Ramesh Rayudu

Forecasting the behavior of an elderly using wireless sensors data in a smart home

In this paper, the ability to determine the wellness of an elderly living alone in a smart home using a low-cost, robust, flexible and data driven intelligent system is presented. A framework integrating temporal and spatial contextual information for determining the wellness of an elderly has been modeled. A novel behavior detection process based on the observed sensor data in performing essential daily activities has been designed and developed. The developed prototype is used to forecast the behavior and wellness of the elderly by monitoring the daily usages of appliances in a smart home. Wellness models are tested at various elderly houses, and the experimental results are encouraging. The wellness models are updated based on the time series analysis.

Preparation for Lifelong Learning Using ePortfolios.

Rapid technological change, increasing globalization and a changing world of employment with multiple roles during ones professional life are necessitating a change from knowledge to learning societies. Full participation requires lifelong learning skills, meaning the ability to solve problems, work both independently and in a team, communicate effectively in all formats and on all levels, and self-direct ones learning and professional development needs. Universities need to take responsibility in preparing students for lifelong learning. While engineering and science degrees traditionally do not emphasize the importance of lifelong learning skills new programmes of study are now being introduced, often using electronic portfolios to support engagement with learning objectives and reflection. This article describes an electronic portfolio initiative that is targeted at engineering and computer science students. The initiative aims to create awareness among students on the nature and importance of lifelong learning skills, to facilitate the development of such skills and to assist students in showcasing their competence regarding these skills. Interviews with industry representatives regarding the characteristics of a lifelong learner and the values of constructing and presenting portfolios were conducted and have resulted in strong support for the electronic portfolio initiative. The article provides background on lifelong learning and electronic portfolios, outlines the design of the initiative and then focuses on feedback from industry representatives.

Sensor data fusion to determine wellness of an elderly in intelligent home monitoring environment

In this paper, we present a novel mechanism to foresee the well-being of elderly through monitoring and functional assessment of the daily activities with the help of sensor data fusion. Two wellness indices are defined to determine the wellness of the elderly in performing their daily activities. Home monitoring system is targeted for the elderly people to provide a safe, secured, less cost and privacy system in assessing the ability to perform basic behaviours. Developed system was tested at various elderly homes instead of test bed and the results are encouraging.

Dynamic rating of transmission lines-a New Zealand experience

This paper presents a real world application of dynamic line rating (DLR) by the line-tension monitoring method. There are several methods to rate transmission lines in real-time of which the tension-monitoring method has demonstrated more advantages. Transpower, the transmission company of New Zealand, has investigated the application of DLR on two of its circuits. The experiment has been set up using the hardware and software provided by Valley Group, USA, and some interesting experiences are documented in this paper. The analysis of the results provided by the experiment demonstrated the real capabilities of Transpowers transmission lines, which are also discussed in this paper. It is concluded that dynamic line rating can contribute towards efficient control of transmission lines.

Reliable measurement of Wireless Sensor Network data for forecasting wellness of elderly at smart home

In this paper, we present an engineering system for monitoring and forecasting wellness of an elderly person in relation to performance of daily activities. Complex behavioural changes of daily activities are captured in real time for reliable measurement of wellness operations. These tasks are realized with the sensor status of the household objects in use by the elderly in combination with prediction process of time series data processing algorithm. This will assist in determining the quantitative well-being of an elderly and alert if the daily activity behaviour is irregular.

Distributed photovoltaic power generation for energy-poor households: The Nigerian perspective

Energy is a necessity in any human society. While value is added to the lives of people in societies with good energy systems, energy-poor communities are pauperized. Electricity is needed for essential human activities. Nigeria with a population of about 160 million, despite its huge non-renewable and renewable energy resources, generates below 5,000MW. Only about 64 million people have access to electricity but with load shedding and unsteady supply at best. Most rural communities are impoverished by lack of access to energy and are rendered socially and economically handicapped. This paper highlights the types and benefits of distributed generation for developing countries. Different scenarios of energy consumption by a typical village household are studied assuming moderate loads; application of off-grid photovoltaic (PV) electricity is proposed as a solution to improve the way of life of the energy-poor homes. HOMER software is used for modeling and analyzing the PV systems and the cost. The paper is concluded with some recommendations and directions for future research.

