FYP Proposals PSB T3 11

ELEC4840A: T3: 2011: Project Proposals

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Final Year Projects, Singapore Campus, T3 2011

UNIVERSITY BASED PROJECTS

Proposed

By

ID Title Page

Bob Betz T.B.A. -

Colin

Coates

CC-01 Microgrid Demonstration 3

CC-02 Powerpoint Tracking in Small Wind Turbines 4

CC-03 Microgrid Isolation Device 5

CC-04 Renewable Energy Source Emulator 6

CC-05 Development of a Grid Power Measuring Circuit for Grid-

Connect Inverters

7

Jose

DeDona

JD-01 Balls-in-tubes height control experiment 8

JD-02 Modern Techniques for Nonlinear Model Predictive Control 10

Joe Dong ZD-01 Smart demand 11

ZD-02 Power system modelling in a smart grid environment 12

ZD-03 Carbon tax impact on the national electricity market 13

Minyue Fu MF-01 Dual Stage Control Systems 14

MF-02 Networked Control Systems 15

MF-03 Design of Dual-stage X-Y Table 16

MF-04 Control of Multi-agent Systems 17

Chris

Kellett

CK-01 Nonlinear Control of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

Systems

18

CK-02 Control of Hybrid Power Plants 19

CK-03 Advanced Control of a Switched Power Converter 20

CK-04 Fault Tolerant Control of Wind Turbines 21

Jamil

Khan

JK-01 Design and Development of a Battery Storage System Based on

a Home Area Network Architecture.

22

JK-02 Design and Development of Underwater Data Transceivers 23

JK-03 Design and Development of a Distributed area LED light control

system using a sensor network infrastructure

24

JK-04 Design and Development of a Solar Powered Mesh Network for

Remote Data Communications

25

JK-05 Design and Development of a RFID/6LoWPAN based

Automated Checkout System

26

Kaushik

Mahata

KM-01 Portable sound recorder 27

KM-02 Localization of wideband sources 28

KM-03 Recognition of iris patterns 29

Galina

Mirzaeva

GM-01 Lab simulator of a variable length power feeder 30

GM-02 Model predictive control for a lab AC drive 31

GM-03 Fault ride through performance of a wind power plant 32

GM-04 Dynamic voltage restorer 33

GM-05 Digging cycle simulator for testing of mining machines 34

Steve

Mitchell

SM-01 3D Surveillance System 35

SM-02 Transformer Frequency Response Analyser 36 SM-03 Micro-Ohmmeter 37

BN-01 Training aid for visually impaired swimmers 38

BN-02 Java applet for system identification 39

BN-03 The Australian electrical engineering professional degree

program

40

Terry

Summers

TS-01 Design of a very low voltage, three-phase inverter 41

TS-02 Simulation of a cascaded H-bridge 3 phase inverter for VAR 42


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compensation

TS-03 Design and simulation of a single phase laboratory power supply 43

TS-04 Multi-level converter topologies 44

TS-05 A switch mode DC current source 45

TS-06 Single phase low voltage StatCom / active filter for microgrids 46

Steve

Weller

SW-01 Swimtracker – waterproof GPS 47

SW-02 FPGA-based fading wireless channel emulator 48

SW-03 Development of an OFDM module for the TIMS

Telecommunication

Instructional Modelling System

49

SW-04 Development of a CDMA module for the TIMS

Telecommunication


50

Hassan Ali HA-01 Inverse QRD Block RLS Channel Estimation in OFDM Systems 51

HA-02 Performance Evaluation of Block RLS Channel Estimation

Algorithms in OFDM Systems

52

HA-03 A Microcontroller-based Wireless ECG Telemonitoring System 53

HA-04 Data Aided Channel Estimation in OFDM Systems 54

HA-05 Design and Implementation of a Low Cost Energy/Power Meter

with an 8-bit Microcontroller Unit

55

Aparna

Viswanath

AV-01 Transmission Expansion Planning Problem. 56

AV-02 Power Pool Simulation Algorithm 57

AV-03 Unit Commitment Problem 58

AV-04 Power System State Estimation 59

SINGAPORE ACADEMICS (EXTERNAL ACADEMICS) PROJECTS

Lum

Kum

Meng

LKM-01 Compact Dual-Plane Electromagnetic Bandgap Microstrip Filter

Design 60

LKM-02 Dual-Band Filter Design using Cascaded Coupled-Serial-

Shunted Lines Configuration

61

LKM03: Dual-Band Filter Design using Distributed Circuits with

Resonating Elements

62

LKM-04 Planar Bandpass Filter using Radial Line Stubs 63

Thng

Cheok

Hoey

TH-01 Numerical Analysis for Capacitive Sensing 64

Ravi

Suppiah

RS-01 Home Security System using ZigBee 65

RS-02 Digital TalkBack 66

RS-03 Navigational Aid for the Visually Handicapped++ 67

Cheng

Siong

Chin

CSC-01 Human Tracking Device 68

CSC-02 Electric Motor Control with Regenerative Braking 69

CSC-03 Conceptual Design of a Simple Linear Generator 70

CSC-04 Temperature Monitoring System for Patient 71

Wilson

Oon

WO-01 Performance Evaluation of Non-Coherent FSK waveform for

Telemetry applications 72

Tok Aik

Hong

TAH-01 A Zwave based Home Area Network for Domestic Appliance

Control via Internet 73

Lau Yong

Fong

LYF-01 Web-Based Remote Control System 74


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Title: CC-01 “Microgrid Demonstration”

Supervisor: Colin Coates

Level of Difficulty: Easy (Pass type project), Medium Difficulty (Pass to Credit), Difficult (Credit to Distinction), Challenging (Distinction to High Distinction).

Assumed knowledge: ELEC3240, ELEC3250, ELEC3730

Type of Project: Hardware Software Simulation Literature Search

No. of Students: Single Group

Description: The aim of this project is to build a working demonstration of a microgrid (or low voltage

distributed generation system). For reasons of cost and safety prototypes are to be constructed

to operate at extra low voltage (60V DC bus, 24V AC output - single phase, 41.5V AC output -

three phase).

This project has been run previously. Designs exist for both single and three phase inverters.

The initial stage of the project would involve constructing / re-commissioning a single phase (or

three phase) inverter that could provide a regulated (amplitude, frequency) voltage to a passive

load.

Students could then follow a number of paths including (but not limited to):

- Enabling the inverter to synchronise and transfer power to the grid (via a transformer)

- Constructing a second inverter to operate in parallel with the first. The system would

then be required to regulate itself to share a common load. There are several techniques

that have been proposed to do this (most commonly based around power - frequency

droop characteristics). Students would need to research appropriate techniques for

power sharing and voltage control and implement an appropriate method.

- Investigate the effects of non-ideal loads (e.g. harmonics, phase imbalance) on the

microgrid system.

- Investigate the effects of source dynamics on the microgrid system.

Outcomes Expected: - An easy level outcome would be a single inverter with power transfer to the grid.

- A medium level outcome would be two inverters capable of power sharing and voltage

control.

- A challenging level outcome would include investigation into system behaviour that

includes non-ideal loads or source dynamics.


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Title: CC-02 “Powerpoint tracking in small wind turbines”






Description: The aim of this project is to model the dynamic behaviour of a small wind turbine system and

investigate appropriate methods for maximum power point tracking.

At our Callaghan campus we have a 5kW wind turbine devoloped in partnership with

Aerogenesis (www.aerogenesis.com.au). We wish to develop a model of this system in

MATLAB / Simulink. The model will be used to investigate methods for extracting the

maximum power from the wind turbine (i.e. for a given wind speed, there is an optimal

rotational speed for the turbine to operate at).

Small turbines are particularly hard to operate at their optimal point as they have very little

rotational inertia and their speed can fluctuate widely in wind gusts. It is questioned whether

traditional “perturb and observe” type approaches to power point tracking can function

effectively in this environment. These methods will be compared to other model based

approaches.

Outcomes Expected: - A medium level outcome would be an accurate model of the dynamic behaviour of the

wind turbine system

- A challenging level outcome would include investigation into powerpoint tracking in

the wind turbine system.

http://www.aerogenesis.com.au/


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Title: CC-03 “Microgrid Isolation Device”






Description: Grid connected inverter standards (e.g. AS4777) require an inverter to shut down in the event of

grid power loss. The same standards also impose restrictions on voltage magnitudes, harmonics,

phase imbalance, power factor and other issues relating to power quality.

In a scenario, where there are several inverters connected to a low voltage distribution network it

may be advantageous to simply isolate the distribution network from the grid in the event of a

problem and allow the inverters to continue to operate. This would maintain supply to loads

connected to the distribution network.

The aim of this project is to design an isolating device that can monitor and break the grid

connection to a low voltage distribution network in response to grid events.

Outcomes Expected: - A functional description of a microgrid isolation device in view of current grid

connected inverter standards.

- Literature review of current approaches to this problem.

- A design of microgrid isolation device.

- Demonstration of key aspects / functions of the microgrid isolation device.


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Title: CC-04 “Renewable Energy Source Emulator”






Description: Over the previous years several students have worked on aspects of an integrated rectifier /

boost converter / inverter for renewable energy applications project. The intention of this

project was to build a low cost controller / interface for wind turbines. To further aid this

development we require a circuit to emulate the electrical behaviour of a wind turbine.

The project would require researching the wind turbine electrical characteristic and the

construction of a dc/dc converter that is controlled to emulate it. For reasons of cost and safety

prototypes are to be constructed to operate at extra low voltage (maximum 60V DC output).

This project was undertaken in 2008 and circuit designs exist that are capable of emulating a

static (solar) electrical characteristic. This previous work should be considered as a starting

point for this project. Students could then follow a number of paths including (but not limited

to):

- Modelling and emulating the electrical behaviour of a wind turbine, induction generator

and rectifier system.

- Consider other sources such as fuel cells or microturbines.

- Couple the emulator into the existing rectifier / boost converter / inverter hardware and

establish, test and verify a maximum power point tracking algorithm.

- Couple the emulator with the microgrid demonstration hardware to investigate the

effects of source dynamics on this system.

