The excellent electrical and mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) provide interesting opportunities to realize new types of strain gauges. However, there are still challenges for the further development of CNT film strain gauges, for instance the lack of design rules, the homogeneity, stability and reproducibility of CNT films. This thesis aims to address these issues from two sides: simulation and experiment. Monte Carlo simulations show that both the sheet resistance and gauge factor of CNT films are determined essentially by the two-dimensional exclude area of CNTs. It was shown, for the first time, that the variation of the CNT film gauge factor follows the percolation scaling law. The sheet resistance and gauge factor both have a power-law divergence when approaching the percolation threshold. The standard deviation of film resistances, however, also increases correspondingly. These findings of simulations provide a general guide to the tailoring of material property of CNT films in strain sensing applications: a compromise should be made between the reproducibility, conductivity and sensitivity of CNT films depending on application purposes. From the experimental side, the processing parameters for the preparation of CNT dispersions were first investigated and optimized. The reproducibility of the film resistance is significantly improved by selecting a suitable sonication time. In strain measurements it was found that for most CNT films the film resistance responses nonlinearly to the applied strain. The dependence of the film resistance on the strain can be roughly divided into two regions with nearly linear behavior respectively. The gauge factor varies with the quality of CNTs and the depositing method. A gauge factor up to 8 was achieved in the high strain region. The nonlinear response behavior was found in simulations when the CNT waviness is properly taken into account. To achieve a high gauge factor and simultaneously retain the high conductivity and reproducibility, good-quality MWCNTs were integrated in polyethylene oxide (PEO). A high gauge factor up to 10 was achieved for the composite film with CNT weight fraction of 2.5%. The resistance and gauge factor can be tuned by changing the MWCNT weight fraction with respect to PEO. A careful comparison of simulation and experiment results show that a good qualitative agreement can be achieved between them in many respects.

L’objectif de cette étude était d’obtenir un capteur à bas coût, fonctionnant à température ambiante, et permettant d’obtenir une information sur la concentration d’ammoniac d’une atmosphère, sans tenir compte de l’humidité. Cela implique une très faible sensibilité à l’humidité et une faible synergie entre l’eau et l’ammoniac.Au terme d’une étude sur la mise en forme de films hybrides hydrophiles, par un procédé « propre » dans l’eau, un capteur a été développé, par un assemblage en couche par couche de polyélectrolytes hydrophiles, la polyaniline et la phtalocyanine tétrasulfonée de cuivre : PANI/TsPcCu. Ce capteur présente une limite de détection d’ammoniac inférieure au ppm et une très faible sensibilité à l’eau, permettant de détecter l’ammoniac sans informations sur l’humidité de l’air.De nouveaux dispositifs, basés sur un mode de transduction breveté, ont été étudiés : les heterojonctions MSDIs (Molecular Semiconductor-Doped Insulator). Ces dispositifs sont formés de deux couches superposées, une sous-couche isolante de type n, F16PcCu ou le PTCDA, et une couche supérieure semi-conductrice de type p, Pc2Lu. L’importance de la jonction entre les deux matériaux, mais aussi de la jonction entre les électrodes et la sous-couche, a été démontrée à l’aide de mesures d’impédances. Les propriétés capteurs des dispositifs MSDI ont été étudiées par exposition à l’ammoniac sur une large gamme d’humidité. Ils présentent une très faible sensibilité à l’eau et permettent de détecter des concentrations d’ammoniac inférieures au ppm. Suite au développement d’un banc de mesures spécifique permettant l’affinage de fromages, celui-ci a pu être suivi par des mesures capteur avec un résistor de PcCo et par GC-MS. Ces mesures ont mis en évidence l’intérêt de tels capteurs pour suivre l’évolution de la maturation des fromages. / The aim of this study was to obtain a low cost sensor, working at room temperature, capable to obtain an information about the ammonia concentration without any information about the humidity. These characteristics imply a very low sensitivity to humidity and a low cross sensitivity between humidity and ammonia.After a study on material processing of hydrophilic films using water as solvent, a sensors has been developed by using layer by layer assembly of polyelectrolytes, such as polyaniline and the tetrasulfonated copper phthalocyanine: PANI/TsCuPc. This sensor is able to detect sub ppm ammonia concentration, with a very low cross sensitivity between ammonia and water which allow ammonia sensing without any information about the humidity.New devices based on a patented transduction method were studied: the MSDIs heterojunctions (Molecular Semiconductor-Doped Insulator). This kind of device is prepared with two different layers, a sub layer of an n-type insulator, F16CuPc or PTCDA, and an upper layer of a p-type semiconductor, LuPc2. The importance of the junction between both materials and between the sub layer and the electrodes were studied by using ammonia exposure on a large humidity range. They exhibit a very low sensitivity to humidity and allow sub ppm ammonia sensing whatever the humidity is.A specific workbench has been developed and tested in the laboratory, to follow cheese ripening by using CoPc gas sensors and gas chromatography. These measurements showed readiness to the use of the kind of gas sensors for the follow up of dairy products.

