Progress towards the design and numerical analysis of a 3D microchannel biochip separator

This paper reports the design and numerical analysis of a three-dimensional biochip plasma blood separator using computational fluid dynamics techniques. Based on the initial configuration of a two-dimensional (2D) separator, five three-dimensional (3D) microchannel biochip designs are categorically developed through axial and plenary symmetrical expansions. These include the geometric variations of three types of the branch side channels (circular, rectangular, disc) and two types of the main channel (solid and concentric). Ignoring the initial transient behaviour and assuming that steady-state flow has been established, the behaviour of the blood fluid in the devices is algebraically analysed and numerically modelled. The roles of the relevant microchannel mechanisms, i.e. bifurcation, constriction and bending channel, on promoting the separation process are analysed based on modelling results. The differences among the different 3D implementations are compared and discussed. The advantages of 3D over 2D separator in increasing separation volume and effectively depleting cell-free layer fluid from the whole cross section circumference are addressed and illustrated. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Design and Performance Analysis of a 2.5 MW-Class HTS Synchronous Motor for Ship Propulsion

The development of cryogenic technology and high temperature superconducting (HTS) materials has seen continued interest worldwide in the development of HTS machines since the late 1980s. In this paper, the authors present a conceptual design of a 2.5 MW class synchronous motor. The structure of the motor is specified and the motor performance is analyzed via a three-dimensional model using the finite element method (FEM). Rotor optimization is carried out to decrease the harmonic components in the air gap field generated by HTS tapes. Based on the results of this 3D simulation, the determination of the operating conditions and load angle is discussed with consideration to the HTS material properties. The economic viability of air-core and iron-core designs is compared. The results show that this type of HTS machine has the potential to achieve an economic, efficient and effective machine design, which operates at a low load angle, and this design process provides a practical way to simulate and analyze the performance of such machines.

Design and performance analysis of a 6 MW medium-speed Brushless DFIG

The paper presents the design and performance analysis of a 6 MW medium-speed Brushless Doubly-Fed Induction Generation (Brushless DFIG) for a wind turbine drivetrain. Two machines with different frame sizes have been designed to show the flexibility of the design procedure. The mediumspeed Brushless DFIG in combination with a two stage gearbox offers a low-cost, low-maintenance and reliable drivetrain for wind turbine applications.

Analysis on the off-state design and characterization of LIGBTs in partial SOI technology

Classical high voltage devices fabricated on SOI substrates suffer from a backside coupling effect which could result in premature breakdown. This phenomenon becomes more prominent if the structure is an IGBT which features a p-type injector. To suppress the premature breakdown due to crowding of electro-potential lines within a confined SOI/buried oxide structure, the partial SOI (PSOI) technique is being introduced. This paper analyzes the off-state behavior of an n-type Superjunction (SJ) LIGBT fabricated on PSOI substrate. During the initial development stage the SJ LIGBT was found to have very high leakage. This was attributed to the back and side coupling effects. This paper discusses these effects and shows how this problem could be successfully addressed with minimal modifications of device layout. The off-state performance of the SJ LIGBT at different temperatures is assessed and a comparison to an equivalent LDMOSFET is given. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design and selection tools for sports equipment

This report presents work from the first nine month of a project investigating design methodologies and selection tools to promote innovations in sports equipment. Particular consideration is given to product design improvements and new market adoption of advanced materials and processes. Our aim is to couple appropriately similar technologies so as to provide a method of transfer between sports equipment designs. We would like to make barriers between isolated sports equipment markets more transparent without releasing proprietary information. A brief history of sports equipment design is included; issues particularly relevant to material and process technologies are outlined for sports equipment. A start has been made on a software program to express most of this information in a concise and accessible format. The methodology is reviewed with some industrial case studies. There is a need for further research to extend and address the design issues raised in this document; a suggested research programme is attached.