Exploring Solutions for Workspace Optimization and Power
Loss Mitigation for Small Off Grid Systems

Description

This project explores the optimization of HVAC and renewable energy systems of new, modular and portable off grid systems like the Recycling Microfactory, a joint project between Arizona State University and the Department of Defense (DOD). There has been a

This project explores the optimization of HVAC and renewable energy systems of new, modular and portable off grid systems like the Recycling Microfactory, a joint project between Arizona State University and the Department of Defense (DOD). There has been a growing push for innovative solutions to address the underlying deficiencies in United States supply chains and energy infrastructure. This paper seeks to elaborate on the proposed solutions of portable and modular infrastructure to support neglected sectors of the economy: energy grid modernization and waste management specifically. This will be done by analyzing the Microfactory’s operations and optimizing the site’s energy efficiency. Background knowledge and context behind the current state of supply chains and of both energy and waste management sectors are briefly explained in the introduction followed by a high-level overview of the concept of modular infrastructure such as the Recycling Microfactory. The body of the thesis is organized into two sections. The first section focuses on the methods for planning the structure, layout, and workflow of the Recycling Microfactory for when it is out for transport and organized for operation. A series of 3D parametric models were used for the high-fidelity layouts of the Microfactory and was developed in conjunction with user experience gained from evaluating the custom-built processing equipment. The second section further expands the initial energy simulation models of the Microfactory generated from the first simulations of the project. Utilizing the building energy modeling (BEM) software EnergyPlus/OpenStudio, more advanced models accounting for HVAC sizing requirements, climate building standards (i.e., building insulation), and human comfort standards for workspaces are generated. A more realistic simulation of the energy requirements of the Microfactory to maintain temperature and humidity standards is presented through a comprehensive review of the OpenStudio building model design flow.

Date Created
2023-05
Agent

The Impact of Disability Characteristics on the Experiences of Undergraduate STEM Students

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Description
Students with disabilities are underrepresented and underserved in college science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degrees. Disabled individuals comprise 26% of the U.S. population but only about 9% of the students enrolled in STEM undergraduate programs. Individuals with disabilities who

Students with disabilities are underrepresented and underserved in college science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degrees. Disabled individuals comprise 26% of the U.S. population but only about 9% of the students enrolled in STEM undergraduate programs. Individuals with disabilities who do pursue STEM degrees report unique challenges within their programs, including struggling to receive needed accommodations and experiencing discrimination from peers and instructors. However, there has been limited research on the extent to which disability characteristics affect their experiences in STEM. To address this gap in the literature, we surveyed over 700 undergraduates with disabilities enrolled in STEM majors across the U.S. and probed their sense of belonging in science, feelings of morale, perception of campus climate, experienced classroom stigma, responsiveness of disability resource offices, scientific self-efficacy, science identity, and science community values. Using linear regression, we will assess and present on outcomes related to students’ persistence in college, outcomes specific to students with disabilities, and outcomes specific to these students in STEM. The findings of this work can be used to inform recommendations to create more inclusive experiences in college STEM for students with disabilities.
Date Created
2022-05
Agent

Prediction at the Tip of Your Fingers: A Machine Learning Approach to Predict Parkinson's Disease and the Effects of Medication

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Description

This paper serves to report the research performed towards detecting PD and the effects of medication through the use of machine learning and finger tapping data collected through mobile devices. The primary objective for this research is to prototype a

This paper serves to report the research performed towards detecting PD and the effects of medication through the use of machine learning and finger tapping data collected through mobile devices. The primary objective for this research is to prototype a PD classification model and a medication classification model that predict the following: the individual’s disease status and the medication intake time relative to performing the finger-tapping activity, respectively.

