scholarly journals Gloxinia—An Open-Source Sensing Platform to Monitor the Dynamic Responses of Plants

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 3055
Author(s):  
Olivier Pieters ◽  
Tom De Swaef ◽  
Peter Lootens ◽  
Michiel Stock ◽  
Isabel Roldán-Ruiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Dynamic Responses ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Data Logging ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Sensing Platforms

The study of the dynamic responses of plants to short-term environmental changes is becoming increasingly important in basic plant science, phenotyping, breeding, crop management, and modelling. These short-term variations are crucial in plant adaptation to new environments and, consequently, in plant fitness and productivity. Scalable, versatile, accurate, and low-cost data-logging solutions are necessary to advance these fields and complement existing sensing platforms such as high-throughput phenotyping. However, current data logging and sensing platforms do not meet the requirements to monitor these responses. Therefore, a new modular data logging platform was designed, named Gloxinia. Different sensor boards are interconnected depending upon the needs, with the potential to scale to hundreds of sensors in a distributed sensor system. To demonstrate the architecture, two sensor boards were designed—one for single-ended measurements and one for lock-in amplifier based measurements, named Sylvatica and Planalta, respectively. To evaluate the performance of the system in small setups, a small-scale trial was conducted in a growth chamber. Expected plant dynamics were successfully captured, indicating proper operation of the system. Though a large scale trial was not performed, we expect the system to scale very well to larger setups. Additionally, the platform is open-source, enabling other users to easily build upon our work and perform application-specific optimisations.

scholarly journals An On-Line Low-Cost Irradiance Monitoring Network with Sub-Second Sampling Adapted to Small-Scale PV Systems

Sensors ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 3405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Espinosa-Gavira ◽  
Agustín Agüera-Pérez ◽  
Juan González de la Rosa ◽  
José Palomares-Salas ◽  
José Sierra-Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Sensor Networks ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Absolute Error ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Photovoltaic Systems ◽  
Real Time Control ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Time Control ◽  
Cloud Motion

Very short-term solar forecasts are gaining interest for their application on real-time control of photovoltaic systems. These forecasts are intimately related to the cloud motion that produce variations of the irradiance field on scales of seconds and meters, thus particularly impacting in small photovoltaic systems. Very short-term forecast models must be supported by updated information of the local irradiance field, and solar sensor networks are positioning as the more direct way to obtain these data. The development of solar sensor networks adapted to small-scale systems as microgrids is subject to specific requirements: high updating frequency, high density of measurement points and low investment. This paper proposes a wireless sensor network able to provide snapshots of the irradiance field with an updating frequency of 2 Hz. The network comprised 16 motes regularly distributed over an area of 15 m × 15 m (4 motes × 4 motes, minimum intersensor distance of 5 m). The irradiance values were estimated from illuminance measurements acquired by lux-meters in the network motes. The estimated irradiances were validated with measurements of a secondary standard pyranometer obtaining a mean absolute error of 24.4 W/m 2 and a standard deviation of 36.1 W/m 2 . The network was able to capture the cloud motion and the main features of the irradiance field even with the reduced dimensions of the monitoring area. These results and the low-cost of the measurement devices indicate that this concept of solar sensor networks would be appropriate not only for photovoltaic plants in the range of MW, but also for smaller systems such as the ones installed in microgrids.

1-D Model Analysis of Tesla Turbine for Small Scale Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) System

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Song ◽  
Chun-wei Gu
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Organic Rankine Cycle ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Rankine Cycle ◽  
Expansion Ratio ◽  
Working Fluid ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
D Model