Outcomes Expected: - A moderate to difficult outcome would be an emulator for either a wind turbine, fuel

cell or microturbine system.

- A difficult to challenging outcome would be to combine the emulator into the existing

source controller hardware and demonstrate appropriate maximum power point tracking.

- An alternative difficult to challenging outcome would be to combine the emulator into

the microgrid demonstration hardware to look at source dynamics.


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Title: CC-05 “Development of a Grid Power Measuring Circuit for

Grid-Connect Inverters”



Assumed knowledge: ELEC3240, ELEC3250



Description: Aerogenesis is a wind turbine start-up company based at the University of Newcastle. We are

developing 5kW turbines for residential and small-scale commercial use. An inverter is being

designed that will allow our turbines to be connected to the grid.

The aim of this project is to develop a circuit that takes measurements of the grid such as

voltage, frequency and total harmonic distortion. These results will be fed back to the inverter to

allow synchronisation and control. The circuit will also need to perform much of the protection

required of a grid-connect inverter to allow certification to Australian Standard AS4777.

Previous power electronic knowledge is desired, however if the student wishes to start this

project in Semester 2, it would be highly beneficial to study ELEC3250 at the same time. This

project will allow a motivated student to gain practical electronic skills to complement the

subject matter of ELEC3250.

The inverter available to Aerogenesis has very few analogue and digital inputs, so the student

would be working closely with Aerogenesis engineers to ensure these inputs are maximised.

There is significant potential for extensions in capabilities of the circuit if time allows.

Outcomes Expected:

Working prototype of measuring circuit at Extra-Low Voltage on a printed circuit board

Testing of prototype at grid voltage

Successful integration of the prototype board with Aerogenesis inverter


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Title: JD-01 “Balls-in-tubes height control experiment”

Supervisor: Jose DeDona


Assumed knowledge:



Description: The purpose of this project is to design and build a balls-in-tubes apparatus; and to design and

implement a number of control algorithms to be able to control the height of the balls. The balls-

in-tubes is a simple and inexpensive experimental setup that can be used to demonstrate some of

the fundamental concepts of feedback control systems. It consists of a number of transparent

tubes in a vertical position. Inside each tube there is a light-weight ball (e.g., a ping-pong ball);

at the bottom of each tube there is a fan that is used to lift the ball; and at the top of each tube

there is a sensor (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor) to measure the ball's height. The tubes share a

common input manifold inlet. The measurements of each height sensor are sent to a computer

through an A/D acquisition card and the computer is programmed to implement a control

strategy to, e.g., keep the balls at fixed desired height positions or to make the balls follow

desired trajectories. The resulting control signals are then output through a D/A conversion card

to the motors that drive the fans (these signals can be analogue continuous signals or PWM

signals). The control algorithm can be implemented in a software package such as ProcessACT,

dSPACE (which can be interfaced with Matlab/Simulink for controller design and graphical and

GUI capabilities), LabVIEW, Matlab/Simulink/Real Time Workshop, etc. Another possibility is

to construct an embedded control system consisting of a micro-controller attached to the

experimental setup, with a connection to a PC for controller design/downloading and

visualization.

Outcomes Expected: The expected outcome is the complete construction of the experimental setup, together with the

required connection to the computer (or micro-controller) for controlling the balls height, and

the implementation of a number of control algorithms to demonstrate the functionality of the

equipment. It is expected that the design of the controllers be customizable from the computer,

in order to be able to demonstrate different control strategies and to be able to make the balls

follow trajectories defined by the user. Also, the program should have good graphical

capabilities to generate plots of the time response of variables of interest for reporting and

comparison of different control designs.

Resources: The skills necessary to build the apparatus are basic, as it is a simple setup. Standard electronic

skills could be required, to be able to design the few circuitry (if any) that could be required to

perform the electrical connections. Basic standard programming skills may be required

depending on the software platform chosen to implement the control laws (e.g., C programming

language). Basic knowledge of Matlab/Simulink is required to perform the system modelling

and to design, evaluate and validate different control strategies. If the chosen design is based on

a micro-controller, then microcontroller programming skills would be required or could be

developed during the project. Essential skills needed for this project are basic system modelling,

signal processing and control system design. Hence, the student attempting this project should

have a solid knowledge of the concepts imparted in subjects such as ELEC2400, ELEC3400 and


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ELEC4400. Since the tubes share a common inlet manifold they are coupled physically (as they

struggle for air) and hence the system is a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system that

allows to study advanced control concepts and resource allocation strategies. Hence, a working

background of multivariable control must be developed during this project, which includes state

space model representations and linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control techniques. Other

control techniques could also be considered.


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Title: JD-02 “Modern Techniques for Nonlinear Model Predictive

Control”

Supervisor: Jose DeDona


Assumed knowledge:



Description: Model predictive control (MPC) is a particularly suitable control strategy when highly nonlinear

dynamics, hard constraints and high quality/cost requirement are considered. MPC is currently

the most popular control methodology in industrial control applications. The basic element of

MPC is the solution of an optimisation problem which is performed on-line and its

implementation in a receding horizon form. The purpose of this project is to perform a literature

review of current methodologies for model predictive control of nonlinear systems. The student

involved will be expected to become familiar with the basics of traditional MPC (for both, linear

systems and nonlinear systems) and with state-of-the-art methodologies that have been

published recently. He/she will also be expected to perform a critical comparison of the different

methods for which studies of different MPC algorithms in simulation examples will be required.

Implementation of some of the MPC strategies analysed on an experimental/industrial setup is

not discarded and is left to student's initiative. This option, although highly desirable, will not be

required to achieve a passing or credit grade.

Outcomes Expected: The expected outcome is a well documented and elaborated report that provides a concise

summary of MPC methodologies ranging from traditional to state-of-the-art ones. Ideally, the

outcome of this project should set a standard for comparison of the different methodologies

analysed. Comparisons of the different methods performed by simulation are also expected.

Resources: Essential skills needed for this project are basic system modelling, signal processing and control

system design. Hence, the student attempting this project should have a solid knowledge of the

concepts imparted in subjects such as ELEC2400, ELEC3400 and ELEC4400. More advanced

concepts and techniques than those studied in the aforementioned courses will be required and

will have to be acquired during this project. Sound working knowledge of Matlab/Simulink is

required to perform the required simulations.


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Title: ZD-01 “Smart demand”

Supervisor: Joe Dong

Level of Difficulty: Easy (Pass type project), Medium Difficulty (Pass to low Credit), Difficult (low to high Credit), Challenging (Distinction to high Distinction).

Assumed knowledge: Electronics, and some power engineering


No. of Students: Single Group (1 or 2)

Description:

This project requires developing a smart demand controller such that the demand, e.g. an electric

heater, can be controlled according to the voltage and/or frequency of the mains power supply.

Smart demand can serve as effective demand side options towards overall system reliability

improvement, especially when there are considerable intermittent renewable energy resources

connected. Smart demand can respond to the system signal effectively, providing system voltage

and/or frequency support. The system should have proper control logics to achieve such

functionality. Advanced development includes networked control of appliances in a smart home

for the best customer comfortableness while providing system voltage and frequency support.


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Title: ZD-02 “Power system load modeling in a smart grid environment”



Assumed knowledge: Power systems, signal processing



Description:

Load modelling is a highly practical problem for the power industry. The primary objective of

power system operation and planning is to supply electricity to customers (loads) at a reliable

and secure way. On the other hand, loads also have significant impact on system stability. Load

models still require significant study due to the highly complex composition of customer

appliances and difficulties in obtaining load models suitable for a wide range of operating

conditions. This is even more challenging in a smart grid environment with many distributed

generation resources from the customer side at distribution level. In this project, system dynamic

response data will be used for load model parameter identification including both steady state

and dynamic loads. A composite load model will be developed aiming to count for the

distributed resources as well.


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Title: ZD-03 “Carbon Tax Impact on the National Electricity Market”



Assumed knowledge: Power systems, micro-economics



Description:

The Australian National Electricity Market (NEM) is a whole sale market enabling trading of

electricity. Majority of the electricity is generated by conventional coal fired generators due to

their relatively low costs so far. However, with the introduction of carbon tax, other peak

generators such as gas or hydro generators will have a much better market position to generate

more power because of their lower carbon emissions compared with coal fired ones. In this

project, a detailed Australian NEM model will be developed and studied to investigate the

impact of carbon tax on the market. A number of issues can also be studied such as the pricing

of distributed generation and risk management issues in the NEM.


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Title: MF-01 “Dual-stage control Systems”

Supervisor: Minyue Fu


Assumed knowledge: Control, signal processing, communication theory, power systems



Description: This project studies a super-precision positioning system which involves two actuators. The

system consists of a primary actuator, which has a long moving range but has low speed and low

resolution, and a secondary actuator, which has high speed and super resolution but small range.

By combining the two actuators together in an intelligent fashion, long range super-resolution

positioning can be achieved with fast dynamics. Experimental work will be conducted to test

different control algorithms. This is a hardware-based project.

Outcomes Expected: Understanding of dual-stage concept; Understanding of dual-stage control; Experimental results

of dual-stage control

Background Control Systems


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Title: MF-02 “Networked Control Systems”



Assumed knowledge: Control, communication theory, signal processing



Description: Traditional control systems use dedicated communication links for sensing, actuation and

decision making. Modern control systems deploy complex communication networks for such

activities. This project aims to study the effects of communication deficiencies to control

systems. More specifically, this project will study the problem of transmission packet losses and

their effects to state estimation and feedback control. The project is mostly software based.

Outcomes: Understanding of networked control systems, understanding of communication issues;

understanding of state estimation; understanding of feedback control; simulation of state

estimation and feedback control


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Title: MF-03 “Dual –stage X-Y table”



Assumed knowledge: Control, signal processing



Description: Dual-stage systems are used for super-precision positioning applications. Such a system consists

of a primary actuator, which has a long moving range but has low speed and low resolution, and

a secondary actuator, which has high speed and super resolution but small range. By combining

the two actuators together in an intelligent fashion, long range super-resolution positioning can

be achieved with fast dynamics. This project studies the design of an X-Y table using the dual-

stage control concept. This is a software-based project.

