Inventions

15 pages, 2814 KB

Open AccessArticle

Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots for Thin-Film Illuminator and Cell Dyeing Applications

by Ruey-Shin Juang, Yi-Ru Li, Chun-Chieh Fu and Chien-Te Hsieh

Inventions 2025, 10(5), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions10050081 - 3 Sep 2025

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Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials due to their unique optical properties, high biocompatibility, and tunable surface functionalities. In this work, GQDs were synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal method and further functionalized using polyethylene glycol (PEG) of various molecular weights [...] Read more.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials due to their unique optical properties, high biocompatibility, and tunable surface functionalities. In this work, GQDs were synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal method and further functionalized using polyethylene glycol (PEG) of various molecular weights and sodium hydroxide to tailor their photoluminescence (PL) behavior and enhance their applicability in thin-film illumination and biological staining. PEG-modified GQDs exhibited a pronounced red-shift and intensified fluorescence response due to aggregation-induced emission, with GQD-PEG (molecular weight: 300,000) achieving up to eight-fold enhancement in PL intensity compared to pristine GQDs. The influence of solvent environments on PL behavior was studied, revealing solvent-dependent shifts and emission intensities. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of core–shell GQD clusters, while Raman spectroscopy suggested improved structural ordering upon modification. The prepared GQD thin films demonstrated robust fluorescence stability under prolonged water immersion, indicating strong adhesion to glass substrates. Furthermore, the modified GQDs effectively labeled E. coli, Gram-positive, and Gram-negative bacteria, with GQD-PEG and GQD-NaOH displaying red and green emissions, respectively, at optimal concentrations. This study highlights the potential of surface-functionalized GQDs as versatile materials for optoelectronic devices and fluorescence-based bioimaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Inventions and Innovation in Surface Science and Nanotechnology)

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15 pages, 2164 KB

Open AccessArticle

Coordinated Optimization of Multiple Reactive Power Sources for Transient Overvoltage Suppression for New Energy Sending-Out System

by Qinglei Zhang, Lei Luo, Xiaoping Wang, Dehai Zhang, Haibo Li, Zongxiang Lu and Ying Qiao

Inventions 2025, 10(5), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions10050080 - 1 Sep 2025

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Abstract

With the implementation of China’s “dual carbon” strategy, the installed capacity of new energy has grown rapidly. Wind power and photovoltaic power have accounted for more than 40%, but the integration of power electronic apparatus into the grid has resulted in the manifestation [...] Read more.

With the implementation of China’s “dual carbon” strategy, the installed capacity of new energy has grown rapidly. Wind power and photovoltaic power have accounted for more than 40%, but the integration of power electronic apparatus into the grid has resulted in the manifestation of a system with “low inertia and weak damping”, which can easily lead to transient overvoltage problems at transmitters when high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) latching faults occur. Although a variety of dynamic reactive power optimization strategies have been proposed in the existing research, most of them are aimed at single equipment, and multi-reactive power source collaborative control schemes are lacking. In this paper, we innovatively establish a transient voltage analysis model for a new energy transmitter, derive the expression of overvoltage amplitude, and propose a method for the construction of a multi-reactive source collaborative optimization model, which can effectively suppress transient overvoltage through capacity and initial output configuration. We provide a new idea for the safe operation of a significant percentage of new energy grids. The case analysis shows that the co-optimization method outlined in this paper is an effective solution to suppress the transient overvoltage triggered by AC faults and has wide application value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Inventions and Innovation in Electrical Engineering/Energy/Communications)

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25 pages, 4045 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimum Sizing of Solar Photovoltaic Panels at Optimum Tilt and Azimuth Angles Using Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm for Distribution Systems

by Preetham Goli, Srinivasa Rao Gampa, Amarendra Alluri, Balaji Gutta, Kiran Jasthi and Debapriya Das

Inventions 2025, 10(5), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions10050079 - 30 Aug 2025

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Abstract

This paper presents a novel methodology for the optimal sizing of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in distribution networks by determining the monthly optimum tilt and azimuth angles to maximize solar energy capture. Using one year of solar irradiation data, the Grey Wolf Optimizer [...] Read more.

This paper presents a novel methodology for the optimal sizing of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in distribution networks by determining the monthly optimum tilt and azimuth angles to maximize solar energy capture. Using one year of solar irradiation data, the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) is employed to optimize the tilt and azimuth angles with the objective of maximizing monthly solar insolation. Unlike existing approaches that assume fixed azimuth angles, the proposed method calculates both tilt and azimuth angles for each month, allowing for a more precise alignment with solar trajectories. The optimized orientation parameters are subsequently utilized to determine the optimal number and placement of PV panels, as well as the optimal location and sizing of shunt capacitor (SC) banks, for the IEEE 69-bus distribution system. This optimization is performed under peak load conditions using the GWO, with the objectives of minimizing active power losses, enhancing voltage profile stability, and maximizing PV system penetration. The long-term impact of this approach is assessed through a 20-year energy and economic savings analysis, demonstrating substantial improvements in energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Challenges in Emerging Power Systems: 2nd Edition)

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26 pages, 1692 KB

Open AccessReview

Comparative Assessment and Deployment of Zeolites, MOFs, and Activated Carbons for CO₂ Capture and Geological Sequestration Applications

by Mohamadou Hamadama Mouctar, Mohamed G Hassan, Nuno Bimbo, Syed Zaheer Abbas and Ihab Shigidi

Inventions 2025, 10(5), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions10050078 - 28 Aug 2025

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Abstract

The rising level of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a major driver of climate change, highlighting the need to develop carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies quickly. This paper offers a comparative review of three main groups of porous adsorbent materials—zeolites, [...] Read more.