Energy shortage and environmental deterioration are two crucial issues that the developing world has to face. In order to solve these problems, conversion of low grade energy is attracting broad attention. Among all of the existing technologies, Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) has been proven to be one of the most effective methods for the utilization of low grade heat sources. Turbine is a key component in ORC system and it plays an important role in system performance. Traditional turbine expanders, the axial flow turbine and the radial inflow turbine are typically selected in large scale ORC systems. However, in small and micro scale systems, traditional turbine expanders are not suitable due to large flow loss and high rotation speed. In this case, Tesla turbine allows a low-cost and reliable design for the organic expander that could be an attractive option for small scale ORC systems. A 1-D model of Tesla turbine is presented in this paper, which mainly focuses on the flow characteristics and the momentum transfer. This study improves the 1-D model, taking the nozzle limit expansion ratio into consideration, which is related to the installation angle of the nozzle and the specific heat ratio of the working fluid. The improved model is used to analyze Tesla turbine performance and predict turbine efficiency. Thermodynamic analysis is conducted for a small scale ORC system. The simulation results reveal that the ORC system can generate a considerable net power output. Therefore, Tesla turbine can be regarded as a potential choice to be applied in small scale ORC systems.

scholarly journals Large-Scale Additive Manufacturing for Low Cost Small-Scale Wind Turbine Manufacturing

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Post ◽  
Phillip Chesser ◽  
Alex Roschli ◽  
Lonnie Love ◽  
Katherine Gaul
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Small Scale

scholarly journals Variational data assimilation with superparameterization

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 513-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Grooms ◽  
Y. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Data Assimilation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Ocean Model ◽  
Variational Data Assimilation ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
New Applications ◽  
Lorenz 96

Abstract. Superparameterization (SP) is a multiscale computational approach wherein a large scale atmosphere or ocean model is coupled to an array of simulations of small scale dynamics on periodic domains embedded into the computational grid of the large scale model. SP has been successfully developed in global atmosphere and climate models, and is a promising approach for new applications. The authors develop a 3D-Var variational data assimilation framework for use with SP; the relatively low cost and simplicity of 3D-Var in comparison with ensemble approaches makes it a natural fit for relatively expensive multiscale SP models. To demonstrate the assimilation framework in a simple model, the authors develop a new system of ordinary differential equations similar to the two-scale Lorenz-'96 model. The system has one set of variables denoted {Yi}, with large and small scale parts, and the SP approximation to the system is straightforward. With the new assimilation framework the SP model approximates the large scale dynamics of the true system accurately.

scholarly journals Low-cost Large Scale Vermicompost Unit

2021 ◽  
Vol 2115 (1) ◽  
pp. 012026
Author(s):  
Sonam Solanki ◽  
Gunendra Mahore
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Key Innovation ◽  
Main Challenge ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Large Scale Production ◽  
Term Maintenance

Abstract In the current process of producing vermicompost on a large-scale, the main challenge is to keep the worms alive. This is achieved by maintaining temperature and moisture in their living medium. It is a difficult task to maintain these parameters throughout the process. Currently, this is achieved by building infrastructure but this method requires a large initial investment and long-run maintenance. Also, these methods are limited to small-scale production. For large-scale production, a unit is developed which utilises natural airflow with water and automation. The main aim of this unit is to provide favourable conditions to worms in large-scale production with very low investment and minimum maintenance in long term. The key innovation of this research is that the technology used in the unit should be practical and easy to adopt by small farmers. For long-term maintenance of the technology lesser number of parts are used.

scholarly journals A highly flexible laboratory setup to demonstrate granular flow characteristics

2020 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 1581-1596
Author(s):  
Thomas Heinze
Keyword(s):  
Granular Flow ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Local Pressure ◽  
Slope Length ◽  
Runout Distance ◽  
Laboratory Setup

