Current Sensor Research Articles

Assessment of sensor-based automatic smart watering unit for paddy nurseries under Indian perspective

A sensor-based automatic watering unit was developed to irrigate the paddy seedling trays. The watering unit comprised six flat spray nozzles with a direct current (DC) water pump and flow sensor, and these were kept at the top of the conveyor frame, which was actuated by a DC water pump with a solenoid valve to drop the water in trays. The actuation of the DC solenoid valve was controlled by a limit switch fitted to the conveyor frame, which sensed the moving trays on the conveyor. The performance of the developed unit was evaluated, and process optimization was performed using the Inscribed Central Composite Design in Response Surface Methodology. The effect of main operating parameters- chain conveyor speed (0.123, 0.196, and 0.27 m/s), spray operating pressure (1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 kg/cm2), and spray height (10,30 and 50 cm) on the performance of the sensor-based automatic watering unit was studied in terms of the amount of water spray requirement and coefficient of water spray uniformity in trays. The responses of the unit at its optimal parameter operation (spray operating pressure 4.5 kg/cm2, spray height 10 cm, and chain conveyor speed 0.14 m/s) were found to be 1.31 L/tray as the amount of water spray requirement and 92.41 % as the coefficient of water spray uniformity of the unit. Hence, it can be an efficient substitute with significantly less power consumption 41 W with a higher working capacity of 780 trays/h for watering into the paddy tray nursery. The developed sensor-based automatic smart watering unit saves irrigation water per square area of 68.90 %, 76.13 %, and 82.31 % compared to existing drip, sprinkler, and flood irrigation methods in mat-type paddy nurseries. The developed sensor-based automatic smart watering unit saves the watering cost INR 11,567.16 (140.02 USD) per hectare, reducing cost by 63.7 % compared to manual watering in the mat-type nursery preparation. Thus, an automatic smart watering unit in a paddy tray nursery offers consistent and uniform watering from an Indian perspective, promoting uniform germination, crop growth, and establishment. It conserves water by ensuring the right amount of water is applied at the right time, avoiding overwatering or under-watering.

IoT-enabled advanced monitoring system for tubular batteries: Enhancing efficiency and reliability

Monitoring battery health is crucial for predicting the lifespan of batteries in electric vehicles. Real time voltage, current, and operating temperature are the key factors influencing longevity. An efficient data acquisition (DAQ) system becomes essential for accurately monitoring real-time battery operating parameters. For commercially viable three-wheeled electric vehicles, a cost-effective yet highly accurate DAQ is imperative. Current commercially available lead-acid three-wheeled electric vehicles lack a dedicated DAQ for monitoring battery health. In this investigation, we address this gap by developing a low-cost, multi-channel DAQ tailored for such electric vehicles, integrated with a cloud server for subsequent data analysis and Remaining Useful Life (RUL) prediction. The implemented prototype excels in measuring individual battery terminal voltage and battery pack voltage under operating conditions, employing the node voltage subtraction method. It also features real-time detection of high current discharges up to 30A using a Hall effect-based current sensor. A custom temperature sensor probe was designed to detect battery electrolyte temperatures up to 60 °C, with multiple probes operating in multiplexed mode to reduce circuit complexity. The system is proficient in storing recorded data locally and in the cloud. A mobile device platform has been developed and interfaced with the system for real-time monitoring of battery parameters. After testing multiple prototypes in running vehicles for over 1000h without failure, the system demonstrated a high accuracy level of 98.6 %. Multiple prototypes were designed to validate the measured accuracy.

Magnetoresistive Shunt as an Alternative to Wheatstone Bridge Sensors in Electrical Current Sensing

Magnetoresistive Shunt as an Alternative to Wheatstone Bridge Sensors in Electrical Current Sensing

Design and Analysis of Receiver Coils with Multiple In-Series Windings for Inductive Eddy Current Angle Position Sensors Based on Coupling of Coils on Printed Circuit Boards.