The rising level of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a major driver of climate change, highlighting the need to develop carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies quickly. This paper offers a comparative review of three main groups of porous adsorbent materials—zeolites, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), and activated carbons—for their roles in CO₂ capture and long-term storage. By examining their structural features, adsorption capacities, moisture stability, and economic viability, the strengths and weaknesses of each material are assessed. Additionally, five different methods for delivering these materials into depleted oil and gas reservoirs are discussed: direct suspension injection, polymer-assisted transport, foam-assisted delivery, encapsulation with controlled release, and preformed particle gels. The potential of hybrid systems, such as MOF–carbon composites and polymer-functionalized materials, is also examined for improved selectivity and durability in underground environments. This research aims to connect materials science with subsurface engineering, helping guide the selection and use of adsorbent materials in real-world CCS applications. The findings support the optimization of CCS deployment and contribute to broader climate change efforts and the goal of achieving net-zero emissions. Key findings include CO₂ adsorption capacities of 3.5–8.0 mmol/g and surface areas up to 7000 m²/g, with MOFs demonstrating the highest uptake and activated carbons offering cost-effective performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Inventions and Innovation in Biotechnology and Materials)

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13 pages, 3334 KB

Open AccessArticle

Open-Access Crystal Plasticity Finite Element Implementation in ANSYS for Dislocation-Induced Nanoindentation in Magnesium

by Syed Taha Khursheed, Moein Imani Foumani, Yunhua Luo and Guo-zhen Zhu

Inventions 2025, 10(5), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions10050077 - 28 Aug 2025

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Abstract

This study focuses on developing and implementing crystal plasticity finite element modeling (CPFEM) codes on the ANSYS platform. The code incorporates a plasticity constitutive law that describes the behaviors of basal, prismatic, and pyramidal slips in magnesium, and is validated against plane-strain compression [...] Read more.

This study focuses on developing and implementing crystal plasticity finite element modeling (CPFEM) codes on the ANSYS platform. The code incorporates a plasticity constitutive law that describes the behaviors of basal, prismatic, and pyramidal slips in magnesium, and is validated against plane-strain compression experiments and simulations using established codes on the ABAQUS CAE platform. The validated CPFEM code is applied to simulate the dislocation-induced nanoindentation response of pure magnesium across different crystallographic orientations, allowing visualization of strain distributions associated with different slips. Consistent with experimental observations, basal slip is identified as the primary active slip, whereas prismatic and pyramidal slips show varying activities with respect to the direction of the indentation. Novelty arises from an ANSYS–native CPFEM implementation that is cross-validated against published ABAQUS simulations and an experiment under a single, consistent constitutive set. This framework enables orientation-resolved mapping of slip system activity and subsurface strain fields under spherical nanoindentation, providing analysis capability seldom available in prior ANSYS–based studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Inventions and Innovation in Design, Modeling and Computing Methods)

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16 pages, 3657 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Performance Evaluation of a Vision-Based Automated Oyster Size Classification System

by Jonghwan Baek, Seolha Kim, Chang-Hee Lee, Myeongsu Jeong, Jin-Ho Suh and Jaeyoul Lee

Inventions 2025, 10(5), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions10050076 - 27 Aug 2025

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Abstract

This study presents the development and validation of an automated oyster classification system designed to classify oysters by size and place them into trays for freezing. Addressing limitations in conventional manual processing, the proposed system integrates a vision-based recognition algorithm and a delta [...] Read more.

This study presents the development and validation of an automated oyster classification system designed to classify oysters by size and place them into trays for freezing. Addressing limitations in conventional manual processing, the proposed system integrates a vision-based recognition algorithm and a delta robot (parallel robot) equipped with a soft gripper. The vision system identifies oyster size and optimal grasp points using image moment calculations, enhancing the accuracy of classification for irregularly shaped oysters. Experimental tests demonstrated classification and grasping success rates of 99%. A process simulation based on real industrial conditions revealed that seven units of the automated system are required to match the daily output of 7 tons achieved by 60 workers. When compared with a theoretical 100% success rate, the system showed a marginal production loss of 715 oysters and 15 trays. These results confirm the potential of the proposed system to improve consistency, reduce labor dependency, and increase productivity in oyster processing. Future work will focus on gripper design optimization and parameter tuning to further improve system stability and efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Inventions and Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing)

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16 pages, 1334 KB

Open AccessArticle

Wire-Based Solid-State Propellant Management System for Small Form-Factor Space Propulsion

by Pavel O. Savelev, Andrei I. Shumeiko and Victor D. Telekh

Inventions 2025, 10(5), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions10050075 - 26 Aug 2025

Viewed by 523

Abstract

The development of dynamic missions of small satellites requires the development of efficient, compact, and reliable propulsion systems (PSs). This paper investigates a propellant storage and supply system (PSSS), utilizing alternative solid-state propellants in the form of wire. To establish the background to [...] Read more.

