Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted ADOPT: An environmentally-friendly system for alerting drivers to occluded pedestrians traffic(Old Dominion University, 2024-08) Alali, Abrar; Olariu, StephanThe emergence of sensing technologies and vehicular communications has brought significant opportunities for enhancing pedestrian safety on city streets. However, existing solutions rely on costly technologies such as computer vision and trajectory prediction to detect crossing pedestrians, while they have limits in detecting pedestrians who are occluded by parked cars. Despite the presence of collaborative perception by surrounding vehicles and infrastructure, there is a notable absence of incorporating existing parked cars themselves due to their insufficiency in detecting pedestrians and communicating with other cars while they are turned off. Furthermore, accommodating pedestrians on streets has been linked to an additional cost to the environment. This cost is due to the fluctuations in the speed of the car to avoid collisions with pedestrians, which increases fuel consumption and CO2. We first propose to enlist the help of cars parked along the sidewalk to detect and protect crossing pedestrians. In support of this goal, we propose ADOPT: an Environmentally-friendly system for Alerting Drivers to Occluded Pedestrian Traffic. ADOPT lays the theoretical foundations of a system to use parked cars to detect and protect occluded pedestrians. We cope with the resource constraints in parked cars by utilizing short-range and low-power radio frequency sensors to detect pedestrians who also transmit radio signals from energy-harvesting wearables. To estimate fuel consumption and CO2 of cars, we found that the existing estimating approaches for user-specific requirements are not suitable for our goal. We overcome this limitation by using a simple version of the energy demand model knowing the most suitable powertrain efficiency. Thus, in this dissertation, we evaluate the vehicle energy demand model by testing several powertrain efficiencies. This allows us to accomplish our next task in this dissertation. Next, we propose speed reduction schemes based on studying possible scenarios for midblock crossing. In these scenarios, the approaching car receives, in advance, caution messages about crossing pedestrians from ADOPT system. We show that these schemes reduce the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of approaching cars. With this, we show how ADOPT is an environmentally friendly system without compromising the safety of midblock pedestrians by utilizing parked cars along the street.26 0Item Restricted Mechanical Energy Harvesting from Random Pedestrian Movement(Cranfield University, 2024-06-26) Alnuman, Abdulaziz; Khan, Muhammad; Starr, AndrewThis thesis presents a groundbreaking exploration into piezoelectric energy harvesting, culminating in the development of the "Alnuman & Khan Mat" (AKM), a novel energy-harvesting solution designed for high-footfall environments. Central to this research is the introduction of a predictive polynomial equation (the Alnuman equation), a significant contribution by the author, which serves as a cornerstone for future design and optimisation in the field. Commencing with an extensive review of current literature, the research identifies gaps in existing methodologies, setting the stage for innovative advancements. A key focus is the empirical investigation into the intrinsic and extrinsic properties of PZT-based structures, leading to a deeper understanding of their modal responses to random excitations. This exploration results in the AKM, an energy-harvesting mat optimised through iterative design processes, capable of efficiently converting kinetic energy from pedestrian movements into electrical energy. Experimental validation of the AKM demonstrates its efficacy, with the mat achieving a peak voltage output of approximately 25.72864 volts and a root mean square (RMS) voltage, at its highest in the series of experiments, of 3.0261 volts, . The Alnuman equation introduced by the author plays a pivotal role in accurately predicting the electrical output of energy-harvesting mats based on specific parameters. This equation, validated against experimental data, marks a significant theoretical advance, bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application. The thesis contributes substantially to the field of sustainable energy, offering insights into material optimisation, empirical methodologies for modal responses, and the integration of theoretical and practical knowledge. Future work proposed includes exploring alternative piezoelectric materials, optimising mat design, implementing the AKM in urban spaces, and enhancing energy storage and management systems. Finally, this research not only enhances the current understanding of piezoelectric energy harvesting but also paves the way for future innovations in sustainable energy solutions, particularly in urban and high-footstep environments.14 0