Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177

Abstract: Hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular due to reduced gasoline consumption and significant environmental benefits. The majority of the functions of these vehicles rely on the battery power and batteries tend to degrade over time. Testing and maintenance of the batteries of these vehicles are essential. Thus, hybrid vehicle battery testers are utilized for this purpose. These testers are often expensive and come as a set of gadgets. In particular, the battery testers depend on, computers or mobile devices to display the results when needed. Therefore, the battery testers are getting expensive, and having several types of equipment makes the use of a tester a hassle. To solve these shortcomings, we developed a low-cost, portable hybrid vehicle tester that is custom-made for the Sri Lankan context, focusing on its ease of use and practicality. Our device can successfully detect weak cells present in hybrid and electric vehicle batteries by carefully calculating the discharging time of each of the cells. In addition to being compatible with a variety of hybrid and electric vehicle batteries, this lightweight tester is an inexpensive, self-supporting test tool that complies with sustainable vehicle maintenance processes. This paper discusses the current practice and the methods for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) battery testing and their disadvantages. Furthermore, the development of the low-cost and portable battery tester as well as the main functions of the device are presented in detail. Finally, the results used for the verification of the developed device are presented and discussed.

Abstract: The system outlined here presents a novel in-vehicle system designed for continuous monitoring of a vehicle by detection of traffic violations and aggressive driving. The system integrates a range of sensing modules and data processing algorithms within the in-vehicle unit to continuously capture and process vehicle data. The system transmits data, including violation states and aggressive driving state to a remote server in real time to provide secure and immediate access to the data. The system’s continuous detection and monitoring functionality is a significant improvement in remote vehicle surveillance technology.

Abstract: The present research targeted the measurement of flue gas flow rates in industrial boiler applications, to improve boiler efficiency in Sri Lanka. This study discussed three methodologies for flow measurement and placed significant emphasis on the benefits of thermal mass flow meters, given their accuracy and reliability, especially within low flow rates. A thorough literature review was conducted to pinpoint critical parameters involved in the generation of boiler performance: flue gas composition and draft regulation. This research spotlights the deficiency in the current measurement practices, hence, a systematic approach to develop, a cost-effective and regionally adaptable solution is presented for the flue gas flow measurement. The investigation validates the proposed measurement techniques by using a combination of theoretical analysis and CFD simulations and demonstrates that the simulated flow rates are close to calculated values, with minimum differences of 0.000461 kg/s. results imply that the optimization of flue gas flow measurement can result in significant enhancements in combustion efficiency. The research ultimately contributes to the betterment of boiler operation practices in Sri Lanka by providing recommendations for future studies and practical implementations to enhance resource management and environmental sustainability within the industrial sector.

Abstract: Among the various approaches to developing field equipment for measuring elevator rope slippage, this study, which utilizes contact-based motion measurement, stands out as a more practical and reliable methodology. The relative motion of the traction sheave and the rope is sensed by encoders and computed by microprocessors. Primarily, the movements of the traction sheave and the hoisting ropes must be measured to determine the rope slippage during various dynamic movements of the elevator. Modern elevators achieve precise control through the use of motion sensors. However, quantitative detection of rope travel is more difficult than that of the traction sheave. Thus, the research intended to find an alternative to measure the motion of the passenger cabin. A laboratory-scale prototype was developed to investigate rope slippage behavior under varying weight ratios, simulating different load conditions in an actual elevator. The experiments revealed that increasing the weight ratio between the passenger car and the counterweight leads to a noticeable increase in rope slippage, highlighting the sensitivity of slippage to tension ratios in traction systems. The research extended to field-level experiments to examine the traction slippage behavior of an elevator traction machine under no passenger load conditions. Results indicated that, in the absence of passenger weight, the traction machine exhibits greater slippage during upward movement compared to downward travel. The experimental setup yielded promising results from both experimental tests and field measurements. Ultimately, the encoder-based motion measuring systems demonstrated potential for field applications when integrated with enhanced mechanisms.

Abstract: This research investigates the integration of VR technology within the construction industry, a sector notably lagging in digital adoption despite VR's transformative impact in others. The study aims to investigate the potentials of VR across different stages of construction projects, specifically aligned with the RIBA Plan of Work. The study initially confirmed low VR adoption rates and a significant gap between awareness and practical implementation among professionals. It then identified a comprehensive array of barriers, including prevalent technical skill shortages, high implementation costs, integration difficulties, and resistance to change. Building on these findings, the research proposes actionable strategies for overcoming these challenges, promoting for phased VR implementation, targeted workforce training, and the strategic selection of compatible technologies. While offering crucial insights, the study acknowledges limitations such as a regionally focused sample and perception-based data. Future research should pursue in-depth, longitudinal case studies and explore the impact of specific VR tools on project outcomes to further accelerate the construction industry's digital transformation.

