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The continuous tribological development of engine lubricants is becoming more and more vital due to its fuel efficiency improvement and lifetime increasing potential. The antiwear additives play a high role in the lubricants to protect the contacting surfaces even in the presence of thinner oil film. Nanoscale spherical particles in the lubricant may increase the necessary protecting effect. This paper presents the results of the experimental tribological investigation of nanoscale spherical Y2O3 (yttria) ceramic particles as an engine lubricant additive. The ball-on-disc tribological measurements have revealed an optimum concentration at 0.5 wt% with about 45% wear scar diameter and 90% wear volume decrease, compared to the reference, neat Group III base oil. The high-magnitude SEM analysis revealed the working mechanisms of yttria: the particles collected in the roughness valleys resulted in a smoother contacting surface, they were tribo-sintered and they have also caused slight plastic deformation of the outer layer of the metallic surface.

Power-to-gas (P2G) technology is an emerging disruptive solution for renewable electricity integration and energy storage. Two significant challenges of its commercialization are the perceived risks associated to its scalability and the cost-benefit ratio of P2G versus other innovative energy storage technologies. Its emerging regulatory and business environment significantly limit the accuracy of the financial models, as well. In our research we have examined how inter-organizational networks and innovation management could contribute to the commercialization of the technology in spite of the above mentioned challenges. We performed action research between 2016-2019 at Hungarian technology developer startup Power-to-Gas Hungary Kft. Our research results show that dyad-level open innovation led to a significant opportunity to make new steps towards the commercialization of the disruptive technology. Because of the exploitative characteristics of the market environment and emerging regulatory framework we identified significant needs for complementary resources that would drive successful commercialization. We found that inter-organizational P2G innovation networks and their role in shaping further innovation and the establishment of regulatory sandbox models might be essential to overcome barriers of commercialization of this disruptive technology.

Due to the world’s growing population, the size of areas intended for food production in many countries of the world can only be achieved through severe environmental damage and deforestation, which has many other detrimental consequences in addition to accelerating global warming. By replacing the bio-content of fuels with other alternative fuels, land that is used for energy crops can also be used to grow food, thus mitigating the damaging effects of deforestation. Waste-based tire pyrolysis oil (TPO) can be a promising solution to replace the bio-proportion of diesel fuel. Since it is made from waste tires, it is also an optimal solution for recycling waste. This research shows the effect of different low-volume-percent tire pyrolyzed oil blended with diesel on the performance, fuel consumption, and emissions on a Mitsubishi S4S-DT industrial diesel engine. Four different premixed ratios of TPO were investigated (2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10%) as well as pyrolysis oil and 100% diesel oil; however, the following studies will only include the data from the pure diesel and the 10% TPO measurements. The experimental investigations were in an AVL electric dynamometer, the soot measurements were in an AVL (Anstalt für Verbrennungskraftmaschinen List) Micro soot sensor (MSS), and the emission measurements were in a AVL Furier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) taken. The scope of research was to investigate the effect of low volume percentage TPO on performance and emissions on a light-duty diesel engine.

The power-to-methane technology is promising for long-term, high-capacity energy storage. Currently, there are two different industrial-scale methanation methods: the chemical one (based on the Sabatier reaction) and the biological one (using microorganisms for the conversion). The second method can be used not only to methanize the mixture of pure hydrogen and carbon dioxide but also to methanize the hydrogen and carbon dioxide content of low-quality gases, such as biogas or deponia gas, enriching them to natural gas quality; therefore, the applicability of biomethanation is very wide. In this paper, we present an overview of the existing and planned industrial-scale biomethanation facilities in Europe, as well as review the facilities closed in recent years after successful operation in the light of the scientific and socioeconomic context. To outline key directions for further developments, this paper interconnects biomethanation projects with the competitiveness of the energy sector in Europe for the first time in the literature. The results show that future projects should have an integrative view of electrolysis and biomethanation, as well as hydrogen storage and utilization with carbon capture and utilization (HSU&CCU) to increase sectoral competitiveness by enhanced decarbonization.

