#VCUs

[dorleco]

Internal Combustion Engine

Introduction

Internal combustion engine (ICEs), which power around 250 million roadway cars in the US alone, have been the foundation of industrial and transportation uses for more than a century. They are a powerful force in the automotive industry because of their durability, driveability, and compatibility with a wide range of fuels, including ethanol, natural gas, propane, diesel, gasoline, and biodiesel. Additionally, they can be included in plug-in hybrid and hybrid systems to improve range and fuel economy. Internal combustion engines are under increased scrutiny because of environmental concerns and the growing demand for greener alternatives, despite their extensive use and benefits.

Internal Combustion Engine Classification

Continuous combustion engines and intermittent combustion engines are the two main types of internal combustion engines that are distinguished by their combustion mechanisms.

1. Engines with Continuous Combustion

Fuel and oxidizer are continuously injected into these engines, maintaining a constant flame. Two of the best examples of continuous-combustion engines that are frequently used in industrial and aerospace settings are gas turbines and jet engines.

2. Engines with intermittent combustion

Conversely, the air-fuel combination is ignited in cycles by intermittent-combustion engines, commonly referred to as reciprocating engines. This group includes diesel and gasoline piston engines, which produce power by burning fuel in precise order.

The Internal Combustion Engine’s Operating Principles

The basic chemical process of combustion, in which fuel and oxygen combine to create energy, is at the heart of internal combustion engines. ICEs use direct fuel combustion to produce energy inside, as opposed to external combustion engines like steam engines.

An ICE is made up of a moving piston and a stationary cylinder. The crankshaft is turned by the piston’s movement, which is pushed by expanding combustion gases. The powertrain then uses this mechanical energy to drive the wheels of the vehicle.

Currently, there are two main categories of ICEs in production:

Spark-Ignition Gasoline Engines: These engines use a spark plug to ignite a mixture of gasoline and air before compression.

Diesel engines that use compression ignition only compress air before injecting high-pressure fuel, which ignites on its own because of the heat generated during compression.

The four-stroke cycle used by the majority of ICEs consists of four crucial stages:

The Cycle with Four Strikes

Stroke of Intake: The piston is close to the top dead center (TDC) at the start of the intake stroke. The piston descends as the intake valve opens, bringing in fuel and air (or just air in diesel engines). For the combustion chamber to receive a new charge, this stroke is necessary.

An engine cycle needs two full crankshaft revolutions (720°), and only one power stroke produces torque; the other strokes use energy.

Internal Combustion Engine Components

Important elements of an ICE consist of:

Cylinder Head: The camshaft, valves, valve buckets, return springs, spark plugs for gasoline engines, and fuel injectors for direct injection engines are all housed in the cylinder head. Additionally, it has engine coolant tubes.

Engine Block: The crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, and cylinders make up the engine block. To regulate temperature, it also makes coolant flow easier.

Combustion Chamber: The combustion chamber is the area between the piston, cylinder head, and engine block where air-fuel combustion takes place.

Internal Combustion Engine Benefits

Compact Size: Internal combustion engines (ICEs) are substantially smaller than external combustion engines.

High Power-to-Weight Ratio: They are appropriate for transport applications due to their high power-to-weight ratio.

Portability: the ability to fit a variety of vehicles and allow for easier carrying.

Fast Start Time: Internal combustion engines (ICEs) may start nearly instantly, in contrast to steam engines.

More Efficiency: Compared to external combustion engines, it offers higher efficiency.

Reduced Maintenance: Needs comparatively less care.

Lower Lubricant Consumption: Lubrication is more effective than in external combustion engines.

Moderate Operating Temperature: In contrast to steam engines, internal combustion engines’ maximum temperatures only last a brief period.

Internal Combustion Engine Drawbacks

ICEs have significant disadvantages despite their benefits:

Limited Fuel Options: Rely on premium gaseous or liquid fuels.

High Fuel Costs: When compared to alternative energy sources, gasoline and diesel are more costly.

Environmental Issues: Compared to external combustion engines, internal combustion engines emit more pollutants.

Noise pollution: reciprocal engines produce a lot of noise during burning.

Power Restrictions: Not recommended for applications requiring a lot of power.

Internal Combustion Engine Applications

Many industries make extensive use of ICEs.

Gasoline Engines: Automobiles, boats, and airplanes all use gasoline engines.

