Browsing by Author "Luo, Jerry"

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    A Physics-Based Modelling and Control of Greenhouse System Air Temperature Aided by IoT Technology
    (Cranfield University, 2023-03-14 09:53) Ayoola Faniyi, Beatrice; Luo, Jerry
    25th May, 2022 data set. The data contain the Solar irradiance, windspeed and outdoor temperature
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    Energy scavenging piezoelectric powered led system for use in tracer ammunition
    (Cranfield University, 2025-04) Crawley, Fregus; Luo, Jerry; Hucker, Martyn; Almond, Heather
    Fuel-oxidizer tracer ammunition is the standard technology used to produce bright light for projectile observation. However, a modern electronic tracer system has the potential to eliminate the safety risks associated with combustible materials and open flame systems by replacing them with a safer, integrated energy harvester-powered electronic light-emitting system. The goal of this research is to investigate the technologies necessary to convert kinetic energy from the bullet propulsion into electrical power and to assess whether an integrated energy harvesting system, coupled with electrical storage and an LED with the accompanying circuitry, could feasibly replace the current technology in the future. The study focuses on analysing existing mechanical-to-electrical transduction technologies, understanding their design and use limitations, and evaluating their suitability for implementation with small arms munitions that undergo high linear and rotational acceleration. Additionally, this research examines the complexity of manufacturing, construction, and adaptability of these technologies to smaller and larger of munitions. After reviewing and filtering previous system designs and technology prototypes, piezoelectric energy harvesting technology was selected due to its energy density, material and structural compatibility for withstanding large forces and lower mechanical system complexity for further development. A prototype piezoelectric system was designed and simulated using commercial software to model both structural and electrical behaviour. Experimental validation tests were conducted with high compressive loads and rotational forces experienced in real-world conditions. The research developed three novel spring structures that significantly increase the power density of linear and rotational piezoelectric energy harvesters. These spring structures feature enhanced shearing capabilities with disc spring optimisation allowing 39% energy harvesting improvement and a prototype system tuned for the 7.62 mm tracer outputting 3 V. and can be manufactured with relatively low complexity compared to other energy harvesting technologies. With the novel energy harvesting system in place, additional modelling was conducted to design the accompanying LED circuit and capacitive energy storage, thereby completing the development of the Electronic Tracer system.
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    Enhancement of radio frequency energy harvesting using embroidery conductive thread and improved power management circuit design
    (Cranfield University, 2023-07) Nwalike, Exekiel Darlington; Luo, Jerry; Luk, Patrick Chi-Kwong
    The global demand for remotely powering electronic devices without batteries, particularly for low-power electronics, through ambient RF (Radio Frequency) energy harvesting is increasing. However, several challenges must be addressed for Radio Frequency energy harvesting to achieve its full potential in wearable technology. These challenges include: 1. Maintaining continuous and steady conductivity of the antenna patch in RF energy harvesting (RFEH) devices. 2. Enhancing the efficiency of current rectification and power management circuits at extremely low power levels. This PhD project aims to overcome these obstacles by employing innovative embroidery conductive thread technology, which offers more uniform conductivity compared to traditional ink-based fabrication techniques. Additionally, the project focuses on designing an improved rectifier for the power management circuit. The proposed rectenna patch antenna is based on a 50-ohm impedance matching network. The design, simulation, optimization, and efficiency results of the rectenna patch antenna were recorded. The fabrication involved creating an efficient patch on both a textile substrate using conductive threads and a plastic substrate using liquid metal alloys. An embroidery machine was used for the textile design, while an inkjet printer was utilized for the plastic substrate. The harvested energy results were documented, demonstrating an improvement in the current wearable RF power harvesting system. This study provides valuable insights into materials, antenna design, and power management systems, advancing the state-of-the-art in RF energy harvesting and paving the way for further research and development.
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    IOT enabled greenhouse automatic control system for energy efficiency optimization.
    (Cranfield University, 2022-02) Faniyi, Beatrice; Luo, Jerry; Luk, Patrick Chi-Kwong
    Agricultural greenhouses provide optimal conditions for plant growth, but they consume an excessive amount of energy, making energy the second-largest expense after labour costs. Most of the energy is used for heating, which is a major contributor to the high energy demand of the system. Precise and timely control technology can help reduce energy costs and increase profitability. The integration of IoT into greenhouses is a new development in smart agriculture that has the potential to optimise energy use. Various methods exist for optimising energy use in greenhouses, including the use of phase change materials, efficient greenhouse construction designs, and control systems. However, smart automatic control systems are an efficient method that has not been explored enough. Understanding the control algorithm and its proper implementation for use in the greenhouse control system is critical for energy optimisation. This thesis makes three main contributions to greenhouse temperature control. First, a dynamic, physics-based model of greenhouse temperature was optimised to be adaptable for greenhouses equipped with IoT hardware. Second, two control algorithms were implemented in simulation to regulate the system to the grower's desired temperature, while four other control algorithms were implemented to evaluate their energy minimization capability. Results showed that the MPC controller was the best controller in terms of energy savings. Nevertheless, for small to medium greenhouse operators who may have limited resources, relatively simple on-off control algorithm is cost-effective. Finally, the study demonstrates that an IoT-based control system can optimise the energy use in the greenhouse. The use of IoT technology has the capacity to overcome the greenhouse energy management problem with a distribution control system aided by cloud computing. This study demonstrates the potential of IoT-based control systems to save energy and improve greenhouse efficiency by reducing delays and increasing control effectiveness.