Outcomes Expected: Understanding of dual-stage concept; Understanding of dual-stage control; Design of dual-stage

X-Y table.

Background Control Systems


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Title: MF-04 “Control of Multi-agent Systems”



Assumed knowledge: Control



Description: This project intends to study coordination and synchronisation of multi-agent systems. We will

be looking at multi-robotic systems in particular. Specific studies involve modeling and control

of robotic agents and synchronisation/coordination algorithms. The project can be either

software based or hardware based or mixed. In case of hardware based project, 2 students can be

involved.

Outcomes Expected: Understanding of robotic systems, Understanding of synchronisation and coordination; Control

Design

Background: Control Systems, Signal Processing


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Title: CK-01 “Nonlinear Control of Heating, Ventilation, and Air

Conditioning Systems”

Supervisor: Chris Kellett


Assumed knowledge: ELEC4400, ELEC4410 (semester 2 enrolment recommended)



Description: Industrial HVAC systems represent a significant electrical load in city areas. Previous control

designs for HVAC systems have assumed isolated or non-interacting thermal zones. However,

in large office buildings, this assumption may be inaccurate. In this project, you will investigate

advanced control designs for HVAC systems.

A starting point for this project is the following two papers available through IEEE Xplore

which can be accessed through the University Library's website:

- "Nonlinear Control of a Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Systems with Thermal

Load Estimation", B. Arguello-Serrano and M. Velez-Reyes, IEEE Transactions on Control

System Technology, Vol. 7, No. 1, January 1999.

- "Nonlinear Control and Disturbance Decoupling of HVAC Systems Using Feedback

Linearization and Backstepping with Load Estimation", E. Semsar-Kazerooni, M.J.

Yazdanpanah, and C. Lucas, IEEE Transactions on Control System Technology, Vol. 16, No. 5,

September 2008.

Outcomes Expected: 1. Survey of control techniques for HVAC systems;

2. Development of a simulation model in Matlab/Simulink for studying interacting controlled

HVAC systems;

3. Refinement of existing control strategies or development of new control strategies.


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Title: CK-02 “Control of Hybrid Power Plants”






Description: Different power plants have different strengths and weaknesses. Hence, combining different

types of power plants allows one to pair power plants with complementary characteristics to

achieve better overall performance. One such pairing involves fuel cells and gas turbines as

described in the reference below. In this project, you will investigate control strategies for a

particular hybrid power plant.

A starting point for this project is the following paper available through IEEE Xplore which can

be accessed through the University Library's website:

- "Incremental Step Reference Governor for Load Conditioning of Hybrid Fuel Cell and Gas

Turbine Power Plants", V. Tsourapas, J. Sun, and A. Stefanopoulou, IEEE Transactions on

Control Systems Technology, Vol. 17, No. 4, July 2009.

Outcomes Expected: 1. Survey of modeling and control techniques for hybrid power plant systems;

2. Development of a simulation model of the hybrid power plant described in the above

reference (or an equivalent system);

3. Refinement of existing control strategies or development of new control strategies.


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Title: CK-03 “Advanced Control of a Switched Power Converter”



Assumed knowledge: ELEC3250, ELEC4400, ELEC4410 (semester 2 enrolment

recommended)



Description: A control strategy for switched power converters, termed "Adaptive PI Stabilization" was

recently proposed in

- "Adaptive PI Stabilization of Switched Power Converters", M. Hernandez-Gomez, R. Ortega,

F. Lamnabhi-Lagarrigue, and G. Escobar, IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology,

Vol. 18, No. 3, May 2010.

In this paper, simulations are used to investigate the effectiveness of this control strategy for two

particular converters: a three-phase rectifier and a quadratic boost converter. However, the

paper provides no experimental validation of the proposed control scheme. In this project, your

aim is to experimentally validate (or invalidate) the results presented in the above paper for one

of the two converters.

Outcomes Expected: 1. Survey of control techniques for one of the two examples considered in the above reference

(three-phase rectifier or

quadratic boost converter);

2. Experimental validation of the results in the above reference for the selected circuit;

3. Possible investigation of alternative control strategies.


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Title: CK-04 “Fault Tolerant Control of Wind Turbines”






Description: Wind energy represents an increasing proportion of electrical energy production. Consequently,

the improvement of fault detection and fault tolerant control schemes for wind turbines has

potentially significant impacts in the performance electrical generation systems. Recently, a

benchmark model has been made available and is described in

- "Fault Tolerant Control of Wind Turbines - A Benchmark Model", P.F. Odgaard, J. Stoustrup,

and M. Kinnaert, Preprints of the 7th IFAC Symposium on Fault Detection, Supervision and

Safety of Technical Processes, Barcelona, Spain, 2009. Available at

www.control.aau.dk/~jakob/selPubl/papers2009/safeprocess_2009_1.pdf

In this project, you will develop fault tolerant control schemes for implementation on the

described benchmark model. This particular project stems from a competition sponsored jointly

by KK-Electronic and Mathworks (makers of Matlab/Simulink). An exceptional student may

wish to aim to participate in this competition. Details are available at http://www.kk-

electronic.com/Default.aspx?ID=9424.

Outcomes Expected: 1. A survey of fault tolerant control techniques;

2. Control strategies handling multiple faults implemented for the available Matlab/Simulink

model.

../../../Local%20Settings/Temp/XPgrpwise/www.control.aau.dk/~jakob/selPubl/papers2009/safeprocess_2009_1.pdf

http://www.kk-electronic.com/Default.aspx?ID=9424

http://www.kk-electronic.com/Default.aspx?ID=9424


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Title: JK-01 “Design and Development of a Battery Storage System

Based on a Home Area Network Architecture.”

Supervisor: Jamil Khan / Colin Coates Level of Difficulty: Easy (Pass type project),

Medium Difficulty (Pass to low Credit), Difficult (low to high Credit), Challenging (Distinction to high Distinction).

Assumed knowledge: ELEC2700, ELEC2500/ELEC3500 Type of Project: Hardware

Software Simulation Literature Search

No. of Students: Single Group (2 students)

Description: The project will develop a battery storage charging and monitoring system based on a home area

network (HAN) and a local electricity generation model. The project assumes that each home is

fitted with solar electricity panel which will generate on site electricity. Locally generated

electricity will be used for running home appliances. Any excess generated electricity will be

either send to the electricity grid or will be stored in the storage system depending on the

electricity price. The project will develop a HAN emulator and energy management system

connected to a solar panel based electricity generator. The HAN will be designed and

implemented based on the zigbee/IEEE802.15.4 based hardware. The project will involve

electronics hardware design, network and software development.

Outcomes: 1. Develop a home area network emulator and a solar electricity generation system. 2. Design and develop a battery storage system. 3. Development of a tiny wireless node by using an embedded processor and an 802.15.4 radio. 4. Implement an energy management system based on the sensor network architecture. 5. A simple testbed to demonstrate the project.


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Title: JK-02 “Design and Development of Underwater Data

Transceivers”

Supervisor: Jamil Khan Level of Difficulty: Easy (Pass type project),


Assumed knowledge: ELEC2700, ELEC3530/ELEC3540 Type of Project: Hardware


No. of Students: Single Group (2 for advanced)

Description: This project will develop an underwater data communication system by designing &

implementing acoustic data transceivers. The transceivers must be able to transmit data in

underwater environments over a 100 meter link using the acoustic communication channel. The

transmission system must support bidirectional data communication with an average throughput

of at least 2 kbs. The project will develop the communication hardware and software, seal the

transceiver in watertight containers to support communication between two PCs.

Outcomes: 1. Design and construction of acoustic transmitter and receiver circuits. 2. Interface the developed transmitter and receiver with PC’s through a serial/USB port. 3. Establish a communication link between the transmitter and the receiver to achieve at least 2

kbs data rate. 4. Measure the performance of the system for different applications.

Advanced: (Group project) 1. Develop a parallel transmission channels using the MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output)

concept to increase the throughput. 2. Develop the BER (Bit Error Rate) profile in different transmission environments with

different underwater noise sources. 3. Develop and implement error correction techniques to reduce the effective BER of the

channel. 4. Implement a feedback mechanism for each packet transmission.


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Title: JK-03 “Design and Development of a distributed area LED

light control system using a sensor network infrastructure.”



Assumed knowledge: ELEC2700, ELEC3240, ELEC3500 Type of Project: Hardware



Description: An IEEE802.15.4 standard based sensor network system to be developed to control LED lights

in large rooms or corridors. The lighting control system should generate constant light intensity

by mixing the natural light (sun light) and artificial lights (fluorescent, LED), etc. The light

controller must measure the natural light intensity and artificial source light intensity to control

the artificial source to maintain a constant light intensity in a room or a corridor. The light

output should be optimised over a large area. The project will interface a light controller IC with

LED lights and control their intensities by obtaining appropriate information from different

sensors distributed within an area.

Outcomes: 1. Design and construction of a network controlled LED light system. 2. Develop a multimode sensor network to gather data from multiple sensor nodes and to control

multiple lights. 3. Implement an ad hoc sensor network. 4. Demonstrate the effectiveness of the system for different natural lighting conditions. 5. Calculate the display energy consumptions for different natural lighting conditions.

Advanced: (Group project) 1. Developing a GUI based console software to show different sensor data, and various light

output and energy consumptions. 2. Implementation a motion detection system to detect movement of peoples and alter the

lighting conditions accordingly. 3. Implement an internet based light control system which can override local controllers from a

remote controller.


25 | P a g e

Title: JK-04 “Design and Development of a Solar Powered Mesh

Network for Remote Data Communication”

Supervisor: Jamil Khan Level of Difficulty:

Difficult (low to high Credit), Challenging (Distinction to high Distinction).

Assumed knowledge: ELEC2700 and ELEC3500 Type of Project: Hardware



Description: The project will develop a multimode mesh network powered by solar electricity for outdoor

applications. The project will develop a solar power system to power sensor nodes for 24 hour

operation using the solar power. Sensor nodes should be able to measure their energy storage

and transmit information within a mesh network in an optimised manner to increase the energy

efficiency of a network. The mesh network should be able to provide connectivity between two

end points in an uninterrupted manner.