The development of dynamic missions of small satellites requires the development of efficient, compact, and reliable propulsion systems (PSs). This paper investigates a propellant storage and supply system (PSSS), utilizing alternative solid-state propellants in the form of wire. To establish the background to the suggested solutions implemented in the proposed system, two types of comparative analysis were performed. The first one compared different types of propellant management system designs while the second juxtaposes a variety of propellants. It is shown that the solid-state systems for small satellite operations are advantageous, while the selection of propellants should be focused on safe operations and operational requirements. The principle of operation and structural design of the proposed wire-based solid-state propellant management system are discussed, including the assessment of its engineering realization. The strategies to mitigate the potential problems with the system’s operations such as propellant unwanted deposition and corrosive effects are suggested. An example of using the proposed system is provided, which considers a deep space dynamic mission case. The proposed PSSS architecture is dedicated to increasing the energy efficiency, resilience to environmental factors, and suitability for small satellite platforms, including that of the CubeSat format. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovation and Inventions in Aerospace and UAV Applications)

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19 pages, 437 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Generation and Quality Evaluation of Earthquake Emergency Language Service Contingency Plan Based on Chain-of-Thought Prompt Engineering for LLMs

by Wenyan Zhang, Kai Zhang, Ti Li and Wenhua Deng

Inventions 2025, 10(5), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions10050074 - 26 Aug 2025

Viewed by 423

Abstract

China frequently experiences natural disasters, making emergency language services a key link in information transmission, cross-lingual communication, and resource coordination during disaster relief. Traditional contingency plans rely on manual experience, which results in low efficiency, limited coverage, and insufficient dynamic adaptability. Large language [...] Read more.

China frequently experiences natural disasters, making emergency language services a key link in information transmission, cross-lingual communication, and resource coordination during disaster relief. Traditional contingency plans rely on manual experience, which results in low efficiency, limited coverage, and insufficient dynamic adaptability. Large language models (LLMs), with their advantages in semantic understanding, multilingual adaptation, and scalability, provide new technical approaches for emergency language services. Our study establishes the country’s first generative evaluation index system for emergency language service contingency plans, covering eight major dimensions. Through an evaluation of 11 mainstream large language models, including Deepseek, we find that these models perform excellently in precise service stratification and resource network stereoscopic coordination but show significant shortcomings in legal/regulatory frameworks and mechanisms for dynamic evolution. It is recommended to construct a more comprehensive emergency language service system by means of targeted data augmentation, multi-model collaboration, and human–machine integration so as to improve cross-linguistic communication efficiency in emergencies and reduce secondary risks caused by information transmission barriers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Innovations in Deep Learning: Unveiling Multidisciplinary Applications and Challenges)

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20 pages, 4011 KB

Open AccessArticle

Throwing Angle Estimation of a Wire Installation Device with Robotic Arm Using a 3D Model of a Spear

by Yuji Kobayashi, Nobuyoshi Takamitsu, Rikuto Suga, Kotaro Miyake and Yogo Takada

Inventions 2025, 10(5), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions10050073 - 22 Aug 2025

Viewed by 357

Abstract

In recent years, the deterioration of social infrastructure such as bridges has become a serious issue in many countries around the world. To maintain the functionality of aging bridges over the long term, it is necessary to conduct regular inspections, detect damage at [...] Read more.

In recent years, the deterioration of social infrastructure such as bridges has become a serious issue in many countries around the world. To maintain the functionality of aging bridges over the long term, it is necessary to conduct regular inspections, detect damage at an early stage, and perform timely repairs. However, inspections require significant cost and time, and ensuring the safety of inspectors remains a major challenge. As a result, inspection using robots has attracted increasing attention. This study focuses on a wire-driven bridge inspection robot designed to inspect the underside of bridge girders. To use this robot, wires must be installed in the space beneath the girders. However, it is difficult to install wires over areas such as rivers. To address this problem, we developed a robotic arm capable of throwing a spear attached to a string. In order to throw the spear accurately to the target location, a three-dimensional dynamic model of the spear in flight was constructed, considering the tension of the string. Using this model, we accurately estimated the required throwing conditions and confirmed that the robotic arm could successfully throw the spear to the target location. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Inventions and Innovation in Advanced Manufacturing)

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Inventions, Volume 10, Issue 5 (October 2025) – 9 articles

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