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3 pages, 670 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Preface of the 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024)

by Karpagaraj Anbalagan, Murali Mohan Cheepu, M. V. A. Raju Bahubelendruni and Sendhil Kumar Natarajan

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095015 - 16 Jun 2025

Viewed by 143

Abstract

This is the fourth in a series of conferences held annually in India, designed to disseminate knowledge on the latest technological developments and cutting-edge research in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy (MADE) among academicians, researchers, scientists, industry personnel, and entrepreneurs worldwide [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

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1 pages, 137 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Statement of Peer Review

by Karpagaraj Anbalagan, Murali Mohan Cheepu, M. V. A. Raju Bahubelendruni and Sendhil Kumar Natarajan

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095018 - 23 Jun 2025

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Abstract

In submitting conference proceedings to Engineering Proceedings, the volume editors of the proceedings certify to the publisher that all papers published in this volume have been subjected to peer review administered by the volume editors [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

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9 pages, 1763 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Robust and Reliable State Estimation for a Five-Axis Robot Using Adaptive Unscented Kalman Filtering

by Geetha Sundaram, Selvam Bose, Vetrivel Kumar Kandasamy and Bothiraj Thandiyappan

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095001 - 26 May 2025

Viewed by 271

Abstract

Robust robot manipulation hinges on effective state estimation. The VRT 6 robot leverages an inertia measurement unit with triaxial gyroscopes, magnetometers, and accelerometers, as well as a position sensor, but these sensors are plagued by noise that demands rigorous filtering. To tackle this, [...] Read more.

Robust robot manipulation hinges on effective state estimation. The VRT 6 robot leverages an inertia measurement unit with triaxial gyroscopes, magnetometers, and accelerometers, as well as a position sensor, but these sensors are plagued by noise that demands rigorous filtering. To tackle this, an adaptively scaled unscented Kalman filter was employed. The filter’s scaling parameter was meticulously optimized using density- and moment-based techniques, as both system properties and estimated state impact this crucial parameter. A Maximum Likelihood Estimation (ML) substantiates the enhanced quality of the estimated velocity and acceleration, on par with the position estimate. Minimizing measurement prediction error (MMPE) also shows better results with less RMSE when compared to fixed-kappa values, and the quality of position estimates is higher with the increase in the domain of the scaling parameter. By carefully selecting the adaptive scaling parameters’ range to minimize sigma point weights and ensure the positive definiteness of the covariance matrix, this enhanced UKF method achieved markedly superior state estimates compared to standard UKF implementations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

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10 pages, 2198 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Tuning and Performance Analysis of Second-Order Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Controller for Trajectory Tracking and Balancing the Rotary Inverted Pendulum

by Janeshwaran Gunasekaran and Ezhilarasi Deenadayalan

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095002 - 27 May 2025

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Abstract

Second-order Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Controller (SLADRC) is a powerful control technique. Ongoing research is focused on simplifying tuning procedures, extending applicability to handle more complex systems, and ensuring efficient real-time implementation. In this proposed work, four different tuning approaches, using the Atomic [...] Read more.

Second-order Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Controller (SLADRC) is a powerful control technique. Ongoing research is focused on simplifying tuning procedures, extending applicability to handle more complex systems, and ensuring efficient real-time implementation. In this proposed work, four different tuning approaches, using the Atomic Orbital Search (AOS) optimization algorithm concerning the number of tuning parameters, are presented. The performance of each tuning method for stabilizing the rotary inverted pendulum in the upright position and tracking trajectory is analyzed and validated through simulation and experimentation. The results indicate that the reduced number of SLADRC controller parameters tuned using AOS optimization provides superior performance compared to the controller with more tuning parameters for the nonlinear rotary inverted pendulum. From the analysis method, II tuning,

b_{0}, ω_{c}, a n d k

provide the optimum results of settling time (

T_{s}

), 1.5 s, and maximum angle deviation of

θ (3.8 °), α (3 °)

. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

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13 pages, 2916 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Biogas Production Using Flexible Biodigester to Foster Sustainable Livelihood Improvement in Rural Households

by Charles David, Venkata Krishna Kishore Kolli and Karpagaraj Anbalagan

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095003 - 28 May 2025

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Abstract

With the global emphasis on sustainable growth and development, the depletion of natural energy reserves due to reliance on fossil fuels and non-renewable sources remains a critical concern. Despite strides in transitioning to electrical mobility, rural and agricultural communities depend heavily on liquefied [...] Read more.