Outcomes: 1. Develop solar power systems for mesh network nodes. 2. Develop energy monitoring and optimization techniques to prolong the battery life of each

node. 3. Develop a mesh network to provide end to end connectivity using the mesh network. 4. Demonstrate data communication and energy monitoring functionalities of the mesh network.

Advanced: 1. Develop the energy profile of the network to predict the capacity of the mesh network. 2. Develop an energy optimised routing protocol.


26 | P a g e

Title: JK-05 “Design and Development of a RFID/6LoWPAN based

Automated Checkout System”



Assumed knowledge: ELEC2700, ELEC2500 Type of Project: Hardware



Description: This project will develop an RFID based object tracking system in a warehouse/supermarket.

RFID tags will be used to monitor objects/items in a warehouse. In a warehouse or in a

supermarket each shopping trolley will be equipped with a RFID reader which will scan items

when picked up customers and transmit the item code to the checkout where each scanned item

will be automatically registered. When a customer goes to the checkout then customer can

complete his transactions in a minimum time. An RFID scanning system needs to be developed

based on a RFID development system. Also, 6LoWPAN hardware needs to be developed and

interfaced with the RFID development board to communicate with the checkout using a multi-

hop communication link. The RFID reader information can be accessed from remote terminals

or via an IP network.

Outcomes: 1. Understand the RFID standard. 2. Design and develop a RFID to 6LoWPAN interface. 3. Establish a link between a RFID reader and a checkout computer or mobile devices. 4. Develop algorithms for items scanning, logging and theft protection.

Advanced: 1. Develop a 6LoWPAN and Ethernet router to connect the RFID reader via an Ethernet

network.


27 | P a g e

Title: KM-01 “Portable Sound Recorder”

Supervisor: Kaushik Mahata


Assumed knowledge: ELEC2700, ELEC3730, ELEC3720 (if FPGA is used)



Description: The aim of this project is to develop the hardware and software for a compact and portable

sound recorder/player. The design will be implemented using a microcontroller interfaced with

an A/D converter, a flash memory/SD card and other user-interfaces. It is required to design the

hardware circuit, and write the associated software in C. The student will have to learn about

using file systems during the project. The project can be made more interesting if it is

implemented on an FPGA.

Outcomes: A working solution

Equipment: A suitable microcontroller / FPGA, C / VHDL / Verilog


28 | P a g e

Title: KM-02 “Localization of Wideband Sources”



Assumed knowledge: ELEC3400



Description: In many applications it is needed to localize individual sound sources while we listen to a

mixture. In this project the aim is to review, evaluate various algorithms for wideband source

localization algorithms. These method employ an array of microphones and process the recorded

signals together to detect, localize and separate the different sound sources. Since most results in

the literature use simulation based evaluations, it will be interesting to evaluate these methods

on a practical experimental setup.

Outcomes: A complete study of the algorithms using Matlab in simulations. If possible, a hardware

implementation is welcome.

Equipment: Matlab/C, DSPs if implemented on hardware.


29 | P a g e

Title: KM-03 “Recognition of Iris Patterns”



Assumed knowledge: ELEC3400, COMP3330 is desirable



Description: In an eye image, the iris is bounded by the pupil opening on its interior and the white sclera on

its exterior. The visible iris pattern is largely determined by a meshwork of muscle ligaments.

The iris pattern is a promising biometric characteristic because it is thought to be unique to each

eye, with a high degree of discrimination ability. In fact the left and right irises from the same

person are distinct, and as a result the biometric association is specific to each eye, not just each

person. One important feature of the iris is that unlike face or voice biometrics, the iris pattern

remains highly consistent over an individual's lifetime, formed during gestation and permanently

settled by early childhood. These properties make the iris a good candidate for reliable

recognition. There are many algorithms in this area. The aim of this project is to develop image

processing and pattern recognition software that can be trained to accomplish iris recognition

task.

Resources: J. Daugman, "Probing the Uniqueness and Randomness of Iris Codes: Results From 200 Billion

Iris Pair Comparisons". Proceedings of IEEE, vol-94, no-11, November 2006.

Outcomes: Matlab code which can be trained from a training set consisting of a large set of tagged iris

images. Once the training is complete, then the system can be used to recognize individual eyes

from an untagged image.

Equipment: Matlab


30 | P a g e

Title: GM-01 “Lab simulator of a variable length power feeder”

Supervisor: Galina Mirzaeva

Industry Sponsor:


Assumed knowledge: ELEC3130, ELEC4100 desirable



Description: Power-electronics based digital drives are currently used to power and control electric machines

in nearly any industrial application. The typical switching frequency is between in the order of

1-10 kHz. Provided that the front end of the drive includes switching devices (thyristors or

IGBTs), such connection potentially creates conditions for wave reflection. At such high

frequency the feeding cable should be in the order of 100m long to be considered “a long cable”.

In some mobile electrical equipment (e.g. mining machines) the feeding cable can be up to 2km

long.

The student working on this project should start with literature review on transmission line

models for overhead as well as on-the-ground transmission lines. Then the student should decide

on the equivalent hardware representation and implement it in MatLAb or Saber simulation

environment.

Then the hardware simulator should be built that can be regulated to represent different cable

length. The simulator should be connected between the power supply and the drive, and its

correct operation should be confirmed.

Outcomes:

- Literature review of the transmission line models;

- Computer simulation of a transmission line model;

- Hardware prototype developed and tested.

Resources:

- Matlab/Simulink (or other) simulation software;

- Electrical machines lab.

Additional item:


31 | P a g e

Title: GM-02 “Model Predictive Control for an Induction Motor

Drive”


Industry Sponsor:


Assumed knowledge: ELEC3130 assumed, ELEC4160 desirable


No. of Students: Single Group: 2 students

Description: An inverter driven AC motor is a technology of choice for a wide range of industrial

applications. Two main drive control algorithms are being used: Field Orientation Control

(FOC) and Direct Torque Control (DTC), both have become mature technologies.

Model Predictive Control (MPC) has recently gained attention as a viable alternative to FOC

and FOC. Its advantages are in successful dealing with non-linear and constrained models, as

well as in cost function based control objective. MPC is a possible candidate for building a

highly efficient induction Motor drive in energy saving future.

The project is proposed for a group of two students but a scope can be defined for a one-student

project as well.

One of the students should concentrate on simulation of MPC using MatLab or Saber simulaton

environment. MPC can be applied in a number of ways. At least two different (sensible)

implementations are expected. A comparison between them, as well as comparison of MPC

against FOC and DTC should be done via simulation under similar (test) conditions.

Performance aspects, such as sensitivity to parameter errors, dynamic response and operation

around zero speed should be studied by running simulations. A conclusion is expected about

pros and cons of the MPC algorithms and ways for its improvement.

The second student should concentrate on hardware implementation of the MPC algorithm with

constant switching frequency and space vector modulator. The starting point would be to study

the currently implemented FOC control on a laboratory drive for an induction machine with a

PC-based control. Using the same hardware and firmware, the MPC algorithm should be

implemented, fine tuned and made operational. Options for an increased level of difficulty

include: advanced MPC variants with better improved performance; on-line parameter

estimation; sensor-less operation.

Outcomes:

- Review of the relevant theory;

- Mathematical models for the basic and the advanced DTC versions;

- Computer simulation of the basic and the advanced DTC versions;

- Software implementation of the basic and the advanced DTC versions;

- Working laboratory prototype of the basic and the advanced DTC versions;

- Comparison (via simulation and experiment) between the DTC variants.

Resources: - Saber and Matlab simulation software;

- An inverter driven AC motor with a PC-based drive control, and standard measurement devices).


32 | P a g e

Title: GM-03 “Fault ride through performance of a wind power

plant”






Description: In the light of eventually running out of fossil fuels, alternative energy sources receive an

increasing attention, including utilisation of the wind energy. This project will build on the

results of basic modeling of a wind power plant from the last year project. The focus of the

project is the fault ride through capability of a medium size wind power plant with back-to-back

inverter topology and its compliance with the modern Grid Codes. The student will start with an

extensive literature review of the relevant topics. After fundamental understanding of the fault

ride through requirement and associated issues, it will be required to:

(a) Implement in (preferably) Saber environment the control algorithm of the grid side

inverter with capability to appropriately handle situations of the grid faults;

(b) Incorporate the developed control algorithm with the maximum power point tracking

control of the generator side inverter, and obtain a working model of the entire wind

power plant system;

(c) Demonstrate the fault ride through performance in the light of international and

Australian standards;

(d) Implement the control algorithm with a laboratory inverter and demonstrate a working

laboratory prototype of the wind power plant.

Level of difficulty will be judged based on the level of models and their implementation success.

Outcomes: - Review of the relevant theory;

- Mathematical model for the grid side inverter control;

- Computer simulation of the grid side inverter control;

- Computer simulation of the wind power plant with full fault ride through capability;

- Working laboratory prototype of the wind power plant with full fault ride through

capability;

Equipment: - Saber (or Matlab) simulation software;

- An inverter driven AC motor with a PC-based drive control, and standard measurement

devices).


33 | P a g e

Title: GM-04 “Dynamic voltage restorer”






Description: As power quality requirements become more stringent, a need for intelligent mitigation methods

and techniques is realised. Dynamic Voltage restorer is an inverter-based device that connects in

parallel with a critical load and mitigates voltage dips and swell. In addition, DVR can also

perform mitigation of line-to-ground faults and compensate for undesirable harmonic

components. This project will build on results of the last year project which achieved basic DVR

functionality (voltage dips/swells compensation). In this project it will be required to:

(a) Perform an extensive literature review of DVR functions and their implementation

methods;

(b) Implement in (preferably) Saber environment the basic and extended DVR

functionality;

(c) Build a laboratory prototype of the DVR and implement its control algorithms;

(d) Demonstrate its capabilities to handle different power issues under simulated conditions

Level of difficulty will be judged based on the level of models and their implementation success.

