LabVIEW Interface Research Articles

REFRIGERANT CHARGING UNIT FOR THE RESIDENTIAL AIR CONDITIONERS: AN EXPERIMENT

In the present work, an automatic R410A refrigerant charger for residential air conditioners is fabricated and tested. The charger operates on the throttling principle and uses the suction pressure of the compressor to estimate the refrigerant charge level. This helps to reduce the risk of compressor damage and ensures the correct composition ratio of R410A refrigerant when charged into the machine. The charging process is controlled by the LabVIEW platform, which provides adequate control and visualization of the charging process. The developed charger meets expectations in solving the technical problems encountered when charging R410A refrigerant for residential air conditioners. It is compact, portable and can be directly controlled through the LabVIEW interface, allowing real-time visualization of the charging process. The present work is expected to make a significant practical contribution, serving as a useful reference for the future manufacturing of compact portable equipment in the residential air conditioning field.

Computer-Based Experiment for the Motion of Spring Oscillator on a Linear Air Track Using Ultrasonic Sensor.

In the present paper, an affordable innovative physical experimental equipment consisting of an upper computer, an ultrasonic sensor module, and an Arduino microcontroller has been designed. The relationship between the position of the slider fixed on two springs and time is measured by using the ultrasonic sensor module. A system for slider motion data and image acquisition is constructed by using the LabVIEW interface of Arduino UNO R3. The purpose of this experiment is to demonstrate and interpret the propagation of waves represented by harmonic motion. The spring oscillator system including a slider and two springs is measured and recorded, and the motion can be realized using curve fitting to the wave equation in Sigmaplot. The vibration periods obtained from experimental measurements and curve fitting of the wave equation are 1.130 s and 1.165 s, respectively. The experimental data are in good agreement with the theoretical model. The experimental measurement results show that the maximum kinetic energy is 0.0792 J, the maximum potential energy is 0.0795 J, and the total energy at the position of half the amplitude is 0.0791 J. The results verify the mechanical energy conservation of spring oscillator system in a short time. This self-made instrument has improved the visualization and the automation level of the corresponding experiments.

Low-cost electrocardiogram monitoring system for elderly people using LabVIEW

Cardiovascular diseases increase due to factors such as obesity, an inadequate diet, and are a problem due to shortages of medical personnel and hospitals. In this case, the implementation of technological solutions is presented as a necessity to prevent heart diseases. Various approaches are used to design low-cost electrocardiogram (ECG) devices, from the use of Bluetooth technology to facilitate data transmission, to the development of wearable ECG devices that use artificial intelligence. The objective is to develop a monitoring system in LabVIEW to visualize the heart rhythms of older adults in the city of Lima (Peru), focusing on ease of use and adaptation to their needs, with the purpose of collaboration between health professionals. A development approach is used that encompasses design, implementation, and iterative testing, as well as practical evaluations and pilot testing. As a result, the correct functioning of the ECG device was validated. Electronic components and electrodes were integrated into the board to capture cardiac signals, energized with batteries and sending the information to an interface in LabVIEW. In conclusion, a portable ECG device has been developed that uses operational amplifiers (Op-amps) and analog filters to reduce noise in cardiac measurements and an intuitive interface in LabVIEW

The coupled-motion enhanced wireless signal transmission with long distance based on Maxwell’s displacement current

Wireless signal transmission plays an increasingly imperative role in numerous aspects of modern society, but it still remains challenging to achieve it with low-cost and efficient way. Herein, we demonstrate a long-distance wireless signal transmission system, which mainly includes an electrodeless triboelectric nanogenerator coupled with linear motion and rotational motion (LR-TENG) as a transmitter and a receiver located at a distance. Based on the varying electric field originated from Maxwell's displacement current, the maximum transmission distance of LR-TENG can reach 86 cm under the external excitation of 1 Hz, creating the highest record among the relevant researches. In addition, the influence of obstacle type, thickness, size and position on signal transmission has been systematically investigated for the first time, and the distribution of time-varying electric field in space is also analyzed qualitatively. Furthermore, a Labview interface is developed for accurate positioning in complex scenes relying on the received signals from multiple receivers at different positions. This work illustrates a simple and feasible design method for extending the distance of wireless signal transmission based on TENG, and promotes its application in the field of wireless communication.