The work is proposed to design a controller of the form known as the roundabout scenario trajectory tracking problem. The road condition is a four-leg, single-lane roundabout; the reference path is given. Due to the decision choice of exits, the MPC tracking controller is used to test the effect of weight parameter and target speed on the performance of the tracking controller. Two sets of test cases are proposed to make the experimental comparison, see the relationship between the control parameters and road conditions (different curvature path), and also see how the weight parameters Q and R and sample time affect the tracking performance. Our work, MPC controller utilization in a roundabout, plays an essential role with the increasing autonomy of vehicles.

Nowadays, increasingly stricter regulations on emission reduction are inducing rapid developments in combustion science. Low-temperature combustion (LTC) is an advanced combustion technology that increases an engine’s thermal efficiency and even provides low emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). The technology often uses early direct injections to achieve sufficient mixture homogeneity. This leads to increasing wall wetting and lower combustion efficiency. This paper introduces the Multipulse ballistic injection (MBI) method to improve combustion with early injection timings. The research was carried out in a four-cylinder medium-duty diesel engine with high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (HP-EGR). The investigation was divided into two experiments. In the first experiment, MBI was examined without EGR, and in the second, EGR was applied to study its effects. It was found that the MBI strategy decreased wall wetting and increased homogeneity and the indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) at early injection angles.

Power-to-methane (P2M) technology is expected to have a great impact on the future of the global energy sector. Despite the growing amount of related research, its potential disruptive impact has not been assessed yet. This could significantly influence investment decisions regarding the implementation of the P2M technology. Based on a two-year-long empirical research, the paper focuses on exploring the P2M technology deployment potential in different commercial environments. Results are interpreted within the theoretical framework of disruptiveness. It is concluded that P2M has unique attributes because of renewable gas production, grid balancing, and combined long-term energy storage with decarbonization, which represent substantial innovation. Nevertheless, empirical data suggest that the largest P2M plants can be deployed at industrial facilities where CO2 can be sourced from flue gas. Therefore, a significant decrease of carbon capture technology related costs could enable the disruption potential of the P2M technology in the future, along with further growth of renewable energy production, decarbonization incentives, and significant support of the regulatory environment.

The tire pyrolysis oil is a waste-derived fuel with a lower cetane number and higher den-sity than diesel fuel, but this is a promising waste-based fuel for compression ignition en-gines. In the European Union, it is necessary to increase the bio-share of fuels, and the second-generation waste-derived blend components are essential for achieving the 2030 goals. The injection characteristics of tire pyrolysis oil and diesel oil were investigated on a Bosch solenoid type common rail (CR) injector. Six different premixed ratios were investi-gated, including in a low volume percentage 250 ppm and higher 10%, 20%, and 100% pyrolysis oil and 100% diesel oil. The simulation investigation was done in the AVL Fire software, the experimental investigations were done on a LDX CR injection test bench, and the videos were taken on an Olympus Ispeed 3 camera. The scope of the research was to record the flow pattern of the fuel mixture, flowing out of the high-pressure injector, from which the mixing with air and the quality of the resulting combustion can be deduced, which has a significant effect on the emissions.

