EE7601 Undergraduate Project

Project Proposals by DEIE- 2017

# Project Title Supervisor(s) Page

1 EM Wave Propagation through Biological Tissue Dr. N.D. Jayasundere 1

2 Acoustic Holography Dr. N.D. Jayasundere 1
3 Wireless Communication and Fuzzy Logic Control for an Dr. N.D. Jayasundere 1
Underwater ROV Dr. S.H.K.K. Gunawickrama
4 Achieving Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) through a Mr. P.S. Ranaweera 2
Secure Mobile Device Equipped with Multi-Mode
Biometric Inherence
5 Vehicular Network Mr. P.S. Ranaweera 2
6 Brainwave Analysis Mr. P.S. Ranaweera 3
7 Real Time 3D Surveying Tool Mr. P.S. Ranaweera 3
8 Forensic Evidence Acquisition and Management System Mr. P.S. Ranaweera 3
9 Autonomous High Voltage Transmission Line Inspection Mr. P.S. Ranaweera 4
Robot - II
10 Video Channeling and Diagnosing System for Non-critical Mr. P.S. Ranaweera 4
Patients
Critical Patient Statistics Monitoring and Predictive
11 Mr. P.S. Ranaweera 5
System
Unusual Activity Detection and Isolation in Video
12 Dr. S.H.K.K. Gunawickrama 5
Surveillance System
Self-Navigating Robot for a Fixed Restaurant
13 Dr. S.H.K.K. Gunawickrama 5
Environment
Information System for Data Analyses in Outcome Based
14 Dr. S.H.K.K. Gunawickrama 6
Education
Mobile Robot Simultaneous Localization and Mapping in
15 Mr. T.D. Gamage 6
Static Indoor Environment
16 Grid Interfaced Inverter Dr. R.P.S. Chandrasena 7
17 Two Phase Induction Generator Dr. R.P.S. Chandrasena 7
18 Park Components of the Voltage and Current Derivation Mr. K.M.S.Y. Konara 8
System for a Low Voltage Grid
19 Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) for standalone Mr. K.M.S.Y. Konara 9
PV system using neural networks (NN)
20 Real Time Power Flow Controller for Grid Integrated DC Mr. K.M.S.Y. Konara 10
Source in a PV System
21 Real Time Demand Forecast and Management System for Mr. K.M.S.Y. Konara 11
Domestic Appliances using Machine Learning
Techniques
22 Feedback Controller in Switch-Mode DC-DC Converters Mr. K.M.S.Y. Konara 12
using Voltage and Current Mode Control
23 Development of Trainer Kit for Visualize Generator Mr. D.S. De Silva 13
Synchronization System
24 Cooperative Wirless Networking for smart Grid Mr. D.S. De Silva 13
25 The New Frontier of Communications Research: Smart Mr. D.S. De Silva 14
Grid and Smart Metering
26 Design and Simulation of Modern Radar System Mr. D.S. De Silva 14
27 Quadcopter based Airborne Radar System Design and Mr. D.S. De Silva 14
Development for Remote Sensing Applications
28 Research on Communication Network Architecture of Mr. D.S. De Silva 15
Smart Grid
29 Implementation and Performance Analysis of Wireless Mr. D.S. De Silva 15
Ad hoc Network for Hotspot Area
30 Design of RF Energy Harvester Circuits for Biomedical Mr. D.S. De Silva 16
Engineering Applications
Wireless Sensor Networks Technology for Smart
31 Mr. D.S. De Silva 16
Building
32 Wireless Energy Transmission for Micro scale Mr. D.S. De Silva 17
Electronics Application
33 Device-to-Device Communications with Wi-Fi Direct: Mr. W.N.B.A.G. Priyankara 17
Secure VoIP Application
34 Identification of Illegal Encroachers in Irrigation Systems Dr. C. Kariyawasam 18
using a Smart Phone
35 Develop a Mechanism to Confine Stray Dogs to Safe Dr. C. Kariyawasam 19
Areas
36 Application of Artificial Intelligence in Power System Ms. M.A.S.T. Ireshika 19
Fault Detection
37 Multi-Purpose Lighting System for a Building Mr. H.W.H.L. Walpita 20
38 Visible Light Communication for Under Water Mr. H.W.H.L. Walpita 20
Communication Networks
39 Intelligent Condition Monitoring System for a Motor Mr. H.W.H.L. Walpita 21
Driven System
40 Electromagnetic Radiation Reduction in Mobile Mr. E.H. Jayatunga 21
Communication Systems
41 Signal Processing for Music Collection Analysis Mr. E.H. Jayatunga 22
42 Development of FPGA based Minimally Invasive Surgery Mr. E.H. Jayatunga 22
Training System
43 Development of RF Finger-printing Location Detection Mr. E.H. Jayatunga 23
System for Indoor Applications
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Project # 1: EM Wave Propagation through Biological Tissue

Supervisor : Dr. N.D. Jayasundere

Description:
The objective in this project is to develop a mathematical model for EM Wave Propagation
through Biological tissue that can consist of several layers. Existing theoretical solutions for
EM propagation in layered media will be applied to develop the model. Successful
implementation of the model will enable investigation of EM transmission through several
real and laboratory simulated samples and confirmation of the results with the model
predictions.
Key areas: EM Wave Propagation in Layered Media