Abstract: Intelligent Process Automation represents the integration of Robotic Process Automation,Artificial Intelligence, and Business Process Management aimed at streamlining complex businessprocesses. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted to explore the implementation landscapeof IPA within the global and Sri Lankan industrial context, a domain with limited empiricalexploration. The study systematically analyzed 142 publications in Web of Science and Scopus andvisualized bibliometric networks through the VOS viewer and Bibliometrix, which are built into the Rsoftware package using the PRISMA protocol. Despite global advancements and growing academicinterest, the review reveals a significant gap in IPA research in Sri Lanka, both in terms of context,empirical evidence, and theoretical foundations. The opportunities for industrial transformation wereindicated by the emergence of two main thematic clusters, comprising intelligent process automationtechnologies and their strategic applications. Furthermore, a density visualization demonstratedthe limited involvement of Sri Lankan institutions, highlighting the need for localized research. Thestudy examines the determinants that influence the adoption of IPA, such as trust, transparency, anduser attitudes, through the lens of the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology(UTAUT). Additionally, it identifies barriers like knowledge hiding and resistance to AI-driven innovationsgrounded in organizational behavior theories, including the Not-Invented-Here Syndromeand knowledge-based views. The findings propose that business model innovation supported by stronggovernance, employee readiness, and aligned strategic vision is critical for successful IPA integration.The study highlights under-researched areas and establishes a foundation for future empirical investigationsin the Sri Lankan industrial domain.

Abstract: This study is based on the Simultaneous Lightwave Information and Power Transfer (SLIPT) system. Today, it has a high demand for the research community as well as new trends in Visible Light Communication (VLC). Here, we discussed two main receiver architectures, namely Power Splitting(PS)-SLIPT technology, which functions in the power domain and Time Splitting (TS)-SLIPT architecture, which functions in the time domain. In addition, we analyzed and compared both system architectures. Information decoding (ID) and energy harvesting (EH) are analyzed in both architectures. In addition, we discussed the existing mathematical model for the TS-SLIPT architecture and the mathematical model developed for the PS-SLIPT system. Finally, we discuss the enhancement of Quality of Service (QoS) in both systems using numerical values.

Abstract: Optimizing energy consumption is critical for extending network lifetime and ensuring re-liable data collection in UAV-assisted wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In the proposed work, an enhanced MAC protocol is developed, i.e., Duty-Cycle-Aware Bit-Mapped (DCABM). The proposed method estimates the active nodes per communication cycle based on their duty cycles and assigns transmission slots using a bit-mapping approach. The protocol is evaluated using the IEEE 802.15.4 standard with CC2420 radio parameters, considering varying network sizes, event occurrence prob-abilities, and packet sizes. The comparative analysis of the proposed method is compared with con-ventional UAV _EBMA and UAV _ETDMA methods. The results demonstrate that DCABM sig-nificantly reduces energy consumption. Specifically, DCABM achieves up to 42% energy savings compared to UAV _ETDMA and approximately 31% reduction compared to UAV _EBMA un-der high event occurrence conditions. Additionally, across increasing node densities and packet sizes, DCABM consistently maintains superior energy efficiency, making it suitable for scalable and event-driven WSN applications with UAV support.

Abstract: The global accumulation of scrap tyres presents a growing environmental and public health challenge due to their resistance to degradation and limited recycling options. Addressing this issue through innovative reuse strategies is vital for advancing sustainable construction practices. This study explores the integration of shredded scrap tyres as a lightweight fill material in gabion wall construction, promoting circular economy principles by transforming waste into a valuable engineering resource. A novel method was developed using shredded tyres, cut into pieces measuring 100 mm × 50 mm, mixed with rockfill (75–100 mm in size), and placed within gabion units. The structural behavior of these modified gabions was analyzed with a focus on lateral and vertical displacement patterns, bulging behavior, and overall stability. Factor of safety calculations indicated that a gabion unit with a height and depth of 3 meters could achieve a significant unit weight reduction up to 8.2 kN/m³ compared to conventional rockfill gabions, which typically weigh between 15 and 19 kN/m³. The introduction of tyre pieces resulted in a void ratio of approximately 0.4, suggesting effective packing and compaction. The lightweight gabion units demonstrated the capacity to safely support the load of three stacked units without significant deformation, validating their structural integrity for practical applications. To maintain optimal performance, it is essential to keep the unit weight at or below 8.2 kN/m³ and ensure a void ratio between 0.3 and 0.4. Further testing is recommended to evaluate compatibility across varying rock and tyre densities. Overall, this research highlights a sustainable and cost-effective approach to scrap tyre reuse, contributing to resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the development of eco-friendly materials for retaining wall applications in civil engineering.