Universidad de Alcalá-OTRI posted this:
Smart sensors for energy efficient citiesIn the context of transportation, innovative aspects come from the use of new sensors that provide richer information than current sensor technologies, as well as the novelty of the proposed applications. On the other hand, the automatic creation of thermal efficiency digital maps has not been proposed up to now. These maps will be very useful for local authorities to improve the energy efficiency of their local communities.Universidad de Alicante posted this:
Energy absorbing device in motor vehicle collisionsResearchers at the University of Alicante have devised a system to partially absorb the energy generated in a crash involving at least one motor vehicle traveling at a high or medium speed. It is a passive protection system for vehicles which absorbs the maximum amount of mechanical energy in a crash with minimal added weight and volume. Assumes additional protection that enhances the vehicle's passive safety, minimizing the consequences of a collision for the passengers. The system has an innovative design that allows placing it in different positions inside the vehicle or making structural parts and is manufactured with advanced materials. Innovative aspects The system is designed to provide protection that goes beyond the current regulations for passenger cars, as it is able to absorb a larger proportion of the mechanical energy generated in a collision. Also improve the passive safety of vehicles (vans, trucks) or special vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks, armored vehicles) in circulation. It also provides substantial improvements for heavy duty vehicles, contrary to what is happening now should be able to absorb themselves much of the energy produced in a collision with a vehicle lighter, thereby minimizing the potential damage that may occur in people who travel light vehicle. The system consists in several stages which act consecutively on impact, absorbing energy in a gradual and proportional to the energy generated in the collision, which is a lower acceleration on passengers, thereby reducing the potential injuries. Less weight, volume and system size compared to traditional structural systems, through the use of advanced materials: tensile filaments that act in case of collision, thermosets broken links which act by absorbing the impact energy generated in the fiber and combined with high strength composite metal / polymer composite micro / nanostructuresUniversidad de Alicante posted this:
Cementitious composite with carbon nanofibers that allows monitoring of deformationsThe research group has developed a cement compound that includes carbon nanofibers in cement matrix in order to detect the rate of deformation of the structure when it is subjected to external actions. Thanks to this system can perform reliable measurements in any part of the structure without requiring the use of attached external sensors. Innovative aspects The technology of the University improves the existing technologies due to the use of carbon nanofibers that provide an easier to disperse homogeneously in the cement matrix without additives or additional steps in the manufacturing process. The technology also increases the contact area matrix-nanofiber. This gives to the material more sensitive to the stress of the structure and allows more reliable measurements.Brunel University London posted this:
Casting Magnesium Alloy with Improved Thermal ConductivityA casting magnesium alloy that can provide significantly improved thermal conductivity in comparison to the commonly used AZ91D magnesium alloys. The typical thermal conductivity of the new magnesium alloy is comparable to the thermal conductivity of the commonly used A380 aluminium alloy.Universidad de Alcalá-OTRI posted this:
Intelligent system for autonomous control in robotics cooperationOver the last decade, there has been a strong scientific and industrial concern in robotic cooperation. From problems of surveillance in industrial, commercial or domestic environments, or rescue and help in catastrophic areas, till problems of efficient package delivery in companies like Amazon or DHL, require mathematical optimization algorithms that solve these problems optimally and efficiently through the deployment of cooperative robot teams. The cooperatTive ExploRation Routing Algorithm (TERRA) is a planning system that, using artificial intelligence techniques, allows a team of robots to combine their capabilities to complete more complex tasks. For this, TERRA implements a novel robotic cooperation paradigm that offers a solution to the problems mentioned in the previous paragraph. This exploration paradigm uses a ground vehicle to reach terrestrial targets and, a drone team to reach the aerial targets. Unlike other route planners, TERRA coordinates and plans efficient routes that meet the objectives set in the shortest time with the greatest cost savings.Universidad de Alcalá-OTRI posted this:
Identification of vehicle brands for traffic control and access control applicationsThe research group Intelligent Vehicles and Traffic Technologies of the University of Alcalá presents a device for recognizing vehicle brands based on a classification procedure of the manufacturer's logo. It is conceived as a complement to the classic optical systems of license plate recognition for applications of traffic management, access control or detection of infractions, providing useful information relative to the brand of the vehicle whose license plate, previously or subsequently, has been detected. The research group looks for companies / institutions / administrations in charge of traffic control, access control to restricted areas, as well as those in charge of integrating vehicle violation detection systems, for the signing of collaboration agreements, license agreements or commercial agreements with technical assistance.