The elastic scattering cross section of 106Cd (α,α)106Cd has been measured with high accuracy at energies of E c.m. ≈ 15.5, 17, and 19MeV. The optical potential for the system 106Cd ⊗ α has been derived at energies above and below the Coulomb barrier. Predictions for the 106Cd (α,γ)110Sn capture cross section at astrophysically relevant energies are presented and compared to the experimental data measured recently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectroscopic studies in the superdeformed shape isomer of 240Pu using γ-spectroscopy, conversion electron spectroscopy and transmission resonance spectroscopy have been performed. In a high-resolution and high-efficiency γ-spectroscopy experiment the out-of-band decays of several excited superdeformed rotational sequences with K=2− and 1− could be identified together with evidence for a weakly populated 0− octupole band. Surprisingly, no low-lying collective quadrupole excitations could be observed. Complementary information could be obtained in conversion electron measurements in coincidence with isomeric fission, resulting in the first identification of the lowest ß-vibrational K=0+ band. For all rotational bands the variation of the moment of inertia with spin could be studied. A predominant population of negative parity states in the second well could be observed, which can be explained by the selective population and depopulation of the second minimum. Complementary transmission resonance measurements have been performed, yielding new information on the fine structure of high-lying (ß-)vibrational multi-phonon states. A new method could be established to determine the excitation energy of the fission isomer ground state from measured level densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defining the most penetrating correlates of protective memory T cells is key for designing improved vaccines and T cell therapies. Here, we evaluate how interleukin (IL-2) production by memory CD4 T cells, a widely held indicator of their protective potential, impacts immune responses against murine influenza A virus (IAV). Unexpectedly, we show that IL-2-deficient memory CD4 T cells are more effective on a per cell basis at combating IAV than wild-type memory cells that produce IL-2. Improved outcomes orchestrated by IL-2-deficient cells include reduced weight loss and improved respiratory function that correlate with reduced levels of a broad array of inflammatory factors in the infected lung. Blocking CD70-CD27 signals to reduce CD4 T cell IL-2 production tempers the inflammation induced by wild-type memory CD4 T cells and improves the outcome of IAV infection in vaccinated mice. Finally, we show that IL-2 administration drives rapid and extremely potent lung inflammation involving NK cells, which can synergize with sublethal IAV infection to promote acute death. These results suggest that IL-2 production is not necessarily an indicator of protective CD4 T cells, and that the lung environment is particularly sensitive to IL-2-induced inflammation during viral infection.

Modern Diesel engines have complex exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems. Due to the high temperatures, it is a typical issue to measure EGR mass flow rates in these complex control systems. Therefore, it is expedient to estimate it. Several sensed values can help the estimation: the fresh air mass flow rate, the fuel consumption, pressures, temperatures and mass fractions in the air path system. In most of the articles, the EGR mass flow rate estimation is done by the pressures. However, gas composition based models usually would be better for control aims. In this paper, nine EGR estimation methods will be presented: an important outcome is to present the required sensor architectures and estimation challenges. The comparison will be made by measurement results both in stationary operation points and transient cycles. The estimated EGR mass flow rates will be evaluated by verification conditions. The results will prove that the intake and exhaust side oxygen sensors can give verifiable signals for EGR mass flow rate estimation. In contrast, the applied fresh air mass flow rate and the nitrogen-oxide signals are not accurate enough to provide verifiable EGR mass flow rates in every operating condition. The effects of sensor inaccuracies will also be considered.

Power-to-methane technology (P2M) deployment at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) for seasonal energy storage might land on the agenda of decision-makers across EU countries, since large WWTPs produce a notable volume of biogas that could be injected into the natural gas grid with remarkable storage capacities. Because of the recent rapid increase of local photovoltaics (PV), it is essential to explore the role of WWTPs in energy storage and the conditions under which this potential can be realized. This study integrates a techno-economic assessment of P2M technology with commercial/investment attractiveness of seasonal energy storage at large WWTPs. Findings show that a standardized 1 MWel P2M technology would fit with most potential sites. This is in line with the current technology readiness level of P2M, but increasing electricity prices and limited financial resources of WWTPs would decrease the commercial attractiveness of P2M technology deployment. Based on a Hungarian case study, public funding, biomethane feed-in tariff and minimized or compensated surplus electricity sourcing costs are essential to realize the energy storage potential at WWTPs.

Increasing fuel demand, decreasing natural reserves and environmental consciousness have together led to testing and implementing new fuels and blending components of compression ignition engines. Biofuels are very commonly added to fossil fuels, mostly ethanol to gasoline and FAME to diesel. Harmonizing their properties with engines is a great challenge for automotive and oil industry. Increasing demand for diesel oil in Europe raised the question about the possibility of increasing the amount of bio extenders. There were and certainly there are a number of experiments aimed at substituting or blending diesel with other fuels. One group of such fuels makes bioethanol– biodiesel–diesel oil mixtures. The paper proposes a global overview on literature and presents the obtained results. The article explores the possibility of using bioethanol–biodiesel–diesel oil mixtures in vehicles and agricultural compression ignition engines. The main aspect of researches was to find blends substitutable for compression ignition engines. Investigations were made to determine the maximum volume of a renewable part thus reaching the same or similar power output with lowering emissions. The received results were used for environmental and economical investigations. The valorisation of the results shows that bioethanol–biodiesel–diesel blends fulfil the cetane number, viscosity and lubricity requirements for standard diesel. Practical measurements and engine tests show that the utilization of a new fuel decreases emissions from the engine. The results of agricultural feedstock calculation indicate that in Hungary the biofuel part of the investigated fuels can be produced from an overflow.