With the global emphasis on sustainable growth and development, the depletion of natural energy reserves due to reliance on fossil fuels and non-renewable sources remains a critical concern. Despite strides in transitioning to electrical mobility, rural and agricultural communities depend heavily on liquefied petroleum gas and firewood for cooking, lacking viable, sustainable alternatives. This study focuses on community-led efforts to advance biogas adoption, providing an eco-friendly and reliable energy alternative for rural and farming households. By designing and developing balloon-type anaerobic biodigesters, this initiative provides a robust, cost-effective, and scalable method to convert farm waste into biogas for household cooking. This approach reduces reliance on traditional fuels, mitigating deforestation and improving air quality, and generates organic biofertilizer as a byproduct, enhancing agricultural productivity through organic farming. The study focuses on optimizing critical parameters, including the input feed rate, gas production patterns, holding time, biodigester health, gas quality, and liquid manure yield. Statistical tools, such as descriptive analysis, regression analysis, and ANOVA, were employed to validate and predict biogas output data based on experimental and industrial-scale data. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were also utilized to model and predict outputs, inspired by the information processing mechanisms of biological neural systems. A comprehensive database was developed from experimental and literary data to enhance model accuracy. The results demonstrate significant improvements in cooking practices, health outcomes, economic stability, and solid waste management among beneficiaries. The integration of statistical analysis and ANN modeling validated the biodigester system’s effectiveness and scalability. This research highlights the potential to harness renewable energy to address socio-economic challenges in rural areas, paving the way for a sustainable, equitable future by fostering environmentally conscious practices, clean energy access, and enhanced agricultural productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

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9 pages, 1736 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Efficiency Enhancement and Estimation of Photovoltaic Energy Generation Using Dual-Axis Tracking Systems

by Aditya Aggarwal, Himanshu Himanshu, Manav Sidana, Girish Gupta, Ishtdeep Singh Sodhi and Anamika Sharma

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095004 - 29 May 2025

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Abstract

The global need to transition towards sustainable energy sources has increased the exploration of efficient methods to harness solar energy. Traditional solar panels, being stationary, often fail to capture the rays of the sun optimally across the day. This paper presents a SunPath [...] Read more.

The global need to transition towards sustainable energy sources has increased the exploration of efficient methods to harness solar energy. Traditional solar panels, being stationary, often fail to capture the rays of the sun optimally across the day. This paper presents a SunPath navigator system that dynamically adjusts the solar panel’s angle, ensuring maximum exposure to the sun. The developed SunPath navigator system achieves a 27.67% average energy gain. This work has utilised the applications of various machine learning models, such as decision trees, AdaBoost, and K-nearest neighbour, for predicting energy generation. The relevance of these models is analysed based on multiple types of error such as MAE, MSE, RMSE, and R². The decision tree outperforms the other two models with a minimum error rate. It is paving the way for a future where solar energy is a primary, economical, and user-friendly power source in urban and rural areas. The dual-axis tracking system not only enhances energy generation but also estimates future energy generation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

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8 pages, 4565 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Vision Sensing Techniques for TIG Weld Bead Geometry Analysis: A Short Review

by Panneer Selvam Periyasamy, Prabhakaran Sivalingam, Vishwa Priya Vellingiri, Sundaram Maruthachalam and Vinod Balakrishnapillai

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095005 - 30 May 2025

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Abstract

Automated and robotic welding have become standard practices in manufacturing, requiring precise control to maintain weld quality without relying on skilled welders. In Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, monitoring the weld pool is crucial for ensuring the necessary weld penetration, which is vital [...] Read more.

