Engineering Innovations Vol. 1

Abstract: We investigate the characteristics of polycrystalline Silicon (poly-Si) thin films for solar cells produced by very high frequency (VHF) plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition using a conductive scanning probe microscope (SPM). We measure the surface morphology and local current images are simultaneously of the poly-Si layers with a thickness, d=2 mm, formed on textured Ag/SnO₂/glass in the range of RMS based-textured substrate (a) s=85nm, (b) s=42nm and (c) s=2nm respectively. Influences of the substrate texture on the crystal growth as well as the local current flow are discussed. Where we found that the average of local current proportional with crystallinity, where the poly-Si layer that has rich crystallinity indicated low conductivity that yield high local current.

Abstract: Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) produces hydrogen and oxygen from pure water uses electrochemical reaction, and this process is believed to be the most promising and efficient way to produce hydrogen. For application and simulation, the electrical model of SPE is absolutely required, we intend to develop an electrical model. Where the model has been constructed based on the structure and characteristics of SPE. The electrical model of SPE battery like that consists of a voltage and resistance, that fulfil the equation v=1.936+ 0.0183I-0.013T, to ensure that this model is close to the character of the SPE, we conducted an experiment to validate it, based on the correlation analysis method we obtained those results of the experiment and results of calculation of the model have a correlation is > 0.9988, this meaning that the model is valid.

Abstract: The increase in space exploration missions in recent years gave way to the development of a volume-efficient and cost-effective nanosatellite like the cube satellite (CubeSat) which can be developed and fabricated in a relatively short time. With its size and design, CubeSat parts like casings can be produced and assembled through 3D printing to produce inexpensive satellites. Research in this area is undeniably important to maximize the rapid development of CubeSats. While progress has been made, challenges remain in applying 3D printing technology in the development of CubeSats. In this paper, the current status regarding the advancement of 3D printing for CubeSat applications is discussed. First, important issues about the common materials for CubeSat and potentially 3D printing materials for CubeSats are addressed. Second, 3D printing CubeSat parts through the feasible structure design models by combining material and parameter designs are explored from a wide range of references. And also, 3D printing of cube satellite parts by DOST AMCen and STAMINA4Space has also been demonstrated. Lastly, an outlook on the future direction of the 3D printed CubeSat for the Philippines space program is provided.Keywords: Cube satellite, CubeSat, 3D printing, high-performance polymers

Abstract: Most farmers in Bataan, Philippines are using diesel pump system to irrigate their crops. In this system, water is pumped out continuously during cropping period and one may think that the water is being squandered because the diesel pump operates for about eight to ten hours a day. Furthermore, with the high price of Diesel nowadays, the irrigation system seems to be a burden to most crop farmers. The proponents thought of applying the pico-hydroelectric generation technology to add value to the system. Specifically in this study, the proponents aimed to develop a pico-hydroelectric generator with 3D-printed Pelton turbine to be installed in diesel pump irrigation system, and be able to harness the energy from the flowing water and convert it into useful electric energy which can be used for lighting and for charging electronic gadgets.

Abstract: This study addresses the labor crisis that the agriculture industry faces and the need for an alternative planting technology for farmers. Ardufarmer is a seed sowing machine that combines the emerging additive manufacturing technology and quadcopter robotics to form an alternative broadcast farming method that efficiently covers a given land area in the least amount of time through planting toolsets: seed reservoir, dispenser valve, drill, Arduino, and GPS programming. The quadcopter development includes designing the drone fuselage and seed dispenser, three-dimensional printing (3D printing) the parts under different settings, simulation and analysis of 3D-printed parts, and programming the Arduino board and GPS mechanism. The drone was tested in different land areas in terms of time spent. The study shows that the planting rate of the drone is more efficient at 36.41 seconds in 50 square meters than manual planting at 144 seconds in 50 square meters. The Ardufarmer was tested in terms of height, time spent, and spreading diameter in different land areas. The device can effectively sow seeds in 12 seconds per square meter. The study also shows that the minimum percentage relative time saving of the proposed drone technology is 74.72%.

Abstract: Energy consumption in conventional domestic housing in Oman is quite high due to cost intensive mechanical air conditioning systems. For the climate conditions in Oman, it is expected that energy conservation using smart passive cool roof will be valuable and significant. This paper presents the thermal assessment and energy efficiency of a novel forced convective evaporative cooling system with radiation reflector. The results revealed that the proposed smart passive cool system can reduce the indoor air temperature of the building models, with highest reduction in the room and roof surface temperature of 13.07 °C (36.7%) and 66.42 °C (75.7%) respectively. This is due to its ability to inhibit solar radiation and dissipate heat by evaporation, forced convection due to the dynamic behavior of air in the air ventilation between primary and secondary roofs, and nocturnal radiation. The research has conclusively demonstrated that the smart passive cool roof system presented significantly lower the heat fluxes through the roofs and can be applied to residential and commercial buildings for energy consrvation