Industries use gas engines to generate electricity.

Diesel engines power large machinery, trucks, ships, and railroads.

Industrial, maritime, and aviation settings employ gas turbines.

Internal Combustion Engines’ Future

Cleaner alternatives are becoming more and more necessary as environmental concerns and resource depletion become more urgent issues. Even with notable improvements in ICE efficiency and emissions management, their dependence on fossil fuels continues to be a major drawback.

To overcome these obstacles, research and development initiatives concentrate on:

Alternative Fuels: Sustainable substitutes include hydrogen, biofuels, and synthetic fuels.

Electrification: hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies integrate electric motors to lower pollution and fuel consumption.

Advanced Engine Management Systems: Control systems powered by AI increase productivity.

Lightweight Materials: Better materials contribute to a lighter engine, which improves fuel economy.

Aerodynamic Enhancements: Improving a car’s aerodynamics helps it use less fuel.

Conclusion

Internal combustion engines have greatly aided modern industries and transportation. They are essential because of their success, reliability, and adaptability. However, ICEs need to change to be relevant as the world moves toward greener energy alternatives.

As ICE technology advances, attention is turning to more environmentally conscious options. Electric powertrains, hybridization, and advanced fuels are shaping the future of transportation. The long-term sustainability of internal combustion engines will depend on how well we balance environmental responsibility and energy efficiency. The secret to guaranteeing a sustainable and effective future in industry and mobility is to embrace innovation.

[quhere]

something incredibly powerful is how healing these encampments as community spaces have been for so many. I’ve seen undergraduates get tutoring from graduate students, students who are food insecure receive three meals a day, students share their art and exchange gifts…. Seeing students put aside these typical structures of power aside has been incredibly fulfilling to watch. So many different people from many different backgrounds have learned from each other and exchanged their resources. I wish student protestors all over the US the very best. There is so much selflessness and passion in these spaces

[vcujensen]

Soldier Boy | The Boys 3x06

[marcheriest]

Quite old, but this was my 2021 cover for VCU's Emanata Comic Anthology, Volume 8: THE END. A personal pleasure and a great bookend since I had been a contributor and editor on the publication for all 4 years of my time at the school.

[trislosherfan25]

If you are curious about what happened at the VCU student protest for Palestine, please check out this thread

The treatment of student protestors was completely unwarranted and unnecessary violent, and was initiated and escalated by law enforcement. Please read up on it. I wasn't present at the protest itself, but I was in the area. The encampment was set up just today, and had been entirely peaceful all day. Once it got dark out I saw a massive amount of police vehicles arrive in the area. I began walking home (I do not feel safe joining a protest without a group and I did not know of the encampment until today, so I was unprepared to join) and passed the area of the protest. Police were there but there was no screaming or confrontation at this point, this was about 10-15 minutes after I saw vehicles arrive. I turned a corner and saw the area of the protest again, and loud sirens were being used on protestors (this was about 5 minutes later) I continued to hear them from my apartment for a while after. During this time students at the protest were being tear gassed and arrested (seen in the thread.)

While I wasn't at the protest itself, I wanted to give my account of what happened so you can get a sense of how rapidly this escalated. Please listen to the students from my school, keep an eye out for bail funds for those arrested - I will post any that I find. Free Palestine!

[chugging-antiseptic-dye]

shadow characteristics of seventeen 🌘:

vcu version I ppu version I hiphop unit

jeonghan: loyal

i know all of us like to jokingly tell jeonghan off for cheating in gose but he does that to spice up the atmosphere and make gose fun !! most of the iconic moments are because of his cheating or rule bending and i love him for that 💝 but when not being jeonghan, the trickster member of seventeen, he is a really loyal friend. with the way svt says he is the emotional pillar of the group, i think jeonghan is very ride or die. he is the one who will get drunk with you when you get your heartbroken, the one who will hate the person you hate even without meeting them, the one who will take your secrets to the grave missing jeonghan hours is open T_T

joshua: tense

i feel like joshua is the most relaxed when he is with his loved ones or when he goes home to light a scented candle and listen to soft music. although he is an extrovert, his career can put an internal sort of pressure in him and make him seem a bit tense at times. if you pay attention, when in a public setting, he is always aware of what he says and does. so, yes, the crazy is also somewhat deliberate. impulsiveness and shua doesn't go hand in hand i fear. and that sort of constant awareness can be extremely draining for a person. i hope he gets to unwind and just be joshua when the camera isn't rolling.