Ground Wave Propagation Measurement using DAQ Module and LabVIEW

Utilizing a data acquisition (DAQ) module and LABVIEW programming requires to develop in earth science/ engineering and equivalent, especially for educational purposes. This study implemented a geophone and an accelerometer to measure ground wave propagation with a study case of soil surface. Its measurement method consists of two modes. Firstly, the geophone is close to a wave source. Then, its position is changed by the accelerometer. The DAQ converts the detected signals from both sensors and then the LABVIEW interface processes and displays the outputs on the computer. The system can sense and reconstruct waveforms with a steady sampling frequency from 5 to 50 kHz. Also, it can automatically calculate a wave velocity by identifying the rising or falling edges of the wave signal and counting its arrival time within the distance between two sensors. As a result, it produces a better result at an interval of 0.2-0.6 m with a computed wave velocity of 72.531 m/s on average, even though a correction variable should be appended to the outcomes, amplified by two.

Data Acquiring System for Gas Turbine Engine’s Dynamic Performance; Build and Validate

ABSTRACT Gas Turbine Engines (GTE) have the highest power-to-weight ratio among Internal Combustion Engines (ICE). Its modularity and ability to utilize various types of fuel make it highly recommended in power plants, naval transportation, and, of course, the most equipped in aviation. The lack of GTEs’ real data is increasing a recognized need for collecting informative real data sets from GTEs for modeling, monitoring, and fault diagnosis and isolation (FDI). In the present article, a robust versatile data acquisition measuring system has been built to collect real-time data from an axial turboshaft GTE. The system facilitates connectivity and integrity by means of two wiring harnesses connecting the data acquisition card (DAQ), the engine’s control unit, and the operator’s control console. Mobility is guaranteed using a wireless connection between DAQ and a customized programmable LabVIEW interface application. Many experiments have been conducted in different operating conditions to collect the engine and controller’s data in different regimes. The measured signals have been filtered using software-implemented filters and transformed into the right measurement quantities. The experiment data have been analyzed for different regimes, and the milestone documented readings were compared with the measured ones to validate the accuracy and precision of the measuring system. The system is valid for collecting informative data sets that are usable for modeling the engine’s dynamic performance and fault detection.

Labview-Matlab integration for analyzing energy data of PV plants

The paper proposes the design of a Labview interface for acquiring, pre-processing, processing and visualizing data deriving from PhotoVoltaic (PV) plants. Some specific procedures for analyzing the energy performances of PV plants and implemented in Matlab environment have been integrated in the Labview interface. Its user-friendly approach allows the utilization of these complex routines to everybody. As voltage, current and energy of the DC side as well as of the AC side can give useful information about the operation of the PV plant (not only if failure is present but also if little mis-operation is), the proposed interface allows also to compare the data of a specific date with other ones. The comparison with the data of the same date of a previous year allows to verify the trend of the performances, provided that similar environmental conditions exist. A real application is presented.

Suppression of thermo-acoustic instabilities in horizontal Rijke tube using pulsating radial jets

Thermo-acoustic instability has been observed in gas turbines, rocket engines, and aero-engines. Acoustic perturbations grow and change the characteristics of the flow due to instability. The present work describes the use of pulsating air jets to suppress the thermo-acoustic instabilities. In present study pulsatile micro-jets are placed downstream of the burner radially which breaks the coupling between acoustic waves and unsteady heat release.A microphone connected to LIFA (LabVIEW Interface for Arduino) was used to detect the sound pressure levels. By controlling the airflow rate of the pulsatile jets, the sound pressure levels were suppressed down to the background noise level using minimum energy and time. A closed-loop control system is developed for this purpose, which works on the feedback signal acquired from microphone. To simulate the one dimensional combustion phenomenon, an experimental setup called Rijke tube was used. The suppression was most effective for the pulsatile jets of 27-33 Hz pulsation frequency range and at a flow rate of 6.8 LPM. This control strategy effectively controlled the combustion instability of around 35-42 dB.•The closed loop control method is built on DAQ and Arduino using the LabVIEW interface for Arduino (LIFA).•Developed closed loop active control method was observed to be effective for suppression of thermo-acoustic instability.•Optimum position of the radial planes of micro-jets with respect to the burner was decided to improve the efficacy of the pulsatile jets towards suppression of thermo-acoustic instability.