Project # 2: Acoustic Holography

Supervisor : Dr. N.D. Jayasundere

Description:
In Acoustic Holography, the scattered filed of a target is spatially sampled and the result back
propagated to the surface of the target to identify and visualize features in the target that
contribute to the scattering. In this project an underwater experimental arrangement to sample
the back scattered field from a target for an incident short acoustic pulse will be designed and
implemented. The field will be sampled with a scanning arrangement and the measured data
will be mathematically back propagated to the surface of the target and the main features of
the target that contribute to the scattering will be identified.
Key areas: Principles and application of Acoustic Holography

Project # 3: Wireless Communication and Fuzzy Logic Control for an Underwater ROV

Supervisors: Dr. N.D. Jayasundere, Dr. S.H.K.K. Gunawickrama

Description:
This project consists of two parts.
1) Setting up a wireless underwater communication link with the ROV for its
motor control.
2) Design and implementing a Fuzzy Logic Control protocol to stabilize the ROV
for smooth movement in a turbulent environment.

Key Areas: Communication with and Fuzzy Logic Control of an underwater ROV
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Project # 4: Achieving Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) through a Secure Mobile

Device Equipped with Multi-Mode Biometric Inherence

Supervisor: Mr. P.S. Ranaweera

Description:
Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) is a critical necessity in current world due to the
advancements and rapid increment in usage in information technology. A typical user should
enroll with at least 5 sets of usernames and passwords or PIN numbers for authenticating with
web based and tangible systems such as Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), door access
panels, safes.....etc. But most of such systems do not exceed the level of 2 - factors when it
comes to authentication. Even in web based systems, the considered authentication schemes
only deploy knowledge and possession factors. Secure login credentials such as that could be
easily apprehended by an attacker either by force or through prediction by gathering the
required information from social media.

In order to overcome this, inherence authentication factor can be used. In this research, the
possibility to adopt a Multi-Mode ( more than one biometric ) biometric scheme along with
the conventional 2 factor authentication schemes is to be explored. The biometric scheme is
to be implemented in a mobile device, which communicates with the login system through a
cryptographically secure protocol.
Key Areas: Multi factor authentication (MFA), Multi - mode biometric authentication,
Device to device authentication, mobile devices, Fingerprint and iris scanning,
Cryptographic primitives

Project # 5: Vehicular Network

Supervisor: Mr. P.S. Ranaweera

Description:
A unique experiment on remote sensing education has recently been undertaken involving an
educational institution and a government agency involved in remote sensing (NASA Goddard
Space Flight Centre). The centrepiece of this experiment is the assignment of an airborne
radar system design project to students enrolled in graduate level class on radar systems. It
also provided students with an opportunity for enhancing team work, addressing
multidisciplinary science aspects, perfecting technical writing and presentation skills.
Key Areas: OBD-II interface integration, Inter-vehicular communication (IVC), Ad-Hoc
Communication, GPS vehicle tracking, Big data application, Real time sensory data
acquisition, Real time alert system for vehicles, Driver behaviour pattern recognition,
Machine learning
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Project # 6: Brainwave Analysis

Supervisor: Mr. P.S. Ranaweera

Description:
Emotiv EPOC+ is a brainwave extraction device which operates with the use of 14 electrodes
placed around the head. The objective of this research is to use this device to extract
brainwaves and explore a methodology to differentiate and identify patterns among
brainwaves of different persons. A mathematical model has to be formulated to distinguish
such patterns. Then with the aid of a BCI, various applications can be looked at for
implementation.
Key Areas: Brainwave extraction, Brainwave pattern recognition, Signal processing
.
Project # 7: Real Time 3D Surveying Tool

Supervisor: Mr. P.S. Ranaweera

Description:
Computer aided three dimensional surveying has become a necessary requirement to many
industries and institutions for automated plotting and recording of various areas, structures,
caves,etc. The current surveying systems are based on human observations and recording
where a surveying plot is produced through software tools. Automating the process has
become a requirement due to accuracy, coverage and risk factors. The intended outcome of
this project is to develop a prototype mobile device (preferably a quad-copter) embedded
with sensors which feeds the acquired data to a remote acquisition module. A software tool
has to be developed to plot the real time map of the surrounding area in which the mobile
device is located.
Key Areas: 3-D Plotting, Real time data acquisition, Optical distance sensing, Local
positioning system (LPS), Quad-copter mechanics

Project # 8: Forensic Evidence Acquisition and Management System

Supervisor: Mr. P.S. Ranaweera

Description:
Forensic Evidence collecting is critical for determining criminals for law enforcement
authorities. Developed countries adopt sophisticated tools, technologies, methodologies and
systems to collect, manage evidence and predict the directives to enhance the effectiveness of
the process. But a country like Sri Lanka does not possess the resources to achieve the same
effectiveness. That might affect the accuracy of the decisions made in the criminal hearings.
This research is formulated to investigate the current resources equipped by Sri Lankan
authorities and propose and implement a solution for managing evidence to improve the law
enforcement proceedings.
Key Areas: Forensic science, Forensic evidence, Data management system
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Project # 9: Autonomous High Voltage Transmission Line Inspection

