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Electric VS Fossil Fuel Cars - G4 Computer Science

How computer simulation helps with researching clean fuels (Zofia Choromańska)


One of the environment-friendly fuels that is believed to be capable of sustaining our future needs is hydrogen. It’s non polluting and can be used for various tasks like generating electricity, transportation or heating. Hydrogen can be produced from water by water spitting, in order to utilize the process, catalysts are needed. Efficient catalyst is the one that needs less energy to initially attach a water molecule to the material. Computers are an important tool in researching efficient catalysts.

Computers can be used to analyze the efficiency of the potential catalysts. By inputting information about the composition of the catalyst material, the computer calculates the binding strength and compatibility of water molecules to different locations on the material's surface. Through computer simulations, researchers can assess the strength of the interaction between the catalyst and water molecules, helping to determine the efficiency.

While platinum and nickel are known to be good catalysts for water splitting, researchers have been exploring alternative materials that are less expensive and more stable. One of the catalysts found through computer simulation is the nickel-iron oxyhydroxide (NiFeOOH) that has emerged as one of the most efficient catalysts for water splitting. Through computer simulations, researchers have discovered that the presence of iron in NiFeOOH plays a crucial role in its high efficiency. The simulations have revealed that iron allows water to split with minimal energy requirements, making NiFeOOH an ideal catalyst for this process.

The ability to utilize computer simulations in materials science research has significantly accelerated the discovery and understanding of efficient catalyst materials. By providing insights into the interactions and behaviors of materials at the molecular level, computers empower scientists to design new materials with enhanced properties.


How cars use Sensors and AI to see the World (Tomasz Mioduszewski)

Some time ago, having a keen eye and frequently checking your mirrors were the only things that could help you keep track of your surroundings as you drive. Fortunately, as new technologies hit the market, the problems caused by drivers not being able to look in every direction at the same time are getting lower in numbers. This section will review the various tools that modern cars use to get a better sense of what’s around them and to help drivers drive more safely.

RADAR

There’s a good chance that you’ve heard that word before. It’s the technology that helps ships and planes in getting around, right? Well, in recent years people started to put radar systems in cars to enable them to do exactly what it has been doing out in the seas and the skies – detecting objects from a distance.

Radar stands for RAdio Detection And Ranging. As the name implies, it uses radio waves to detect objects. To be more specific, a radar system first sends out pulses of radio waves and then listens for them as they bounce off objects and come back. By measuring the time it took for the pulse to come back, the radar is able to calculate the distance to an object.

The applications of radar range from parking assistance – beeping at you when you get too close to a wall or another car on a parking lot, to detecting obstacles on the road from afar. Radar also proves to be better at working in harsh weather conditions than other technologies that will be mentioned shortly.

LIDAR

Lidar is conceptually very similar to radar – it also emits pulses and waits for them to come back. The key difference here is that instead of using radio waves, lidar uses electromagnetic waves whose wavelength varies around the visible spectrum, i.e. regular, visible light, with some implementations also using ultraviolet and infrared light. This is where lidar gets its name – LIght Detection And Ranging.

Thanks to the use of shorter wavelengths of electromagnetic waves, lidar is not only able to determine how far something is, but also what shape it has. This level of precision makes it possible to determine what objects are around a car – it can tell apart people from cars and walls from road signs, which is crucial in autonomous driving, but we will come back to that later in this section.

CAMERAS

This one is fairly simple – to complement radar and lidar, regular cameras are also being placed around cars to enable them to see the world in a way which is much closer from the previous techniques to how we perceive the it. Of course, cameras can be used by drivers directly, for example, allowing them to see what’s behind them when backing up, but the newest developments in software introduce systems that process images by themselves and make decisions based on what they see. These systems aren’t your ordinary computer programs, but something rather more advanced. To be specific, they use…

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Before we dive into what role artificial intelligence (AI) fulfills in cars, we should first define what it is. The term “intelligence” refers to the ability to process available information in order to make a good decision. When we talk about artificial intelligence, we mean that this process isn’t performed by a living being, but by a computer.

