Papers by Keyword: Vacuum Technology

Abstract: This paper deals with an autonomous external glass cleaning robot that can perform the operation by ensuring proper adhesion to the glass as well as movement along the entire window without colliding with the window pane or any other obstacle. The concept used in this work to actuate the robot is pneumatics wherein a pneumatic cylinder is coupled with a linear channel made up of stainless steel. It has a guide and a block which are connected through a chain and sprocket. The block can move along the guide. The piston of the cylinder is coupled with the block while the cylinder barrel is coupled with the guide. Adhesion of the robot to the glass is ensured using the vacuum technology. Four suction cups are used to make the robot adhered to the glass. Two channels are placed at right angle with each other, one for horizontal motion and one for vertical motion. Stepwise movement of the robot is achieved by individual control of suction cups. This is done using the software Arduino and Arduino UNO R3 microcontroller. Ultrasonic sensors are used to measure the dimension of the window pane as well as detect the obstacle/edge of the window. The cylinders and vacuum generators are actuated using solenoid DCV’s. As the robot moves, a rotating disk located at the bottom of the robot has a cleaning brush/sponge attached to it which cleans the glass as the robot and hence the entire glass surface is covered and cleaning operation is performed autonomously. The advantage of this robot is its simple design and its feasibility. The fact that we are able to successfully move the robot on a vertical glass frame without damaging it allows us to use it for several other applications too such as inspection.

Abstract: The problem of punching tools resistance increasing is investigated. Methods for intermetallic coatings synthesis are investigated. Mathematical model of vacuum ion-plasma deposition process allowing predicting coatings composition basing on intermetallic system Ti-Al was developed. Experimental verification confirmed the adequacy of the computer model. The technology hardening punching tools with wear-resistant coatings deposition based on intermetallic Ti-Al system on pre-nitriding surface in vacuum was developed. Production tests of the hardened punching tools were carried out.

Abstract: Diffusion layers produced on low-carbon steel and iron surfaces by means of vacuum titanizing process have been studied. A new technological process combining a vacuum titanizing with a preliminary electrolytic deposition of cobalt has been proposed to increase the corrosion resistance of layers. As a result, diffusion duplex layers of a Ti+Co type on the low-carbon steel and iron surfaces have been obtained. The layers microstructure, their thickness, phase composition and concentration depth profiles of elements in the diffusion zone of these layers have been investigated. Microstructure studies of these layers were performed by metallographic microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and a SEM electron microscope with a BSE and an EDS spectrometer. In addition, the layers hardness and their corrosion resistance have been determined. Corrosion measurements were performed in 0.1 M H₂SO₄ by means of potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance tests. The highest corrosion resistance was observed for steel samples with the Ti+Co type duplex layers, which showed the least passive current density and the highest charge transfer resistance, whereas the titanized layers, and the steel without any layer, corroded actively.

Abstract: Important new applications are possible today in the fields of energy conversion and storage by the application of thin and nanostructured solid films on surfaces. These special films, or multiple films, will be integral parts of the energy systems in the near future for the production of useful thermal and electrical energy and for energy saving applications, especially in buildings. We review the research in this direction. As we are facing the threats of insufficient energy supply and the greenhouse gas emissions from the intense use of fossil sources, we realize that the impacts as well as the future of the solar energy systems have been greatly underestimated. We review the work on solar thermal systems and energy saving applications. The efficient use of solar thermal technologies is very important for the introduction of a sizeable share of environmentally friendly renewable energy sources. New and nano structured materials along with the design and the geometry of advanced systems, capable of achieving high temperatures, as well as on integrated collection and storage systems have been proposed. Recent progress in high-vacuum technology and new materials had a remarkable effect in thin-film quality and cost. As a result new thermal absorbers have appeared along with new evaluation methods. We also present work on low-e coatings and electrochromic thin films that are very important for thermal energy savings in buildings and increase the efficiency of devices. For the photovoltaic solar energy conversion we present results on thin film solar cells and the efforts on dye sensitized nanostructured and organic solar cells.