Internet of Harvester Nano Things: A Future Prospects

The advancements in nanotechnology, material science, and electrical engineering have shrunk the sizes of electronic devices down to the micro/nanoscale. This brings the opportunity of developing the Internet of Nano Things (IoNT), an extension of the Internet of Things (IoT). With nanodevices, numerous new possibilities emerge in the biomedical, military fields, and industrial products. However, a continuous energy supply is needed for these devices to work. At the micro/nanoscale, batteries cannot supply this demand due to size limitations and the limited energy contained in the batteries. Internet of Harvester Nano Things (IoHNT), a concept of Energy Harvesting (EH), which converts the existing different energy sources, which otherwise would be dissipated to waste, into electrical energy via electrical generators. Sources for EH are abundant, from sunlight, sound, water, and airflow to living organisms. IoHNT methods are significant assets to ensure the proper operation of the IoNT; thus, in this review, we comprehensively investigate the most useful energy sources and IoHNT principles to power the nano/micro-scaled electronic devices with the scope of IoNT. We discuss the IoHNT principles, material selections, challenges, and state-of-the-art applications of each energy source for both in-vivo and in vitro applications. Finally, we present the latest challenges of EH along with future research directions to solve the problems regarding constructing continuous IoNT containing various self-powered nanodevices. Therefore, IoHNT represents a significant shift in nanodevice power supply, leading us towards a future where wireless technology is widespread. Hence, it will motivate researchers to envision and contribute to the advancement of the following power revolution in IoNT, providing unmatched simplicity and efficiency

A comprehensive review of energy efficient routing protocols for query driven wireless sensor networks [version 3; peer review: 2 approved]

In this current era of communications and networking, The Internet of things plays the main role in the making of smart communication and networking. In this article, we have focused on the literature survey on wireless sensor networks which are energy efficient. Various standard protocols are reviewed along with some enhanced protocols which makes the network energy efficient. The comparison of the standard and enhanced protocols with respect to various applications in wireless sensor networks is thoroughly done in this article. The outcomes of the enhanced protocols are also briefly discussed. For easier analysis to future researchers, a comparative table which lists the enhanced protocols which are compared with standard counterparts along with the factors for energy efficiency of the protocols. This article also comments on the issues and challenges of the protocols which can be further analyzed for making the wireless sensor network more energy efficient

Transitioning to Affordable and Clean Energy

Transitioning to Affordable and Clean Energy is a collective volume which combines original contributions and review papers that address the question how the transition to clean and affordable energy can be governed. It will cover both general analyses of the governance of transition, including policy instruments, comparative studies of countries or policies, and papers setting out scientifically sound visions of a clean and just energy system. In particular, the following aspects are foregrounded: • Governing the supply and demand side transformation • Geographical and cultural differences and their consequences for the governance of energy transitions • Sustainability and justice related to energy transitions (e.g., approaches for addressing energy poverty) Transitioning to Affordable and Clean Energy is part of MDPI's new Open Access book series Transitioning to Sustainability. With this series, MDPI pursues environmentally and socially relevant research which contributes to efforts toward a sustainable world. Transitioning to Sustainability aims to add to the conversation about regional and global sustainable development according to the 17 SDGs. The book series is intended to reach beyond disciplinary, even academic boundaries

Bit Bang 7: Future of Energy

This book is the 7th in the Bit Bang series of books produced as multidisciplinary teamwork exercises by doctoral students participating in the course Bit Bang 7: Future of Energy at Aalto University during the academic year 2014–2015. The course aims at fostering teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration, as well as providing participants with a global, futurecentric perspective on the energy sector. The growing global demand for energy and diminishing natural resources are driving the development of eco-efficient energy sources, new ways of doing business, and designing our living environment. Bit Bang 7 addresses the topic of energy sources and technologies from the perspective of their economic, environmental and social sustainability. The course elaborates on the interconnectedness of these phenomena, and links them to possible future scenarios, global megatrends and ethical considerations. Will we see disruptive changes in our energy future? Can we impact consumption patterns, ways of doing business, and our way of life? Are we creating a sustainable future for the generations to come? Working in teams, the students set out to answer questions related to the changing energy sector and to brainstorm radical scenarios of what the future could hold. This joint publication contains articles produced as teamwork assignments for the course, in which the students were encouraged to take novel and radical views on the future of energy. The Bit Bang series of courses is supported by the Multidisciplinary Institute of Digitalisation and Energy (MIDE). Previous Bit Bang publications are available from http:/mide.aalto.fi

Hydrodynamics-Biology Coupling for Algae Culture and Biofuel Production

International audienceBiofuel production from microalgae represents an acute optimization problem for industry. There is a wide range of parameters that must be taken into account in the development of this technology. Here, mathematical modelling has a vital role to play. The potential of microalgae as a source of biofuel and as a technological solution for CO2 fixation is the subject of intense academic and industrial research. Large-scale production of microalgae has potential for biofuel applications owing to the high productivity that can be attained in high-rate raceway ponds. We show, through 3D numerical simulations, that our approach is capable of discriminating between situations where the paddle wheel is rapidly moving water or slowly agitating the process. Moreover, the simulated velocity fields can provide lagrangian trajectories of the algae. The resulting light pattern to which each cell is submitted when travelling from light (surface) to dark (bottom) can then be derived. It will then be reproduced in lab experiments to study photosynthesis under realistic light patterns