Outcomes: - Review of the relevant theory;

- Mathematical models for the extended DVR functions;

- Computer simulation of the DVR with basic and extended functions;

- Working laboratory prototype of the DVR with extended functionality;

Equipment: - Saber (or Matlab) simulation software;

- An inverter driven AC motor with a PC-based drive control, and standard measurement

devices).


34 | P a g e

Title: GM-05 “Digging cycle simulator for testing of mining

machines”


Industry Sponsor:


Assumed knowledge: ELEC3130, ELEC4400 desirable



Description: To determine the resource and performance issues of an industrial machine, it is tested in the lab

under cyclic loading conditions. These conditions should be somewhat similar to the actual

operation conditions of the machine. A realistic way to implement such a system is to

mechanically couple two machines back to back, one being the test machine and the other

serving as a load.

An adequate machine-load representation poses an interesting control problem. The controls of

the two machines should be connected together in one loop. The system is called a “dynamic

dynamometer”. Different control implementations are known from literature.

The student should start with literature review of dynamic dynamometer control and develop a

good understanding of the problem and implementations.

Then a simulation in MatLab o rSaber environment is expected. Both continuous time and

digital systems are of interest.

Finally, a piece of programmable equipment should be built which should be used in running the

combined control of the two drives. This piece of equipment should be tested with the lab

machines on a test bed.

Outcomes:

- Literature review of the dynamic dynamometer control;

- Computer simulation of the dynamic dynamometer;

- Hardware prototype developed and tested.

Resources:

- Matlab/Simulink (or other) simulation software;

- Electrical machines lab (two machines mechanically coupled and with separate

digital drives are available)

Additional item:


35 | P a g e

Title: SM-01 “3D Surveillance System”

Supervisor: Steve Mitchell





Description: Three dimensional images can be created using stereoscopic imaging. Stereoscopic imaging is

any technique which provides each of our eyes with a separate (offset) two dimensional image.

Our brain will then combine each of these images and give us the perception of depth.

Some mainstream cameras have now been released with dual lens architecture. The camera

lenses are offset by a distance that approximates the distance between the average pair of human

eyes. There are a variety of approaches to providing each eye with the offset images. The

simplest technique is to provide a separate display for each eye.

The goal of this project is to build a 3D Surveillance System. The system is to be based on a

binocular head mounted display (HMD) that projects a 3D video image that is being captured

from a remote location. The HMD is to be constructed using two separate OLED displays. The

HMD must also incorporate sensors such that there is an apparent symbiotic relationship

between the remote cameras and the display. For example, turning the head to the left will result

in a corresponding change in the video cameras direction. The end result should allow the user

to inspect a remote location in 3D in any direction.

Outcomes Expected: 1/ 3D binocular head mounted display with motion sensing

2/ Remote video cameras with multi-axis motion control

3/ Communication interface between the HMD and the Remote video camera system

Resources: Microcontroller development kit, OLED displays, Smart servo actuators, Personal

computer.


36 | P a g e

Title: SM-02 “Transformer Frequency Response Analyser”


Industry Sponsor:





Description:

Short circuit faults in a power transformer place the windings under tremendous

mechanical stress. This can result in winding deformation which ultimately may lead to

the transformer’s failure. The monitoring technique employed by utilities to test their

transformers for winding deformation is called Frequency Response Analysis, or FRA.

FRA testing is based upon the injection of a swept sinusoidal waveform and recording

the response between different terminal sets of the transformer. Winding deformation is

detected by looking for significant changes in the FRA measurements over time.

The goal of this project is to develop a Frequency Response Analyser. This will involve

the development of a system that can inject a constant 3V RMS (or similar) voltage for

frequencies ranging from 100Hz to 1MHz. A minimum of 400 frequency points is

required across the test bandwidth at logarithmic intervals. A high signal to noise ratio is

required and the system should be sensitive enough such that an input to output transfer

function magnitude of -80dB or less can be achieved. The input and output terminals

will require transient protection/suppression elements to minimize the probability of

damage when disconnecting from an inductive test object.

The Frequency Response Analyser shall be portable and battery powered. The system

will be required to record and store up to 16 of the most recently recorded data sets. The

test unit will provide a means to upload the test information to a computer in a suitable

format. The test unit will also require an LCD display to provide status information. An

advanced option will be to graphically plot the frequency response upon selection from

the modules menu options. Outcomes Expected:

1/ Swept frequency injection electronics

2/ Sensitive output measurement electronics

3/ Microcontroller + control software with data upload capability and graphical LCD

4/ Transient protection/suppression

Resources: Microcontroller development kit Additional item:


37 | P a g e

Title: SM-03 “Micro-Ohmmeter”


Industry Sponsor:





Description:

Resistance tests on high current components are an essential condition monitoring

technique used to identify potential problems and to assist in minimising energy loss.

Subtle increases in resistance can prevent a machine from operating at its full potential

and can also prevent protection devices from triggering during a fault condition.

Examples of components which need regular monitoring are circuit breaker contacts,

switches, transformer windings and bus bar connections.

To measure resistances in high current components, resistance measurements as low as

10µΩ may be necessary. In order to achieve accurate low resistance measurements, a

four wire testing approach is typically adopted. The 4 wire approach uses two wires for

current and two for voltage sensing. Injection currents are usually greater than 10A.

The goal of this project is to develop a Micro-Ohmmeter for conducting low resistance

measurement tests on high current components. The Micro-Ohmmeter is to adopt a four

wire testing approach and generate injection currents greater than 10A. The resistance

measurement range would ideally be 10µΩ to 1Ω. In order to keep the test unit highly

portable, a DC-DC converter in conjunction with an ultra-capacitor is to be used as part

of the current source module [1]. The Micro-Ohmmeter is to be capable of both static

and dynamic testing. All results are to be displayed on an LCD display and

configuration is to be accommodated via pushbuttons. Advanced features that could also

be considered are the transient protection of the Micro-Ohmmeter’s inputs, data logging

to a PC for trend analysis, expanded measurement options and intelligent fault

prediction.

[1] Stanisic, Z.; Neimanis, R.; , "A new ultra lightweight method for Static and dynamic

resistance measurements," Electrical Insulation (ISEI), Conference Record of the 2010

IEEE International Symposium on , vol., no., pp.1-4, 6-9 June 2010

Resources: Atmel Microcontroller development kit with JTAG interface, Personal

Computer. Additional item: Simulation tools such as Saber or Spice


38 | P a g e

Title: BN-01 “Training aid for visually impaired swimmers”

Supervisor: Brett Ninness



Type of Project: Software and hardware

No. of Students: Single

Description: The goal of this project is to develop an aid that allows visually impaired swimmers to track their

times against a given swim training set. For example, if a set is 8 repetitions of 100m sprints on a

2 minute cycle, then the device to be developed will use voice synthesis and touchpad sensors to

verbally instruct the swimmer of the set, tell them when to go, and tell them their times over each

sprint. Further features will include items such as logging/download of performance to a PC.

Outcomes: A prototype solution.

Resources: PC, embedded linux platfrom.


39 | P a g e

Title: BN-02 “Java Applet for System Identification”



Assumed knowledge: ELEC2400, SENG 1100

Type of Project: Software


Description: System identification is the science of developing models for system on the basis of observing

their input/output response.

The goal of this project is to develop some Java applets that illustrate some fundamental aspects

of this science. This will be based on the software available at http://sigpromu.org/idtoolbox

Outcomes: A prototype solution.

Resources: Desktop computer


40 | P a g e

Title: BN-03 “The Australian Electrical Engineering Professional Degree Program”



Assumed knowledge: None

Type of Project: Research


Description: A defining feature of electrical engineering from both a professional and educational standpoint

is that it is highly dynamic. This is driven primarily by the rapid emergence of new technologies

and new employment markets.

The goal of this project is to research these components and synthesise the results to formulate a

justifiable design for a current electrical engineering degree program. This will involve, amongst

other research aspects, researching the curriculum of EE programs both nationally and

internationally, researching Engineers Australia requirements, and researching national

employment trends.

Outcomes: A comprehensive report.

Resources: Desktop computer, internet resources.


41 | P a g e

Title: TS-01 “Design of a very low voltage, three phase inverter”

Supervisor: Terry Summers


Assumed knowledge: ELEC3130, ELEC2131, ELEC2320 and ELEC3250



Description: H-bridge based, two and three level converters are the power electronic workhorses of electric

drives, grid connected interfaces to renewable energy sources, grid connected active filters, in

fact most applications where a variable voltage/variable frequency source is required.

The aim of this project is for students to design and construct a three phase inverter that is

designed to operate at extra low voltage. That is less than 50VAC or 120 VDC.

There are many integrated packages that make the implementation of such an inverter relatively

straight forward. This project requires the student to build such an inverter "from scratch". That

is it is expected that the student use discrete switches (MOSFETS), design the gate drivers, dead

time protection, current limiting, low voltage power supplies, protection, etc etc.

The inverter should, at a minimum, meet the following output specifications shown in Table 1.

The inverter should be able to be tested using a resistive/inductive load over the range of the

inverter outputs.

Outcomes: A minimum of an operating prototype inverter is expected to be demonstrated in order for

students to pass this project.


42 | P a g e

Title: TS-02 “Simulation of a cascaded H-bridge, 3 phase inverter

for VAR compensation”



Assumed knowledge: ELEC3130, ELEC2131, ELEC2320 and ELEC3250



Description: In recent years considerable interest has been shown in using multilevel converters to provide

VAR compensation, active filtering and voltage support at medium level voltages for supply

utilities and in mining applications. One specific multilevel topology is the cascaded H-bridge

converter. Others include flying capacitor and diode clamped converters.

As the name suggests, this project requires student(s) to build a simulation of a multilevel, 3

phase, cascaded H-bridge, converter whose purpose is to provide VAR compensation for an 11

kV, three phase system. The switching devices used are to be IGBT’s.

Some of the obvious issues to be addressed include: The number of H-bridges which have to be

cascaded for the particular IGBT’s chosen. How to regulate the voltages on individual H-

bridges. The control strategy to be used for VAR compensation. The modulation strategy to be

used. Sizing of components.

