Fall Semester 2018, ETH Zurich (HG D 22) or https://zoom.us/j/558338954

Flyer (pdf)

25 October 2018, 11.15-12.00

Dimitry Demin, Research Scientist Dencity, Bern University of Applied Sciences

Computational Modeling Methods of Urban Mobility in the Smart City Context

Urban human habitats behavior is majorly influenced by the population density and mobility. Based on the ongoing SCCER Mobility research BFH-Dencity team develops methods to process computational mobility-demand models. These models are becoming essential tools used in processing urban settlements densification with respect to the generated data of millions of agents representing mobility across Switzerland.

One of the SCCER Mobility research examples is the ongoing e-MIP Project for developing Electro Mobility Informational Planning cockpit with the collaboration of Carrosserie HESS AG. Supported by Innosuisse Agency the project's prelimi-nary results support sustainable investment parameters for stakeholders and urban planners by quantifying urban qualities. This approach delivers an end-to-end actionable solution to the practitioners in the form of an interpretable activity-based travel demand model with a focus on Swiss municipalities leveraging urban qualities within the Energy Strategy 2050.

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15 November 2018, 11.15-12.00

Viola Papetti, Research Scientist, Empa

Additive Manufactured (AM) Open Cell Structures: Promising automotive catalyst substrates for zero impact emissions

The increase in efficiency of combustion systems, in particular with hybridization, leads to the reduction of the inlet temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment. In parallel, emission legislation including real driving imposes more stringent limits. Modern vehicle catalysts need improvements during cold start, high mass flow and low load operation. The benchmark is the honeycomb, consisting of straight channels characterized by laminar flow. We propose a polyhedral lattice substrate of cubic cells with high porosity and low strut diameter, designed through simulations and realized by additive manufacturing. A microwave heating system increases catalyst conversion at low temperatures. The AM catalyst can obtain similar conversion with respect to the benchmark, but with much lower precious metals. The seminar will involve experimental and simulation results highlighting the potential of the innovative catalyst concept.

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20 December 2018, 11.15-12.00

Christian Vögtli, Research Scientist, Bern University of Applied Sciences

Battery Systems in Railway Application: Ongoing and upcoming projects

Increasing energy efficiency and thus saving energy plays a key role in SBB’s energy strategy. SBB aims to save 20% of its forecast annual energy consumption for 2025, total 600 GWh. To reach its ambitious energy-saving target, SBB is reviewing the savings potential of all areas of the business and implementing energy-saving measures throughout the company. This input will give examples of projects where battery systems support this goal and upgrade the overall system performance.
One of the examples to be shown is about the lighter lithium-ion onboard battery, where functional improvement together with energy saving formed the main focus. In a broader perspective, diesel engines of shunting locomotives and power generators received more attention, whereas huge CO₂ emissions and high maintenance cost are no longer tolerated. Replacing these combustion engines with adequate battery powered drive concepts will lower the overall environmental and social impact of the railway system where also the total cost of ownership plays an important role.

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If you don’t have access to the ETH Video Portal, please contact Kirsten Oswald.

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