The master‘s thesis deals with DC/DC converters for power LED diodes. Gives an overview of the field of LED lighting technology, analyzes various types of converters and shows their principle of operation. Furthermore presents some possible circuit designs for three different voltage levels and the calculations for each part. As an approval of their functionality the results of their measurements are plotted followed by the data evaluation.

This work deals with the description and analysis of suitable methods for measurement of non-periodical high-level current pulses. For pulsed current source design and development a suitable measurement system is required. In this work shunt resistor, Rogowski sensor and magneto-optic sensor are presented. The analysis of their properties is performed in order to design a suitable sensor for test current pulse measurement. A design of Rogowski coil sensor has been made. An experimental measurement of current pulses with short time relations has been performed. The suitability of the coil sensor for non-harmonic waveforms measurement has been evaluated on the basis of measurement results. In case of the magneto-optic sensor a concept utilizing an optical fiber has been proposed. The design of the sensor has been performed also. Individual parts of the sensor were verified. Experimental magneto-optic sensors have been built and their properties have been studied.

The thesis is focused on a presentation of a model creating which is followed by the simulation of running real network with using the compensatory elements to minimize the incurred failures. This thesis is divided into two thematic parts – the first theoretical one deals with the basis structuring of short-circuit faults and more detailed study of ineffective ground connection. Particularly this part attends to the problematic of a network description with extinguishing suppression. Using the compensation minimizes the impact of the failure state. A short-term fixing of a resistor improves the function of the ground-fault protection and helps to detect the outgoing section damaged by the defect. Furthermore the thesis indicates simulation programs, compares them and chooses the most suitable one for the next practical part. This is focused on a simulation of a real network run, together with elements for an effective defect-reduction or easier detection of ground connection. As a simulation of a ground short-circuit is the model in the end of the thesis modified on a network with an effective grounded bundle. Testing of the model correctness and creating a record of a model using the real ground protection settings is also one part of this thesis.

This master’s thesis deals with the design of autonomous monitoring system electronics which will be used for diagnostics of the electromagnetic vibration generator developed at Brno University of Technology. This generator should be used in a practical application where frequent mechanical shocks are present, for example in vehicle or goods transportation. For such an application, the goal of the monitoring system is to find out whether generator is capable of producing enough electrical energy for smooth operation of wireless sensors used in similar applications. The first part of the thesis consists of the autonomous diagnostics system overview from both commercial and scientific spheres, brief description of the vibration generator used and also a summary of commercially available power management electronics. The next chapters present the detailed description of each functional element of energy harvesting system, the simulation of generator’s behaviour for optimal load in three different model applications and the most important part – design of the autonomous monitoring system. In the end, achieved results are evaluated and it is considered whether the shock-driven generator is suitable for use in a given application.