Students who undertake this project will have to be able to undertake a significant amount of

research as most of the background knowledge required will not have been covered explicitly

during the degree program.

The simulation platform used is up to the students however Saber is the preferred platform.

Outcomes: A simulation of a cascaded H-bridge multilevel converter.


43 | P a g e

Title: TS-03 “Design and simulation of a single phase laboratory

power supply”



Assumed knowledge: ELEC3130, ELEC2131, ELEC4400, ELEC2320 and ELEC3250



Description: There has been a demonstrated need for a variable voltage, variable frequency, single phase

power supply in the Engineering Laboratory at Newcastle. The aim of this project is to design

and simulate such a single phase power supply.

The power supply should have the same features as typical DC power supplies. That is there

should be a facility to adjust the output voltage magnitude, and limit the output current

magnitude. In addition the user should be able to adjust the output frequency independently of

and in proportion to the output voltage based on a user selection.

Users should have an indication of output current, voltage and frequency via meters (similar to a

DC laboratory supply).

The specifications for the power supply are shown in Table 2.

After successful simulation a either a prototype should be built. This should either be extra low

voltage (10th scale) or at rated voltage depending on the expertise of the student. It is envisaged

that a low voltage prototype would be implemented using the Microchip motor control kits

available from the laboratory staff.

Outcomes: The minimum outcome required to pass this project is a working design and simulation of the

whole system including the control aspects.


44 | P a g e

Title: TS-04 “Multi-level converter topologies”



Assumed knowledge: Good research skills



Description:

Over the last decade or so multi-level converters have become more and more popular in grid

connected and medium voltage drive applications. This project requires students to undertake a

thorough literature review of these converters and to finally recommend a topology for a 33kV,

5MVA Static Compensator (STATCOM). Students will have to present sound arguments for the

choice made based on a very good understanding of the principles of operation as well as the

relative strengths and deficiencies of each topology.

Simulation studies supporting the arguments made will be highly regarded.


45 | P a g e

Title: TS-05 “A switch-mode DC current source”



Assumed knowledge: Good research skills, ELEC3240, ELEC3250



Description: Electrolysis is an efficient method of rust removal on difficult to clean iron and steel objects. It

is the method of choice for many machinery restorers.

The electrolysis process requires an electric current to be passed through a alkaline bath with the

part to be cleaned acting as the cathode and a steel (or other metal) rod acting as the anode.

The requirement of this project is to research, design simulate and build a controlled switch

mode current source for this purpose. The current source should be able to supply 10A

continuous at a maximum voltage of 30VDC.

The current should be adjustable between 0 and 10A.

The current source should be relatively cheap to build and the project should not under any

circumstances exceed the $300 allocated for Final Year Projects.




46 | P a g e

Title: TS-06 “Single phase low voltage StatCom / active filter for

microgrids”



Assumed knowledge: Good research skills, ELEC3240, ELEC3250, ELEC3130,

ELEC4400



Description: Microgrids are typically relatively small systems which encompass a number of differing

distributed generation sources and a variety of loads. These systems are susceptible to power

quality issues due to the variable nature of the generation sources which make them up and the

relative weakness of the system as a whole.

This project requires students to design, simulate and then build a single phase voltage source

inverter which can be controlled as a static compensator (Stat-Com) or shunt active filter or

both. There are significant challenges involved in this project not the least of which is being able

to measure line voltages and currents and then process the measurements so that the appropriate

control action can be taken.




47 | P a g e

Title: SW-01 “Waterproof GPS”

Supervisor: Steve Weller


Assumed knowledge: ELEC3240, ELEC3400, C programming language



Description: This project involves the design and implementation of a GPS-based system suitable for use in

open water (ocean) swimming applications. The unit is to be worn under a swimming cap, and

will allow a swimmer to download their swim track into Google maps on completion of a race.

Extensions include a smartphone app, and water temperature measurement.

Outcomes: working prototype

Resources: microcontroller, GPS receiver


48 | P a g e

Title: SW-02 “FPGA-based fading wireless channel emulator”


Industry Sponsor:





Description: The aim of this project is to implement a device based around a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) for emulating the behaviour of a wireless communication channel. Due to the effects of constructive and destructive interference in multipath wireless channels, the received signal power is subject to fluctuations known as fading. A very common model for this fading is to assume so-called Rayleigh fading, in which the real and imaginary components of a complex baseband signal model are described by Gaussian random variables. The basis for this project is therefore to construct a digital noise generator whose probability density function (PDF) closely approximates that of a Gaussian random variable. A description of such a noise generator is provided in the following paper: D.-U Lee, W. Luk, J.D. Villasenor, and P.Y.K. Cheung, "A Gaussian noise generator for hardware-based simulations", IEEE Transactions on Computers, vol.53(12), pp.1523-1534, December 2004.

Outcomes: FPGA-based system generating high-speed Gaussian- and Rayleigh-distributed random numbers

Resources: PC with Altera DE2 board or UP1 board


49 | P a g e

Title: SW-03 “Development of an OFDM module for the TIMS

Telecommunication


”


Industry Sponsor:





Description: The "TIMS"(Telecommunication Instructional Modelling System) is used in undergraduate

teaching laboratories. TIMS is highly modular, allowing students to design and test their own

"in-house" telecommunications or signal processing modules within the TIMS environment.

The aim of this project is to develop a module for the TIMS system which implements

orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). .

Outcomes expected: working OFDM module, successfully incorporated into the TIMS

system

Resources: TIMS system (available at PSB) together with associated manuals; electronics

prototyping equipment (wire-wrap etc.)


50 | P a g e

Title: SW-04 “Development of a CDMA module for the TIMS

Telecommunication


”


Industry Sponsor:





Description: The "TIMS"(Telecommunication Instructional Modelling System) is used in undergraduate

teaching laboratories. TIMS is highly modular, allowing students to design and test their own

"in-house" telecommunications or signal processing modules within the TIMS environment.

The aim of this project is to develop a module for the TIMS system which implements code-

division multiple access (CDMA).

Outcomes expected: working CDMA module, successfully incorporated into the TIMS

system

Resources: TIMS system (available at PSB) together with associated manuals; electronics

prototyping equipment (wire-wrap etc.)


51 | P a g e

Title: HA-01 “Inverse QRD Block RLS Channel Estimation in

OFDM Systems”

Supervisor: Hassan Ali


Assumed knowledge: Signal processing, communications and MATLAB



Description: Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is now widely accepted as a high data rate

modulation scheme due to its robustness to frequency selective fading, high bandwidth

efficiency, and relatively low complexity at the receiver. It has been adopted in many

communication standards, including digital audio broadcasting (DAB), digital video

broadcasting (DVB), high speed modems over digital subscriber lines (xDSL), and local area

mobile wireless broad-band.

Channel estimation in OFDM systems use coherent detection of data symbols, which requires

reliable estimation of channel at the receiver. In practice, channel is estimated through some

initial training process and retraining is required to track the channel variation. To avoid the

system overhead due to retraining, in this project you will consider developing a new training

free inverse QRD block RLS channel tracking algorithm. You will also write Matlab programs,

and compare performance of the new algorithm with QRD RLS tracking algorithm.

Resources: PC with Matlab


52 | P a g e

Title: HA-02 “Performance Evaluation of Block RLS Channel

Estimation Algorithms in OFDM Systems”












Most multicarrier systems use coherent detection of data symbols, which requires reliable

estimation of channel at the receiver. Applications such as xDSL, channel is estimated through

some initial training process and retraining is required to track the channel variation. To avoid

the system overhead due to retraining and thus to track the channel more efficiently, Matrix

Correlation block recursive least-squares (RLS) channel estimation algorithm exploiting the CP

have been proposed in the literature.

The problem with this approach is that

1. Computation of inverse of correlation matrix is computationally expensive especially in

applications when the channel has a large order.

2. The recursive update of the inverse correlation matrix severely limits the parallelism and

pipelining that can effectively be applied in the practical implementation.

3. Direct implementation of the algorithm encounters numerical problems and under

finite-precision implementation due to loss of information and accumulation of roundoff

errors in correlation matrix of input data.

To avoid above problems, in this project you will consider QR decomposition (QRD) based

block Recursive Least Squares (RLS) algorithm for tracking channel estimates in wireless

Cyclic Prefix-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (CP-OFDM) systems.

You will:

1. Present an overview of above algorithms,

2. Write Matlab programs, and

3. compare their performance in floating point and fixed point implementations.



53 | P a g e

Title: HA-03 “A Microcontroller-based Wireless ECG

Telemonitoring System”


Project No: HA03

Level of Difficulty: Medium Difficulty (Pass to low Credit),

Difficult (low to high Credit),

Assumed knowledge: ELEC2700, ELEC3500, ELEC3240, Visual Basic

Type of Project: Hardware

Software

Literature Search


Group (1 or 2)

Description: This project is aimed at design and implementation of a simple and cost effective wireless microcontroller-based ECG portable telemonitoring system. The project has 4 parts. The first part consists of an ECG amplifier that needs to be custom designed and implemented. The second part comprises of a microcontroller that needs to be interfaced to the amplifier to collect, and process the amplified data. In the third part, microcontroller data needs to be transmitted wirelessly to a personal computer. As an extension, these signals can be transmitted via internet to a remote destination. The final part involves development of a user-friendly graphical user interface using Visual Basic to receive, store, process and display the incoming patient data, in a clinically meaningful fashion. Resources: Will be provided.


54 | P a g e

Title: HA-04 “Data Aided Channel Estimation in OFDM Systems”












Presently, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) appears in several standards

relating to wireless communications in high data rates. A traditional approach for time varying

channel tracking is to employ pilots (unmodulated) carriers that are continually multiplexed into

data stream. Many pilot-aided OFDM channel-estimation/tracking schemes have been proposed.

These techniques are simple to implement, and yield good performance in fast-fading scenarios.

In this project you will

1. Conduct a detailed study of data aided channel estimation algorithms.

2. Compare and analyze various frequency/time domain data aided channel estimation

approaches by writing and simulating Matlab/C scripts.