woozi: chaotic

woozi loves chaos. he thrives on chaos. he eats it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. the more dramatic a situation is, the better. just because he, himself, isn't starting the drama in front of the camera doesn't mean that he doesn't egg the others on lmao. hoshi is his one of his best friends for a reason 🤓👆. i bet my whole fortune (2$) that he is more loud and dramatic than we know. and i am talking about scoups level of dramatic. nonchalant? no. ALL THE CHALANT !!

dokyeom: private

all of seventeen are good at keeping their lives private (which i hundred percent support !!) but dokyeom doing it hits me hardest since he is one of the yappers and chronic oversharers of the group i love him sm. even in his daily life, i feel like if he doesn't want to share something, it will never see the light of the day. he will bury it deeper than the mariana trench. i really respect his moving in silence agenda ngl.

seungkwan: silent

seungkwan is a born entertainer 🙌 but he is a lot quieter than we see from the outside. i remember him once saying he really appreciates jeonghan bc he leaves him be. seungkwan has high expectations from himself when it comes to his role as an idol or entertainer. that's why i feel like only once he is alone or with his close people, he lets his metaphorical hair down and just becomes seungkwan, a person i hope he gets to do that everyday.

[eliks]

Police have begun pepperspraying, fighting, and detaining the peaceful pro-Palestinian student protesters on my campus. If possible, please donate to the RVA bail fund in order to help the arrested students.

https://rvabailfund.org/donate

[paulrosenstein]

871

[altraviolet]

ALTRAVIOLET, MAKE A TFP SEQUAL

And my LIFE

Is yOURRSSS

(no pressure tho, i saw a post in the Goobers going back i was like 😮👁️👁️)

[I don't know what "i saw a post in the Goobers going back" means... o.o]

hiiiiiiii anon!

lol ok I can see why you say that. and that's the short answer. but it's 5am and I don't want to go to work, so here are some more words about this subject:

I have a lot of thoughts about a sequel, most of them being, "I will not be able to recapture the exact flavor of intense emotional change in Soundwave + slow burn that everyone enjoyed, because SW has already changed and the slow burn is done." SW is in a happy place now. a sequel written in the same vein as the original (with emotional intensity, dire stakes, character growth and intricate connections) would require putting him in a bad place, and him overcoming it, with consequences. and yeah, maybe people would want to read that, but consider: are you sure??? do you know what I could do to him????

lol

I get it, and I would never say never. but if you want a true TEG 2.0, I think it would hurt to read, and it wouldn't have as happy an ending as TEG. however. however. if I think of something beyond "regular adventure they could go on" (which like, I feel like you want something deeper than that), I'll do it. a regular adventure or a series of little slice of life scenes are like. yeah. I could do that. but

a sequel to TEG deserves to be a sequel to TEG, ya know?

but! consider. however. I have started a new Rodimus/Soundwave fic, in a fanon continuity, which means I've made up EVERYTHING about the world. it doesn't rely much on any canon. does that sound appealing at all? ;A; if you happened to be someone who read TEG without reading MTMTE, it'd feel the same: you'd be introduced to the world through the fic. there isn't anything extraneous to it to rely on

that's me practicing moving from fic to original work

I'd really love to be able to write fiction for a living, which is like, a zillion to one chance. but I'm tired of working. I just wanna write. which means: I have to write. which means: I have to use my limited free time to write what's going to get me to my goal. which means: no TEG sequel planned. which means: never say never. but also. I have a lot of other fics. would you like to give them a try? would you give my new fic a try? or do you just want TEG 2.0?

which, if you do, I get it. but hopefully also you get where I'm coming from

ultimately, you wanting more of my writing is a huge compliment, so thank you :) I hope the tone of my reply hasn't felt dismissive or mean or anything. the goal was just to be very truthful, since I'm sure you're not the only one interested in a sequel

as always, no matter what, thanks for reading ✨

[spell-bloom]

DON’T FORGET ABOUT VCU

Richmond police assaulted peaceful students at VCU on Monday April 29th, 2024. The students were granted permission by the university to protest. The protest officially started at 5PM EST outside of the Cabell Library, but several students started as early as 8 AM. They called it the Palestine Liberation Zone. Hundreds of VCU students attended.