Supervisor: Mr. P.S. Ranaweera

Description:
The routine inspection and maintenance of high-voltage transmission lines is a dangerous and
time-consuming task which should be carried out by experienced specialists who are
operating higher elevation above the ground, and closer to live lines which are carrying
thousands of volts. As a solution, in the first phase of this project, a power line inspection
robot with a vision-based navigation system was proposed and a remotely operable prototype
was implemented to cover a single span of a transmission line. In this phase of the project,
the students are expected to enhance the performance of the robot while implementing the
span to span crossing mechanism. Moreover, an energy harvesting circuitry which was
proposed in the first phase should be embedded into the robot for self-sustainment.
Key Areas: High voltage transmission, Autonomous ROV, Electromagnetic interference,
Energy harvesting

Project # 10: Video Channeling and Diagnosing System for Non-critical Patients

Supervisor: Mr. P.S. Ranaweera

Description:
Channeling/reserving a doctors appointment to seek medical advices is one of the most
common tasks that majority of the people has to do in some point of their lives. Getting the
appointment has been automated by the introduction of services such as e-channeling, online
channeling, and SMS based channeling. But lot of time being wasted in ones life waiting on
queues and benches till you get the opportunity to see the doctor. Most of such patients are
non-critical patients who are willing to show their medical reports or looking for medication
for common illnesses such as cold, sneezing, etc. This solution should provide a system in
which the doctor and the patient can interact through video based communication to
overcome the latencies in the general channeling process and manage patient medical stats
such as cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and hormone levels via the implemented
system.
Key Areas: Database Management System, Live video streaming Communication protocols,
Machine learning, Predictive diagnosis
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Project # 11: Critical Patient Statistics Monitoring and Predictive System

Supervisor: Mr. P.S. Ranaweera

Description:
Main requirement of the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of hospitals is to monitor the patients
who are under critical conditions. Most of the hospitals in Sri Lanka conduct this monitoring
manually. This process might prove to be inefficient. The existing automated systems are
very expansive to be used in developing countries such as Sri Lanka. Therefore, this project
focuses on developing a system which monitor patients conditions and analyze the statistics
to verify the criticalness of the patient. The developed system should predict the diagnosis
based on the statistics and doctors in charge should have access for all the details related to
the patients via their mobile devices..
Key Areas: Machine to machine interface, real time statistic updating, machine learning,
predictive diagnosis

Project # 12: Unusual Activity Detection and Isolation in Video Surveillance System

Supervisor: Dr. S.H.K.K. Gunawickrama

Description:
Video surveillance systems continuously produce video streams from several cameras which
are being online or offline monitored for identification of unusual activities by designated
personnel.
This project is proposed to find algorithmic ways and means to identify such activities by
using machine learning algorithms. At the initial phase, it is planned to test available
detection algorithms for a single fixed camera for a given location. After data collection and
testing, algorithms can be further improved. Use of multiple cameras for single activity
detection is also can be considered.
Key Areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine learning, Image/video processing

Project # 13: Self-Navigating Robot for a Fixed Restaurant Environment

Supervisor: Dr. S.H.K.K. Gunawickrama

Description:
It is proposed to design and implement a robot (prototype) which can perform the duties of a
waiter in a restaurant. Project assumes that the restaurant environment is fixed and self-
navigation is aided by a sensor network. Robot should be able to adapt to some known
environmental alternations.
Key Areas: Artificial Intelligence(AI), Machine learning, control, Sensor network, Internet of
Things (IoT)
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Project # 14: Information System for Data Analyses in Outcome Based Education

Supervisor: Dr. S.H.K.K. Gunawickrama

Description:
Primary to tertiary education in the world is rapidly being converted to OBE (Outcome Based
Education) which require continuous analysis of data for problem identification and solution
finding. Data consists of student achievements (OL/AL/UG/results, ) and stake holder
feedback (student/staff/industry/..) and other relevant information. The proposed Information
system not only does the analysis but also make predications and suggestions to improve the
quality of education based on artificial intelligence.
.
Key Areas: Artificial intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Information System Design and
Development

Project # 15: Mobile Robot Simultaneous Localization and Mapping in Static Indoor
Environment

Supervisor: Mr. T.D. Gamage

Description:
Mobile robots are used in wide range of applications. Some applications include surveillance
of wide areas such as airports and museums and accessing areas dangerous to humans. In a
dangerous place like nuclear power plant a mobile robot has to localize itself and map the
environment.

In a complex indoor environment it is not possible to provide all the required details to the
robot. In such occasions the mobile robot must have the ability to move around and scan the
surroundings to obtain the information about the environment. Some of the sensors used to
scan environment are infrared (IR), ultrasonic, laser, video cameras and Global Positioning
System (GPS) for outdoor.
In this project you have to consider the problem of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping
(SLAM) in mobile robots. It is a computational problem of constructing a map of an
unknown environment while simultaneously keeping track of the robots location.

