TY - JOUR A1 - Möhren, Felix A1 - Bergmann, Ole A1 - Janser, Frank A1 - Braun, Carsten T1 - Assessment of structural mechanical effects related to torsional deformations of propellers JF - CEAS Aeronautical Journal N2 - Lifting propellers are of increasing interest for Advanced Air Mobility. All propellers and rotors are initially twisted beams, showing significant extension–twist coupling and centrifugal twisting. Torsional deformations severely impact aerodynamic performance. This paper presents a novel approach to assess different reasons for torsional deformations. A reduced-order model runs large parameter sweeps with algebraic formulations and numerical solution procedures. Generic beams represent three different propeller types for General Aviation, Commercial Aviation, and Advanced Air Mobility. Simulations include solid and hollow cross-sections made of aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. The investigation shows that centrifugal twisting moments depend on both the elastic and initial twist. The determination of the centrifugal twisting moment solely based on the initial twist suffers from errors exceeding 5% in some cases. The nonlinear parts of the torsional rigidity do not significantly impact the overall torsional rigidity for the investigated propeller types. The extension–twist coupling related to the initial and elastic twist in combination with tension forces significantly impacts the net cross-sectional torsional loads. While the increase in torsional stiffness due to initial twist contributes to the overall stiffness for General and Commercial Aviation propellers, its contribution to the lift propeller’s stiffness is limited. The paper closes with the presentation of approximations for each effect identified as significant. Numerical evaluations are necessary to determine each effect for inhomogeneous cross-sections made of anisotropic material. KW - Lifting propeller KW - Extension–twist coupling KW - Trapeze effect KW - Centrifugal twisting moment Y1 - 2024 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s13272-024-00737-7 SN - 1869-5590 (eISSN) SN - 1869-5582 N1 - Corresponding author: Felix Möhren PB - Springer CY - Wien ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Böhnisch, Nils A1 - Braun, Carsten A1 - Muscarello, Vincenzo A1 - Marzocca, Pier T1 - About the wing and whirl flutter of a slender wing–propeller system JF - Journal of Aircraft N2 - Next-generation aircraft designs often incorporate multiple large propellers attached along the wingspan (distributed electric propulsion), leading to highly flexible dynamic systems that can exhibit aeroelastic instabilities. This paper introduces a validated methodology to investigate the aeroelastic instabilities of wing–propeller systems and to understand the dynamic mechanism leading to wing and whirl flutter and transition from one to the other. Factors such as nacelle positions along the wing span and chord and its propulsion system mounting stiffness are considered. Additionally, preliminary design guidelines are proposed for flutter-free wing–propeller systems applicable to novel aircraft designs. The study demonstrates how the critical speed of the wing–propeller systems is influenced by the mounting stiffness and propeller position. Weak mounting stiffnesses result in whirl flutter, while hard mounting stiffnesses lead to wing flutter. For the latter, the position of the propeller along the wing span may change the wing mode shapes and thus the flutter mechanism. Propeller positions closer to the wing tip enhance stability, but pusher configurations are more critical due to the mass distribution behind the elastic axis. Y1 - 2024 U6 - https://doi.org/10.2514/1.C037542 SN - 1533-3868 SP - 1 EP - 14 PB - AIAA CY - Reston, Va. ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schopen, Oliver A1 - Narayan, Sriram A1 - Beckmann, Marvin A1 - Najmi, Aezid-Ul-Hassan A1 - Esch, Thomas A1 - Shabani, Bahman T1 - An EIS approach to quantify the effects of inlet air relative humidity on the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells: a pathway to developing a novel fault diagnostic method JF - International Journal of Hydrogen Energy N2 - In this work, the effect of low air relative humidity on the operation of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is investigated. An innovative method through performing in situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is utilised to quantify the effect of inlet air relative humidity at the cathode side on internal ionic resistances and output voltage of the fuel cell. In addition, algorithms