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Análise do desempenho de infraestruturas de carregamento para veículos elétricos
No full textA crescente adoção de veículos elétricos está a exigir uma rede de infraestruturas de carregamento mais eficiente. Contudo, a infraestrutura existente enfrenta desafios significativos, como falhas técnicas frequentes, baixa disponibilidade e uma distribuição geograficamente desigual, dificultando a experiência dos utilizadores e limitando a expansão do mercado de veículos elétricos. Este problema é crítico, pois a fiabilidade dos postos de carregamento é essencial para a confiança dos consumidores e a adesão a veículos elétricos.
Para resolver estes desafios, esta dissertação propõe, de forma teórica, uma solução assente na gestão inteligente, monitorização remota e manutenção preditiva dos postos de carregamento. A proposta contempla a implementação de sistemas de monitorização em tempo real, com sensores avançados e algoritmos preditivos, que permite detetar falhas precoces e realizar manutenções preventivas, reduzindo os custos operacionais e aumentando a disponibilidade dos postos. Adicionalmente, é sugerida a expansão estratégica da rede de carregamento, focada em áreas com baixa cobertura, como zonas rurais e periféricas, para garantir maior acessibilidade.
As implicações da solução proposta são significativas para a eficiência operacional das empresas gestoras das redes de carregamento. A adoção de sistemas preditivos e de manutenção inteligente pode reduzir os tempos de inatividade, melhorar a experiência dos utilizadores e diminuir os custos operacionais a longo prazo. A expansão da rede e a otimização das localizações dos postos também terão um impacto positivo, promovendo uma maior cobertura e melhorando a acessibilidade dos utilizadores.
A solução apresentada contribui assim para a criação de uma infraestrutura de carregamento mais fiável, sustentável e acessível, favorecendo a adoção generalizada de veículos elétricos.The growing adoption of electric vehicles is demanding a more efficient charging infrastructure network. However, the existing infrastructure faces significant challenges, such as frequent technical failures, low availability and a geographically uneven distribution, hampering the user experience and limiting the expansion of the electric vehicle market. This problem is critical, as the reliability of charging stations is essential for consumer confidence and the take-up of electric vehicles.
To solve these challenges, this dissertation theoretically proposes a solution based on the intelligent management, remote monitoring and predictive maintenance of charging stations. The proposal includes the implementation of real-time monitoring systems, with advanced sensors and predictive algorithms, which can detect early faults and carry out preventive maintenance, reducing operating costs and increasing the availability of the stations. In addition, a strategic expansion of the charging network is suggested, focusing on areas with low coverage, such as rural and peripheral areas, to ensure greater accessibility.
The implications of the proposed solution are significant for the operational efficiency of charging network management companies. The adoption of predictive systems and intelligent maintenance can reduce downtime, improve the user experience and lower operating costs in the long term. Expanding the network and optimizing station locations will also have a positive impact, promoting greater coverage and improving accessibility for users.
The solution presented thus contributes to the creation of a more reliable, sustainable and accessible charging infrastructure, favoring the widespread adoption of electric vehicles
Enhancing product variation generation with hyperparameter optimization of user-guided model
No full textRecent advances in generative AI have shown promising potential in creative tasks, yet challenges
persist in adapting these technologies for specialized industrial applications. This work project
presents an AI-powered product design assistant that bridges abstract concepts and visual
representations. Through model comparison and hyperparameter optimization, the system employs
Stable Diffusion XL for industrial product visualization and variations, enhanced by a dynamic
user preference analyzer. The system's structured database supports preference integration and
mood board functionality, enabling users to organize and visualize their design roadmap. Results
demonstrate improved image generation efficiency while maintaining industrial design
specifications and advancing AI-assisted design through personalization. In this paper, the
optimization of hyperparameter was mainly studied, achieving a reasonable balance of realism and
faithfulness on image outputs
Developing a balanced scorecard for Cascais Smart City: the processes perspective with a focus on mobility and environment & energy
No full textThe concept of Smart City has become known globally, as cities realized that advanced
technology would foster citizens’ quality of life, by being able to provide data exchange
between public infrastructures.
Cascais has followed the trend, by creating a specified division within Cascais Municipal
Council (CMC) in 2015. As a result, the topics of managing data and innovative systems
became relevant to the local council, to achieve its ultimate goal of improving quality of life
for both citizens and visitors.
Over the years, CMC felt the need to monitor its strategy success by using specific measures.
This Work Project appears as supportive research to help CMC understand if it is on the right
path to continuously evolve as a Smart City.