Automated and robotic welding have become standard practices in manufacturing, requiring precise control to maintain weld quality without relying on skilled welders. In Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, monitoring the weld pool is crucial for ensuring the necessary weld penetration, which is vital for maintaining weld integrity. Real-time observation is essential to prevent defects and improve weld quality. Various sensing technologies have been developed to address this need, with vision-based systems showing particular effectiveness in enhancing welding quality and productivity within the framework of Industry 4.0. This review looks at the latest technologies for monitoring weld pools and bead shapes. It covers methods like using Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductors (CMOS) to take clear images of the melt pool for better process identification, Active Appearance Model (AAM) to capture 3D images of the weld pool for accurate penetration measurement, and Charge-Coupled Devices (CCD) and Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) to analyze plasma spectra and create material composition graphs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

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7 pages, 2077 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Flatfoot Detection in an Indian Population: Validation of Morphological Indices Using a Diagnostic Device

by Ketan Kalghatgi, Khyati Verma and Bishwaranjan Das

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095006 - 3 Jun 2025

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Abstract

Flatfoot, or pes planus, is a condition where the foot’s arch collapses, leading to complications such as pain, gait abnormalities, and an increased risk of injury. Accurate and early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment. Traditional diagnostic methods, including radiographic imaging, footprint analysis, [...] Read more.

Flatfoot, or pes planus, is a condition where the foot’s arch collapses, leading to complications such as pain, gait abnormalities, and an increased risk of injury. Accurate and early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment. Traditional diagnostic methods, including radiographic imaging, footprint analysis, and plantar pressure measurement, often require specialized equipment and are subjective. This study proposes a novel diagnostic device that captures 2D plantar foot images to calculate key morphological indices, including the Staheli Index, Clark’s Angle, and Chippaux–Smirak Index, for flatfoot detection. The device, designed with off-the-shelf components, includes a transparent toughened glass platform and LED illumination to capture images using web cameras. A Python-based application was developed for image acquisition, segmentation, and stitching. The device was tested on 55 participants aged 18–28, and the extracted morphological indices were validated against established thresholds for flatfoot diagnosis. The results showed that the Staheli Index, Chippaux–Smirak Index, and Clark’s Angle reliably detected flatfoot in participants. The study highlights the potential of this device for non-invasive, accurate, and rapid flatfoot diagnosis. Future advancements in deep learning could enhance its capabilities, making it a valuable tool for proactive healthcare in foot deformity detection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

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12 pages, 281 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Linguistic Intuitionistic Fuzzy VIKOR Method with the Application of Artificial Neural Network

by John Robinson Peter Dawson and Leonishiya Arockia Selvaraj

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095007 - 3 Jun 2025

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Abstract

This paper proposes Linguistic Intuitionistic Fuzzy (LIF) aggregation operators, LIF-energies, LIF-correlation, and LIF-correlation coefficients. Supporting theorems are also proven for the proposed functions, which are utilized in the Linguistic Intuitionistic Fuzzy–Vlse Kriterijumska Optimizacija Kompromisno Resenje (LIF-VIKOR) method within Decision Support Systems (DSS). Additionally, [...] Read more.

This paper proposes Linguistic Intuitionistic Fuzzy (LIF) aggregation operators, LIF-energies, LIF-correlation, and LIF-correlation coefficients. Supporting theorems are also proven for the proposed functions, which are utilized in the Linguistic Intuitionistic Fuzzy–Vlse Kriterijumska Optimizacija Kompromisno Resenje (LIF-VIKOR) method within Decision Support Systems (DSS). Additionally, numerical examples are presented to validate the method. The sensitivity analysis of weighting vectors is conducted, and the consistency of final rankings affirms the robustness of the proposed approaches. Arithmetic operations, specifically subtraction and division, are applied to LIF numbers (LIFNs) within the LIF-VIKOR algorithm. Furthermore, a function called the Linguistic Median Membership (LMM) function is introduced to convert LIFN values into crisp numbers. In the LIF-VIKOR algorithm, the proposed correlation coefficient is used for ranking alternatives, while the entropy method is applied to compute weights. Sensitivity analysis is performed to ensure the consistency of the proposed method. Finally, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is integrated into the VIKOR algorithm to enhance computational efficiency, reducing the time and manpower required to solve the model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