We present a method for improving the amplitude and angular error of inductive position sensors, by advancing the design of receiver coil systems with multiple windings on two layers of a printed circuit board. Multiple phase-shifted windings are connected in series, resulting in an increased amplitude of the induced voltage while decreasing the angular error of the sensor. The amplitude increase for a specific number of windings can be predicted in closed form. Windings are placed electrically in series by means of a differential connection structure, without adversely affecting the signal quality while requiring a minimal amount of space in the layout. Further, we introduce a receiver coil centerline function which specifically enables dense, space-constrained designs. It allows for maximization of the number of possible coil windings while minimizing the impact on angular error. This compromise can be fine-tuned freely with a shape parameter. The application to a typical rotary encoder design for motor control applications with five periods is presented as an example and analyzed in detail by 3D finite-element simulation of 18 different variants, varying both the number of windings and the type of centerline functions. The best peak-to-peak angular error achieved in the examples is smaller than 0.1° electrically (0.02° mechanically, periodicity 5) under nominal tolerance conditions, in addition to an amplitude increase of more than 170% compared to a conventional design which exhibits more than twice the angular error. Amplitude gains of more than 270% are achieved at the expense of increased angular error.

A quantum sensor for atomic-scale electric and magnetic fields

The detection of faint magnetic fields from single-electron and nuclear spins at the atomic scale is a long-standing challenge in physics. While current mobile quantum sensors achieve single-electron spin sensitivity, atomic spatial resolution remains elusive for existing techniques. Here we fabricate a single-molecule quantum sensor at the apex of the metallic tip of a scanning tunnelling microscope by attaching Fe atoms and a PTCDA (3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic-dianhydride) molecule to the tip apex. We address the molecular spin by electron spin resonance and achieve ~100 neV resolution in energy. In a proof-of-principle experiment, we measure the magnetic and electric dipole fields emanating from a single Fe atom and an Ag dimer on an Ag(111) surface with sub-angstrom spatial resolution. Our method enables atomic-scale quantum sensing experiments of electric and magnetic fields on conducting surfaces and may find applications in the sensing of spin-labelled biomolecules and of spin textures in quantum materials.

Sistem Manajemen Baterai Pada Peralatan Catu Daya Di Equipment Room Stasiun Manggarai Dengan Aplikasi Blynk Berbasis Esp8266

This research aims to develop an efficient battery monitoring system using the ESP8266 module and INA219 sensor. Monitoring the battery condition effectively is crucial in various applications, especially in portable systems or isolated systems where real-time supervision is required. The method used in this research is the utilization of the ESP8266 module as the main microcontroller connected to the INA219 sensor to monitor the battery voltage, current, and power in real-time. The data obtained by the INA219 sensor is transmitted through the WiFi network managed by ESP8266 to a server or monitoring platform accessible to users via Blynk a web-based application or mobile application. The test results show that the system is capable of providing accurate information about the battery condition, including the charge level, usage current, and potential issues such as overcharge or undercharge. The implementation of this system is expected to be applicable in various applications, including renewable energy systems, portable devices, and electric vehicles, to improve battery performance and safety. The INA219 module as a voltage and current sensor found a voltage reading error percentage with a range of 0%-0.66% and an average of 0.18%. For readings at current with an error range of 0.91%-7.57%. For internal resistance readings which are calculated based on dividing the clamp voltage value by the circuit current, an error range of 0.04% -30.36% is found.

