Cristina Schreiner

LTCC-based ceramic microsystems with integrated fluidic elements and sensors

In this contribution the design and fabrication of ceramic microsystems with integrated different microfluidic elements and sensors will be presented. Ceramic microsystems are based on unconventional application of low-temperature co-fired ceramic technology and materials. This unconventional application is related to three-dimensional ceramic structures, such as cantilevers, ledges, bridges, diaphragms, valleys, channels, holes and cavities, valves, mixers, diffusors, distributors, collectors, flow limiters, sensors, and actuators.

Patterns discovery of load curves characteristics using clustering based data mining

The paper presents a comprehensive approach using clustering based data mining for load curves characterization in real distribution networks. The load curves characterized by their main indicators is made using information provided by Smart Meters. The proposed method was tested using a real database with 60 rural substations. The results demonstrate the ability of the methodology to be efficiently used by distribution operators in patterns discovery of the load curves characteristics with the help of which an energy losses estimation in transformers from the distribution substations could be made.

Influence of hybrid energy systems on micro-grids control

The paper aims to realize the micro-grid control in presence of distributed generation (DG) sources and the automatic voltage regulators (AVR). The provided analysis had into account highlighting the influence of the hybrid energy systems with consideration of the automatic voltage regulators on the power losses and the voltage level into micro-grids. The obtained results with the highest power/energy saving were obtained when there was a strong correlation between the DG sources and automatic voltage regulators.

Screen-printed Pb(Mg, Nb)O 3 -PbTiO 3 thick tilms on ceramic substrates for sensor applications

In this work the screen-printed piezoelectric 0.65Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃-0.35PbTiO₃ thick films were prepared on metalized low-temperature co-fired ceramic substrates. Such substrates are interesting for micro-electro mechanical systems, for example for piezoelectric sensors and actuators. The prepared thick films exhibit the piezoelectric coefficient d₃₃ equal to 120 pC/N.

Sensors in LTCC-technology with embedded microfluidic features, for medical applications

The lab-on-chip testing units based on microfluidics technology are booming nowadays, due to robustness, simplicity of use and reliability. Multilayer ceramics, functionalized with nano-scaled sensing materials, and further integrated within microfluidic test elements, are of great challenge and represent the purpose of the paper. The LTCC technology versatility allows the 3D integration of electrochemical sensors with microfluidic features, and further with advanced signal processing and wireless communication.

Dielectric spectroscopy of biological tissues with targeted Fe 2 O 3 drug delivery systems in support of RF/MW-hyperthermal control

The study deals with the investigation of the dielectric behavior of liver tissue with different percentage of magnetite nano-insertions at temperature and frequency variation by employing the Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy. The results are needed in order to develop targeted drug delivery system associated with RF/MW-hyperthermal control for hepatic tumors. Crucial to the development of this technique is the accurate knowledge of the dielectric properties of biological tissues for an accurate chemo-hyperthermal effect design under radio-frequency or microwave exposure.

Nano-structured electromagnetically-active adhesives for innovative assembling-disassembling technologies

The development of efficient and reversible bonding technologies offer cost reduction, resistance to applied load, easy and rapid dismantling and smart recycling processes. Different concentrations of electromagnetically-active fillers were embedded in the thermoplastic matrix of provisional hot-melt adhesives and tested to assess their thermal behaviour under broadband electromagnetic fields. A power radiofrequency system was used to study the joining features vs. exposure time for different compositions and frequencies. Positive conclusions of tests were emphasized on the way of prototyping the innovative joining technology for automotive industry.

Comparative Analysis versus Frequency of Inception Voltage of Partial Discharges Phenomena and Breakdown Strength, in Support of Quality Assessment of Insulating Materials

The broadband Partial Discharge (PD) measurement technique may be considered more accurate than a simple breakdown test and admitted as a complementary method for characterizing the quality of porous/fibrous and composite insulating materials. It should be taken into account especially at higher frequencies, when the risk of breakdown occurrence becomes greater in time, due to the local thermal aspects.