8 pages, 1856 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

COP Enhancement of Peltier-Based Dehumidifiers

by Srithar Karuppiah, Venkatesan Raman, Rajkumar Natarajan and Saravanan Rajagopal

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095008 - 4 Jun 2025

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Abstract

A vital procedure for eliminating moisture from the air, dehumidification is necessary for processes like desalination and air conditioning. The Peltier dehumidifier, sometimes referred to as a thermoelectric dehumidifier, removes moisture using the Peltier effect to generate a temperature differential across a Peltier [...] Read more.

A vital procedure for eliminating moisture from the air, dehumidification is necessary for processes like desalination and air conditioning. The Peltier dehumidifier, sometimes referred to as a thermoelectric dehumidifier, removes moisture using the Peltier effect to generate a temperature differential across a Peltier module. Nevertheless, inadequate heat removal from the hot side of the module and a low coefficient of performance (COP) are common problems with Peltier-based dehumidifiers. By combining baffles or turbulators with Peltier plates to increase heat transfer rates, this study overcomes these drawbacks and raises the dehumidifier’s COP and thermal enhancement factor (TEF). On the hot side of the Peltier module, airfoil-shaped baffles are used in the experimental setup to enhance heat dissipation and speed up turbulence. Performance significantly improved, as evidenced by the findings, with the TEF rising to 3.2. Furthermore, the COP improved from 0.06 to 0.45, and the water condensation rate rose to a high of 35 mL per hour. These improvements are ascribed to the higher heat transfer rates made possible by the baffles, which enable the more effective cooling of the Peltier module’s cold side. This study demonstrates how turbulators can increase Peltier-based dehumidifiers’ effectiveness and make them more practical for industrial settings, especially in areas with limited water supplies. According to the results, thermoelectric dehumidification systems can function much better overall if heat transmission on the Peltier module’s hot side is optimized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

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9 pages, 542 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Hamming Distance-Based Intuitionistic Fuzzy Artificial Neural Network with Novel Back Propagation Method

by John Robinson Peter Dawson and Wilson Arul Prakash Selvaraj

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095009 - 6 Jun 2025

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Abstract

An artificial neural network (ANN)-based decision support system model, which aggregates intuitionistic fuzzy matrix data using a recently introduced operator, is developed in this work. Several desirable features related to distance measures of aggregation operators and artificial neural networks, including the backpropagation method, [...] Read more.

An artificial neural network (ANN)-based decision support system model, which aggregates intuitionistic fuzzy matrix data using a recently introduced operator, is developed in this work. Several desirable features related to distance measures of aggregation operators and artificial neural networks, including the backpropagation method, are investigated to support the application of the proposed methodologies to multiple attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problems using intuitionistic fuzzy information. A novel and enhanced aggregation operator—the Hamming–Intuitionistic Fuzzy Power Generalized Weighted Averaging (H-IFPGWA) operator—is proposed for weight determination in MAGDM situations. Numerical examples are provided, and various ranking techniques are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested strategy. Subsequently, an identical numerical example is solved without bias using the ANN backpropagation approach. Additionally, a novel algorithm is created to address MAGDM problems using the proposed backpropagation model in an unbiased manner. Several defuzzification operators are applied to solve the numerical problems, and the efficacy of the solutions is compared. For MAGDM situations, the novel approach works better than the previous ANN approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

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9 pages, 1467 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Assessment of Lithium Ferrous Phosphate Battery Cells Under Series Balancing Mode—Performance and Health Behaviours

by Niveditha Balagopal Menon, Samridhi Mehta, Pranavya Punnakkattuparambil, Preetha Punnakkattuparambil, Vidhya Marimuthu, Nanthagopal Kasianantham, Tabbi Wilberforce and Jambulingam Ranjitha

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095010 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 287

Abstract

Electric vehicles have recently gained greater attention across all countries for transportation purposes in on-road and off-road forms due to their supreme performance and clean eco-friendliness status. Lithium-ferrous phosphate batteries are the primary energy storage devices in electric vehicles due to their higher [...] Read more.