AI that runs in cars uses the data collected by radar, lidar, and cameras to assist the driver. AI uses this data by processing it with big mathematical models that are called “Neural Networks”. These networks are interconnected webs of neurons that pass information between each other, not unlike human brains do. They can automatically start braking or steering when they detect an obstacle, and some cars can even use AI to completely take over the wheel and drive by themselves. This is obviously a reason to be excited – we have self-driving cars, but this technology isn’t quite fully baked yet, and additional developments will need to happen before we can talk about autonomous cars taking over the roads completely.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The technologies mentioned in this section are already proving themselves on the roads, increasing safety and comfort of drivers. As various car companies compete with each other to create better and better systems, the only thing there is to expect is rapid improvement.






What role does software play in electric vehicles? (Ludwika Citko)

Apart from the battery, an often overlooked yet crucial element for the success of an electric vehicle is the embedded software. An embedded system is a combination of hardware and software designed to fulfill specific tasks. But what software is needed for electric vehicles? Why do they have it and why is it so important?


Maintenance Software

Similar to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, electric vehicles also require regular maintenance checks to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Predictive maintenance software can send real-time alerts to schedule maintenance before a breakdown occurs. By utilizing this software, drivers can stay informed about the condition of their electric vehicle's battery and proactively address any maintenance needs to ensure its optimal performance.

Monitoring Software

Monitoring software is essential in electric vehicles to have monitoring software so that the driver can be notified if there is an issue with their vehicle. This software will continuously monitor the vehicle for any issues and help to identify them. Additionally, it has the capability to inform drivers if any part needs to be checked or if a software update is required.


Navigation Given the limited range of electric vehicles, it is typical to plan routes in advance to avoid the inconvenience of running out of battery power. No one wants to be delayed or stalled because of a depleted battery. The software embedded in EVs offers valuable information about the battery's status and can predict the travel distance between charges, helping to eliminate ‘charging anxiety’ many EV drivers face especially during long journeys. Additionally, intelligent navigation software can optimize the route by suggesting the shortest and least busy route to a destination to make the best use of the battery and locate the closest charging stations.

Updatability

Another notable distinction lies in the upgradability aspect. Let's take smartphones as an example. Manufacturers regularly release software updates to rectify bugs, address security vulnerabilities, and introduce new features. Software-defined vehicles operate in a similar manner. They are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and cellular connections that automakers use to send out software updates via the cloud to its vehicles. The process is seamless and convenient, ensuring that software-defined vehicles stay up to date with the latest improvements and enhancements.

Tesla has been at the forefront of adding software-based features to its vehicles. Throughout the years, they have continuously enhanced the touchscreen interfaces and introduced new functionalities, including video games. Tesla has even rolled out updates that improve the overall performance of their vehicles. Following in Tesla's footsteps, emerging electric vehicle brands such as Lucid and Rivian are also adopting over-the-air updates to provide their vehicles with fresh features, additional functionalities, and bug fixes

In addition, software enables the inclusion of features that wouldn't have been possible in the past. Genesis, the luxury arm of Hyundai, has integrated facial recognition and fingerprint scanning technology into its latest all-electric GV60 crossover. While the physical key is initially necessary to configure these functions, afterwards, the owner can effortlessly operate the vehicle, much like using a smartphone.

Well-established companies are also joining the trend. During the previous summer, Ford utilized software to activate its BlueCruise hands-free driving system in tens of thousands of F-150s and Mustang Mach-Es. These vehicles were already equipped with the necessary hardware, and the completion of the system was achieved through an over-the-air update. It applied to the cars wirelessly, without the need for a dealer visit.


Operation In electric vehicles, the software takes on the role of the mechanical systems found in internal combustion vehicles, and it’s responsible for multiple aspects of an electric car. It controls the battery-management system, the car’s motor, and power electronics. For example, power electronics are responsible for converting the direct current voltage from the battery to the alternating current voltage required by the motor. The embedded software controls this conversion process, ensuring efficient and reliable delivery of power. Furthermore, the motor control software regulates the speed and torque of the motor, determining the vehicle's acceleration rate and power consumption. This software also ensures the motor operates within safe temperature limits and protects it from overloading.


Safety The presence of embedded software in electric vehicles is vital for ensuring their safe operation and mitigating potential risks. Compared to internal combustion engines, the electronic control systems in EVs are more intricately interconnected. The connectivity among the embedded systems within an EV is crucial for maintaining vehicle safety and optimizing performance. Additionally, certain EVs are equipped with software that can detect potential collisions using sensors and cameras. This software serves the purpose of alerting the driver or even automatically applying the brakes when necessary. Moreover, the embedded software plays a role in monitoring and maintaining the vehicle's overall performance.