Scope of this project is limited to map a static environment. A mobile robot is to be built to
gather the sensor reading to construct the map. Once the map is constructed the robot can be
navigated to a marked location on the map. Developing an algorithm to navigate the robot to
the marked location on the map is also an objective of this project.
Key Areas: Embedded systems, image processing, sensors, Simultaneous localization and
mapping (SLAM), Robotics
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Project # 16: Grid Interfaced Inverter

Supervisor: Dr. R.P.S. Chandrasena

Description:
With the infiltration of renewable energy sources in to the electrical network, the grid
interface inverters have gained a remarkable place in the industry. However, such inverters
are designed with specific control mechanism inbuilt and the user does not have the provision
to change its control strategy. Hence, in this project, it is expected to fabricate an inverter and
implement its controller using either DSP controller or advanced Arduino microcontroller. In
order to synchronize the inverter voltage with the grid voltage, different PLL techniques can
be used. Real time grid synchronization will be the most challenging exercise in this project.
Students those who are working in the project should have or prepare to have a thorough
knowledge in inverter control, electronic and power electronic circuit design, microcontroller
programming, using simulation software such as MATLAB Simulink or PSCAD to model
the system and validate its controller before practical implementation etc.
Key Areas: Inverter control, Power electronics, Embedded systems, Modeling and
simulation of power electronic systems

Project # 17: Two Phase Induction Generator

Supervisors: Dr. R.P.S. Chandrasena

Description:
Using conventional C-2C method in three phase induction generators to have a balanced
single phase output is very popular in micro hydro generation. However, it will be possible to
have output from two phases with a balanced voltage if a particular arrangement of the load
balancing capacitors and resistors are used. Hence, in this project, a new electronic load
controller will be designed to have the output from two phases of an induction machine and a
laboratory scale prototype will be developed to exhibit its practical implementation. Students
those who are working in the project should have or prepare to have a thorough knowledge in
induction machine, electronic and power electronic circuit design, microcontroller
programming, using simulation software such as MATLAB Simulink or PSCAD to model
the system and validate its controller before practical implementation etc.
Key Areas: Induction generator, Electronic load controller, Power electronics, Embedded
systems, Modeling and simulation of power systems
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Project # 18: Park Components of the Voltage and Current Derivation System for a
Low Voltage Grid

Supervisor: Mr. K.M.S.Y. Konara

Description:
To get an independent controllability of active and reactive power in a 3 system, it is
necessary to get two control variables for each. Dq0 transformation is used to transform a 3
phase voltage or current sequence to a 2 axis (Id, Iq) rotating coordinate system and it
consists with two transformation steps, namely Clark transformation and Park transformation.
Therefore, these independent two current components called direct and quadrature axis
current components (Id and Iq) can be used to control the active and reactive power
respectively. This project proposes a microcontroller based system which derives the relevant
Park components of a 3 system (utility grid). The derivation process is illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 Park Components Derivation System

Key Areas: Embedded system design, Control system design

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Project # 19: Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) for Standalone PV using Neural
Networks(NN)

Supervisors: Mr. K.M.S.Y. Konara

Description:
This project proposes an implementation of Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) for
standalone PV system using neural networks (NN) to enhance the operating efficiency of a
PV cell. The PV module is supplied a load via a MPPT as shown in Fig. 2. In order to detect
the maximum power point under different operating conditions, a control algorithm should be
developed using artificial NN. A micro controller or a PC can be used for running the control
algorithm.

PV module DC Load
D
C
Boost Converter

Drive circuit
Current Voltage

Control
Data acquisition
Algorithm
GUI

1. To set the parameters

NN based control unit 2. To visualize the variation of
P

Fig. 2 Proposed Architecture for the MPPT

.
Key Areas: Embedded system design, Control system design, Power electronic converters
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Project # 20: Real time Power Controller for Grid Integrated DC Source in a PV
System

Supervisor: Mr. K.M.S.Y Konara

Description:
In order to suppress the intermittency of renewable sources, the current trend is to embed an
energy storage with innovative power flow controller with the intermittent renewable source.
DC batteries serve as long term energy storages and can supply the prescribed active and
reactive power to the grid in order to compensate the power fluctuations. The proposed
system shown in Fig. 3 supplies the required active and reactive power to the grid in
controllable manner.

DC Source

P and Q control unit

DC Boost Converter
DC
Microcontroller
Based Power
Flow Control Unit DC Voltage Source Inverter (VSI)
AC

PC based GUI Completed UG project

Synchronization
Interphase
Unit
3. To set the parameters Grid
4. To visualize the variation of P
and Q
Fig. 3 Proposed Architecture for the Battery Integration System

Key Areas: Embedded system design, Control system design, Power electronic converters
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Project # 21: Real Time Demand Forecast and Management System for Domestic
Appliances using Machine Learning Techniques

Supervisor: Mr. K.M.S.Y. Konara

Description:
Now a days, the attention in reducing the stress on the power distribution system during peak
hours is drawn towards the demand side management. In this context, domestic demand
forecasting is very essential for managing the energy consumptions of the domestic
appliances. As demand side management, the operations of the Non-Critical Power Intensive
Loads (NCPIL) are scheduled in off peak hours following a demand management algorithm.
Then the proposed system should schedule and maintain the operation of the domestic loads
in such a way that the total power output of a home is always bellow to a prescribed demand
limit. The proposed system architecture is shown in Fig. 4.