Rare Event Detection and Propagation in Wireless Sensor Networks

Rarely occurring events present unique challenges to energy constrained systems designed for long term sensing of their occurrence or effect. Unlike periodic sampling or query based sensing systems, longevity cannot be achieved simply by adjusting the sensing nodes’ duty cycle until an equitable balance between data density and network lifetime is established. The low probability of occurrence and random nature of rare events makes it difficult to guarantee duty cycled battery powered sensing nodes will be energised when events occur. Equally, it is usually considered impractical to leave the sensing nodes energised at all times if the network is to have an acceptably long operational life. In the past decade and a half, wireless sensor network research has addressed this aspect of rare event sensing by investigating techniques including synchronised duty cycling of redundant nodes, passive sensing, duplicate message suppression, and energy efficient network protocols. Researchers have also demonstrated the efficacy of harvesting energy from the environment to extend operational life. Here we survey existing rare event detection and propagation techniques, and suggest areas suitable for continued research.

Power quality indices of Compact Fluorescent Lamps for residential use — A New Zealand study

This paper discusses the power quality indices of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) used in residential lighting. Harmonic indices are important factors when analyzing residential power quality. Research carried out in the recent past has highlighted power quality issues relating to CFLs. The experiments performed by us confirmed the stated issues. Most brands tested had low power factor associated with high harmonic current levels. A few high power factor products with low harmonic current levels also exist and were highlighted in this research.

Comparative study of photovoltaic technologies based on performance, cost and space requirement: Strategy for selection and application

ABSTRACT The module performance is an important consideration for selecting PV technologies for electricity production, as well as the economic aspect. Also, PV energy yield under varying environmental conditions is largely dependent on the type of technology used. Therefore, this article presents a comparative analysis of different PV modules, of the same power, namely, monocrystalline, polycrystalline, amorphous silicon and hybrid, based on performance, cost and space requirement. The performance is evaluated in terms of module power output, yield, capture losses, fill factor and efficiency, according to the IEC 61724 standards, using Gwako, Nigeria as a case study. A novel technique called Fundamental PV Module Performance Analysis is used to analyze and compare the performance of the PV modules. The performance of a single module is then employed to calculate the overall performance of a PV array designed for a small off-grid house, and a suitable module is determined amongst the modules under study. Results provide insights into the behaviors of the different technologies with the environmental factors of the location, which have an impact on their power and kWh/kW outputs and the efficiency. This knowledge, coupled with the understanding of the constraints of cost and the module space requirements would be useful to researchers, engineers, installers etc. in Nigeria, for planning and developing photovoltaic electric systems for off-grid applications.

Clean development mechanism projects for developing countries: Potential for carbon emissions mitigation and sustainable development

Energy shortage is one of the major impediments to social, industrial and economic growths in developing countries. For instance, only about 40% of Nigerias population (about 170 million) has access to electricity. Due to this, petrol/diesel generators are used for electricity generation in various sectors of the country, which are not eco-friendly. Though developing countries are thought to emit lesser greenhouse gases compared to industrialized nations, due to low industrial activities, a global cooperation is necessary to mitigate climate change. The intent of this paper is to develop solar power generation systems through Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), which involves investments in clean technologies, in developing countries by governments, companies or agencies from developed countries, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, at an optimum cost. This could offer a possible solution to energy poverty, and also lead to sustainable development in developing countries, including Nigeria. Case studies were conducted for Nigeria using small-scale PV systems for different applications. The paper also presents the modalities for CDM agreement between two parties, the benefits and challenges. The CO2 emissions that could be avoided by adopting the proposed energy systems are also discussed.