Date Created
2022-05
Agent

Prediction at the Tip of Your Fingers: A Machine Learning Approach to Predict Parkinson's Disease and the Effects of Medication

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Description

This paper serves to report the research performed towards detecting PD and the effects of medication through the use of machine learning and finger tapping data collected through mobile devices. The primary objective for this research is to prototype a

This paper serves to report the research performed towards detecting PD and the effects of medication through the use of machine learning and finger tapping data collected through mobile devices. The primary objective for this research is to prototype a PD classification model and a medication classification model that predict the following: the individual’s disease status and the medication intake time relative to performing the finger-tapping activity, respectively.

Date Created
2022-05
Agent

Frequency–Modulated Continuous–Wave Millimeter–Band Radar for Volcanic Ash Detection

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Description
The use of conventional weather radar in vulcanology leads to two problems: the radars often use wavelengths which are too long to detect the fine ash particles, and they cannot be field–adjusted to fit the wide variety of eruptions. Thus,

The use of conventional weather radar in vulcanology leads to two problems: the radars often use wavelengths which are too long to detect the fine ash particles, and they cannot be field–adjusted to fit the wide variety of eruptions. Thus, to better study these geologic processes, a new radar must be developed that is easily reconfigurable to allow for flexibility and can operate at sufficiently short wavelengths.

This thesis investigates how to design a radar using a field–programmable gate array board to generate the radar signal, and process the returned signal to determine the distance and concentration of objects (in this case, ash). The purpose of using such a board lies in its reconfigurability—a design can (relatively easily) be adjusted, recompiled, and reuploaded to the hardware with none of the cost or time overhead required of a standard weather radar.

The design operates on the principle of frequency–modulated continuous–waves, in which the output signal frequency changes as a function of time. The difference in transmit and echo frequencies determines the distance of an object, while the magnitude of a particular difference frequency corresponds to concentration. Thus, by viewing a spectrum of frequency differences, one is able to see both the concentration and distances of ash from the radar.

The transmit signal data was created in MATLAB®, while the radar was designed with MATLAB® Simulink® using hardware IP blocks and implemented on the ROACH2 signal processing hardware, which utilizes a Xilinx® Virtex®–6 chip. The output is read from a computer linked to the hardware through Ethernet, using a Python™ script. Testing revealed minor flaws due to the usage of lower–grade components in the prototype. However, the functionality of the proposed radar design was proven, making this approach to radar a promising path for modern vulcanology.
Date Created
2019-05
Agent

Frequency–Modulated Continuous–Wave Millimeter–Band Radar for Volcanic Ash Detection

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Description
The use of conventional weather radar in vulcanology leads to two problems: the radars often use wavelengths which are too long to detect the fine ash particles, and they cannot be field–adjusted to fit the wide variety of eruptions. Thus,

The use of conventional weather radar in vulcanology leads to two problems: the radars often use wavelengths which are too long to detect the fine ash particles, and they cannot be field–adjusted to fit the wide variety of eruptions. Thus, to better study these geologic processes, a new radar must be developed that is easily reconfigurable to allow for flexibility and can operate at sufficiently short wavelengths.

This thesis investigates how to design a radar using a field–programmable gate array board to generate the radar signal, and process the returned signal to determine the distance and concentration of objects (in this case, ash). The purpose of using such a board lies in its reconfigurability—a design can (relatively easily) be adjusted, recompiled, and reuploaded to the hardware with none of the cost or time overhead required of a standard weather radar.

The design operates on the principle of frequency–modulated continuous–waves, in which the output signal frequency changes as a function of time. The difference in transmit and echo frequencies determines the distance of an object, while the magnitude of a particular difference frequency corresponds to concentration. Thus, by viewing a spectrum of frequency differences, one is able to see both the concentration and distances of ash from the radar.