55 | P a g e

Title: HA-05: “Design and Implementation of a Low Cost

Energy/Power Meter with an 8-bit Microcontroller Unit”


Project No: HA05

Level of Difficulty: Medium Difficulty (Pass to low Credit),


Assumed knowledge: ELEC 3240, ELEC2700, ELEC3500,


Software

Literature Search


Group (1 or 2 students)

Description: As compared to electromechanical energy meters, microcontroller based energy meters are more accurate, reliable, and cheaper. They also allow for added features that benefit both the customer and utility company. In the near future, the utility company will monitor energy consumptions remotely and bill its customers according to peak- and off-cycle usage or even allow customers to keep track of their usage. The goal of this project is to design and implement a low cost microcontroller based single-phase energy meter. The energy meter will consist of an analogue frontend, a microcontroller section and an interface section. The energy meter is expected to measure the active energy and drive an LCD to display the accumulation of the energy consumed. Besides the active energy measurement, the solution also needs to measure the rms value of the line voltage and the rms value of the current used. These values can be used to process various electrical parameters, such as power factor and reactive energy. A serial interface will be used to communicate with a host PC system for remote/automated metering. The student will also develop a Matlab based GUI program to determine the cost of energy, draw different graphs etc. Resources: Will be provided.


56 | P a g e

Title: AV-01 “Transmission Expansion Planning Problem”

Supervisor: Aparna Viswanath


Assumed knowledge: ELEC 4100, Optimization Techniques



Description: Transmission expansion planning deals with the need of new transmission facilities to the

existing network to ensure adequate transmission network capacity.

Transmission expansion planning is an optimization problem. Decisions to expand transmission

facilities depend on loss due to transmission network capacity limits and the investment costs of

new facilities.

Outcomes:

Develop MATLAB program that can simulate the transmission expansion problem.

Resources: MATLAB


57 | P a g e

Title: AV-02 “Power Pool Simulation Algorithm”






Description: In an electricity market, generating power companies - the Gencos, and the users of power - the

customers, participate in the Power pool exchange for sale and purchase of electricity for

intended durations of time, say an hour, as in the hour ahead market. The supply and demand

equilibrium decides the dispatch quantities and the uniform market clearing price in hour-ahead

power dispatch. Power Pool simulation algorithm is an Optimal Power Flow (OPF) problem that

determines the dispatch quantities and price subject to the supply, demand and transmission

constraints.

Outcomes:

The objective of this project is to develop a POWER POOL SIMULATION algorithm that

would be able to determine the dispatch quantity and market clearing price in an IEEE

Reliability Test System. The complexity of the project depends on the problem formulation for

OPF.

Resources: MATLAB


58 | P a g e

Title: AV-03 “Unit Commitment Problem”






Description: The aim of the unit commitment (UC) problem is to select a subset of generating units from the

set of N generating units that satisfy the forecasted load with minimum operating cost over a

period of time. UC problem is difficult to solve because it involves integer variables (i.e., a

generating unit can either be ON or OFF but not half ON/OFF). Many solution methodologies

have been proposed in literature of which Lagrange’s relaxation method appears to be the most

promising one.

Outcomes: Apply Lagrange’s relaxation method on a test system and solve for the unit commitment

schedule.

Resources: MATLAB


59 | P a g e

Title: AV-04 “Power System State Estimation”



Assumed knowledge:

Elec 4100



Description: Power system state estimation techniques are used to smoothen errors in meter readings, detect

and identify bad measurements and to update meter readings where the data is not available.

This project involves the development of power flow algorithm and state estimation algorithm

using orthogonal decomposition or the Gram-Schmidt decomposition.

Outcomes Expected: The goal of this project is to develop a power system state estimator and apply it on a test

system.


60 | P a g e

Title: LKM-01”Compact Dual-Plane Electromagnetic Bandgap

Microstrip Filter Design”

Supervisor: Dr Lum Kum Meng

Industry Sponsor: NIL





Description: Electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure has been a term widely accepted nowadays to name

the artificial periodic structures that prohibit the propagation of electromagnetic waves at

microwave frequencies. The planar EBG structure was introduced where planar periodic

elements are etched in the ground plane. It has the advantage of ease of fabrication and yet

capable of maintaining a similar control on the wave propagation in the structure to that in the

EBG structure. Besides, planar EBG structures are compatible with microstrip circuits thus

making them attractive as microstrip filters.

Outcomes Expected: Student is expected to present theoretical analysis for proposed filter and also demonstrates

validation of new concept via agreement between simulation and measurements.

Test Equipments: Signal Generator, Spectral Analyzer and Network Analyzer


61 | P a g e

Title: LKM-02 “ Dual-Band Filter Design using Cascaded Coupled-

Serial-Shunted Lines Configuration”







Description: Research on microwave filters is active because of the continuous demands of high-

performance circuits from modern communication and electronic systems. There is also an

increase in applications that require control of multiple frequency bands in a single device. As

such, dual-band filters have become important components for wireless communication

products.



Test Equipments: Signal Generator, Spectral Analyzer and Network Analyzer


62 | P a g e

Title: LKM03:”Dual-Band Filter Design using Distributed

Circuits with Resonating Elements”







Description: In recent years, multiple-band filters have become key components in the front end of modern

communication systems. New designs of dual-band filter can be realized by implementing

distribution circuits. In particularly, stub resonators are integrated with the main filter topology

to fulfill the multiple-band characteristics.



Possible Test Equipments: Signal Generator, Spectral Analyzer and Network Analyzer


63 | P a g e

Title: LKM-04 “Planar Bandpass Filter using Radial Line Stubs”



Level of Difficulty: Easy (Pass type project), Medium Difficulty (Pass to Credit), Difficult (Credit to Distinction), Challenging (Distinction to High Distinction).)




Description: With the development of wireless communication systems, microwave bandpass Filters with

compact size and high performance are highly desired. A half-lamda transmission line

resonator with a pair of center loaded stubs is used to design triple-mode filters. All this kind of

filters using stub-loaded structure have a good selectivity for the transmission zeros are close to

the passband. The radial-line stubs have been found to work better than low impedance

rectangular stubs when an accurate localization of a zero-point impedance is needed, and it can

maintain the lower impedance level over a wide frequency range and a smaller outer

dimension.



Possible Test Equipments: Signal Generator, Spectral Analyzer and Network Analyzer


64 | P a g e

Title: TH-01 “Numerical Analysis for Capacitive Sensing”

Supervisor: Dr Thng Cheok Hoey

Industry Sponsor: If any

Level of Difficulty: Easy (Pass type project),

Medium Difficulty (Pass to low Credit),


Challenging (Distinction to high Distinction).

Assumed knowledge: Example: Theory of electrostatics, capacitance, Green’s function, numerical analysis, solving large matrix equation


Software

Simulation

Literature Search


Group

Description: Capacitive sensing has becoming a new trend for man-machine interface. The presence of a

finger near an electrode/antenna will influence the capacitance. A sensitive device can detect

such change in capacitance and use it as a user input.

The PCB/antenna layout design is critical to the sensitivity of capacitive sensing. The ground

plane, antenna size, antenna spacing, overlay has profound effect on the sensitivity to external

influence. Designers now depend on qualitative understanding of the capacitance and guard-

feeling to design antenna, and the result is not always optimal.

The proposed project uses numerical method to analyze the capacitance in the system, including

the effect of an external object (human body and finger tip). Using electrostatic theory and

numerical method, the charge distribution and the capacitance in the system can be computed.

The charge distribution is presented graphically to show the mechanism influencing the change

in capacitance.

A few sets to antenna designs will be studied, and the effectiveness will be compared. Outcomes Expected: Derive a mathematical model for solving capacitance in PCB layout with presence of external

object (human body)

Write a program to compute the charge distribution and capacitance in such a system.

Study the effectiveness of various antenna designs.

Possible Test Equipments: Computer, C compiler


65 | P a g e

Title: RS-01 “Home Security System using ZigBee”

Supervisor: Ravi Suppiah





Challenging (Distinction to high Distinction).

Assumed knowledge: ELEC3240, ELEC3730, C Programming


Software

Simulation

Literature Search


Group

Description: The aim of this project is to develop a Home Security System using ZigBee. The project will

consist of several sensors placed in a home’s entry points to detect the presence of intruders. The

system will consist of a base station that will be able to control and communicate with all the

other nodes. The base station will have a keypad and display to give feedback to the user on the

current status. The keypad will provide a means for the user to enable/disable the system.

Outcomes Expected: The student is expected to deliver a complete solution for the end-user. The system must have an

‘admin’ login mechanism in order activate/deactivate the alarms. The user must also have the

means to modify his password at anytime. The system must also be able to register a handphone

number for the user to receive SMS notifications to inform him of any intrusion.

The solution must detect for intrusion through several means such as thermal/proximity sensors

as well as line sensors. When an intrusion is detected by a particular node, it should immediately

report it to the base node.

The base node must be equipped with a Real-Time Clock that is able to keep a complete log of

all the intrusion detections. The user must have a means of extracting this log information from

the system for his own record.

Once the base node detects the intrusion, it must sound the alarm if it has been enabled. The

system must also send out an SMS to the user to inform him about the details of the intrusion.

Test Equipments: Microcontroller Development Kit


66 | P a g e

Title: RS-02 “Digital TalkBack”










Description: The aim of this project is to develop a system that allows the user to record an audio clip and

then play it back with different types of filters to manipulate the audio signal. Such a device

would serve as a ‘fun-toy’ for kids to listen to themselves differently.

Outcomes Expected: The system will consist of a DSP/Microcontroller that will accept input audio signals from the

user. During the recording phase, the user will be able to record audio clips within a specified

duration.

Once the recording has completed, the user can choose to playback the audio clip in its original

format. The user can also choose to apply a range of filters to the audio signal in order to

manipulate it. Examples of filters can be, ‘Monster’, “Squeeky’, ‘Alien’ and so on.

Since the device is targeted at kids, its user interface should be simple with just a few buttons to

control all the required operations. The final packaged product should also be sturdy and rugged

to survive in a kiddy environment.