Sensor Characteristics Reference Guide

The Buildings Technologies Office (BTO), within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), is initiating a new program in Sensor and Controls. The vision of this program is: • Buildings operating automatically and continuously at peak energy efficiency over their lifetimes and interoperating effectively with the electric power grid. • Buildings that are self-configuring, self-commissioning, self-learning, self-diagnosing, self-healing, and self-transacting to enable continuous peak performance. • Lower overall building operating costs and higher asset valuation. The overarching goal is to capture 30% energy savings by enhanced management of energy consuming assets and systems through development of cost-effective sensors and controls. One step in achieving this vision is the publication of this Sensor Characteristics Reference Guide. The purpose of the guide is to inform building owners and operators of the current status, capabilities, and limitations of sensor technologies. It is hoped that this guide will aid in the design and procurement process and result in successful implementation of building sensor and control systems. DOE will also use this guide to identify research priorities, develop future specifications for potential market adoption, and provide market clarity through unbiased informatio

Electronic Skin in Robotics and Healthcare: Towards Multimodal Sensing and Intelligent Analysis

Skin-interfaced electronics is gradually transforming robotic and medical fields by enabling noninvasive and continuous monitoring of physiological and biochemical information. Despite their promise, current wearable technologies face challenges in several disciplines: Physical sensors are prone to motion-induced noise and lack the capability for effective disease detection, while existing wearable biochemical sensors suffer from operational instability in biofluids, limiting their practicality. Conventional electronic skin contains only a limited category of sensors that are not sufficient for practical applications, and conventional data processing methods for these wearables necessitate manual intervention to filter noise and decipher health-related information. This thesis presents advances in electronic skin within robotics and healthcare, emphasizing multimodal sensing and data analysis through machine intelligence. Chapter 1 introduces the concept of electronic skin, outlining the emerging sensor technologies and a general machine learning pipeline for data processing. Chapter 2 details the development of multimodal physiological and biochemical sensors that enable long-term continuous monitoring with high sensitivity and stability. Chapter 3 explores the application of integrated electronic skin in robotics, prosthetics, and human machine interactions. Chapter 4 showcases practical implementations of integrated electronic skin with robust sensors for wound monitoring and treatment. Chapter 5 highlights the transformative deployment of artificial intelligence in deconvoluting health profiles on mental health. The last chapter, Chapter 6, delves into the challenges and prospects of artificial intelligence-powered electronic skins, offering predictions for the evolution of smart electronic skins. We envision that multimodal sensing and machine intelligence in electronic skin could significantly advance the field of human machine interactions and personalized healthcare.</p

Assessing the current landscape of AI and sustainability literature:Identifying key trends, addressing gaps and challenges

The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals stress the importance of global and local efforts to address inequalities and implement sustainability. Addressing complex, interconnected sustainability challenges requires a systematic, interdisciplinary approach, where technology, AI, and data-driven methods offer potential solutions for optimizing resources, integrating different aspects of sustainability, and informed decision-making. Sustainability research surrounds various local, regional, and global challenges, emphasizing the need to identify emerging areas and gaps where AI and data-driven models play a crucial role. The study performs a comprehensive literature survey and scientometric and semantic analyses, categorizes data-driven methods for sustainability problems, and discusses the sustainable use of AI and big data. The outcomes of the analyses highlight the importance of collaborative and inclusive research that bridges regional differences, the interconnection of AI, technology, and sustainability topics, and the major research themes related to sustainability. It further emphasizes the significance of developing hybrid approaches combining AI, data-driven techniques, and expert knowledge for multi-level, multi-dimensional decision-making. Furthermore, the study recognizes the necessity of addressing ethical concerns and ensuring the sustainable use of AI and big data in sustainability research.</p

Photovoltaics and Electrification in Agriculture

Integration of photovoltaics and electrification in agriculture. Works on the integration of photovoltaics in agriculture, as well as electrification and microgrids in agriculture. In addition, some works on sustainability in agriculture are added

Self sustainable cathodes for microbial fuel cells

The ultimate goal of this thesis was to investigate and produce an MFC with self-sustainable cathode so it could be implemented in real world applications. Using methods previously employed [polarisation curve experiments, power output measurements, chemical assays for determining COD in wastewater and other elements present in anolyte or catholyte, biomass assessments] and with a focus on the cathode, experiments were conducted to compare and contrast different designs, materials and nutrient input to microbial fuel cells with appropriate experimental control systems.Results from these experiments show that: Firstly, the choice of polymeric PEM membrane showed that the most effective materials in terms of power performance were cation exchange membranes. In terms of cost effectiveness the most promising was CM-I, which was the preferred separator for later experiments.Secondly, a completely biotic MFC with the algal cathode was shown to produce higher power output (7.00 mW/m2) than the abiotic control (1.52 mW/m2). At the scale of the experimental system, the reservoir of algal culture produced sufficient dissolved oxygen to serve the MFCs in light or dark conditions. To demonstrate usable power, 16 algal cathode-designed MFCs were used to power a dc pump as a practical application.It has been presented that the more power the MFC generates, the more algal biomass will be harvested in the connected photoreactor. The biomass grown was demonstrated to be a suitable carbon-energy resource for the same MFC units in a closed loop scenario, whereby the only energy into the system was light.In the open to air cathode configuration various modifications to the carbon electrode materials including Microporous Layer (MPL) and Activated Carbon (AC) showed catholyte synthesis directly on the surface of the electrode and elemental extraction such as Na, K, Mg, from wastewater in a power dependent manner. Cathode flooding has been identified as an important and beneficial factor for the first time in MFCs, and has been demonstrated as a carbon capture system through wet scrubbing of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The captures carbon dioxide was mineralised into carbonate and bicarbonate of soda (trona). The novel inverted, tubular MFC configuration integrates design and operational simplicity showing significantly improved performance rendering the MFC system feasible for electricity recovery from waste. The improved power (2.58 mW) from an individual MFC was increased by 5-fold compared to the control unit, and 2-fold to similar sized tubular systems reported in the literature; moreover it was able to continuously power a LED light, charge a mobile phone and run a windmill motor, which was not possible before