Management of solar energy in microgrids using IoT-based dependable control

© 2017 IEEE. Solar energy generation requires efficient monitoring and management in moving towards technologies for net-zero energy buildings. This paper presents a dependable control system based on the Internet of Things (IoT) to control and manage the energy flow of renewable energy collected by solar panels within a microgrid. Data for optimal control include not only measurements from local sensors but also meteorological information retrieved in real-time from online sources. For system fault tolerance across the whole distributed control system featuring multiple controllers, dependable controllers are developed to control and optimise the tracking performance of photovoltaic arrays to maximally capture solar radiation and maintain system resilience and reliability in real time despite failures of one or more redundant controllers due to a problem with communication, hardware or cybersecurity. Experimental results have been obtained to evaluate the validity of the proposed approach

Covariance data comparisons between alternate range finding systems - LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) Type 1 and Camera laser Type 2

This dataset compares the covariance error associated with the use of different sensor systems both in isolation and in combination, specifically a LIDAR Type 1 system and Type 2 Camera laser generated using the Inverse Perspective Mapping algorithm. The purpose is development of improved difference mode mapping and localisation algorithms for multi sensor robotics platforms used in hazardous areas

Remote laboratories: Uncovering the true costs

Remote laboratories have been the subject of both technical development and pedagogic analysis. Much of the associated literature uses arguments regarding the relative value of these laboratories to justify the work in this area. Whilst many of these arguments are focused on pedagogic opportunity or logistical flexibility, they often also argue for the financial benefits that accrue from the ability to share laboratory resources. In this paper we consider the prevalence of these arguments and the extent to which they are (or are not) underpinned by research-based evidence. We do attempt to draw any conclusions on the cost benefit of RLs but rather argue for the need for better and more rigorous remote laboratory cost models on which future cost benefit analysis could rest. We provide preliminary work on a framework for collecting significant robust data on the costs associated with developing and maintaining remote laboratories, and provide initial suggestions regarding elements that need to be included in this framework. © 2012 IEEE

A new strategy for higher education and training: Peer support system for practical laboratories

© 2017 IEEE. One of the many challenges facing practical student workshops is the proliferation of rapid prototyping and similar technologies. 3D printers have enabled students to take ideas and concepts further than ever before and sometimes to completion. The only limitations at this stage are the materials available for the manufacture of components and prototypes on 3D printers. Traditional manufacturing processes like fabrication and machining are still sometimes required to complete projects. This has seen a greater demand and workload for traditional machine shops and trades people. Some of the manufacturing work has to still be completed by skilled experienced trade's people but some of the simpler less complex machining and fabrication tasks could be easily completed by unskilled students with basic training and minimal supervision. We needed to come up with a system that provided students access to industrial fabrication and machining equipment in a safe and productive environment. The peer support system provides a framework enabling students with little or no machine operating skills to safely access industrial equipment with minimal staff, supervision and danger of injury. This paper is a justification of these concepts, interest, approaches, and practices of the peers support framework and philosophy

Moving away from simulations: Innovative assessment of Mechatronic subjects using remote laboratories

In response to the rapid growth of online teaching and learning, University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) has been developing a number of remotely accessible laboratories. In this paper, we present our newly developed remote lab robotic rig that uniquely addresses challenges in Mechatronic courses. The rig contains a mobile robotic platform equipped with various sensory modules placed in a maze with a pantograph power system enabling continuous use of the platform. The software architecture employed allows users to develop their simulations using the Player/Stage simulator and subsequently upload the code in the robotic rig for real-time testing. This paper presents the motivation, design concepts and analysis of students' feedback responses to their use of the remote lab robotics rig. Survey results of a pilot study shows the participants highly agreeing that the remote lab contributes to, "deeper understanding of the subject matter", "flexible learning process" and "inspire research in robotics". © 2013 IEEE

LabShare: Towards a National Approach to Laboratory Sharing

Conventional undergraduate engineering laboratories are valuable in terms of their contributions to students learning but are costly to develop and maintain and have extremely low utilisation rates. These issues can be addressed through cross-institutional sharing of laboratories; however this is limited by the overarching requirement that students are located in a centrally located laboratory. In this paper we describe the nature of the challenges and the potential benefits that can be achieved if a solution can be found. A possible solution is the use of remote laboratories that can be accessed across the internet with a suitable model for laboratory sharing that promotes both institutional and individual engagement. We describe the characteristics that such a model should have

Labshare: Towards cross- Institutional laboratory sharing

Conventional undergraduate teaching laboratories are valuable in terms of their contributions to students learning but are generally costly to develop and maintain and often have extremely low overall utilization rates. These issues can be addressed through cross-institutional sharing of laboratories. This is, however, limited by the overarching requirement that students are physically co-located with the laboratory apparatus. In this chapter we will describe the nature of the challenges with regard to cross-institutional sharing and the potential benefits that can be achieved if a solution can be found. A possible solution is the use of remote laboratories that can be accessed across the internet with a suitable model for laboratory sharing that promotes both institutional and individual engagement. We describe the characteristics that such a model should have and show how the Labshare project is providing a nation-wide model within the Australian Higher Education context. © 2012, IGI Global

Labshare : towards cross-institutional laboratory sharing

Conventional undergraduate teaching laboratories are valuable in terms of their contributions to students learning but are generally costly to develop and maintain and often have extremely low overall utilization rates. These issues can be addressed through cross-institutional sharing of laboratories. This is, however, limited by the overarching requirement that students are physically co-located with the laboratory apparatus. In this chapter we will describe the nature of the challenges with regard to cross-institutional sharing and the potential benefits that can be achieved if a solution can be found. A possible solution is the use of remote laboratories that can be accessed across the internet with a suitable model for laboratory sharing that promotes both institutional and individual engagement. We describe the characteristics that such a model should have and show how the Labshare project is providing a nation-wide model within the Australian Higher Education context