J. D. Cullen

Online vehicle and atmospheric pollution monitoring using GIS and wireless sensor networks

A Geographical Information System (GIS) is a computer system designed to integrate, store, edit, analyse, share and display geographically referenced data. A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a wireless network of spatially distributed autonomous devices using sensors to monitor physical or environmental conditions. This paper presents the integration of these two technologies to create a system able to detect measure and transmit information regarding the presence and quantities of internal combustion derived pollution and the geographical location in real time with the aim of creating pollution maps in urban environments.

Electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation for the development of an underwater Wireless Sensor Network (WSN)

Environmental concerns in aquatic environments have increased and require new and cost-effective real-time monitoring systems. Furthermore the Water Framework Directive (WFD) across the European Union (EU) and the growing international emphasis on the management of water quality and its sustainability are giving rise to a market for intelligent underwater monitoring systems. The aim of this paper is to study the feasibility of using electromagnetic (EM) waves in an underwater communication system and to develop a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) using cheap commodity motes in the unlicensed (ISM) frequency bands for applications including environmental monitoring.

In-field trials of a tyre pressure monitoring system based on segmented capacitance rings

Abstract In recent years the automobile industry has been adopting ever-higher safety standards. Under this light, the development of a tyre pressure monitoring system that aims to overcome the difficulties faced by the already present systems becomes even more important. In order to meet that specific need, a system which is capable of relaying the status of tyre pressure from a sensor at the wheel to a display unit in the vehicle cab was constructed. This new system employs the CAN bus network technique, as well as a novel method of relaying the tyre pressure status off the wheel without using any power or transmitter system, thus overcoming many of the obstacles faced by systems of the same scope. The purpose of this paper is to give an account of the in-field trials performed in order to assess the behaviour of the system in a ‘real world’ environment.

Non invasive rail track detection system using microwave sensor

As fuel costs continue to rise, efficient public transport, especially rail will play an increasingly important role in the UK and worldwide. For the safe operation of the rail system, it is necessary that the condition of the rails can be monitored on a continual basis. An important part of this monitoring process is crack detection. Much research effort has been spent in the development of reliable, repeatable crack detection methods for the use on the service rail. In this research a new crack detection method has been investigated which utilizes microwave sensors to inspect the rail surface. Initial data from experiment are presented.

A matched Bow-tie antenna at 433MHz for use in underwater wireless sensor networks

Electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation underwater is been disregarded because of attenuation at high frequencies, however the theory predicts that propagation is possible at some useful distance in the lower Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band. Common transceivers rely on narrowband antennas and matching circuit. The aim of this paper is to design a broadband 433MHz bow-tie antenna and experiment it in air and water without a matching circuit. This antenna could be attached to wireless transceivers and form a Wireless Sensor Network for deployment in various underwater applications. The bow-tie antennas were designed, simulated and constructed in laboratory. Experiments were setup carefully by using a completely isolated transmitter from electronics to avoid airborne transmission. The 433MHz. bow-tie proved its suitability for use in Underwater.

Assessing Water-Holding Capacity (WHC) of Meat Using Microwave Spectroscopy

Water-holding capacity (WHC) is the ability of muscle to retain naturally occurring moisture in meat. WHC is a growing problem in the meat industry affecting yield and quality of the meat. Numerous methods have been applied to determine WHC such as the bag drip method and filter paper compression. However, such methods of measuring WHC/drip loss are time-consuming. This chapter reviews some of the current methods used for determination of WHC. The chapter will also present a novel method to measure drip loss and hence determine WHC using a microwave cavity. The cavity is first modeled using Ansys High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) which is a 3D full wave EM field simulation package that can be used to design microwave structures. The cavity is then constructed, tested and evaluated in LJMU laboratories. Results obtained using different types of meat such as; pork, chicken, beef and lamb are presented and discussed. Attained results indicate that determination of WHC using microwave spectroscopy is a promising alternative to the exciting methods.

Development of an optical fibre sensor system for online monitoring of microwave plasma UV and ozone generation system

An optical fibre sensor system is being developed to monitor the outputs of a microwave-generated plasma UV lamp, capable of producing germicidal UV and ozone gas simultaneously, for use in food treatment. Optical fibres offer the advantage of allowing for remote monitoring of the measurement site. The fibres are not affected by high electromagnetic fields and the control electronics can be kept away from such a harsh environment, making them an ideal choice for the monitoring of the microwave radiation device. The sensor system monitors UV intensity at 254 nm and also ozone gas concentrations, based on the Beer-Lambert Law for absorption spectroscopy.

Energy reduction for the spot welding process in the automotive industry

When performing spot welding on galvanised metals, higher welding force and current are required than on uncoated steels. This has implications for the energy usage when creating each spot weld, of which there are approximately 4300 in each passenger car. The paper presented is an overview of electrode current selection and its variance over the lifetime of the electrode tip. This also describes the proposed analysis system for the selection of welding parameters for the spot welding process, as the electrode tip wears.

Water pipe leak detection using electromagnetic wave sensor for the water industry

This project concerns the use of an electromagnetic sensor for the detection of leaks/cracks in water pipes. As old metal pipes corrode, they start to become brittle, resulting in the potential for cracks to appear in the pipes. In addition corrosion can build up resulting in a restricted flow of water in the pipe. Using an electromagnetic (EM) sensor to monitor the signal reflected from the pipes in real time, provides the necessary information to determine where a leak in the pipe has occurred. Analysis of the reflected signal can provide the operator with information about the condition of the leak within the pipe. This work describes how the system was designed, and also its construction at a scale suitable for insertion into a 100mm diameter water pipe.

An Optical Fiber Sensor Based on Cladding Photoluminescence for High Power Microwave Plasma Ultraviolet Lamps Used in Water Treatment

Low-pressure mercury lamps are commonly used for germicidal applications such as water and wastewater sterilisation. The germicidal effect is due to the emission of light at 254 nm, which leads to the destruction of most waterborne bacteria. The Microwave plasma ultraviolet lamp (MPUVL) is a new technology for generating a high intensity ultraviolet (UV) light. A Fluorescent optical fiber based sensor is presented which is used for monitoring the output of a high power microwave UV light source and its control. This sensor is a fiber which has had its cladding removed and been coated with a phosphor doped polymer.