The transmit signal data was created in MATLAB®, while the radar was designed with MATLAB® Simulink® using hardware IP blocks and implemented on the ROACH2 signal processing hardware, which utilizes a Xilinx® Virtex®–6 chip. The output is read from a computer linked to the hardware through Ethernet, using a Python™ script. Testing revealed minor flaws due to the usage of lower–grade components in the prototype. However, the functionality of the proposed radar design was proven, making this approach to radar a promising path for modern vulcanology.
Date Created
2019-05
Agent

Underwater Communication for Scuba Diving Applications

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Description
This thesis is a proposition for an addition to an engineering project that involves creating a heads up display for a scuba diving mask which displays important safety information. The premise of this thesis includes three different features: distress, distance,

This thesis is a proposition for an addition to an engineering project that involves creating a heads up display for a scuba diving mask which displays important safety information. The premise of this thesis includes three different features: distress, distance, and direction. The distress feature is to alert a diver that their “buddy diver” is having an emergency and is requiring attention. Distance and direction are intended to be included on the heads up display, informing the diver of the relative location of their “buddy diver” in case they have lost sight of them. A set of requirements was created to find the most practical solutions. From these requirements and extensive research, three potential methods of underwater communication were found; electromagnetic waves in the radio frequency range, optical waves, and acoustic waves. Of these three methods, acoustic waves were found to be most feasible for the scope of this project. Using modems and transducers, an acoustic signal is able to be sent from one diver to another in order to detect relative location as well as send a message of distress. Ultimately, two possible concepts were designed, with one deemed as most advantageous. This concept engages the use of four transponders that have the ability to transmit and receive high frequencies, minimizes blind spots, and is small enough to not cause discomfort or be obstructive to the divers experience. Due to the nature of this application, the team is able to propose a path of development for a compact communication system between scuba divers.
Date Created
2019-05
Agent

Underwater Communication for Scuba Diving Applications

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Description
This thesis is a proposition for an addition to an engineering project that involves creating a heads up display for a scuba diving mask which displays important safety information. The premise of this thesis includes three different features: distress, distance,

This thesis is a proposition for an addition to an engineering project that involves creating a heads up display for a scuba diving mask which displays important safety information. The premise of this thesis includes three different features: distress, distance, and direction. The distress feature is to alert a diver that their “buddy diver” is having an emergency and is requiring attention. Distance and direction are intended to be included on the heads up display, informing the diver of the relative location of their “buddy diver” in case they have lost sight of them. A set of requirements was created to find the most practical solutions. From these requirements and extensive research, three different methods of underwater communication were found, but only one, acoustics, was feasible for the scope of this project. Using modems and transducers, an acoustic signal is able to be sent from one diver to another in order to detect relative location as well as send a message of distress. Ultimately, two possible concepts were designed, with one deemed as most advantageous. This concept engages the use of four transponders that have the ability to transmit and receive high frequencies, minimizes blind spots, and is small enough to not cause discomfort or be obstructive to the divers experience.
Date Created
2019-05
Agent

Underwater Communication for Scuba Diving Applications

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Description
This thesis is a proposition for an addition to an engineering project that involves creating a heads up display for a scuba diving mask which displays important safety information. The premise of this thesis includes three different features: distress, distance,

This thesis is a proposition for an addition to an engineering project that involves creating a heads up display for a scuba diving mask which displays important safety information. The premise of this thesis includes three different features: distress, distance, and direction. The distress feature is to alert a diver that their “buddy diver” is having an emergency and is requiring attention. Distance and direction are intended to be included on the heads up display, informing the diver of the relative location of their “buddy diver” in case they have lost sight of them. A set of requirements was created to find the most practical solutions. From these requirements and extensive research, three potential methods of underwater communication were found; electromagnetic waves in the radio frequency range, optical waves, and acoustic waves. Of these three methods, acoustic waves were found to be most feasible for the scope of this project. Using modems and transducers, an acoustic signal is able to be sent from one diver to another in order to detect relative location as well as send a message of distress. Ultimately, two possible concepts were designed, with one deemed as most advantageous. This concept engages the use of four transponders that have the ability to transmit and receive high frequencies, minimizes blind spots, and is small enough to not cause discomfort or be obstructive to the divers experience. Due to the nature of this application, the team is able to propose a path of development for a compact communication system between scuba divers.
Date Created
2019-05
Agent