Optimalisasi Labview Sebagai Kendali dan Monitoring Arus Tegangan pada Modul Solar Cell Menggunakan Jaringan Lokal

Renewable energy sources in Indonesia have been widely used, one of which is solar energy, for various needs, one of which is for solar power generation by using solar cells as the medium. In generating electricity, solar cells are very dependent on the intensity of the sun so as to produce currents and voltages that are not constant. Because of this, a monitoring system was created to monitor the current and voltage in a solar cell module to determine current and voltage conditions. In this study, the monitoring system used wireless data transmission via the XBee S2C module installed on the Arduino Mega 2560 and Arduino UNO. The INA 219 sensor is mounted on a solar cell module along with a relay module connected to the Arduino Mega 2560 and the XBee S2C module. The test results show that wireless data transmission cannot be used indoors at a distance of more than 20 meters. The INA 219 sensor as a reader for DC current and voltage parameters has an error rate of 0.49% to 0.75% for voltage and for DC current readings it has an error rate of 1.85%. The results of current and voltage readings are displayed on a LabVIEW interface in real-time and can be accessed via a web browser using a local network. Relay control carried out through LabVIEW has a delay time of 6.08 seconds. Logging data can be stored in .xls files and data displayed on a web browser has a delay of one to two seconds.

Development of prototype and measurement, control and automation system in real time for small production greenhouses

The main objective of this work is to develop a real-time control system and accessible instrumentation for small production greenhouses located in the State of Guanajuato; whose goal is to increase production, make optimal use of the irrigation system and efficient water management. For this, a prototype of a greenhouse irrigation system was built with the inclusion of temperature sensors, environmental relative humidity, flowmeters, solenoid solenoid valves and soil humidity sensors, these values are compared with a numerical model to corroborate the magnitudes obtained and assess the delivery of flow and irrigation time in each section of the laboratory greenhouse. The development of a graphical interface in LabVIEW for the control and operation of sensors and the complete irrigation system stands out, being this quite intuitive and easy to use for a farmer. The results obtained from the work show differences between the measured and modeled of the hydrodynamic variables in a range of 8 to 10%, where it is concluded in an improvement in the development of the code in Arduino for its optimization in response time and migration to mobile platforms.

Development of closed-loop active control method for suppression of thermoacoustic instability using radial air micro-jets

Thermoacoustic instabilities present in the combustor of power producing devices are having adverse effects on the performance. To avoid thermoacoustic instabilities, design of control method is very much essential. Design and development of a closed loop control method is a real challenge for combustor. Active control methods are advantageous than passive methods. The characterization of thermoacoustic instability is essential for effective design of control method. The selection of appropriate controller and it's design depends on characterization of thermoacoustic instabilities. In this method the feedback signal acquired from microphone is used to control the flow rate of radial micro-jets. The developed method is implemented effectively to suppress thermoacoustic instabilities in a one dimensional combustor (Rijke tube). The airflow to the radial micro-jets injector was controlled using a control unit which consist of a stepper motor coupled with a needle valve, and an airflow sensor. Radial micro-jets are used to break a coupling and act as an active closed-loop method. The control method used radial jets effectively to control the thermoacoustic instability and reduces sound pressure level to background level (100 dB to 44 dB) in short span of time (10 Second).•LabVIEW Interface for Arduino (LIFA), LabVIEW, and DAQ are very useful in developed closedloop active control method.•Developed closed loop active control method is very effective for suppression of thermoacoustic instability.•Developed closed loop active control method used air in the form micro jets to control thermoacoustic instabilities.