Grid 5. To set the parameters

6. To visualize the power GUI (PC)
Power Supply variation

Energy management
Digital Energy Meter Digital Energy Meter Unit

(based on machine
Critical Loads Smart Plug learning algorithms)

NCPIL-1 NCPIL-2

Fig.4 Proposed Architecture for the Energy Management System

Key Areas: Embedded system design, Control system design, Machine learning
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Project # 22: Feedback Controller in Switch-Mode DC-DC Converters using Voltage

and Current Mode Control

Supervisor: Mr. K.M.S.Y. Konara

Description:
In most applications where power electronic converters are employed, the power electronic
converters are operated in a controlled manner. In dc-dc converters, with or without electrical
isolation, the output voltage needs to be regulated at a specified value with a narrow
tolerance. The feedback controller to regulate the output voltage must be designed with the
following objectives in mind: zero steady state error, fast response to changes in the input
voltage and the output load, low overshoot, and low noise susceptibility. Fig. 5 shows the
System Architecture for the regulated DC system.

DC Source

FB Controller
DC Buck/ Boost / Buck-Boost
DC Converter
Microcontroller
Based FB Control
Unit
DC Bus

PC based GUI
Interphase
7. To set the parameters
8. To visualize the variation of V

Fig. 5 : Proposed System Architecture for the regulated DC system

Key Areas: Embedded system design, Control system design, Machine learning
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Project # 23: Development of Trainer Kit for Visualize Generator Synchronization

System

Supervisor: Mr. D.S. De Silva

Description:
The emerging load demand cannot be fulfilled by the output of one generator. Therefore two
or more generators should be synchronized in order to share the load. The synchronizing
variables of voltage magnitudes, frequency of the voltages, phase angle difference between
the voltages and the phase sequence of the voltages should be considered. Synchronizers are
widely employed in the industry. University students learn the theories of synchronization.
Most of the laboratories in Universities do not have practical modules to demonstrate
synchronization process. The traditional synchronization systems are not suitable for the
visualization of generator synchronization. Visualization of Generator Synchronization
System is designed to overcome the problem of understanding synchronization process. This
system is useful for the students in understanding the synchronization process along with the
real time simulation of the synchronization. The system will demonstrate the synchronization
process of two generator outputs either manually or automatically. It will also synchronize
two generators. The system consists of voltmeters to give the voltage of generator output,
frequency meters to give the frequencies of voltages, bulb system to indicate phase sequence,
a synchroscope and a phase meter to indicate the pulse width variation of two voltage
outputs. The system is prepared for the laboratory equipment and tested under the laboratory
conditions. This paper presents how the separate sections of the Visualization of Generator
Synchronization System were developed and its results.

Project # 24: Cooperative Wirless Networking for Smart Grid

Supervisor: Mr. D.S. De Silva

Description:
The smart power grid system will serve as a dynamic network for multi-directional energy
flows, linking distributed renewable energy source and centralized power generation. There
are many features that are expected to be part of smart grid, such as advanced metering
infrastructure (AMI), demand-side management (DSM), supported by real time energy
pricing, fault-tolerance, self-healing, etc. With cooperative wireless networkinga model
allowing for coordinated operation among two or more wireless networks outfitted with dual
or multi-mode communication devicesutilities are able to improve power system operation
efficiency and reliability by acquiring more accurate and timely information. At the same
time, customers can benefit from reduced energy bills and higher power quality. A smart
grids communication network can be conceptualized as generally having three levels, each
with distinct technologies. The base level is a home area network (HAN), interconnecting
electric devices such as household appliances within the customers premises. HAN
communication requirements are relatively low-cost and short-range, and so technologies like
ZigBee, Wi-fi and power line communications are suitable.
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Project # 25: The New Frontier of Communications Research: Smart Grid and Smart
Metering

Supervisor: Mr. D.S. De Silva

Description:
Communications research, especially wireless communications research, is at a cross road.
Although the whole industry is comparatively healthy and moving forward at full-speed
towards 4G (IEEE 802.16m, 3GPP LTE-A, etc.) in spite of the recession, research seems to
be stagnating. For example, at a recent VTC conference, a panel on the PHY layer is dead
attracted a lot of attention from both academia and industry [1]. For the past few years, the
wireless research community has embraced a number of hot topics in different layers of the
communications stack, such as MIMO, cooperative relaying, ad hoc networks, and cognitive
radio, just to name a few. Research on these topics has produced some successful outputs,
e.g. new standards like IEEE 802.11n and 802.16m, new products and applications like mesh.

Project # 26: Design and Simulation of Modern Radar System

Supervisor: Mr. D.S. De Silva

Description:
Modern radar system analysis needs to account for both the performance of the electronic
system as well as modeling the target in its environment. This AWR webinar will
discuss/demonstrate how its newly released Radar Library within the Visual System
Simulator (VSS) design software allows designers of radar systems to account for radar
signal generation, target, RCS and clutter modeling as well as signal processing. It will also
be shown that AWRs VSS can be used to model the RF architecture of individual phased
array elements as well as to characterize the entire phased array.