EU regulation related to the Automotive Industry focuses on strengthening the competitiveness of the European automotive industry by implementing an effective internal market regulatory framework of technical requirements, as well as enhancing co-ordination of policy areas affecting the sector. In order to make recommendations for better regulation ‘enhancing global competitiveness and employment, while sustaining further progress in safety and environmental performance at a price affordable for the consumer’, a high-level group called CARS 21 was set up in 2005. The article gives an overview of the latest European legislative instructions, their effect on the automotive industry and features the solution options ranging from vehicle-level technologies to energy resources. Automobilių pramonės techniniai sprendimai, vertinant ES teisinio reguliavimo norminius dokumentus automobilių gamintojams Santrauka. Trumpai aptariama automobilių gamintojams aktuali teisinė ES bazė. Aprašomi aktualiausi paskutinių metų ES standartai ir strategijos automobilių gamybos ir degalų naudojimo srityje. Pateikiami automobilių pramonės konkurencingumo didinimo ir plėtojimo kriterijai vertinant ES teisinę bazę. Taip pat aprašomi, analizuojami ir vaizdžiai iliustruojami naujausi techniniai sprendimai (gamybos technologijos, konstrukcijos elementai, degalų degimo technologijos, gaminio masės mažinimas, kelių degalų tipų transporto priemonės, energijos taupymas ir pan.) taikytini tam tikrose transporto priemonėse. Reikšminiai žodžiai: automobilių pramonė, transporto priemonė, norminiai dokumentai, teisinis reguliavimas, techninis sprendimas.

In order to test the reliability of reaction rate calculations in the framework of the Hauser-Feshbach statistical model, the cross sections of 106Cd(α, γ)110Sn radiative capture reaction were determined in the energy range close to the Gamow window for the astrophysical p-process scenario. In addition, to reduce the errors in the predictions of the statistical model calculations, the relevant optical potential parameters are to be determined from the angular distribution measurement of the 106Cd(α, α)106Cd elastic scattering reaction at low energies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The fission probability of 236U as a function of the excitation energy has been measured with high energy resolution using the 235U(d, pf) reaction in order to study hyperdeformed (HD) rotational bands. Rotational band structures with a moment of inertia of have been observed, corresponding to hyperdeformed configurations. From the level density of the rotational bands the excitation energy of the ground state in the third minimum was determined to be . The excitation energy of the lowest hyperdeformed transmission resonance and the energy dependence of the fission isomer population probability enabled the determination of the height of the inner fission barrier and its curvature parameter . Using this new method the long-standing uncertainties in determining the height of the inner potential barrier in uranium isotopes could be resolved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Adequate vitamin D (VD) intake during pregnancy is needed for fetal development and maternal health maintenance. However, while there is no doubt regarding its importance, there is not a unified recommendation regarding adequate intake. The main aim of our study was to measure the VD serum level of studied women, together with its potential influencing factors: demographic (i.e., age, level of education, relationship status and type of residence), conception and pregnancy related factors. Results are based on secondary data analyses of a retrospective case-control study of 100 preterm and 200 term pregnancies, where case and control groups were analyzed together. Data collection was based on a self-administered questionnaire, health documentation, and maternal serum VD laboratory tests. VD intake was evaluated by diet and dietary supplement consumption. According to our results, 68.1% of women took some kind of prenatal vitamin, and only 25.9% of them knew about its VD content. Only 12.1% of included women reached the optimal, 75 nmol/L serum VD level. Higher maternal serum levels were associated with early pregnancy care visits ( p = 0.001), assisted reproductive therapy ( p = 0.028) and advice from gynecologists ( p = 0.049). A correlation was found between VD intake and serum levels ( p < 0.001). Despite the compulsory pregnancy counselling in Hungary, health consciousness, VD intake and serum levels remain below the recommendations. The role of healthcare professionals is crucial during pregnancy regarding micronutrients intake and the appropriate supplementation dose.