Zirconium metal-organic framework and hybridized Co-NPC@MXene nanocomposite-coated fabric for stretchable, humidity-resistant triboelectric nanogenerators and self-powered tactile sensors

High-performance triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have become more attractive for energy harvesting and self-powered sensing applications. Herein, a stretchable, humidity-resistant, and high-performance multilayered TENG (M-TENG) is newly developed for self-powered biomotion and tactile sensing applications by using a zirconium metal-organic framework (MOF-525)@Ecoflex nanocomposite with a layer of Ecoflex@cobalt-nanoporous carbon (Co-NPC)@MXene. The MOF-525 improved TENG’s performance four times due to homogeneous porosity and high charge accumulation. The porous structure of the Co-NPC functions as charge traps, promoting high charge-trapping capability, while the MXene nanosheets operate as microcapacitors, improving transport-ions inside the Ecoflex@Co-NPC@MXene nanocomposite (charge-trapping and charge-transport). When the Ecoflex@Co-NPC@MXene nanocomposite was added as an intermediate layer, it captured triboelectric charges from the charge-generating layer and accumulated more negative charges, improving the M-TENG performance by 13 times. A 3D-printed microstructure is apprehended to the surface to increase contact area and humidity-resistant. Besides, knitted fabrics provide flexible electrodes due to their excellent stretchability. The as-prepared M-TENG showed excellent performance, including a power density of 25.7 W/m2, sensitivity (149 V/KPa), humidity-resistant, and stretchability (245%) which are superior to the previously reported TENGs. By exploiting the outstanding stretchability of the M-TENG and its ultra-high sensitivity to mechanical stimuli, practical applications were successfully demonstrated in low-frequency wearable biomotion monitoring, biomechanical energy harvesting, high-precision character recognition, and as a self-powered tactile sensor. Furthermore, the real-time sensing capability was demonstrated via the LabVIEW interface and virtual-reality car games control by tracing the finger. Therefore, this work is anticipated to open exciting opportunities for wearable energy harvesters, self-powered sensing systems, and human-machine interfaces.

X-ray scintillator lens-coupled with CMOS camera for pre-clinical cardiac vascular imaging-A feasibility study.

We present the design and characterization of an X-ray imaging system consisting of an off-the-shelf CMOS sensor optically coupled to a CsI scintillator. The camera can perform both high-resolution and functional cardiac imaging. High-resolution 3D imaging requires microfocus X-ray tubes and expensive detectors, while pre-clinical functional cardiac imaging requires high flux pulsed (clinical) X-ray tubes and high-end cameras. Our work describes an X-ray camera, namely an “optically coupled X-ray(OCX) detector,” used for both the aforementioned applications with no change in the specifications. We constructed the imaging detector with two different CMOS optical imaging cameras called CMOS sensors, 1.A monochrome CMOS sensor coupled with an f1.4 lens and 2.an RGB CMOS sensor coupled with an f0.95 prime lens. The imaging system consisted of our X-ray camera, micro-focus X-ray source (50kVp and 1mA), and a rotary stage controlled from a personal computer (PC) and LabVIEW interface. The detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of the imaging system(monochrome) estimated using a cascaded linear model was 17% at 10 lp/mm. The system modulation transfer function (MTF) and the noise power spectrum (NPS) were inputs to the DQE estimation. Because of the RGB camera’s low quantum efficiency (QE), the OCX detector DQE was 19% at 5 lp/mm. The contrast to noise ratio (CNR) at different frame rates was studied using the capillary tubes filled with various dilutions of iodinated contrast agents. In-vivo cardiac angiography demonstrated that blood vessels of the order of 100 microns or above were visible at 40 frames per second despite the low X-ray flux. For high-resolution 3D imaging, the system was characterized by imaging a cylindrical micro-CT contrast phantom and comparing it against images from a commercial scanner.