Building Information Modeling, abbreviated BIM, is a process of information sharing which enhances communication and which helps in visualizing complex problems in the building industry. BIM has not been used in a larger extent in the production phase of civil works. The purpose of the study is therefore to investigate driving forces behind the use of BIM and the resistors against it and to investigate in what ways BIM could be used in the production phase.The theoretical framework is based on one licentiate thesis, two degree projects, three research papers and three books. A qualitative method with semi-structured interviews was used. The interviews were made with a calculator, a supervisor and a CAD planner from Skanska, a constructor and project manager from ELU, a Project Information Officer from Tyréns and a VDC coordinator and VDC business developer from Veidekke who all have been working with BIM. This was to get a good representation from different actors and people with different professional roles.The study shows that the driving forces behind a use of BIM are that it enhances collaboration and communication between the actors, it makes it easier to visualize the project and the scope, and it provides a higher degree of accuracy of coordination’s. BIM also makes the work more effective and results in fewer errors. Above all, BIM give a possibility for a shorter production phase, shorter total project duration and a lower total cost. The study also shows that the resistors against the use of BIM are employee’s negative attitude against administrative work, that it is hard to measure profitability of using BIM, the uncertainty of who has the legal ownership of the data, and who has the responsibility of the accuracy of it. That the implementation cost and the design phase are more expensive is also a resistor against a use of BIM.BIM could be used in visualization with 3D models in collision controls and co-reviews in meetings, work preparations and at site. A workplace outline could also be printed from the 3D model to be placed on the site for visualization. 4D scheduling and 4D animations could be used for visualization in meetings, work preparations and at site. The study showed that quantity takeoff and cost estimation with 5D is only reconciled in the meetings in the production phase and that the programs for it are not needed in this phase. RFID tags could be used at site for logistics and tracking materials, and field verifications could be used to verify that a work task is executed according to exact coordination’s in the 3D model. Furthermore tablet computers could be used for bringing the technique of BIM to the site which enables a better understanding of complex work tasks for the workers. A BIM coordinator who understands the process of working with BIM and who could work as a bridge between the users and the technical development team is important in a successful implementation.The study also shows that the focus of BIM should lie on how to make use of the technique. The examples of how BIM could be used in the production phase of civil works have to be useful and meet the needs and demands of the users. The processes of using 3D models, 4D scheduling, 4D animations, RFID tags, field verifications and tablet computers should therefore be studied thoroughly to find how the technique could be applicable at site, in meetings and work preparations and how it could enhance the daily activities and work tasks. If the demands are met it will be accepted by both the user and the organization. Further research should therefore lie on how 3D models, 4D scheduling, 4D animations, RFID tags, field verifications and tablet computers could be useful in the production phase. These BIM techniques should then be tested on a real project to investigate how the processes could be useful at site, in meetings and in work preparations. Further research should also be made on how countries like Norway, Finland and USA have made use of BIM in the production of civil works. / Bygginformationsmodellering, förkortat BIM, är en process för informationsutbyte som förbättrar kommunikation samt förståelsen för komplexa problem inom byggbranschen. BIM har inte använts i en större utsträckning i produktionen av väg- och anläggningsprojekt. Syftet med studien är därför att undersöka drivkrafter bakom ett större användande av BIM och motstånd mot det, samt att undersöka på vilket sätt BIM skulle kunna vara användbart i produktionen.Den teoretiska grunden bygger på en licentiathandling, två examensarbeten, tre forskningsrapporter samt tre böcker. För intervjuerna användes en kvantitativ semistrukturerad metod. Intervjuerna gjordes med en kalkylator, en arbetsledare från Skanska, en CAD planerare från ELU, en Project Information Officer från Tyréns samt en VDC samordnare och VDC affärsutvecklare från Veidekke, som alla har arbetat med BIM. Detta var för att få en bra representation från olika aktörer och personer med skilda yrkesroller.Studien visar att drivkrafterna bakom en användning av BIM är att det förbättrar samarbetet och kommunikationen mellan aktörerna, gör det lättare att visualisera projektet, dess omfattning samt att det ger mer korrekta data. BIM gör också arbetet mer effektivt och resulterar i färre fel. Framförallt möjliggör BIM en kortare produktionsfas, kortare projekttid och lägre totalkostnad. Studien visar också att anställdas negativa attityd mot administrativt arbete är ett av motstånden mot en större användning av BIM, att det är svårt att mäta lönsamheten med det och att det är osäkert om vem som har äganderätten till informationen samt vem som har ansvaret över att den är korrekt. Att implementeringskostnaden och designfasen blir dyrare är också ett problem med BIM. BIM kan användas för visualisering med 3D-modeller i kollisionskontroller och samgranskning i möten, arbetsberedningar och på byggarbetsplatsen. En APD-plan kan även skrivas ut från 3D-modellen för att visualisera byggarbetsplatsen. Tidsplanering och animationer med 4D skulle också kunna användas till visualisering i möten, arbetsberedningar och på byggarbetsplatsen. Studien visar att mängd- och kostnadsberäkningar med 5D endast stäms av i produktionsfasen och att programmen inte behövs i produktionsfasen. RFID-taggar kan användas på byggarbetsplatsen för logistikplanering och för att spåra material.5Fältkontroller kan vara användbart för att verifiera att ett arbete utförts exakt enligt 3D-modellens koordineringsdata. Handdatorer kan användas för att få ut tekniken för BIM på byggarbetsplatsen vilket möjliggör för en bättre förståelse för komplexa arbetsuppgifter för yrkesarbetarna. En BIM samordnare som förstår processen att arbeta med BIM och som kan överbrygga kommunikationssvårigheter mellan användarna och teknikutvecklingsgruppen är en mycket viktig aktör för ett framgångsrikt införande av BIM i ett projekt.Studien visar också att fokus bör ligga på hur man utnyttjar tekniken med fokus på nytta och användbarhet. De arbetsuppgifter som BIM skulle kunna användas till i produktionsfasen måste vara användbara och tillgodose användarnas krav och behov. Processen med att använda 3D-modeller, tidsplanering och animationer med 4D, RFID-taggar, fältkontroller och handdatorer måste därför studeras noggrant för att hitta hur tekniken kan tillämpas på byggarbetsplatsen, i möten, i arbetsberedningar samt hur den skulle kunna förbättra dagliga aktiviteter och arbetsuppgifter. Om användarnas krav är uppfyllda kommer tekniken att accepteras av både användaren och organisationen. Ytterligare forskning bör därför ligga på hur 3D-modeller, tidsplanering och animationer med 4D, RFID-taggar, fältkontroller och handdatorer kan vara användbara i produktionsfasen. Dessa tekniker bör sedan testas på ett verkligt projekt för att undersöka hur processerna för BIM skulle kunna vara användbara på byggarbetsplatsen, i möten och arbetsberedningar. Ytterligare forskning bör också göras på hur länder som Norge, Finland och USA har använt BIM i produktionsfasen i väg- och anläggningsprojekt.