Abstract Dynamics of snow avalanches or landslides can be described by rapid granular flow. Experimental investigations of granular flow at laboratory scale are often required to analyze flow behaviour and to develop adequate mathematical and numerical models. Most investigations use image-based analysis, and additional sensors such as pressure gauges are not always possible. Testing various scenarios and parameter variations such as different obstacle shapes and positions as well as basal topography and friction usually requires either the construction of a new laboratory setups for each test or a cumbersome reconstruction. In this work, a highly flexible and modular laboratory setup is presented based on LEGO bricks. The flexibility of the model is demonstrated, and possible extensions for future laboratory tests are outlined. The setup is able to reproduce published laboratory experiments addressing current scientific research topics, such as overflow of a rigid reflector, flow on a bumpy surface and against a rigid wall using standard image-based analysis. This makes the setup applicable for quick scenario testing, e.g. for hypothesis testing or for low-cost testing prior to large-scale experiments, and it can contribute to the validation of external results and to benchmarks of numerical models. Small-scale laboratory setups are also very useful for demonstration purposes such as education and public outreach, both crucial in the context of natural hazards. The presented setup enables variation of parameters such as of slope length, channel width, height and shape, inclination, bed friction, obstacle position and shape, as well as density, composition, amount and grain size of flowing mass. Observable quantities are flow type, flow height, flow path and flow velocity, as well as runout distance, size and shape of the deposited material. Additional sensors allow further quantitative assessments, such as local pressure values.

Community Monitoring Improves Public Service Provision at Scale: Experimental Evidence from a Child Development Program in Nicaragua

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florencia López Boo ◽  
Jane Leer ◽  
Akito Kamei
Keyword(s):  
Child Development ◽  
Experimental Evidence ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Community Monitoring ◽  
Quality Assurance Mechanism ◽  
Intent To Treat

Expanding small-scale interventions without lowering quality and attenuating impact is a critical policy challenge. Community monitoring overs a low-cost quality assurance mechanism by making service providers account-able to local citizens, rather than distant administrators. This paper provides experimental evidence from a home visit parenting program implemented at scale by the Nicaraguan government, with two types of monitoring: (a) institutional monitoring; and (b) community monitoring. We find d a positive intent-to-treat effect on child development, but only among groups randomly assigned to community monitoring. Our findings show promise for the use of community monitoring to ensure quality in large-scale government-run social programs.

scholarly journals Population signatures of large-scale, long-term disjunction and small-scale, short-term habitat fragmentation in an Afromontane forest bird

Heredity ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 113 (3) ◽  
pp. 205-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
J C Habel ◽  
R K Mulwa ◽  
F Gassert ◽  
D Rödder ◽  
W Ulrich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Fragmentation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Forest Bird ◽  
Afromontane Forest

From Small Scale, Short Term to Large Scale, Long Term: Integrating ‘Sustainability’ into Engineering Education

1996 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 353-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M LEMKOWITZ ◽  
B. H BIBO ◽  
G. H LAMERIS ◽  
J. A. B. A. F. BONNET
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Education ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Short Term

scholarly journals Biomining – Biotechnological Systems for the Extraction and Recovery of Metals from Secondary Sources

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 737-742 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Biological Systems ◽  
Bottom Ash ◽  
Precious Metals ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Hydrometallurgical Processing ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Pyrometallurgical Processing

<p>Biomining is the common term used to define processes that utilize biological systems to facilitate the extraction of metals from ores. Nowadays, a biomining concept can be defined as a two stage combined biological systems (1st stage bioleaching and 2nd stage biosorption) in order to perform the extraction and recovery of the metals from secondary sources such as industrial and mining waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), bottom ash and end of life vehicles. Overwhelming demand and limited sources of metals have resulted in searching new sources so that attentions have been shifted from mining process towards recycling of secondary resources for the recovery of metals. There are several metallurgical processes for metal recovery from the secondary sources such as pyrometallurgical processing, hydrometallurgical and bio/hydrometal-lurgical processing. Biomining processes are estimated to be relatively low-cost, environmentally friendly and suitable for both large scale as well as small scale applications under the bio/hydrometallurgical processing. Thus, the process involves physical separation (pre-treatment) and biomining (bioleaching and biosorption) and hydrometallurgical processes for recovery of base metals, rare earth elements (REEs) and precious metals from e-waste was evaluated.</p>

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