Electric vehicles have recently gained greater attention across all countries for transportation purposes in on-road and off-road forms due to their supreme performance and clean eco-friendliness status. Lithium-ferrous phosphate batteries are the primary energy storage devices in electric vehicles due to their higher energy density, longer lifespan, and lower self-discharge rate. They also possess several technical advantages, including a wider range of applications, economic affordability, an environmentally friendly nature, and, most importantly, superior electrochemical performance, which makes them a strong competitor to lead acid batteries. In the present study, a performance and health assessment of a lithium ferrous phosphate battery (LFP) pack consisting of 23 cells connected in series balancing mode with a 7360 Wh maximum energy storage capacity has been carried out at various current ranges of operation such as 3 A, 5 A, and 8 A in a typically developed battery management system to estimate their optimized performance and overall health conditions. Further study has been conducted to investigate the characteristics of LFP packs under various power-mode conditions, ranging from 20 W to 750 W. This experimental study revealed that the LFP battery pack exhibits a remarkable state-of-charge capability, achieving 58% charging in a 3.3-h runtime period. A similar decreasing trend was also observed during power-mode operations. Furthermore, the LFP battery pack was fully charged after achieving a 50% State of Charge (SOC) under every current-mode condition, providing reliable outputs under the loading conditions. It is also stated that the state of health of the lithium ferrous phosphate is significantly higher at 92% during the entire investigation, which reflects the good thermal stability of the LFP battery pack for temperature variations from 26 °C to 31 °C. Finally, it is concluded that the LFP could be one of the most favourable energy storage systems due to its longer lifespan and its great affordability in automotive applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

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11 pages, 1119 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Automatic Ladle Tracking with Object Detection and OCR in Steel Melting Shops

by Kabil Murugan, Mahinas Senthilmurugan, Venbha V. Senthilkumar, Harshita Velusamy, Karthiga Sekar, Vasanthan Buvanesan and Manikandan Venugopal

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095011 - 12 Jun 2025

Viewed by 429

Abstract

A ladle tracking system in steel production plants is essential for optimizing the ladle transportation between different processing units. The currently used technologies for ladle tracking, including Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, are not effective due to their high maintenance costs and poor [...] Read more.

A ladle tracking system in steel production plants is essential for optimizing the ladle transportation between different processing units. The currently used technologies for ladle tracking, including Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, are not effective due to their high maintenance costs and poor performance in harsh conditions, leaving a significant gap in developing an automated ladle tracking system. This paper proposes two innovative solutions to address these problems: a computer-vision-based ladle tracking system and an integrated approach of preprocessing techniques with optical character recognition (OCR) algorithms. The first method utilizes a YOLOv8 framework for detecting the two classes from the input images, such as the ladles and their unique numbers. This method achieved a precision of 0.983 and a recall of 0.998 in detecting the classes. The second method involves several preprocessing steps prior to the application of OCR. This is suitable for challenging environments, where the clarity of the images may be compromised. EasyOCR with enhanced preprocessing was able to extract the ladle number with a confidence score of 0.9948. The results demonstrate that vision-based automated ladle tracking is feasible in steel plants, improving operational efficiency, ensuring safety, and minimizing human intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

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8 pages, 1981 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Breakdown Characteristics of Unequal Sphere–Sphere Electrode Configuration Under DC Stress

by Indhulekha Jayachandran and Gowrishankar Shanmugam

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095012 - 13 Jun 2025

Viewed by 315

Abstract

Failure of air gap insulation is one of the prominent issues in insulation coordination for outdoor applications. Though uniform electric field distribution is desirable, the difficulty in achieving it often makes insulation engineers settle for weakly non-uniform fields. One of the electrode systems [...] Read more.