are developed to analyse the electrochemical characteristics of the fuel cell. For the specific fuel cell stack used in this study, the membrane resistance drops by over 39 % and the cathode side charge transfer resistance decreases by 23 % after increasing the humidity from 30 % to 85 %, while the results of static operation also show an increase of ∼2.2 % in the voltage output after increasing the relative humidity from 30 % to 85 %. In dynamic operation, visible drying effects occur at < 50 % relative humidity, whereby the increase of the air side stoichiometry increases the drying effects. Furthermore, other parameters, such as hydrogen humidification, internal stack structure, and operating parameters like stoichiometry, pressure, and temperature affect the overall water balance. Therefore, the optimal humidification range must be determined by considering all these parameters to maximise the fuel cell performance and durability. The results of this study are used to develop a health management system to ensure sufficient humidification by continuously monitoring the fuel cell polarisation data and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicators. KW - PEM fuel cell KW - Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy KW - Relative air humidity KW - Active humidity control KW - Impedance analysis Y1 - 2024 SN - 0360-3199 (print) U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.01.218 SN - 1879-3487 (online) VL - 58 IS - 8 SP - 1302 EP - 1315 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Thoma, Andreas A1 - Gardi, Alessandro A1 - Fisher, Alex A1 - Braun, Carsten T1 - Improving local path planning for UAV flight in challenging environments by refining cost function weights JF - CEAS Aeronautical Journal N2 - Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) constantly gain in versatility. However, more reliable path planning algorithms are required until full autonomous UAV operation is possible. This work investigates the algorithm 3DVFH* and analyses its dependency on its cost function weights in 2400 environments. The analysis shows that the 3DVFH* can find a suitable path in every environment. However, a particular type of environment requires a specific choice of cost function weights. For minimal failure, probability interdependencies between the weights of the cost function have to be considered. This dependency reduces the number of control parameters and simplifies the usage of the 3DVFH*. Weights for costs associated with vertical evasion (pitch cost) and vicinity to obstacles (obstacle cost) have the highest influence on the failure probability of the local path planner. Environments with mainly very tall buildings (like large American city centres) require a preference for horizontal avoidance manoeuvres (achieved with high pitch cost weights). In contrast, environments with medium-to-low buildings (like European city centres) benefit from vertical avoidance manoeuvres (achieved with low pitch cost weights). The cost of the vicinity to obstacles also plays an essential role and must be chosen adequately for the environment. Choosing these two weights ideal is sufficient to reduce the failure probability below 10%. KW - Bio-inspired systems KW - Path planning KW - Obstacle avoidance KW - Unmanned aerial vehicles Y1 - 2024 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s13272-024-00741-x SN - 1869-5590 (eISSN) SN - 1869-5582 N1 - Corresponding author: Andreas Thoma PB - Springer CY - Wien ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Altherr, Lena A1 - Döring, Bernd A1 - Frauenrath, Tobias A1 - Groß, Rolf A1 - Mohan, Nijanthan A1 - Oyen, Marc A1 - Schnittcher, Lukas A1 - Voß, Norbert ED - Reiff-Stephan, Jörg ED - Jäkel, Jens ED - Schwarz, André T1 - DiggiTwin: ein interdisziplinäres Projekt zur Nutzung digitaler Zwillinge auf dem Weg zu einem klimaneutralen Gebäudebestand T2 - Tagungsband AALE 2024 : Fit für die Zukunft: praktische Lösungen für die industrielle Automation N2 - Im Hinblick auf die Klimaziele der Bundesrepublik Deutschland konzentriert sich das Projekt Diggi Twin auf die nachhaltige Gebäudeoptimierung. Grundlage für eine ganzheitliche Gebäudeüberwachung und -optimierung bildet dabei die Digitalisierung und Automation im Sinne eines Smart Buildings. Das interdisziplinäre Projekt der FH Aachen hat das Ziel, ein bestehendes Hochschulgebäude und einen Neubau an klimaneutrale Standards anzupassen. Im Rahmen des Projekts werden bekannte Verfahren, wie das Building Information Modeling (BIM), so erweitert, dass ein digitaler Gebäudezwilling entsteht. Dieser kann zur Optimierung des Gebäudebetriebs