K.R.M. Vijaya Chandrakala

A novel technique for optimal vehicle routing

This paper proposes a novel approach in finding an optimal solution for vehicle routing. The intention here is to find the shortest time path between different points. Dijkstras algorithm is a very popular technique used in communication networks for data routing and in path planning of robots. Normally the implementation of Dijkstras algorithm involves initialization of weights depending upon a particular cost metric, namely, distance. Based on an analysis of these weights, a choice of right path is made. This conventional approach states that the shortest path will take minimum time to travel. However this may not always be true. Even depending on the traffic conditions prevailing at that particular instant, the time taken may vary. The proposed work takes into consideration the traffic density in a particular path which influences the time taken for travel and then suggests an optimal path. The results are validated using concepts of Object Oriented Programming and tested in a hardware environment using PIC16F877a micro controller.

Laboratory model to teach power system stability

To teach and demonstrate the Power System Stability aspects to the undergraduate students, a laboratory model has been developed. Computer based simulation softwares are used to teach different aspects of power system by most of the Institutions. These simulation studies often do not demonstrate the physical sense of power system behavior to students. Moreover, making the students to visualize the effect of instability is a very big challenge faced by the teaching community. This paper describes the experimental set up built in the Electrical Engineering Department of Amrita School of Engineering, Coimbatore, consisting of an alternator connected to infinite bus through parallel transmission lines. In this experimental setup, the generator is brought to instability by changing the operating conditions. Further, the oscillation is controlled and brought back to stability by controlling the excitation and line reactance. This gives the clear idea about stability and its enhancement to the students.

Laboratory model to teach Surge Impedance Loading

This paper explains the development of laboratory model to teach Surge Impedance Loading to the undergraduate students. Simulation software used for teaching power systems fails to give physical sense to the students. The scaled down model of transmission line is developed at the Electrical Engineering development of Amrita school of Engineering, Coimbatore. The flat voltage profile is observed in the line when the line is loaded to Surge Impedance Loading. Further the Surge Impedance Loading and phase shift are studied during series and shunt compensation. Shunt capacitor compensation improves only Surge Impedance Loading but increases the phase shift. Series capacitor compensation improves Surge Impedance Loading and also stability by decreasing the phase shift.

Fabrication of High Efficient Dye Sensitized Solar Cell Using Eosin Blue Sensitizer

For past several decades research in the field of photovoltaic has progressed from first generation solar cell to third generation solar cell. The dominance of solid state device which converts photons to electrons is a new challenge in technologies. In this work, a high efficient Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) is fabricated. DSSC is easy to fabricate solar cell among the conventional pn-junction photo voltaic solar cells and even it is eco-friendly. A typical DSSC suffers from semiconductor liquid junctions and therefore concerns of electrolyte volatility and breakdown persists. By optimizing the sintering time, temperature, proper choosing of different types of sensitizer/dyes and the electrolyte, improves the efficiency of DSSC. It focuses towards developing DSSC on a small scale with the glass plates as electrodes coated with Titanium Oxide (TiO2) and graphite. The plates are conducting which are coated with Fluorine doped Tin Oxide (FTO). To enhance the absorption power of the glass plates Eosin blue is chosen as a dye. These electrodes are placed in an electrolyte made up of Lithium Iodide (LiI) and Iodine (I). The electrical conduction mechanism of the fabricated DSSC is studied at 50 lux and also tested with cascaded series cell connection. Keyword: Working electrode; Counter electrode; Titanium Oxide (TiO2); Eosin blue dye; Electrolyte