Amyloid‐based functional materials and their application in flexible sensors

AbstractFlexible electronic devices have garnered increasing attention for their applications in wearable devices, biomedical systems, soft robots, and flexible displays. However, the current sensors face limitations regarding low sensitivity, poor stability, and inadequate adhesion bonding between stimuli‐responsive functional materials and flexible substrates. To overcome these challenges and enable the further development of sensor devices, surface modification of stimuli‐responsive materials with amyloid aggregates has emerged as a promising approach to enhance functionality and create superior multifunctional sensors. This review presents recent research advancements in the flexible sensors based on protein amyloid aggregation. The article begins by explaining the basic principles of protein amyloid aggregation, followed by outlining the process of preparing 1D to 3D amyloid‐based composite materials. Finally, it discusses the utilization of protein amyloid aggregation as a surface modification technique for developing flexible sensors. Based on this foundation, we identify the shortcomings associated with protein amyloid aggregate composites and propose possible solutions to address them. We believe that comprehensive investigations in this area will expedite the development of high‐performance flexible sensors with high sensitivity, high structural stability, and strong interface adhesion, especially the implantable flexible sensors for health monitoring.

A wideband vibration sensor with piecewise nonlinear and up-frequency coupling strategy for mechanical fault monitoring

Vibration analysis using vibration sensors is an effective method of monitoring mechanical faults. However, most current vibration sensors have a narrow working frequency range and a low-frequency vibration response. Therefore, broadening the frequency band to detect high-frequency vibration signals is imperative. This paper proposes a self-powered vibration sensor based on a broadband hybrid generator (VS-BHG) that incorporates a piecewise nonlinear and up-frequency coupling strategy through collisions between the suspension and fixed part, thereby effectively expanding the operational frequency range. By implementing this strategic approach, the VS-BHG can effectively capture the vibration energy across a broad frequency spectrum ranging from 5 to 38 Hz and exhibit a robust linear response to acceleration within the frequency range of 20–1600 Hz. A machine running state monitoring system based on the VS-BHG is established, enabling the recognition of 16 different running states and fault types in industrial fans with an accuracy rate of 98.38 % using a deep-learning model. This paper presents an efficient and viable method for monitoring broadband mechanical fault.

Effective Dissolution of a Gaseous Odorant in Liquid Using Gas Flow

AbstractOlfactory receptors are known for their high specificity, sensitivity, and nanometer‐sized sensing element, making them ideal for in situ odorant sensor applications. However, one of the major limitations of these sensors is the requirement for an aqueous environment to maintain their function, while most odorants are poorly soluble in water. To address this issue, a microfluidic device consisting of a gas‐flow channel and a microwell is proposed that enables the effective dissolution of a gaseous odorant in an aqueous solution. Computational simulations are used to design the gas‐flow channel and the well, and the performance of the odorant dissolution is verified using the fabricated device. This study considers that convection in water induced by the gas flow enhances the dissolution of a gaseous odorant. The feasibility of the device is demonstrated for on‐site detection of a gaseous odorant. This approach facilitates the development of highly responsive and portable sensors utilizing olfactory receptors, offering a promising solution to the limitations of current odorant sensors.

Numerical simulation and experimental studies of rotational eddy current detection of cracks around rivet holes

Multi-layered aeronautical structures, such as fuselage panels and wings, are composed of several layers of materials such as metal and composites. These structures are prone to damage such as corrosion, cracks and delamination between layers, which can compromise their structural integrity. Eddy current sensors are an essential tool for the inspection and preventive maintenance of multi-layered aeronautical structures, contributing to the safety and reliability of these crucial components. Differential-mode eddy current sensors are particularly well-suited for the inspection of multi-layer aerospace structures around dished-head rivets. The differential measurement improves the detection and characterization of defects in these complex geometries, which are prone to fatigue, corrosion, and other types of damage. The advantages of differential mode are improved sensitivity to small defects, elimination of lift-off variations (distance between the sensor and the surface), reduced electromagnetic interference and detection of defects around rivets, which are critical and difficult to access areas. This work deals with a study of the rotational differential sensor signal according to geometrical parameters of fastener holes defect. It is carried out by an eddy current nondestructive testing system implemented under COMSOL Multiphysics. Indeed, despite its rapidity, the results have shown that the sensor is sensitive to the hole defects when the distances Sensor/Rivet and Lift-off are reduced. As predicted, the experimental results have shown the presence of unsuitable signals caused by the additional Lift-off and the distance Sensor/Rivet. As a solution, these tow parameters should be reduced and kept constant in order to get a better defect signal.