Design and development of a novel multichannel data acquisition system using labview for an automobile air conditioning application

To sustain in the ever-changing environment and to combat the atmospheric effect, development of a highly efficient and an environment friendly air conditioning system which can run in parallel or as an alternative to an existing vapor compression system is the need of the hour and such novel hybrid air conditioning system are under development today. For the parameters attribution mapping of such novel hybrid air conditioning system, todays commercially available data acquisition systems (DAS) need to be customized to the requirements of addition of sensor nodes and their integration with triggering mechanism for actuation of devices for its programmed operation. Therefore, this paper describes the design and development of novel multichannel data acquisition system (NMDAS) for automobile air conditioning application. The details of the hardware design, software design, error analysis and testing of the NMDAS are presented. The proposed NMDAS uses PLC module DVP16SP configured with analog reader DVP 04TC for temperature measurement at 32 nodes and DVP04AD for pressure or humidity measurements at 8 nodes. The triggering circuit for activation of the relay is enabled using NI LabVIEW user interface and PLC data. The output of the NMDAS is integrated with processor by RS 232 port for data storage and processing. The error analysis of temperature, pressure and humidity measurements are done by comparing with reference calibration standards. The average thermal stability of the temperature sensors over the operating range of -5˚C to 150˚C is 0.0015°C. The average accuracy of pressure transmitters for operating range of pressure 0 to 40bar is estimated 98.219%. The minimum error in the output current is 0.375% and maximum error is 7.125% over relative humidity span of 0%RH to 100% RH respectively. The proposed NMDAS is used for testing of the novel hybrid air conditioning system of automobile during development stage and is found expedient.

An Artificial Heart System for Testing and Evaluation of Cardiac Pacemakers

The usability assessment of a pacemaker is a complex task where the dedicated programmer for testing programmed algorithms is necessary. This paper provides the outcomes of development and complex testing of the artificial cardiac system to evaluate the pacemaker’s functionality. In this work, we used the modular laboratory platform ELVIS II and created graphical user interface in LabVIEW programming environment. The electrical model of the heart allows signals generation (right atrium, right ventricle) and the monitoring of the stimulation pulses. The LabVIEW user interface allows to set the parameters of the generated signals and the simulation of the cardiac rhythm disorders as well as the monitoring and visualization of the pacemaker behavior in real-time. The results demonstrate the capability of proposed system to evaluate the paced and sensed pulses. The proposed solution allows the scientists to test the behavior of any cardiac pacemaker for its pre-programmed settings and pacing mode. In addition, the proposed system can simulate various disorders and test cardiac pacemakers in different working modes.

Design and Automation of a vertical electrospinning system for manufacturing nanofibers

The objective of this research consists of the design, construction and automation of the electrospinning mechatronic system to obtain nanofibers. As a first stage, the structure of the electrospinning mechatronic system and the distribution, injection and manifold system were designed and built. In the second stage, the open-loop control system was outlined and implemented. It is made up of: control, isolation stage, and the plant. In the first element, the LabView interface and ATMega2560 microcontroller were used to manipulate the variables of the injection speed and distribution of the solution, the speed of the nanofiber collector and the height between the capillary tube and the collector, the magnitude of the temperature and humidity from the environment, also, the graphic interface was developed, the second element consists of isolating the control and power stage in addition to amplifying the command signals and enabling the correction elements, the third element receiving the signals from the power stage to perform the action and produce a change in the controlled variables in the process. With this prototype, it is intended to obtain nanofibers from different polymer solutions for use in the area of catalysis and biomaterials.

Biomechanical device for quantification of parameters associated with the ‘sit-to-stand’ patients performance

Abstract Background In Daily Living Activities, the ‘Sit-to-Stand’ movement is essential to carry out several tasks, many of them starting from sitting and needing to get up. This movement stimulates a set of important muscles in the context of physical-motor activity and lower limb rehabilitation procedures. This work presents an interactive biomechanical device, based on two instrumented arms, to monitor the support force and arms angle, necessary to perform the ‘Sit-to-Stand’ movement. Methods The prototype incorporates aluminum support and two tubular arms instrumented with eight strain gauges, connected to a NI data board and a PC, allowing the quantification of the force applied during the sit-to-stand performance as well as the angle of the arms. A Labview user interface interacts with the user and the data can be visualized and recorded during the time. Results The device has been tested with a group of healthy volunteers, performing a sit-to-stand test protocol from a chair. In all the tests, the force applied, and the hand position have been quantified during the time necessary to perform the task. Conclusions The biomechanical device provides the quantification and identification of the harm force and position during the sit-to-stand movement. The system can be used as a force-time/position-time analysis, providing the analysis of recovery in patients who are undergoing physical-motor rehabilitation procedures of the lower limbs, such as post-stroke patients and institutionalized geriatric populations. The device can also allow biofeedback stimuli in rehabilitation activities through a graphical computer interface, such as a game.