Failure of air gap insulation is one of the prominent issues in insulation coordination for outdoor applications. Though uniform electric field distribution is desirable, the difficulty in achieving it often makes insulation engineers settle for weakly non-uniform fields. One of the electrode systems known for its weakly non-uniform field is sphere gap, which is reliable due to its standardized breakdown characteristics. Though the breakdown characteristics of spheres with the same diameter are widely studied and standardized, spheres with unequal diameters have received minimal attention. In this paper, an attempt is made to study the breakdown characteristics of unequal spheres under DC stress in atmospheric air. The experimental breakdown studies were conducted for different spacings of spheres with unequal diameters of 100 mm, 50 mm, and 20 mm. The electric field variation for the experimental combination of sphere gaps and their corresponding utilization factors were computed using ANSYS 2024 R1. The results obtained were compared with the standard sphere gap. An unequal sphere gap has a non-uniform electric field distribution and a lower utilization factor compared to the standard sphere gap. It appears that the larger sphere experiences the maximum electric field, regardless of whether it is high-voltage or ground electrode. However, its breakdown characteristics are found to be comparable with standard sphere gap up to certain gap spacing under DC voltage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

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9 pages, 1877 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Integrated Improved Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition and Continuous Wavelet Transform Approach for Enhanced Bearing Fault Diagnosis in Noisy Environments

by Mahesh Kumar Janarthanan, Andrews Athisayam, Murali Karthick Krishna Moorthy, Gowtham Sivakumar and Saravanan Poornalingam

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095013 - 16 Jun 2025

Viewed by 265

Abstract

Bearings are vital apparatuses in many industrial systems, and their failure can lead to severe damage, costly downtime, and safety risks. Therefore, early detection of bearing faults is critical to prevent catastrophic failures. However, diagnosing bearing faults in real-world conditions is challenging due [...] Read more.

Bearings are vital apparatuses in many industrial systems, and their failure can lead to severe damage, costly downtime, and safety risks. Therefore, early detection of bearing faults is critical to prevent catastrophic failures. However, diagnosing bearing faults in real-world conditions is challenging due to noise, which can obscure vibration signals and reduce the effectiveness of traditional diagnostic techniques. This paper portrays a unique method for bearing fault identification in high-noise environments by integrating Improved Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (ICEEMD) and Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT). ICEEMD decomposes complex vibration signals into intrinsic mode functions, effectively filtering out noise and enhancing feature extraction. CWT is then applied to obtain a time–frequency representation of the cleaned signal, allowing for precise detection of transient events and frequency variations associated with faults. The proposed approach is evaluated using simulated signals, achieving a testing accuracy of 78% at −20 dB SNR, demonstrating its robustness in noisy environments. This study highlights the capability of combining ICEEMD and CWT for robust fault diagnosis in noisy industrial applications, paving the way for improved predictive maintenance strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

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10 pages, 3047 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Design and Fabrication of a Precise Micro Actuator Using a Fused Deposition Modelling Additive Manufacturing Technique

by Arpan Kumar, Yash Tornekar, Chinmaya C. V. Krishna, Renold Selvam Elsen and N. Srinivasan

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095014 - 16 Jun 2025

Viewed by 551

Abstract

This paper presents the design of a high-precision micro actuator capable of achieving a resolution of 1 micron and a stroke length of 20 mm. For accuracy and sustainability, the micro actuator uses a stepper motor-based mechanism that can maintain positions indefinitely without [...] Read more.

This paper presents the design of a high-precision micro actuator capable of achieving a resolution of 1 micron and a stroke length of 20 mm. For accuracy and sustainability, the micro actuator uses a stepper motor-based mechanism that can maintain positions indefinitely without using active power. The Autodesk Fusion and ANSYS student version and is used to model the actuator and analysis, respectively. Furthermore, Proteus 8.12 ensures for circuit simulation with ARDUINO IDE 1.8.6. Additive manufacturing techniques such as fused deposition modelling (FDM) with polylactic acid (PLA) is used to fabricate the actuator. Cost analysis is also performed, and it is found to be much cheaper than the products available in the market. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

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10 pages, 610 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Performance Analysis of Refrigeration System with Thermal Energy Storage for Lateral Heat Sources

by Sarala Ramasubramanian, Vinoth Raj Durairaj, Karpagaraj Anbalagan and Nivetha Govindaraj

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095016 - 17 Jun 2025

Viewed by 311

Abstract

The global energy crisis, driven by factors such as increased demand, limited fossil fuel resources, and growing environmental concerns created an urgent need for energy-efficient solutions across all sectors. Among these, refrigeration systems, which are used extensively in both domestic and commercial settings, [...] Read more.

