Abstract

Smart cities play a vital role in limiting the ill-effects of rapid urbanization on the environment without compromising on benefits such as improving infrastructure, standard of living, and productivity. However, the collection, storage, and sharing of data from the plethora of sensor networks in a typical smart city deployment warrants a well-defined data platform architecture. In this paper, we propose a multi layer architecture compliant with the oneM2M standards and the Indian Urban Data Exchange (IUDX) framework. The proposed architecture consists of Data Monitoring (DML), Data Storage (DSL), and Data Exchange (DEL) layers. The DML employs oneM2M as the middleware platform to achieve interoperability. The DSL uses a multi-tenant architecture with multiple logical databases, enabling efficient and reliable data management. The DEL utilizes standard data schemas and open APIs of IUDX to avoid data silos, and enables secure data sharing. Further, we present a proof-of-concept implementation of our architecture deployed in a university campus using OM2M, PostgreSQL, and Django. Finally, simulations mimicking real-time data insertion and retrieval showed that the DML can handle 600 concurrent users with an average latency under 100 milli seconds. The DSL improved the latency compared to a single database architecture and the DEL could handle 100 concurrent users with zero failed requests.

Abstract

In recent years, semi-transparent building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) technology has attracted attention for its renewable energy utilization. This research aims to develop a methodology for assessing the energy-saving potential of semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) window, which has a complex relationship with daylighting and air conditioning (AC) electricity consumption. A case study has been developed for the composite climate of Hyderabad, India. The study examines four commercially available single and double pane STPV windows and similar non-photovoltaic windows. For evaluation, an automated parametric simulation tool was developed to compute the net electricity consumption (NEC) for a representative model building with different window systems, and several window-to-wall ratios (WWR) and orientations. The result shows benefit in adopting the STPV window system across all directions and higher optimal WWR in STPV window as compared to normal window with the same opto-thermal characteristics.

Abstract

Due to the increasing number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, a large amount of data is being generated. However, factors such as hardware malfunctions, network failures, or cyber-attacks affect data quality and result in inaccurate data generation. Therefore, to facilitate the data usage, we propose a novel 5D-IoT framework for heterogeneous IoT systems that provides uniform data quality assessment with meaningful data descriptions. Based on the quality assessment result, a data consumer can directly access data from any IoT source, which ultimately speeds up the analysis process and helps gain important insights in less time. The framework relies on semantic descriptions of sensor observations and SHACL shapes assessing the quality of such data. Evaluations carried out on real-time data show the added value of such a framework.

Abstract

nd optimizing an electromechanical system, instinctively affecting its performance. In this study, design optimization, finite element analysis, and experimental evaluation of capacitive pressure sensors were conducted. The air pressure sensing application was demonstrated to characterize different sensors, which include a combination of multiple rectangular cantilevers and diaphragms (square and circular-shaped). After the design improvement, we found that the square and circular diaphragms each with two trapezoidal cantilevers exhibited highest sensitivity to air pressure monitoring among the different investigated designs which combine the square and circular diaphragms with cantilevers. These designs were then selected for further analysis for acoustic pressure monitoring. The sensors were fabricated using the do- it-yourself technique with household materials such as post-it paper, posted tape, and foil. Our approach offers an alternative to the conventional cleanroom fabrication technique and uses easily available materials to fabricate affordable sensors. Therefore, this is the first step toward the development of democratized and sustainable electronic devices that are affordable and available to everyone on the internet.

Abstract

The advent of Internet of Things has resulted in new communication protocols such as LoRaWAN and Narrowband IoT slowly rising to be viable and even better alternatives to traditional protocols such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. LoRa in particular, has attracted a lot of attention owing to low power consumption of end nodes, low cost and use of license-free sub-GHz bands. Further, high link budgets in LoRaWAN communication allow for fewer gateways to provide network coverage over a large area. However, the success of deployment of LoRaWAN gateways in real world applications depends on meticulous planning. A major drawback in this scenario is the lack of extensive data on loss of signal strength, particularly in cityscapes, where buildings and trees can create significant path loss. In this paper, we investigate the path loss for LoRaWAN signals inside a typical city building (brick walls, reinforced cement concrete ceiling, wooden doors). The RSSI values of transmissions from multiple locations to a stationary gateway have been analysed to find the effect of indoor obstacles such as walls and doors on the propagation of LoRaWAN signals. We report that significant loss of energy can occur, even at relatively close range, because of the structures.