No description available.

The excellent electrical and mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) provide interesting opportunities to realize new types of strain gauges. However, there are still challenges for the further development of CNT film strain gauges, for instance the lack of design rules, the homogeneity, stability and reproducibility of CNT films. This thesis aims to address these issues from two sides: simulation and experiment. Monte Carlo simulations show that both the sheet resistance and gauge factor of CNT films are determined essentially by the two-dimensional exclude area of CNTs. It was shown, for the first time, that the variation of the CNT film gauge factor follows the percolation scaling law. The sheet resistance and gauge factor both have a power-law divergence when approaching the percolation threshold. The standard deviation of film resistances, however, also increases correspondingly. These findings of simulations provide a general guide to the tailoring of material property of CNT films in strain sensing applications: a compromise should be made between the reproducibility, conductivity and sensitivity of CNT films depending on application purposes. From the experimental side, the processing parameters for the preparation of CNT dispersions were first investigated and optimized. The reproducibility of the film resistance is significantly improved by selecting a suitable sonication time. In strain measurements it was found that for most CNT films the film resistance responses nonlinearly to the applied strain. The dependence of the film resistance on the strain can be roughly divided into two regions with nearly linear behavior respectively. The gauge factor varies with the quality of CNTs and the depositing method. A gauge factor up to 8 was achieved in the high strain region. The nonlinear response behavior was found in simulations when the CNT waviness is properly taken into account. To achieve a high gauge factor and simultaneously retain the high conductivity and reproducibility, good-quality MWCNTs were integrated in polyethylene oxide (PEO). A high gauge factor up to 10 was achieved for the composite film with CNT weight fraction of 2.5%. The resistance and gauge factor can be tuned by changing the MWCNT weight fraction with respect to PEO. A careful comparison of simulation and experiment results show that a good qualitative agreement can be achieved between them in many respects.

This is a bachelor's thesis in Mechanical engineering. The main topic of the thesis is the electrical calculation of the tap changer's shield. Although there are many kinds of tap-changers, this study focuses on VUCL models. The theoretical background of the thesis is that the new shield is suitable and useable in all VUCL models. The primary topic of the thesis is to study that the new shield protects the resistance box in the middle of the tap changers. To do this study, Creo Parametric, Comsol, and SpaceClaim are the programs used. / Detta är en kandidatexamen i maskinteknik. Avhandlingens huvudämne är den elektriska beräkningen av kranbytarens sköld. Även om det finns många olika typer av lindnings fokuserar denna studie på VUCL modeller. Den teoretiska bakgrunden för avhandlingen är att den nya skölden är lämplig och användbar i alla VUCL-modeller. Det primära ämnet för avhandlingen är att studera det nya sköld skyddar motståndet rutan i mitten av lindningskopplare. För att göra denna studie är Creo Parametric, Comsol och SpaceClaim de program som används.