The global energy crisis, driven by factors such as increased demand, limited fossil fuel resources, and growing environmental concerns created an urgent need for energy-efficient solutions across all sectors. Among these, refrigeration systems, which are used extensively in both domestic and commercial settings, are responsible for a sizeable amount of global energy consumption. Finding ways to reduce energy used in the refrigeration could play a crucial role in mitigating the energy crisis. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) have emerged as a promising technology to enhance the energy efficiency of refrigeration systems. By storing and releasing energy in the form of latent heat, PCMs optimize energy conversion rate of the processes, reduce power consumption, and lower the overall environmental impact. The present research focus Calcium Chloride Hexahydrate (CCH) as the PCM which acts as an intermediary between the heat sources to achieve optimal effectiveness. To improve system performance and optimize PCM quantity, two novel system configurations were assessed in the mass proportions of 1 kg and 2 kg of PCM with water. The incorporation of PCZ enhanced the overall heat energy utilisation, recovery of waste heat, and greater system output. And actual COP of the refrigeration system was meet out with the domestic refrigerator in ranges of 1.0759 to 1.1537. The above two novel system were proved that a vital role in removal of waste latent heat into lateral use in the ranges of 110.8 kJ (min.) into 226.8 kJ (max.). Finally proposed system was avoided global warming temperature raise because of uses of waste heat into lateral uses in the refrigeration systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

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21 pages, 5306 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Jute Fibre-Reinforced Composite, a Sustainable Material for Green Energy

by Kirubakaran Covallane, Daryl Johan, Rakesh Kumar Singh, Rahul Sinha, Digvijay Boodala, Krishna Kumar Jaiswal and Karthik Selva Kumar

Eng. Proc. 2025, 95(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025095017 - 19 Jun 2025

Viewed by 341

Abstract

Natural fibre-reinforced composites are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordability, sustainability, and biodegradability. These composites, made from recyclable materials, are suitable for various sustainable energy applications due to their remarkable mechanical properties and life cycle advantages. The biodegradable composite materials are a [...] Read more.

Natural fibre-reinforced composites are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordability, sustainability, and biodegradability. These composites, made from recyclable materials, are suitable for various sustainable energy applications due to their remarkable mechanical properties and life cycle advantages. The biodegradable composite materials are a sustainable alternative for energy applications. This composite construction uses Soric XF (Lantor Composites, Veenendaal, The Netherlands) as the fibre reinforcement core material and jute fibre, an eco-friendly and sustainable substitute for glass fibre reinforcement composite materials, as the outer face sheet obtained from jute bags. The dry fibres are piled as dry loads at various fibre orientation angles, including 0°, 45°, and 90°, and this orientation will be reflected in the composite strength. Vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM) is a technique used to fabricate this material at room temperature. Further, this research focuses on a comparative analysis of experimental and computational results involving composite materials with jute fibre as the outer face sheet and Soric XF as the fibre reinforcement core material. The experimental investigation included tensile ASTM D638-03 and flexural ASTM D790 to evaluate the composite’s mechanical properties and structural integrity under various load conditions. Simultaneously the computational simulations were performed using the ANSYS-Mechanical 2023 R2 to replicate these conditions and predict the composite’s performance. The experimental and simulated data were analysed and compared. This study demonstrates the efficacy of using computational tools to predict the behaviour of natural fibre composites. It underscores the importance of experimental validation for enhancing the reliability of simulation models. The results from the computational study are compared with the experimental results to study the predictive nature of the NFRC material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Conference on Future Technologies in Manufacturing, Automation, Design, and Energy 2024 (ICOFT 2024))

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