Performance improvement of NiO/YSZ sensitive electrode for high temperature electrochemical NOx gas sensors

In the mixed-potential gas sensor, the electrode type, particle size, microstructural morphology, as well as the interface state between the oxide-sensitive electrode and the solid electrolyte, are the key factors for determining the magnitude of the mixed potential. NiO-based material with the addition of Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ) particles is considered as one of the promising sensitive electrode materials for preparing the mixed-potential NOx sensors due to its excellent gas sensitivity. In this paper, the preparation technology of NiO-sensitive electrodes is developed and optimized for improving NOx (NO and NO2) gas-sensitivity properties of the NOx sensors. The experimental results show that the addition of YSZ can effectively improve the agglomeration morphology of NiO particles in the NOx-YSZ-based electrode material during high temperature sintering (i.e. 1200 °C) and enhance the bonding strength with the solid electrolyte. The sensor which was prepared by using the developed NOx-YSZ-based electrode material with the YSZ addition of 20 wt% has the most sensitive response characteristic to NO gas, and its response potential value increases with NO gas concentration. Elevating electrode sintering temperature can increase the size of NiO particles and shorten the length of the three-phase boundary (TPB) in the sensitive electrode. The average length of TPB is the longest in the sensitive electrode sintered at 1000 °C which corresponds to the best sensitive response to NO gas. The sensitive electrode's thickness also affects the NO response sensitivity, and the sensor with an electrode thickness of 14 μm has the most NO response sensitivity. In addition, the NO/NO2 gas mixture test results indicate that the current developed sensor is more sensitive to NO2 gas than that of NO gas.

Medium dynamic field range linear bipolar spin valve sensor through soft pinning the sensing layer

Magnetic sensor with spin valve-GMR technology with medium dynamic range is designed for a diversity of applications, including linear and rotary position measurements, proximity switches, and current sensors. For this, the sensing layer (SL) of the spin valve stack was modified by a soft pinning layer (SPL) through an exchange bias field created by an antiferromagnetic layer which has a lower blocking temperature than the one that is kept adjacent to the pinned layer. Numerical simulation was carried out to control the bias field by keeping a non-magnetic Ru spacer layer between the SPL and SL layers and the results were experimentally verified. The magnetic sensor was fabricated with linear operating field range of the order ±100 Oe having a sensitivity of the order of 0.1 m V V−1 Oe−1 near zero field. The thermal performance confirms that the device can be operated in the temperature range of −40 ∘C to 125 ∘C and it has a thermal coefficient of voltage around 15 µV V−1∘C−1.

Embroidered Interdigitated Electrodes (IDTs) with Wireless Readout for Continuous Biomarker Monitoring.

Non-invasive continuous health monitoring has become feasible with the advancement of biosensors. While monitoring certain biomarkers such as heart rate or skin temperature are now at a certain maturity, monitoring molecular biomarkers is still challenging. Progress has been shown in sampling, measurement, and interpretation of data toward non-invasive molecular sensors that can be integrated into daily wearable items. Toward this goal, this paper explores the potential of embroidered interdigitated transducer (IDT)-based sensors for non-invasive, continuous monitoring of human biomarkers, particularly glucose levels, in human sweat. The study employs innovative embroidery techniques to create flexible fabric-based sensors with gold-coated IDTs. In controlled experiments, we have shown the variation of glucose concentration in water can be wirelessly detected by tracking the resonant frequency of the embroidered sensors. The current sensors operate at 1.8 GHz to 2 GHz and respond to the change in glucose concentration with a sensitivity of 0.17 MHz/(mg/dL). The embroidered IDT-based sensors with wireless sensing will be a new measurement modality for molecular wearable sensors. The establishment of a wireless sensing mechanism for embroidered IDT-based sensors will be followed by an investigation of sweat for molecular detection. This will require adding functionalities for sampling and interpretation of acquired data. We envisage the embroidered IDT-based sensors offer a unique approach for seamless integration into clothing, paving the way for personalised, continuous health data capture.