THE BONE MICROSTRUCTURE IDENTIFICATION MODEL BASED ON BACKSCATTER MODE OF ULTRASOUND

Osteoporosis is defined by a decrease in bone mass and a deterioration in bone microstructure. It is a major public health issue and a significant economic burden for both individuals and society. Thus, monitoring bone mass and structure is necessary to prevent bone fragility and osteoporosis. This study aimed to develop a prototype of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and to evaluate the feasibility of backscatter mode for the bone assessment. Ultrasound (US) signals that propagate through the bone can be characterized by comparing the signal from both transmitter and receiver transducers. The US backscattered signal depends on the characteristic of both medium and transducer. In this study, we analyzed the attenuated signal based on the parameters: type of bone (compact and spongy), type of coupling medium (air, starch, and gel), the angle between transducers and bone (30o, 60o, and 90o), and transducer distance (0, 10, 5, 15, 20 and 25 cm). We use only 1 MHz transducer frequency. The prototype has been evaluated by Digital Oscilloscope and LabVIEW user interface to observe received signals. The results of this study showed that there was a difference in amplitude of the US signal from compact and spongy bones. The amplitude is directly proportional to acoustic impedance and inversely proportional to the distance between transducers. There is a negative correlation between bone microstructure to attenuation, and compact bones have a greater attenuation coefficient than spongy bones.

Linear Regression Algorithm Results for a PV Dual-Axis Tracking-Type System

A photovoltaic (PV) module converts solar energy into electrical energy. In order to increase the output power of any PV module, several factors including tilt angle, orientation angle, load profile, environmental condition, latitude of the location site, and energy management techniques should be considered. It is essential to continuously deliver the highest possible power to a load for a given day, which may be achieved by using a tracking-type system as compared to a fixed-type system. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an algorithm that may be applied to a dual-axis system located in an elevated plateau of the interior of South Africa in order to sustain a high output power. Two identical 310W PV modules were used for a fixed-type and tracking-type system. The fixed-type system was installed at a tilt angle of Latitude minus 10° serving as a baseline to the tracking-type system. A LabView user interface was developed to record and display the voltage and current measurements from the PV modules. Results indicate that the dual-axis tracking-type system extracted more power (on average 39.32% more power) as compared to the fixed-type system. A key recommendation is to use a linear regression algorithm with a tracking-type system to enable a higher output energy yield for a given day.

Performance Investigation of the lifetime and efficiency of solar cell using surface photovoltage (SPV) method

In this paper the optical characterisation of mono crystalline fabricated solar cells has been investigated focusing on the minority carrier flow using surface photovoltage (SPV) technique and the efficiency of the solar cells has been evaluated by means of the sun simulator analysis. A computer-controlled incidence measurement system was designed for SPV measurements based on a mini mono-chromator, which was driven by a stepper motor to various wavelengths in the spectral range of 400–1200 nm. SPV is typically measured using Standard Research 510 lock-in amplifiers. A LabVIEW interface is employed for system control and data acquisition. Every step of the measurement has been described in detail throughout the whole experimental procedure. After calculating the experimental data obtained from monocrystalline silicon solar cell measurement, the length ( L ) of the minority carrier diffusion and lifetime (?) were calculated and results derived were 92 µm and almost 3.135 µs respectively. Typically in the laboratory experiment the efficiency is found in the range of 8–12% but with our experimental data we have successfully found the efficiency as 16.05% using the Sun Simulator K3000 LAB55. The results from the experimental data has promising application to assess the quality of the solar cells that are being used.