Fall Semester 2019, ETH Zurich (HG D 22) or https://zoom.us/j/558338954

Flyer (pdf)

17 October 2019, 11.15-12.00

Amin Dehdarian, Postdoc at ETH Zurich

From mental models to dynamic modeling: scenario building for the future competitiveness of rail freight transport in Switzerland

In the first phase of the Mobility Initiative (MI) project “Future environmental performance of Swiss freight transport: impacts on rail cargo competitiveness”, interviews are conducted to reveal the mental models of several SBB Cargo experts and then their diverse viewpoints are transformed into scenarios for the future challenges of the sector. In this respect, this talk summarizes the methods used for this transformation in four steps. First, the qualitative data gathered from expert interviews are categorized into a set of factors through a coding process derived from the Grounded Theory. Second, Vester’s sensitivity model classifies these factors based on their level of criticality and impacts on other factors. Third, the relationships between different interacting factors are investigated by using Social Network Analysis. Finally, a simple example shows how the results are used as input for System Dynamics modeling through participative model building sessions in the next phase of the project.

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7 November 2019, 11.15-12.00

Christoph Schneeberger, PhD candidate at ETH Zurich

Energy-efficient structural materials for mass-production of lightweight vehicles

Lightweight construction is an important topic in automotive design even as societies transition from combustion engines to electric drivetrains. Lighter cars emit less greenhouse gases during their lifetimes, but the automotive industry has been slow in adapting advanced lightweight materials due to their low production rates. This presentation introduces a novel preform concept which allows manufacturers of automotive body structures to employ lightweight fibre-reinforced plastics without having to compromise on output rate or production costs. These preforms are based on hybrid bicomponent fibres, which are reinforcement fibres individually clad in a thermoplastic polymer sheath. The talk outlines a proposed method for fabricating these fibres, presents experimental data on their performance in state of the art parts manufacturing, and concludes with an outlook on the ongoing research on this topic within SCCER Mobility.

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5 December 2019, 11.15-12.00

Jochen Stiasny, Junior Project Engineer at Adaptricity (currently Research Assistant at the Danish Technical University)

Sensitivity analysis of electric vehicle impact on distribution grids based on Monte-Carlo simulations

The presented work identifies the dominating influencing factors in electric vehicle (EV) modelling on low-voltage distribution grids to establish guidance for reliable impact assessments of increasing EV penetration. Seven aspects are distinguished with respect to the modelling of the load of EVs that influence the flows and voltages in the grid. For each of these aspects sensitivity analyses are carried out by running power flow simulations in a Monte-Carlo fashion to account for the stochasticity in the model parameters. The impacts are analysed using a variety of metrics including transformer and line loadings. The highest sensitivities are observed for the number of vehicles in the grid, the used charger power rating and the modelling of driving patterns. The grid configuration as well as locally higher EV shares gain significance for line loading assessments. Car modelling and people’s charging behaviour play minor roles.

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