Project # 27: Quadcopter based Airborne Radar System Design and Development for
Remote Sensing Applications

Supervisor: Mr. D.S. De Silva

Description:
A unique experiment on remote sensing education has recently been undertaken involving an
educational institution and a government agency involved in remote sensing (NASA Goddard
Space Flight Center). The centerpiece of this experiment is the assignment of an airborne
radar system design project to students enrolled in graduate level class on radar systems. It
also provided students with an opportunity for enhancing team work, addressing
multidisciplinary science aspects, perfecting technical writing and presentation skills.
 15

Project # 28: Research on Communication Network Architecture of Smart Grid

Supervisor: Mr. D.S. De Silva

Description:
As the world enters a new era of energy consciousness, utilities face unprecedented
challenges. Stringent regulations, environmental concerns, growing demand for high-quality,
reliable electricity, and rising customer expectations are forcing utilities to rethink electricity
generation and delivery from the bottom up. Internally, utilities are struggling with aging
assets, departing expertise and a lack of information about their customers and the state of the
grid. Driven by the dynamics of the new energy environment, leading utilities, technology
vendors and government organizations have created a vision of the next generation of energy
delivery systems: Smart Grid
In recent years, the next-generation electric power systems - smart grid is studied intensively
as a promising solution for energy crisis. One important feature of the smart grid is the
integration of high-speed, reliable and secure data communication networks to manage the
complex power systems effectively and intelligently. Therefore, one of the most important
issues in smart grid is to design a network architecture that is capable of providing secure and
reliable two-way communication. To handle real-time traffic for the last mile communication
in smart grid, we discuss various communication technologies including optical fiber and
wireless technologies, and present the applicable communication network architecture of
smart grid.

Project # 29: Implementation and Performance Analysis of Wireless Ad hoc Network

for Hotspot Area

Supervisor: Mr. D.S. De Silva

Description:
Wireless Ad hoc sensor nodes are playing a vital role in wireless data transmission
infrastructure. Due to its compact size and energy efficient structure these nodes can be
successfully deployed in wireless Ad hoc infrastructure where these nodes can be efficiently
transmit the disaster related sensed data to Sink nodes via Ad hoc relay stations. In this
Research study we are going to propose a Model for the hot spot are or Disaster survivor
detection based on extremely critical Disaster situation where this energy efficient
Architecture can successfully trace and locate thousands of people in critical circumstances.
This Model can also be successfully integrated with Telemedicine based infrastructure for
emergency response authorities to take necessary measures in a limited span of time.
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Project # 30: Design of RF Energy Harvester Circuits for Biomedical Engineering

Supervisor: Mr. D.S. De Silva

Description:
Energy harvesting is the process for collecting energy from the surrounding environment and
converting it to electricity, and is gaining interest as a future next-generation energy source.
Conventionally, electricity is supplied by either a power plant or a battery, requiring electrical
wiring and replacement batteries. In recent years, the idea of using ambient energy in the
forms of light, vibration, heat, radio waves, etc. has become increasingly attractive, and a
number of methods to produce electricity from these different kinds of energy sources have
been developed. This concept can be implement with the biomedical engineering sensors and
circuits which installed inside of the body. Energy harvesting technology would eliminate the
need for replacing batteries and power cords inside the body. Areas of interest: Sensor
fusion, Machine learning, Robotics

Project # 31: Wireless Sensor Networks Technology for Smart Building

Supervisor: Mr. D.S. De Silva

Description:
. This project sets forth a research plan for developing enhanced energy usage models and
solutions for home and office buildings based on modern sensing and wireless networking
technologies. Availability of low-cost sensing and processing modules as well as recently
developed efficient wireless communication protocols for building automation applications
provide the basic enabling tools for the application domain of smart buildings. Network-
centric application areas such as security and surveillance as well as novel user-centric
technologies such as in-home patient and elderly monitoring have already been explored to
some extent, but these are only the first of the plethora of possible applications for smart
environments. Energy usage automation is a compelling application of sensor technology due
to the universal need for energy usage optimization in homes and office buildings. The
proposed research plan employs tools and techniques of modern sensing, processing, and
networking to develop optimized energy usage solutions.
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Project # 32: Wireless Energy Transmission for Micro scale Electronics Application

Supervisor: Mr. D.S. De Silva

Description:
Wireless Energy transmitting is an interesting research topic with design challenges due to
low power density in the scale of nano/micro-watt range. In the day today life, primary and
secondary batteries are used for supply low power devices like sensors. When the batteries
are used, they should be replaced or recharge time to time. There for wireless energy
transmission is good solution for to overcome this difficulty. In addition to that this is a good
technology for supplying power to low power devices which are deployed in unreachable
places

Project # 33: Device to Device Communication with Wi-Fi Direct: Secure VoIP
Application