High sensitivity fiber optic current sensor based on Fabry–Perot interferometer manufactured by femtosecond laser

Abstract A novel fiber optic current sensor was prepared based on femtosecond laser processing technology and magnetostrictive material Terfenol-D. Its principle is to use the linear stretching of Terfenol-D material under the action of current to cause linear shift in the sensor spectrum. Firstly, we fabricated Fabry–Perot interferometer (FPI1) using femtosecond laser in a tapered few mode fiber. Then, FPI2 was prepared using the end face of FPI1, quartz capillary, and single-mode fiber. When cascading FPI1 and FPI2, by adjusting the air-cavity length of FPI2, they form a harmonic vernier effect (HVE) sensor. In HVE sensors, FPI1 forms a cantilever beam inside the capillary, which is not affected by axial strain. Therefore, when the axial strain acts on the HVE sensor, the effective length of axial strain increases to the entire length of the quartz capillary, greatly amplifying the strain sensitivity. Finally, the Terfenol-D rod is pasted onto the HVE strain sensor, and the strain change coupled to the strain sensor caused by magnetic field changes is detected by measuring the wavelength shift of the sensor. As the magnetic field strength is directly proportional to the current in the energized coil, this sensor can measure current. The experiment found that the current sensitivity of the sensor is 5.30 nm A−1 in the range of 0.5 A–3.3 A, and the linear fitting coefficient is 0.9926. Additionally, the minimum measurable current change of the sensor is 23 mA. The current sensor is of advantages of high sensitivity, stable sensing performance, compact structure, easy fabrication and low cost, meaning wide application prospect.

Inspection of aluminum sheets using a multi-element eddy current sensor: 2d and 3d imaging of surface defects of various sizes and internal defects at various depths

In the industrial sector, ensuring reliability and durability is of paramount importance. Our research aims to advance beyond conventional non-destructive testing methods by focusing on thorough defect detection and imaging. We utilize advanced, sensor-enhanced eddy current testing, featuring multiple elements arranged in a cutting-edge serial array. This innovative configuration addresses the issue of magnetic repulsion between sensor elements, thereby speeding up the testing process and ensuring precise results through both 3D and 2D imaging. This sophisticated approach allows us to more effectively characterize defects of varying sizes and depths in aluminum sheets. By meticulously collecting and analyzing data from the sensors, we can identify the appearance and nature of these defects with greater clarity. Our findings introduce a pioneering method for defect detection, highlighting the efficacy of our advanced testing technique. Our research underscores the potential of multi-element eddy current sensors in revolutionizing the inspection process. The ability to produce detailed 3D and 2D images of surface and internal defects represents a significant leap forward in non-destructive testing. This comprehensive imaging capability not only accelerates the detection process but also enhances the accuracy and reliability of defect characterization. By employing this state-of-the-art technology, we can detect even the smallest and most deeply embedded defects that traditional methods might miss. The precise imaging provided by our approach ensures that defects of various sizes and depths are accurately identified and characterized. This level of detail is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and performance of aluminum sheets used in industrial applications. Our research demonstrates a groundbreaking approach to defect detection in aluminum sheets, leveraging the advanced capabilities of multi-element eddy current sensors. The innovative use of a serial array of sensors, combined with sophisticated data analysis techniques, allows for rapid, accurate, and detailed imaging of defects. These findings pave the way for improved reliability and durability in industrial applications, setting a new standard for non-destructive testing.

