A partir de um estudo exploratório, utilizando dados de fontes de informações secundárias, buscou-se gerar explicações para responder as questões definidas pelo objetivo dessa pesquisa. Depois de concluído esse estudo pôde-se verificar que a formação dos grupos, resultou, principalmente, de suas decisões estratégicas, e não como forma de readequação às mudanças ocorridas no seu ambiente de negócios, que alteraram a estrutura do setor de seguros do Brasil. Todavia, crê-se que os grupos aproveitaram positivamente os estímulos do meio ambiente econômico. Quanto às decisões estratégicas dos grupos, no ramo auto, conclui-se que a estratégia de a / The insurance sector in Brazil has had significant changes since the open market of the Brazilian economy. This research has as its objectives to analyze how Bradesco Seguros S.A. and Sul América S.A. reorganized themselves and redefine their business strategies, from 1985 to 2007, due to the relevant changes occurred in the Brazilian insurance market. From an exploratory study, using secondary source of information, it was generated explanations to answer the questions defined as objectives of this research. After the conclusion of this study, it was possible to verify that the groups formation, resulted, mainly, from its strategic decisions, and do not as a way of re-appropriation to the changes that happened in its business atmosphere, that altered the structure of the Brazil’s insurance sector. However, it is believed that the groups took the advantage of the stimulus that came from the economic environment. As for the strategic decisions of the groups, in the auto field, it has been concluded that the st

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 1982. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ENGINEERING. / Includes bibliographical references. / by Susan Marie Krolewski. / M.S.

This thesis reflects upon several decades of research into Lean Production systems, highlighting the need for further investigation using an empirical study of exemplar implementations of Lean. The initial point of departure is an analysis of the current views of Lean based on a detailed literature review. The resulting Views of Lean Table provides a framework for the investigation of an exemplar Lean operation, viz the Nissan Sunderland Plant, widely regarded to be one of the most productive automotive plants in Europe. The exploratory nature of this investigation, and unique opportunity for access, argued for the use of an inductive single case study as an appropriate research approach. A four phase approach was used to; a) identify views of Lean, b) gain an initial understanding of the Nissan Production Way at the Nissan Sunderland Plant, b) acquire a detailed description of the Nissan Production Way and c) to assess the level of intrinsic motivation amongst employees. The primary objective of this research is to establish whether our current knowledge of Lean sufficiently encapsulates the concept’s many facets. Detailed semi-structured interviews with Nissan Production Way experts revealed that Nissan Sunderland Plant’s production system uses a large number of elements in contrast to the relatively narrow list of ‘Lean’ elements cited in the Views of Lean Table. In contrast to academic theory there was a focus on extrinsic motivation with low intrinsic motivation offset by the plant’s continuous fight for survival and ‘whatever-it-takes’ attitude. In practice Lean is viewed as an overarching philosophy with a toolkit encompassing a wide range of tools which are used when they are suitable for the task in hand.

Purpose: The aim is to investigate the content of the collaboration between car sharing companies and the construction company. The authors aim to map the different phases of collaboration and create a reasonable model to exhibit the collaboration. Methodology: This paper used qualitative approach as the method. Primary and secondary data were used. Primary data was gathered through phone interviews. The respondents were divided into three different categories in order to achieve the most comprehensive understanding. The categories are car sharing, construction company and city official organizations. In total the research had fourteen respondents from eleven different organizations. Findings: The authors developed a business model that may be used as a general outline if the closed-pool systems are applied to other major cities. The approximate costs were calculated and the general motivations for parties to advance to business making were mapped. The city hopes to increase alternative travelling methods and save for other purposes. The construction company aims to achieve zoning benefits in terms of cost-reduction and to have more space where to build. The car sharing companies aim to increase their market share and build their business. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the collaboration between car sharing companies and the construction company is possible within the city’s influence. The zoning benefits may be acquired with correct advancement through phases and, in theory, they would ensure a working business model that enables that the needs of all parties are satisfied. Practical Contribution: Decision makers of all parties may use the information of the study to build the optimal service to the Finnish business environment. The study is additionally intended to provide insight to individuals who are interested concerning zoning and closed-pool car sharing systems. Limitations: This study is delimited to understand the industry from the perspectives of car sharing companies, construction company and the city officials. Thus, the study does not investigate the open-pool business model characteristics of car sharing companies nor provide a follow-up information concerning the success of the collaboration. The study only involves companies operating in the Finnish business environment. Suggestions regarding future research: Future research should conduct a similar study like this, but in a larger scale, meaning in at least two different countries. Future studies can focus on more than one city within a country to raise the validity and reliability of the results and conclusions.

Driver behaviour has become an important aspect of transport research and over the years a considerable number of car following models have been developed. However, many of these models do not accurately simulate actual driving behaviour due to a lack of suitable qualitative and quantitative data. Moreover, the inclusion of socioeconomic variables in the existing models to ascertain the effect on car following behaviour is lacking. This research underlines the need to further investigate driving behaviour and car following models and to develop techniques to provide a better understanding of driver-vehicle interactions during car following. It investigates data collection techniques and develop better techniques to enhance and improve the collection of microscopic driver behaviour and traffic flow data. This study developed a novel data collection technique which involved instrumenting a private vehicle with front and rear advanced radar sensors, both forward and rear facing video-audio recorders connected to GPS based time series speed and distance measurement devices, an in-vehicle computer logging vehicle speed and a CAN monitoring interface user program to provide real time monitoring and display of data. This system has been utilised to collect a more enhanced and reliable microscopic driver behaviour data in three consecutive vehicles movements which represents an improvement from previously used systems. Three different versions of the GHR car following model were produced for: car following car, truck following car and car following truck. Further analysis of the GHR model showed that in the case of car following car, car drivers responses to the lead car are more obviously stronger than in the case of truck following a car. A distance-based car following model and distance-based two-leader car following model that predict the safe following distance of following vehicles were developed to provide a better understanding of driver behaviour. An extension of these models to include gender, corridor (road) type and vehicle occupancy showed evidence of statistical significance of these variables on driver behaviour. A bus following model that predicts the “following distance” also has been calibrated to describe the interactions between a bus and a car within urban-rural driving conditions. In addition, data analysis showed that drivers were inconsistent with their driving behaviour and that there was variability in driving behaviour across the drivers observed in keeping a safe or desired following distance. This study provides a platform for a number of future research agendas including data collection techniques for collection of driver behaviour data; evaluation of different ITS technologies; impact assessment of ACC on driver safety and improvement of traffic microscopic simulation tools in order to strengthen their ability to simulate realistic transport problems for efficient and effective transportation systems.

The diploma thesis analyze an automobile insurance market. Thesis provides comprehensive description of a car insurance products spectrum which are currently offered by insurance companies. Theoretical part deals with a defining auto insurance branches, a premium construction and a development in the Czech Republic insurance market. Practical part compares and appraises individual products of chosen insurance companies according to various standards such as insurance limits, price, bonus level, client segmentation.

This diploma thesis deals with the comparison of car insurance products of chosen insurers on the Czech insurance market. It searches this complexity of problem in the meaning of global macroeconomic background, but also with the microeconomic ones, which are fundamental for issuing a insurance plan. It answers the ethical, moral attitudes of insurance basis.