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This work focuses on hybrid balancing systems, a recently-proposed concept that enables balancing of battery cells and hybridization with supercapacitors. To control this system, a model predictive control framework is developed. In addition to distributing the supercapacitor power among the balancing circuits, this framework is also able to minimize state-of-charge and thermal imbalances in the battery cells, as well as energy losses in the balancing circuits. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified via numerical simulations. It is shown that, in comparison with state-of-art balancing solutions, the proposed control approach is able to decrease battery stress in up to 9% and the maximum temperature in up to 4.5%.

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The total losses volume represents a substantial amount of energy and, consequently, a large cost that is often included in the tariffs structure. Uneven connection of single-phase loads is a major cause for three-phase unbalance and a fundamental cause for active power losses, particularly in Low Voltage (LV) networks. This paper analyzes the impact of load unbalance on LV network losses. In the first phase, several load scenarios per phase are considered to characterize how losses depend on load unbalance. The second phase examines the data collected per phase on a set of real networks, aiming at illustrating real-world cases. The third phase analyzes the effect that public lighting and microgeneration may have in the load unbalance and on the subsequent energy losses. The results of this work clearly demonstrate that it is possible to reduce three-phase unbalance (and losses) through a judicious distribution of loads and microgeneration.

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The presence of brands in digital is a challenge and at the same time an opportunity. It is important to realize the extent to which emotion is a determining factor in digital, to create meaningful and memorable experiences. Assuming that adaptation to change is a basic factor for the survival of any brand, so branding must adapt to new realities. In this article, we reflects on how fleeting and momentary can be what thrills and binds us to a brand. Different authors emphasize the importance of emotions in the experience provided by the image of a brand, as well as the connections that are established with people. This study begins by making a state of the art about the role of emotions in the area of branding, subjecting a set of individuals to the visualization of a sample of visual identities, through qualitative methods, with the objective of collecting data, establishing comparisons and to analyze correlations between the emotional perception of individuals and the strategic vision of the brand and associated branding. This article arises in the context of a master's dissertation, still under investigation, and therefore it is not possible to present final statements, only partial considerations of the work developed so far. The results of this study, being in development, ends the purpose of being applied in the branding of a newly created brand.

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Purpose Collaborative consumption emerges from social practices such as sharing, lending and gifting. It is becoming more common among consumers, boosted by the internet, which facilitates the collaboration process with both strong and weak ties. This paper aims to examine collaborative consumer experience, delving into the factors that contribute to the adoption and the perceived benefits of this alternative form of consumption. Design/methodology/approach A total of 12 phenomenological interviews were conducted o explore the theme from an individual perspective, attested by the consumers' narratives and experiences. Findings The results highlight collaborative consumption as being influenced by family practices, social relations and the current economic scenario. Also, noteworthy is the evidence that collaborative consumption enables consumers to select from a more diversified portfolio of products and services, especially the ones featured by the internet and social media. Consumers perceive financial, emotional, social, environmental and increased consumption benefits, depending on their practices of collaborative consumption, and also on their role as providers, consumers or exchangers. Originality/value Through the phenomenological approach, based on individual reports of experiences related to collaborative consumption, it was possible to highlight some aspects relevant to better understanding the behavior of collaborative consumers.

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