Possible Test Equipments: DSP/Microcontroller Development Kit


67 | P a g e

Title: RS-03 “Navigational Aid for the Visually Handicapped”










Description: The aim of the project is to develop a navigational aid for the visually handicapped. The system

must have the ability for the user to detect any obstacles that are nearby the user and guide him

in the right direction. It must be portable and easy for the user to operate. The feedback

mechanism to inform the user must be something that is easily understood by the visually

handicapped person.

Outcomes Expected: The system must be small, lightweight and energy-efficient. The system should consist of

several sensors that are fitted onto a specially designed vest that the user can comfortably wear.

These sensors will continuously monitor the obstacles around the user. If an obstacle is detected

the user will be given a warning either through vibration or some audible signal. The user will

then be able to avoid the obstacle by correcting his path.

The system must also come with a GPS device that continuously monitors the location of the

user. The user can choose to send his location details to a preset handphone number so that

others are aware of his movements. The system can also be programmed to send out the GPS

coordinates at periodic intervals. This will also serve as a good means of locating the user in

case he goes missing.

Test Equipments: Microcontroller Development Kit


68 | P a g e

Title: CSC-01 “Human Tracking Device”

Supervisor: Dr Cheng Siong CHIN

Industry Sponsor: NA




Assumed knowledge: Control Engineering, MATH2420, Embedded Systems, MATLAB, C Programming


Software

Simulation Literature Search


Group

Description: Systems that can track human using video from fixed cameras can be used to detect and predict

the movement of people in office. The ideal is to report on and act to prevent thief in the office

as quickly as possible. In this project, you will implement a number of tracking systems based

on linear dynamic models (such as Kalman filtering and data association), and evaluate and

compare their performance. You will gain some exposure to modern computer vision problems

and solutions.

Outcomes Expected: Electronics circuit design and camera interface

User-interface using MATLAB-GUI or LabVIEW

Testing and/or simulation results

Possible Test Equipments: Microcontroller/NI development kit, camera, MATLAB/Simulink/LabVIEW and computers


69 | P a g e

Title: CSC-02 “Electric Motor Control with Regenerative

Braking”






Assumed knowledge: Control Engineering, Embedded Systems, MATLAB, C Programming


Software



Group

Description: The Electric Motor Control with Regenerative Braking (EMCRB) project will develop a test

system to investigate electric vehicular drive systems and regenerative braking. A three phase

permanent magnet synchronous motor, flywheel, and control electronics will comprise the test

system. Data collected from the test system will be used to develop a model that will establish

the efficiency of regenerative braking.

The system motor will initially be powered from a 115 V DC supply and will impart kinetic

energy to a flywheel. Once kinetic energy is stored in the flywheel, the motor will be operated as

a generator in order to recover electrical energy from the system. The rate and amount of the

recovered energy will be used in order to determine the efficiency of the regenerative braking

process.

The system will have a motion control input from a computer that will control the motor. The

amount of energy used to run the system will be measured from current and voltage readings.

The output of the system will be the amount of energy that is captured when the motor is

operated in regeneration mode. This will be measured through current and voltage. The motor

speed and the speed of the shaft will be measured through the computer or from motor

calculations.

Outcomes Expected: Electronics circuit design and interface

Power Conversion module

Regeneration and control module

User-interface using MATLAB-GUI or LabVIEW

Experimental and/or simulation results

Possible Test Equipments: Microcontroller/NI development kit, motor, flywheel, MATLAB/Simulink/LabVIEW and

computers


70 | P a g e

Title: CSC-03 “Conceptual Design of a Simple Linear Generator”








Software

Simulation

Literature Search


Group

Description: Work on wave energy started in the beginning of 1970s as a response to oil crisis. Government

sponsored programmes started throughout the world and several methods were developed to

extract energy from ocean waves. Almost all wave energy devices proposed so far utilizes

conventional high-speed, rotary generators to convert the mechanical energy to electricity.

Several imaginative solutions have been developed to accomplish the conversion of the wave’s

bouncing motion to the rotary motion demanded by the generator. These power take-off

schemes are expensive both to construct and to maintain and often vulnerable to extreme

weather.

The main difference of the proposed linear generator to a conventional generator is that the

motion of the rotor is linear. The piston with permanent magnet in turn is moving in a coil where

electricity is induced. As compared to the rotor generator, the relatively low speed of the rotor

gives rise to some complications, e.g. the low frequency must be compensated with a larger

construction. This increases the cost of the generator considerably. Hence, a new linear

generator needs to be designed.


Design and test a small-scale linear generator.

Test and/or simulation results

Possible Test Equipments: Microcontroller/NI development kit, magnets, coils, Simulink/LabVIEW/MATLAB and

computers


71 | P a g e

Title: CSC-04 “Temperature Monitoring System for Patient”








Software



Group

Description: Monitoring the patient’s condition can be done by using biomedical telemetry method. The heart

beat and blood pressure are all sensed by using the appropriate sensors which are placed near the

patient’s body under investigation.

However, the condition of the patient such as the temperature is not received by doctors or

nurses on duty. It is often done manually. To achieve that, the temperature sensor is used to

sense the temperature of the patient’s body and transmit the information to the PC wirelessly.

Immediate action can therefore be taken by the nurses or the doctors.


User-interface using MATLAB-GUI/ LabVIEW

Testing and/or simulation results

Possible Test Equipments: Microcontroller/NI development kit, Thermocouple, wireless communication device,

Simulink/LabVIEW/MATLAB and computers


72 | P a g e

Title: WO-01 “Performance Evaluation of Non-Coherent FSK waveform for Telemetry applications”

Supervisor: Dr Wilson OON


Level of Difficulty: Easy (Pass type project), Medium Difficulty (Pass to low Credit),


Assumed knowledge: ELEC 2700, ELEC 3240, ELEC 3540

Type of Project: Hardware Software



Description: The development of wireless telemetry system is motivated by the need to

transmit accurate data, usually from a mobile platform to a base station as the signal source

cannot be monitored directly. NC-FSK waveform has been used as the basic telemetry

waveform for many years, recently higher bandwidth efficient waveform has also be selected to

accommodate higher bit rate at the expense of some performance degradation.

Outcomes: The goal is to evaluate the performance of the NC-FSK waveform under

various wireless channel conditions from Gaussian to Aeronautical and also to consider

enhancement to NC-FSK detection towards multiple symbol detection in order to enhance link

margin.

study of telemetry system components including frame structure.

telemetry application.

-FSK

transmission and Detection.

-FSK waveform under different fading channels using

Matlab/Simulink

including modulations and FEC that have been proposed

to-date and consider the implementation challenges.

References:

1. RDD Document 119-06 Telemetry Application Handbook, Range Commander Council

2. Telemetry Research at ITTC, University of Kansas


73 | P a g e

Title: TAH-01 “A Zwave based Home Area Network for Domestic Appliance Control via Internet”

Supervisor: Mr Tok Aik Hong





Assumed knowledge: ELEC2500, 3530, Matlab/Simulink


Software



Description: The project will involve the student to develop a home area network ( HAN ) which primarily

purpose is to control the different home appliances via internet or a PC

The home area network (HAN ) consist of a main controller (usually connected to a PC or

gateway ) which will be create a network with the rest of the home appliances. Through the

main controller, power, usage information of the appliances can be monitored and devices

remotely controlled via the internet or PC.

A couple of Z-wave devices need to be brought from the various sources and connect to the

current home appliances. They are in turn connected (via RF network) to a main Zwave device

(which usuallyis a USB dongle) connected to the PC.

A user friendly webpage had to be developed on top of the main Zwave device, which will

control the various home appliances, monitor its usage and power consumption.

The webpage shall be accessible from external source like Smartphone, tablet or PC with a login

name and password.

Outcomes: Construction of a Home Area Network using existing Zwave devices. Develop an easy to use

program to remotely control and monitor the various Zwave devices. Develop a basic software

for appliance status data collection and display. Enable the program to be able to be accessible

securely via a LAN or internet.

Implement security feature to the existing network by using IP camera, and Zwave motion

sensor devices. This could be sending of email or SMS to user upon certain event.

Design and construct a portable Zwave controller, with a LCD panel, buttons to control the

appliances and Wi-Fi capabilities to connect to a LAN.


74 | P a g e

Title: LYF-01 “Web-Based Remote Control System”

Supervisor: Mr Lau Yong Fong Industry Sponsor: NA Level of Difficulty: Easy (Pass type project),


Assumed knowledge: ELEC4400. ELEC3530, ELEC2400, ELEC4120 and proficient in web programming.



Description:

Over the past decade, the Internet had growth exponentially interconnecting people, equipments,

organizations, institutions…etc all over the world. With the aid of web technology, sharing /

interchange / control of information become easy and convenient. Many web-based applications were developed taking the advantage of the web’s existing

infrastructure backbones, harnessing the power of the Internet that enable the users to be

connected to information whenever they wish, wherever they are in a secure, swift and reliable

order. In this project, students are required to design a web-based remote control system that can be

use to monitor and control household appliances such Lighting, Air-con, Heater...etc. The list of

functions is non-exhaustive and students are encouraged to come out interesting and innovative

ideas. Outcomes Expected:

The student are required to design and build a web-based remote controller that can perform

simple functions stated above to complex functions up to the student’s imagination. For good grade, the student must not only demonstrate to the panels that the system is

functional. He or she must to able to further justify and “sell” to the panel that his/her system is

superior (For example cost, capabilities, performance ...etc).

Possible Test Equipments:

i) PC (window OS prefered) ii) Selected Web programming language such as Python , C++ , ASP.NET, CGI,

ColdFusion, JSP/Java, PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby on Rails or Struts2 .

iii) Additional hardware like web-cam, relay switches may be required. iv) Oscilloscope / standard multimeter v) Electrical workbench (soldering...etc)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASP.NET

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Gateway_Interface

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ColdFusion

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_Servlet

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PHP

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perl

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Python_%28programming_language%29

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby_on_Rails

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Struts2

Date post:	02-Mar-2015
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FYP Proposals PSB T3 11

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