Abstract

A smart city is a collection of a variety of smart devices representing several disparate infrastructural verticals. The data gathered by these smart devices helps bring a strong integration of human, collective, and artificial intelligence within the city operation. With the advent and proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs), the EV charge point is a relatively new addition to this plethora of smart devices. We believe that the EV charge point can acquire enhanced functionality if it can be seamlessly integrated with the rest of the smart city infrastructure. For example, charging services can be stopped if smart grid or smart fire alarms sense an electrical overload or fire hazard in the vicinity. However, the interaction of an EV charge point with the smart city infrastructure requires seamless information exchange across various verticals. This horizontal flow of information is enabled by making the charge point complaint with the oneM2M platform. To this end, we present the design and fabrication of an EV charge point based on the OCPP communication standard and complaint with the oneM2M platform. Further, we discuss various use cases showing an increased functional capability of the EV charger due to access to data from other IoT devices.

Abstract

An Electric Vehicle (EV) charger, also called Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) is an infrastructure element that supplies electrical energy for recharging EVs. The paper focuses on the design and fabrication of two-wheeler (escooter) electric vehicle charging equipment. Considering the future scenario of mass privatization of EV two-wheelers on Indian roads, the outline discusses the product design based on fabricability, affordability, and ability to mass manufacture. The proposed architecture follows the Level 2 charging standards (240 Volts), and is based on the open charge point protocol (OCPP). The suggested EVCS is constructed considering the safety prerequisites of system administrators, installers, consumers, government agencies and others. The design of EVCS links to three industries: equipment manufacturers, software industry and electric power networks. This paper presents design considerations by elaborating the hardware, software, and protocols followed to design the Level 2 charging standard EVCS.

Abstract

Accelerometers are among the most mature sensor technologies with a broad range of applications in multiple fields and industries. They represent the most widely used microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices with excellent and reliable performance. MEMS acceleration sensors established dominance mainly in navigation and control applications. In recent years, however, recent technologies and materials have emerged that introduce novel sensing mechanisms, improve performance, enable customization, reduce cost, and reduce fabrication complexity. Herein, the recent advances in accelerometers based on MEMS and recent emerging technologies are reviewed. This work provides a comprehensive review of accelerometers’ sensing mechanisms and the main characteristics and features of each type of sensor, material, and fabrication strategies used to fabricate them. From the aspect of sensor application, this work focuses on reviewing applications that demonstrate the use of accelerometers manufactured using unconventional technologies and materials in prevailing fields such as healthcare monitoring, automotive industry, navigation, building, and structural monitoring. Moreover, challenges and future efforts needed to be addressed in this field are summarized

Abstract

For decades, the revolution in design and fabrication methodology of flexible capacitive pressure sensors using various inorganic/organic materials has significantly enhanced the field of flexible and wearable electronics with a wide range of applications in aerospace, automobiles, marine environment, robotics, healthcare, and consumer/portable electronics. Mathematical modelling, finite element simulations, and unique fabrication strategies are utilized to fabricate diverse shapes of diaphragms, shells, and cantilevers which function in normal, touch, or double touch modes, operation principles inspired from microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based capacitive pressure sensing techniques. The capacitive pressure sensing technique detects changes in capacitance due to the deformation/deflection of a pressure sensitive mechanical element that alters the separation gap of the capacitor. Due to advancement in state-of-the-art fabrication technologies, the performance and properties of capacitive pressure sensors are enhanced. In this review paper, recent progress in flexible capacitive pressure sensing techniques in terms of design, materials, and fabrication strategies is reported. The mechanics and fabrication steps of paper-based low-cost MEMS/flexible devices are also broadly reported. Lastly, the applications of flexible capacitive pressure sensors, challenges, and future perspectives are discussed.

Abstract

A smart city is a collection of a variety of smart devices representing several disparate infrastructural verticals. The data gathered by these smart devices helps bring a strong integration of human, collective, and artificial intelligence within the city operation. With the advent and proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs), the EV charge point is a relatively new addition to this plethora of smart devices. We believe that the EV charge point can acquire enhanced functionality if it can be seamlessly integrated with the rest of the smart city infrastructure. For example, charging services can be stopped if smart grid or smart fire alarms sense an electrical overload or fire hazard in the vicinity. However, the interaction of an EV charge point with the smart city infrastructure requires seamless information exchange across various verticals. This horizontal flow of information is enabled by making the charge point complaint with the oneM2M platform. To this end, we present the design and fabrication of an EV charge point based on the OCPP communication standard and complaint with the oneM2M platform. Further, we discuss various use cases showing an increased functional capability of the EV charger due to access to data from other IoT devices.