The protesters' list of demands from VCU. They were not going to leave until the University acquiesced.

At 8:30 PM EST, Richmond police arrived at the protest in full riot gear. The pallets you see were brought in by the students to protect the tents, and themselves, from police. The University called in the police.

At 9PM, the police were armed with riot shields and formed a wall against the students. Students used pallets, signs, and themselves to press back against officers. Some flung empty water bottles against them. One of the officers used pepper spray against the students. You can see several students in the windows in the library.

Another officer pepper spraying students and setting off a tear gas canister.

RPD are claiming that they did not use tear gas.

The police retreated and the students heckle and cheer in victory.

By 9:12 PM, the students were locked inside the library by police for their safety and to prevent any chemicals from entering the building. Here is a video from a student's POV inside of the Cabell Library.

A student being arrested.

Sanitation workers take away tents and anything that was left behind. Laptops, books and other school materials were thrown away in a dumpster or were destroyed. Several students say that officers were snacking on the food that was left behind.

Past midnight, the organizers told the students to go home. The students in the library were officially let go after 4 hours of being stuck there. 13 arrests were made.

This is the University's response:

Is VCU providing safety to students in the form of riot police, pepper spray and tear gas? Almost all of the protesters were students of VCU, with maybe a handful of non-students joining in, according to a student who attends there. If the campus did not want disruption, they should not have given the green light to students protesting peacefully against genocide.

Here are several videos of the students being 'violent'

Sources: linked on twitter and a friend who attends VCU If any students or witnesses want to give more information, please feel free to comment or contact so I can update the post.

[curiouscatalog]

Local Richmond magazine from the 1980s.

From: Boys & Girls Grow Up. Richmond, Va. : Amy Crehore, Tom Campagnoli, 1981-1985.

PN6700.B69

[dorleco]

Regenerative Braking Systems and Control Strategies

Introduction

Regenerative braking systems are becoming more and more common in contemporary transportation systems, such as trains, industrial equipment, and electric and hybrid cars. During braking or deceleration, this novel braking technique enables the recovery and conversion of kinetic energy into electrical energy. By doing this, regenerative braking lessens the need for traditional friction braking systems, which release kinetic energy as heat, while also greatly increasing energy efficiency.

The basic ideas of regenerative braking, its essential elements, different control schemes, and its advantages and disadvantages will all be covered in this blog. We will also emphasize how developments in this technology are pushing the limits of efficient and ecological transportation.

Regenerative Braking System Fundamentals

Energy conservation is the fundamental idea underlying regenerative braking. Conventional braking systems release heat energy into the atmosphere after converting a vehicle’s kinetic energy. Regenerative braking, on the other hand, absorbs this kinetic energy and transforms it into electrical energy. Energy waste can be minimized and efficiency increased by using the recovered energy to power the electric motor right away or storing it in batteries.

Key Components of a Regenerative Braking System

Several crucial parts make up a standard regenerative braking system:

Electric Generator/Motor: This multifunctional part transforms kinetic energy into electrical energy while braking and acts as a motor when accelerating to provide propulsion.

Energy Storage System: Depending on the use, the recovered electrical energy is kept in capacitors or batteries. The total efficiency of the vehicle can be increased by reusing this stored energy.

Control System: The control unit is in charge of controlling the energy transfer between the traction system, energy storage system, and motor/generator. It decides how much energy can be efficiently recovered and when to use regenerative braking.

Techniques for Regenerative Braking System Control

Several control mechanisms are used to optimize regenerative braking’s efficacy and efficiency. These methods maximize energy recovery while guaranteeing smooth braking performance. Below, we list some of the most popular control techniques:

Torque Blending: This tactic guarantees a seamless changeover between regenerative and friction braking. To maximize energy recovery and minimize wear on traditional brakes, the system determines the required braking force and divides it between regenerative and friction brakes.

Regeneration Prioritization: The control system prioritizes regenerative braking over friction braking when it does not completely charge the battery. The amount of battery charge and the necessary deceleration force are two examples of the variables that influence the choice between the two braking techniques.

Regenerative Braking Modes: There are various regenerative braking modes available in many electric and hybrid cars, including “high” and “low.” While the low mode simulates traditional coasting and offers a more natural driving experience, the high mode offers sharper deceleration and increased energy recovery.