Supervisor: Mr. W.N.B.A.G. Priyankara

Description:
In the recent years, the attention of both academia and industry has been attracted by the
Device-to-device (D2D) communication. The D2D communication has been predicted as a
key complimentary emerging technology within the 5G mobile communication standard.
This newer interest is in part due to recent work in standardization bodies. Through D2D
communication, two or more devices that are in the proximity of each other can communicate
directly, in either a standalone or a network assisted manner.
In this project, we are targeting a building with a Wi-Fi coverage and trying to develop secure
voice over IP (VoIP) application which uses the D2D communication without the
involvement of internet. This secure VoIP application is managed by a Session Initialization
Protocol (SIP) server located in a particular building. When a VoIP user going outside the
Wi-Fi coverage, Wi-Fi direct is used to keep the connectivity through the users at the edge of
the Wi-Fi coverage. In this method, a user has better connectivity all over the building even
though he/she is in blind or shadow area of Wi-Fi coverage of the building. The main
research components are the identification of the most suitable relay User Equipment (UE)
based on Channel State Information (CSI) and Media Access Control (MAC) layer designing
and performance evaluation for battery life saving of both relay and original users. At the
initial stage of this project, single hop D2D communication is used to extend the Wi-Fi
coverage of the building and at the second stage, multi-hop D2D communication is applied to
extend the coverage with the aid of passive users with the Wi-Fi devices.

Key Areas: Wireless communication, Device to device communication, Wi-Fi Direct

standard and specifications, Algorithms development in wireless MAC layer, Android
application development, VOIP implementation through Wi-Fi network
 18

Project # 34: Identification of Illegal Encroachers in Irrigation Systems using a Smart

Phone

Supervisor: Dr. C. Kariyawasam

Description:
As Sri Lanka is agriculture based country irrigation schemes have been developed to provide
water for the land. In irrigation systems reservation is an important component.
Reservations are of three types. One is on the catchment other one is associated with the head
works and downstream system and the third one the borrow areas and pasture lands.
Reservations are important as they highly affected to the quality and quantity of inflow to the
reservoir.
As the reservations of irrigation system plays an important role to maintain the
sustainability it is important to have a proper reservation area. Due to various reasons such as
lack of lands, high fertilizing property of the soils in reservations farmers have been
encroaching those reservations in spite of the rules. Most of them are not the original
encroachers. Some of they are second or third generations of original encroachers. Because of
practical difficulties of marking and protecting those reservations physically on the ground,
many of reservation boundaries are restricted to documents.
Hence minimizing the encroaching and identifying the boundaries of reservations in
an effective manner is important. During this research it is supposed to develop android
applications for smart phones which give an alert when the phone holder walks into
reservations. It will be provided to officers in department of the irrigation and with the help
of the application, reservations will be identified.
Key Areas: Android application development. Spatial trigonometry, Spatial data
management
 19

Project # 35: Develop a Mechanism to Confine Stray Dogs to Safe Areas

Supervisor: Dr. C. Kariyawasam

Description:
In developed countries, dogs have only two options. Live with a human being, or die.
However, in developing countries like Sri Lanka, they have another option. Live
independently. Human beings call them stray dogs.
The biggest problem of having stray dogs is that they spread rabies. In 1897 Rabies
Ordinance allowed stray dogs to be rounded up and gassed; a horrifying and painful end for
thousands of innocent animals. However, not only was this method inhumane and cruel, but it
also proved to be ineffective in controlling rabies. Other than carrying rabies virus, stray
dogs created a variety of other problems.
Purpose of this research is to introduce a humane way of confining stray dogs to safe areas
The method will use ultrasound waves to prevent dogs from entering predetermined areas.
Hapugala campus premises will be used a pilot area..

Research involves

Identifying types of stray dogs that living within the campus

Establishing the sensitivity of each dog type to different frequencies
Developing a mechanism to find when a dog enters the area. This mechanism should
be able to differentiate a human being from a dog entering the area.
When a dog enters an ultrasound wave should be emitted to chase the dog away.
Most importantly the method should not be inhumane or cruel

Key Areas: Statistical methods, Electronics

Project # 36: Application of Artificial Intelligence in Power System Fault Detection

Co-Supervisor: Ms. M.A.S.T. Ireshika

Description:
In an electric power system comprising of different complex interacting elements, there
always exists a possibility of disturbances and faults. Faults on power system transmission
lines need to be detected and located rapidly, classified correctly and cleared as fast as
possible. Application of a pattern recognition technique could be useful in discriminating
between power system healthy and/or faulty states. It could also be used to distinguish which
of the phases of a three phase power system is faulty. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are
powerful in pattern recognition and classification. In this project, a scheme has to be
proposed for fast and reliable fault detection and phase detection. Various transient system
faults will be modeled. ANN-based algorithm will be used for recognition of these patterns.
Key Areas: Faults in power system, Pattern recognition, Artificial Neural Networks
 20

Project # 37: Multi-Purpose Lighting System for a Building

Supervisor: Mr. H.W.H.L.Walpita

Description:
In ancient times, methods such as fire and smoke signals, metallic reflective plates and etc.
were used to convey messages through visible light. With the advancement of the
technologies, now Visible light communication (VLC) is done through the light emitted by
LEDs. Such a wireless communication system enables to deliver networked, mobile, high-
speed communication similar to Wi-Fi. The basis of the technology, involves switching
LEDs ON and OFF within nanoseconds at a very high frequency. As VLC has a high
bandwidth, no health hazard and low power consumption make it attractive for wide variety
of applications.
Under this project, a prototype for an LED based lighting system should be designed with
following features.
The main application of the system is to be used as an illumination source for lighting.
Hence flickering should be unnoticeable for the human eye.
Audio/Video Broadcasting capability
Should assist users to identify different places of the building.