In this individual Work Project, the objectives, measures and initiatives for the Mobility area
and for the Environment and Energy area are presented
The role of goal-setting and visualization in enhancing performance: effects on self-efficacy and state anxiety
No full textAmid growing academic competition and a saturated job market, enhancing performance is
crucial. This study examined the combined effects of goal-setting and visualization on reducing
state anxiety and increasing self-efficacy within a simulated academic setting in preparation for
a presentation. Participants (N = 87) were randomly assigned to a treatment group, which
engaged in a goal-setting and visualization exercise, or a control group. Results showed
significant reductions in state anxiety and improvements in self-efficacy. Goal commitment
significantly predicted anxiety reduction but not self-efficacy, possibly due to pre-defined goals
limiting personal engagement. Further research on long-term impact and personalization is
needed
Use of put options as financial risk management tools for solar energy projects in La Guajira, Colombia. Case study for Toro Moreno Solar Farm
No full textThis thesis explores the use of European put options as a risk management tool for solar energy
producers in Colombia, with a focus on the Toro Moreno Solar Farm in La Guajira. It builds on
the methodology developed by Contreras and Rodríguez (2014) for wind energy, adapting it to
the characteristics of solar generation. Electricity market prices are modeled using ARIMA GARCH techniques, accounting for structural breaks and conditional volatility. Solar production
is estimated from ten years of irradiance data and used to calculate the levelized cost of energy
(LCOE), which serves as the strike price in the option valuation. The pricing of weekly European
put options is performed using Empirical Martingale Simulation (EMS) and P-Empirical
Martingale Simulation (EMPS). Results show that put options become especially valuable in
periods of high price volatility, where electricity prices are more likely to fall below the defined
strike price. These findings suggest that financial instruments such as put options can provide a
useful hedge for small and medium-scale solar producers operating in uncertain market
conditions
The failure of libor – accountability in risk management
No full textThe Libor Scandal proved how institutions failed to deter
undesirable behaviours and regulators didn’t enforce them to be
compliant when the incentives allowed institutions to be self serving. Through the fraud triangle, it is possible to observe the
conditions that made such a widespread network possible.
Additionally, the three lines of defence model and its expansions
bring a perspective on how to manage these situations even if their
application is flawed in some respects
How to expand CUF's offering to proximity clinics, ensuring sustainable client growth - defining the pricing strategy for CUF's proximity clinics
No full textPortugal faces healthcare challenges with limited access to general practitioners, overcrowded
emergency services, and delayed care. Primary research highlights the need for accessible primary
care in Lisbon and Vale de Tejo. This project proposes launching CUF proximity clinics in Q3
2025, offering routine, preventive, and minor emergency care.
This work examines CUF’s strategic pricing for these clinics, focusing on value-based pricing. It
explores their impact on CUF’s market position and patient satisfaction, recommending the
integration of proximity clinics into CUF+ plans to attract new patients, reduce entry barriers, and
ensure sustainable growth while maintaining quality and reputation
Digitally Controlled Inductors in LC-tank VCOs
No full textThis work presents the study and design of a digitally controlled inductor in LC-tank based Voltage-Controlled Oscillators (VCOs). The primary objective of this investigation is to achieve a wide tuning range with good phase noise performance, with the purpose of meeting the requirements of different high-speed data transfer protocols. The study investigates multiple topologies of variable inductors, focusing on the ability to provide distinct inductance values while sustaining a high quality factor, a key parameter in minimizing phase noise and ensuring power efficiency.
The chosen variable inductor topology consists of two sets of varactors connected to the inductor in two different configurations, denominated X-type and L-type. In the X-type topology the sets of varactors are connected in parallel to the inductor, while in L-type they are connected in series to the inductor. The X-type configuration achieved a greater inductance variation and the same reduction in quality factor, compared to the L-type configuration. This topology is incorporated into a VCO, designed in 16nm FinFET technology, together with a 7-bit switched capacitor array and its performance is analysed under Process, Voltage, and Temperature (PVT) variations.