Predictive Control: To maximize regenerative braking, advanced control systems use prediction algorithms based on road gradients, traffic circumstances, and driver behavior. For example, when drivers approach a stoplight, they can reduce regenerative braking, and when they approach a downhill slope, they can increase it.

Benefits of Regenerative Braking Systems

The following benefits of regenerative braking systems enhance the effectiveness, performance, and sustainability of contemporary transportation:

Increased Energy Efficiency: Regenerative braking increases overall vehicle efficiency, especially in stop-and-go traffic situations, by transforming kinetic energy into reusable electrical energy.

Increased Driving Range of Electric Vehicles (EVs): Regenerative braking in electric and hybrid cars helps increase driving range by lowering energy loss, which eventually lessens the need for frequent recharging.

Decreased Operating Costs: Regenerative braking lessens brake wear and tear by reducing the need for conventional friction brakes, which lowers maintenance and repair expenses throughout the vehicle’s life.

Improved Braking Control: Particularly in slick situations, regenerative braking systems offer more control over braking force, which lowers the chance of sliding and increases overall vehicle stability.

Environmental Benefits: Regenerative braking systems help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint by minimizing energy waste and dependency on fossil fuel-based energy sources.

Predictive and Adaptive Control: Regenerative braking can adjust to different road conditions and driving styles thanks to clever control algorithms, which enhance energy recovery and overall vehicle performance.

Sustainability and Energy Recovery: Regenerative braking is an essential technology for upcoming industrial and transportation applications since it can recover and reuse energy, which is in line with global sustainability goals.

Limitations and Difficulties with Regenerative Braking Systems

Regenerative braking systems have certain drawbacks and restrictions despite their many benefits:

High Initial Cost: Some individuals and organizations find regenerative braking technology prohibitively expensive to use due to the substantial investment needed in electric motors, control electronics, and energy storage devices.

Complexity: Regenerative braking introduces complexity to an automobile’s current systems, necessitating advanced hardware and software to efficiently control energy flow.

Weight and Space Restrictions: Adding batteries or capacitors raises a vehicle’s weight and space needs, which may affect its performance and design adaptability.

Limited Energy Recovery in Some Situations: Road conditions and driving habits affect how well regenerative braking works. Compared to stop-and-go urban driving, vehicles on highways or at consistent speeds may have less energy recovery.

Standardization and compatibility issues: When transferring between car brands or models, there may be compatibility issues because different automakers use different regenerative braking technologies.

Noise Concerns: Although this is usually a small problem, some drivers may find the sound made by regenerative braking systems strange or disturbing.

Restricted Performance at High Speeds: Regenerative braking works best at modest braking and lower speeds. During high-speed deceleration or emergency braking, it might not offer a substantial energy recovery.

Conclusion :

In terms of industrial machinery and transportation, regenerative braking systems and the control schemes that go along with them are revolutionary.

Significant advantages of these systems include increased EV range, lower maintenance costs, better braking control, decreased environmental impact, and increased energy economy. Regenerative braking is essential to contemporary mobility solutions since it supports energy conservation and sustainability activities.

Researchers and developers must resolve issues such as energy recovery efficiency constraints, system complexity, and high implementation costs. Continued research and development will address these challenges as technology develops, increasing the efficiency and accessibility of regenerative braking.

In the future, widespread adoption will depend on manufacturer standards and compatibility. Regenerative braking will become more and more important in improving the efficiency and sustainability of industrial and transportation applications as it continues to advance.

Modern VCUs, CAN Displays, CAN Keypads, and EV Software Services are our areas of expertise at Dorleco, where we assist companies in putting effective regenerative braking systems and energy management systems into place.

Our cutting-edge products improve contemporary electric vehicles and industrial applications’ performance, economy, and sustainability.

To find out more about how our solutions may improve your transportation systems, get in touch with us at info@dorleco.com right now!

[vansfriend]

Vans Skate Agah VCU, Skate Cab 4 VCU, and the Rowley XLT

[vcujensen]

Vought-A-Burger pop-up | October 2024

[vroomian]

Hana and Yrz are definitely regarded as supernovas. Nobody knows who Kiba (because he’s forgotten more often than not) or Masa is (doesn’t really leave survivors lol). Jeong is known more for being the captain of the sparrow pirates, because they have more control of their temper than the rest of the crew put together, so they don’t get into situations where fighting is necessary.