Key Areas: Wireless communication, High frequency switching circuits, Photonic devices,
Lighting systems in buildings, Application development

Project # 38: Visible Light Communication for Under Water Communication Networks

Supervisor: Mr. H.W.H.L. Walpita

Description:
Radio frequency waves do not travel well in underwater. As an alternative, Visible Light
Communication (VLC) can be used for underwater communications. For instance,
Untethered Remotely Operated Vehicles (UTROV) can use VLC for under water wireless
communication. Under this project, a reliable two way communication system should be
designed and tested under different underwater conditions.
Key Areas: Wireless communication, Communication protocols, Photonic devices,
Application development
 21

Project # 39: Intelligent Condition Monitoring System for a Motor Driven System

Supervisor: Mr. H.W.H.L. Walpita

Description:
Motors are considered as the muscle behind the industrial revolution. Most of the
consumer and industrial applications are fulfilled through electric motor driven systems.
When it comes to large motor driven systems, it is essential to have a condition monitoring
system to prevent unexpected breakdowns, improve the performance and safety. Under this
project it is expected to use different parameters such as vibration patterns, temperature
variations inside the system and etc. to develop an intelligent condition monitoring system for
a selected motor driven system. Machine learning techniques can be used to identify
abnormal conditions of the monitored system. And the developed system should suggest
some maintenance actions accordingly.
Key Areas: Electric motors, Sensors and transducers, Maintenance management, Machine
learning, Pattern recognition

Project # 40: Electromagnetic Radiation Reduction in Mobile Communication Systems

Supervisor: Mr. E.H. Jayatunga

Description:
Many people have hard times when something that they cannot see, touch, smell, taste or hear
and can harm them so much. We are also immersed in a sea of Electromagnetic Radiation
(EMR) and it can affect our lives. According to the literature due to the rapid growth rate of
mobile phones, phone masts and wireless communication systems, possible adverse effects
on living things has caused increased concern around the world. They include an increased
risk of cancer, loss of fertility and unpleasant physiological symptoms. Therefore,
precautionary advice and urgent guidance is needed to alert the public specially our children
about the inherent dangers of over exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Hence, during this
project, EMR is measured and examine some methods to reduce EMR from its sources.
Key Areas: Wireless communication systems, EMF radiation, Antenna patterns
 22

Project # 41: Signal Processing for Music Collection Analysis

Supervisor: Mr. E.H. Jayatunga

Description:
MUSIC is a ubiquitous and vital part of the lives of billions of people worldwide. Musical
creations and performances are among the most complex and intricate of our cultural
artifacts, and the emotional power of music can touch us in surprising and profound ways.
Music spans an enormous range of forms and styles, from simple, unaccompanied folk songs,
to orchestras and other large ensembles, to a minutely constructed piece of electronic music
resulting from months of work in the studio.
This project concerns the application of signal processing techniques to music signals, in
particular to the problems of analyzing an existing music signal (such as piece in a collection)
to extract a wide variety of information and descriptions. During this project first it searches
for already available signal analysis techniques that specifically address musical dimensions
such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre. Then it examines how particular
characteristics of music signals impact from different music collections.
Key Areas: Digital signal processing, Matlab programming

Project # 42: Development of FPGA based Minimally Invasive Surgery Training System

Supervisor: Mr. E.H. Jayatunga

Description:
The objective of this system is to provide low-cost, effective tool for junior surgeons to
practice and evaluate their fundamental skills and ability of minimally invasive surgery
(MIS). The system should combine the technologies of FPGA and virtual reality (VR) to
build a VR based MIS training system. The main function of FPGA is to provide a real-time
and precise 3D location of instrument. The system uses FPGA board as the main platform,
two cameras as the image sensor in the homemade surgery training box and the stereo vision
technology to get the 3D location of the instrument. Then the FPGA platform sends the 3D
location of the instrument to the 3D VR game on the PC in real-time by the Universal
Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) interface. The PC receives the position of the
instrument from the FPGA and its rotation information measured by the sensor module to
control the visual objects in the game. Hence, the system can train users hand-eye
coordination and sense of space.
Key Areas: Digital electronics, FPGA, Embedded system design, Verilog programming
 23

Project # 43: Development of RF Finger-printing Location Detection System for Indoor

Applications

Supervisor: Mr. E.H. Jayatunga

Description:
By considering the inverse of the traditional triangulation systems, a single RFID reader (or
more) could be used in conjunction with location-referenced RFID tags to help locate an
RFID tagged target based on comparing the different responses. This approach is also known
as RF fingerprinting since it estimates the location of the target by matching its measured RF
responses with the previously collected RF fingerprints of the reference tags (typically RSS
values). This project aims at applying improved LANDMARC algorithms to resolve the RF
fingerprint for locating targets within indoor environments. The project also focuses on other
aspects such as the development of suitable directional antennas to complement the optimized
fingerprinting algorithms. These improvements might limit the searching space, attain higher
gain per element, and minimize the multipath effects in such complex propagation
environments.
Key Areas: Wireless communication, Routing algorithms, Optimization, Programming,
Antenna design, Multipath propagation