herangezogen werden, sowie als Basis für eine Erweiterung des Bewertungssystems Nachhaltiges Bauen (BNB) dienen. Mithilfe von Sensortechnologie und künstlicher Intelligenz kann so ein präzises Monitoring wichtiger Gebäudedaten erfolgen, um ungenutzte Energieeinsparpotenziale zu erkennen und zu nutzen. Das Projekt erforscht und setzt methodische Erkenntnisse zu BIM und digitalen Gebäudezwillingen praxisnah um, indem es spezifische Fragen zur Energie- und Ressourceneffizienz von Gebäuden untersucht und konkrete Lösungen für die Gebäudeoptimierung entwickelt. KW - Anomalieerkennung KW - IoT KW - Überwachung & Optimierung KW - DiggiTwin KW - BIM KW - Smart Building KW - Digitalisierung Y1 - 2024 SN - 978-3-910103-02-3 U6 - https://doi.org/10.33968/2024.67 N1 - 20. AALE-Konferenz. Bielefeld, 06.03.-08.03.2024 (Tagungsband unter https://doi.org/10.33968/2024.29) SP - 341 EP - 346 PB - le-tex publishing services GmbH CY - Leipzig ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Grund, Raphael M. A1 - Altherr, Lena ED - Reiff-Stephan, Jörg ED - Jäkel, Jens ED - Schwarz, André T1 - Development of an open source energy disaggregation tool for the home automation platform Home Assistant T2 - Tagungsband AALE 2023 : mit Automatisierung gegen den Klimawandel N2 - In order to reduce energy consumption of homes, it is important to make transparent which devices consume how much energy. However, power consumption is often only monitored aggregated at the house energy meter. Disaggregating this power consumption into the contributions of individual devices can be achieved using Machine Learning. Our work aims at making state of the art disaggregation algorithms accessibe for users of the open source home automation platform Home Assistant. KW - Home Automation Platform KW - Home Assistant KW - Open Source KW - Machine Learning KW - Energy Disaggregation Y1 - 2023 SN - 978-3-910103-01-6 U6 - https://doi.org/10.33968/2023.02 N1 - 19. AALE-Konferenz. Luxemburg, 08.03.-10.03.2023. BTS Connected Buildings & Cities Luxemburg (Tagungsband unter https://doi.org/10.33968/2023.01) SP - 11 EP - 20 PB - le-tex publishing services GmbH CY - Leipzig ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Bergmann, Ole A1 - Möhren, Felix A1 - Braun, Carsten A1 - Janser, Frank T1 - On the influence of elasticity on swept propeller noise JF - AIAA SCITECH 2023 Forum N2 - High aerodynamic efficiency requires propellers with high aspect ratios, while propeller sweep potentially reduces noise. Propeller sweep and high aspect ratios increase elasticity and coupling of structural mechanics and aerodynamics, affecting the propeller performance and noise. Therefore, this paper analyzes the influence of elasticity on forward-swept, backward-swept, and unswept propellers in hover conditions. A reduced-order blade element momentum approach is coupled with a one-dimensional Timoshenko beam theory and Farassat's formulation 1A. The results of the aeroelastic simulation are used as input for the aeroacoustic calculation. The analysis shows that elasticity influences noise radiation because thickness and loading noise respond differently to deformations. In the case of the backward-swept propeller, the location of the maximum sound pressure level shifts forward by 0.5 °, while in the case of the forward-swept propeller, it shifts backward by 0.5 °. Therefore, aeroacoustic optimization requires the consideration of propeller deformation. Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2023-0210 N1 - Session: Propeller, Open Rotor, and Rotorcraft Noise II AIAA SCITECH 2023 Forum, 23-27 January 2023, National Harbor, MD & Online PB - AIAA CY - Reston, Va. ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Thoma, Andreas A1 - Thomessen, Karolin A1 - Gardi, Alessandro A1 - Fisher, A. A1 - Braun, Carsten T1 - Prioritising paths: An improved cost function for local path planning for UAV in medical applications JF - The Aeronautical Journal N2 - Even the shortest flight through unknown, cluttered environments requires reliable local path planning algorithms to avoid unforeseen obstacles. The algorithm must evaluate alternative flight paths and identify the best path if an obstacle blocks its way. Commonly, weighted sums are used here. This work shows that weighted Chebyshev distances and factorial achievement scalarising functions are suitable alternatives to weighted sums if combined with the 3DVFH* local path planning algorithm. Both methods considerably reduce the failure probability of simulated flights in various environments. The standard 3DVFH* uses a weighted sum and has a failure probability