Car performance In electric vehicles, the software is not only essential for operation but also supports improvements in vehicle design. Diagnostic data collected by the software is transmitted to cloud servers, where it undergoes analysis to enhance safety and performance. This is particularly significant as EV manufacturers continue to face various challenges. Finding cost-effective solutions while simultaneously increasing driving range and reducing charging time remains a priority for the industry. Additionally, further research and development efforts are needed to ensure battery safety meets the desired standards.

Autonomous driving Electric vehicles have revolutionized the path towards connected and autonomous driving. Their extensive reliance on software control, as opposed to internal combustion engine vehicles, makes them more amenable to automation. Leveraging electric motor technology, electric cars can be intricately controlled, even when their movements are remotely managed through cloud services. The software developed for EVs, enabling autonomous driving capabilities, holds significant potential for enhancing safety, alleviating traffic congestion, and improving overall efficiency on the roads. This software heavily relies on advanced sensor systems, machine learning algorithms, and mapping technologies to achieve its objectives.

Nevertheless, there are still obstacles to overcome before autonomous driving becomes mainstream. One significant challenge is establishing a comprehensive infrastructure for connected cars, which relies on a robust Internet of Things network. This infrastructure must facilitate seamless communication and real-time navigation to ensure safe and reliable operation. Ensuring road safety remains a critical concern that must be adequately addressed before driverless cars can be safely deployed on the roads.

Although there are obstacles to overcome, electric vehicles are a significant first step towards the development of autonomous and connected cars. With the continuous advancement of technology, we can anticipate further enhancements in both electric and autonomous vehicles, inching us closer to a future where complete autonomy becomes a reality.

Leveraging Computers for Optimal Engine Performance in Cars (Weronika Kruszewska)

In the fast-paced world of automotive engineering, computers have revolutionized the way engines are optimized for peak performance. Gone are the days when engine tuning relied solely on mechanical adjustments and guesswork. Today, sophisticated Engine Control Units (ECUs) and computerized systems are employed to maximize engine efficiency, power output, and overall vehicle performance. Let's delve deeper into how computers are used to optimize engine performance in cars.

Engine Control Units (ECUs)

At the heart of modern vehicles lies the Engine Control Unit, a specialized computer responsible for managing and controlling various aspects of the engine's operation. The ECU continuously monitors sensor inputs from the engine, analyzing factors such as throttle position, airflow, temperature, and exhaust gas composition. Based on this data, the ECU dynamically adjusts fuel injection, ignition timing, and other parameters to optimize performance and fuel efficiency.

Fuel Injection System Optimization

Computer-controlled fuel injection systems ensure the precise delivery of the right amount of fuel to the engine cylinders at a precise time. By analyzing sensor inputs and employing complex algorithms, the computer adjusts fuel injector timings, pulse durations, and fuel-air mixtures to achieve optimal combustion efficiency. This optimization improves power output, reduces emissions, and improves fuel economy.

Ignition Timing and Spark Control

Computers play a vital role in controlling the ignition timing of the engine. By analyzing data from sensors such as crankshaft position and engine speed, the computer determines the optimal timing for firing the spark plugs. This precise control maximizes power output, fuel efficiency, and engine smoothness while minimizing the risk of knocking or engine damage.

Variable Valve Timing (VVT)

The integration of computers in engines has paved the way for variable valve timing systems. These systems can adjust engine valves' opening and closing timing based on computer control. The computer enhances low-end torque, high-end power, and overall engine efficiency by optimizing valve timing for different engine speeds and loads.

Performance Mapping and Tuning

Computers allow for the customization and tuning of engine performance maps. These maps, defined by pre-programmed tables, govern the engine's behavior based on parameters such as engine speed and load. Performance enthusiasts and engine tuners can modify these maps using specialized software and tools to optimize power output, torque delivery, and throttle response according to specific requirements or driving preferences.

Thanks to computers and advanced control systems, optimizing engine performance in cars has reached unprecedented levels. These technological advancements result in enhanced power delivery, improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and an overall better driving experience. As automotive engineering continues to evolve, the synergy between computers and engines will drive continuous improvements, ensuring that car enthusiasts and everyday drivers can enjoy the optimal performance of their vehicles.


References

https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2021.648750







 
 
 

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