Reliability Assessment and Multi-Physics Simulation of Additively Printed Wearable Humidity Sensor with Super Capacitive Material for Astronaut in Extreme Condition

Abstract Additive technologies, such as aerosol jet printing, direct write printing are increasingly being used in the production of printed circuit boards because they eliminate the need for costly tooling, such as photomasks or etching containers. This is because additive methods allow for the direct deposition of printing materials onto a substrate. This versatility in a broad variety of applications allows engineers to create diverse applications, such as sensing devices with ECG sensors, pulse-oxygen sensors, galvanic skin response sensors, body temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and so on. Due to its potential for adaptability and integration, the development of additively printed humidity sensors has been the subject of several prior investigations. There are still issues with the reliability of current humidity sensor technology when flexing force is coupled with the humidity sensor. For the avoidance of stability issues, it is required to develop a better printing technique, process recipe, and sensing material encapsulation. In this research, the direct-write (D-write) printing approach with a nScrypt printer was employed to print the humidity sensor as a test vehicle in a laboratory setting. The sensor was characterized by analyzing the print recipe and its interaction with humidity in regards to resistance and humidity sensitivity. Additionally, the characterization of sensor accuracy, hysteresis, linearity, and stability in relation to temperature and humidity variation has been measured. Furthermore, a multi-physics simulation model was created in order to comprehend the electrochemical processes that occur when the humidity sensor is exposed to a very humid environment.

Instrumentation of Cross Electromagnetic Eddy Current Sensing for Internal Pipeline Inspection

Instrumentation of Cross Electromagnetic Eddy Current Sensing for Internal Pipeline Inspection

Correction: High-Sensitive Detection of E. coli Bacteria Based on Low-Etching Current Density Meso Porous Silicon Electrical Sensor

Correction: High-Sensitive Detection of E. coli Bacteria Based on Low-Etching Current Density Meso Porous Silicon Electrical Sensor

TCAD Modelling of Magnetic Hall Effect Sensors

In this paper, a gallium nitride (GaN) magnetic Hall effect current sensor is simulated in 2D and 3D using the TCAD Sentaurus simulation toolbox. The model takes into account the piezoelectric polarization effect and the Shockley–Read–Hall (SRH) and Fermi–Dirac statistics for all simulations. The galvanic transport model of TCAD Sentaurus is used to model the Lorentz force and magnetic behaviour of the sensor. The current difference, total current, and sensitivity simulations are systematically calibrated against experimental data. The sensor is optimised using varying geometrical and biasing parameters for various ambient temperatures. This unintentionally doped ungated current sensor has enhanced sensitivity to 16.5 %T−1 when reducing the spacing between the drains to 1 μm and increasing the source to drain spacing to 76 μm. It is demonstrated that the sensitivity degrades at 448 K (S = 12 %T−1), 373 K (S = 14.1 %T−1) compared to 300 K (S = 16.5 %T−1). The simulation results demonstrate a high sensitivity of GaN sensors at elevated temperatures, outperforming silicon counterparts.

Integration of a Smart Power Meter for Monitoring Household Energy Consumption in Prepaid Electrical Systems

Indonesian households have widely embraced the prepaid electricity payment system. The system relies on electricity credits, with each electrical device consuming credits as a unit of measurement for energy usage. A common issue is the automatic cutoff of electricity supply when the credits are depleted. This research designed a smart power meter using Current Transformer and voltage sensors. The electrical token value is then stored in the Arduino's EEPROM before being transmitted to the NodeMCU. The NodeMCU transfers the data to Antares using the MQTT protocol to forward it to the subscriber, typically an Android device. The data sent to the Android application includes current, voltage, active power, frequency, cos φ, and electrical credits. The measurement of electricity consumption on a kWh meter involves subtracting the value of the input electricity token from the device-measured electricity usage. The device sends a WhatsApp message when the remaining credit exceeds 10 kWh. The prototype of the smart power meter demonstrates practical functionality, with the current sensor accuracy at 99.983% and the voltage sensor accuracy at 99.999%. The largest measurement difference of the electric credit balance between the PLN Meter and the prototype is 0.04 kWh over a test period of 72 hours.