of 50% in the test environments. A factorial achievement scalarising function, which minimises the worst combination of two out of four objective functions, reaches a failure probability of 26%; A weighted Chebyshev distance, which optimises the worst objective, has a failure probability of 30%. These results show promise for further enhancements and to support broader applicability. KW - Path planning KW - Cost function KW - Multi-objective optimization Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1017/aer.2023.68 SN - 0001-9240 (Print) SN - 2059-6464 (Online) IS - First View SP - 1 EP - 18 PB - Cambridge University Press CY - Cambridge ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Schwager, Christian A1 - Angele, Florian A1 - Schwarzbözl, Peter A1 - Teixeira Boura, Cristiano José A1 - Herrmann, Ulf T1 - Model predictive assistance for operational decision making in molten salt receiver systems T2 - SolarPACES: Solar Power & Chemical Energy Systems N2 - Despite the challenges of pioneering molten salt towers (MST), it remains the leading technology in central receiver power plants today, thanks to cost effective storage integration and high cost reduction potential. The limited controllability in volatile solar conditions can cause significant losses, which are difficult to estimate without comprehensive modeling [1]. This paper presents a Methodology to generate predictions of the dynamic behavior of the receiver system as part of an operating assistance system (OAS). Based on this, it delivers proposals if and when to drain and refill the receiver during a cloudy period in order maximize the net yield and quantifies the amount of net electricity gained by this. After prior analysis with a detailed dynamic two-phase model of the entire receiver system, two different reduced modeling approaches where developed and implemented in the OAS. A tailored decision algorithm utilizes both models to deliver the desired predictions efficiently and with appropriate accuracy. KW - Power plants KW - Associated liquids KW - Decision theory KW - Electrochemistry Y1 - 2023 SN - 978-0-7354-4623-6 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0151514 SN - 1551-7616 (online) SN - 0094-243X (print) N1 - SolarPACES: SOLAR POWER & CHEMICAL ENERGY SYSTEMS: 27th International Conference on Concentrating Solar Power and Chemical Energy Systems, 27 September–1 October 2021, Online IS - 2815 / 1 PB - AIP conference proceedings / American Institute of Physics CY - Melville, NY ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Lahrs, Lennart A1 - Krisam, Pierre A1 - Herrmann, Ulf T1 - Envisioning a collaborative energy system planning platform for the energy transition at the district level T2 - ECOS 2023. The 36th International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems N2 - Residential and commercial buildings account for more than one-third of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Integrated multi-energy systems at the district level are a promising way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by exploiting economies of scale and synergies between energy sources. Planning district energy systems comes with many challenges in an ever-changing environment. Computational modelling established itself as the state-of-the-art method for district energy system planning. Unfortunately, it is still cumbersome to combine standalone models to generate insights that surpass their original purpose. Ideally, planning processes could be solved by using modular tools that easily incorporate the variety of competing and complementing computational models. Our contribution is a vision for a collaborative development and application platform for multi-energy system planning tools at the district level. We present challenges of district energy system planning identified in the literature and evaluate whether this platform can help to overcome these challenges. Further, we propose a toolkit that represents the core technical elements of the platform. Lastly, we discuss community management and its relevance for the success of projects with collaboration and knowledge sharing at their core. KW - Energy system planning KW - District energy planning platform KW - District data model KW - Renewable energy integration Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.52202/069564-0284 N1 - ECOS 2023. The 36th International Conference on Efficiency, Cost, Optimization, Simulation and Environmental Impact of Energy Systems, 25-30 JUNE, 2023, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain SP - 3163 EP - 3170 PB - Procedings of ECOS 2023 ER -