In the fine tuning simulations of the VCO, the oscillator with the X-type has shown higher VCO gain with an average value of 3.75 GHz/V at 0.5 V, whereas the VCO with the L-type recorded an average value of 0.60 GHz/V at the same voltage. Overall, the proposed VCO with the X-type achieved a tuning range of 29.8 % and an average phase noise of -99.4 dBc/Hz. With the L-type inductor, a 32.8 % tuning range and -98.1 dBc/Hz of phase noise were obtained. With the phase noise values being measured at a 1 MHz offset. Both VCOs occupy an area of 0.0162 µm2 and presented a power consumption of 8.4 mW.Este trabalho apresenta o projeto e o estudo de indutores controlados digitalmente em osciladores controlados por tensão (VCOs) baseados num tanque LC. O principal objetivo desta investigação é obter uma ampla gama de sintonização de frequências com um bom desempenho de ruído de fase, com a finalidade de satisfazer os requisitos de diferentes protocolos de transferência de dados a alta velocidade. O estudo investiga múltiplas topologias de indutores variáveis, centrando-se na capacidade de fornecer valores de indutância distintos e, ao mesmo tempo, manter um fator de qualidade elevado, um parâmetro fundamental para minimizar o ruído de fase e garantir a eficiência energética.
A topologia de indutor variável escolhida consiste em dois conjuntos de varactors ligados ao indutor em duas configurações diferentes, denominadas tipo X e tipo L. Na topologia do tipo X os conjuntos de varactors estão ligados em paralelo com o indutor, enquanto que no tipo L os varactors estão ligados em série com o indutor. A configuração tipo X permite obter uma maior variação da indutância e a mesma redução do fator de qualidade que a configuração tipo L. Esta topologia é incorporada num VCO, projetado em tecnologia FinFET de 16nm, juntamente com uma matriz de condensadores comutados de 7 bits e o seu o seu desempenho é analisado sob variações de processo, tensão e temperatura (PVT).
Nas simulações de ajuste contínuo, o VCO com o indutor do tipo X demonstrou um maior ganho obtendo um valor médio de 3,75 GHz/V a 0,5 V, em contrapartida o VCO com o tipo L registou um valor médio de 0,60 GHz/V no mesmo valor de tensão. De um modo geral, o VCO proposto com o indutor tipo X atingiu uma gama de sintonização de 29,8 % e um ruído de fase médio de -99,4 dBc/Hz. Com o indutor tipo L, obteve-se uma gama de sintonização de 32,8 % e um ruído de fase de -98,1 dBc/Hz. Com os valores de ruído de fase a serem medidos com um desvio de 1 MHz. Ambos os VCOs ocupam uma área de 0,0162 µm2 e apresentaram um consumo de energia de 8,4 mW
Youth engagement in climate action - a stakeholder perspective: enhancing collaboration and engagement between national youth organisations to empower and reinforce their climate action in Ireland
No full textThis project examines factors affecting young people's engagement in climate action, focusing
on barriers and enablers from organizational and personal perspectives. Utilizing Ajzen's
Theory of Planned Behavior, it assesses attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control
influencing youth participation. The study integrates insights from interviews with national
climate youth organizations and individuals, highlighting challenges like financial constraints,
environmental knowledge gaps, and infrastructure issues. Recommendations for non-profit
organizations include improving climate education, strengthening social media presence, and
involving youth in community-specific projects. These findings help organizations optimize
strategies to boost youth involvement in climate initiatives
How do Anthropomorphism and Perceived Intelligence influence Trust and Adoption of service robots (Humanoid vs. Butler) in hospitality
No full textDissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Data Driven Marketing, specialization in Marketing IntelligenceAdvancements in artificial intelligence and robotics are driving the integration of service
robots into the hospitality industry, transforming how businesses interact with customers
(Belanche et al., 2020; Ivanov et al., 2018). This research investigates how anthropomorphism
and perceived intelligence influence trust and adoption of service robots, specifically
comparing humanoid and butler robot configurations in hospitality settings (Bartneck et al.,
2009; Li et al., 2016). By examining the interplay between anthropomorphism, perceived
intelligence, and trust, the study aims to uncover how these factors shape customers’
willingness to adopt service robots and their subsequent behavioral intentions (Heerink et al.,
2010; van Doorn et al., 2017). Findings reveal that anthropomorphism and perceived
intelligence significantly enhance trust, which in turn drives adoption, with minimal
differences observed between humanoid and butler robot configurations (Broadbent et al.,
2009; Lu et al., 2020). The research highlights the importance of designing service robots that
balance anthropomorphic features and perceived intelligence to foster trust and encourage
adoption, while addressing cultural and ethical considerations (Tung & Au, 2018). This study
contributes to the growing body of knowledge on robotics in hospitality by providing
actionable insights for businesses seeking to strategically deploy service robots to enhance
customer engagement and achieve competitive advantages (Wirtz et al., 2018; Murphy et al.,
2017). Ultimately, the research offers practical guidance for hospitality providers on
leveraging robotic technologies to build trust, drive adoption, and create memorable guest
experiences (Tussyadiah & Park, 2018; Ivanov & Webster, 2019)