UH Technology Fall 2010 Showcase

9:15 a.m. American Flyers

The innovation is an improved drive train for human powered vehicles such as bicycles. “e’Drive” promises to decrease the weight and complexity of current multi-gear drive trains, like those using a chain, derraileurs, and multiple sprockets. The computer-controlled drive train provides increased efficiency and ease of use, while giving cyclists new information about ride parameters to assist training and increase fitness and performance.

David Rockwood, Associate Professor, School of Architecture, and David Garmire, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Electrical Engineering

10:00 a.m. Private Eyes Are Watching You

Research has shown that occupancy sensors can save up to 80% of energy used for lighting, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, resulting in significant financial savings. Doppler radar based motion sensors determine human presence based on detection of cardiorespiratory motion, when the subjects are not moving. System-on-chip implementation of such a sensor offers unique advantages of simple architecture, low cost, and low power consumption.

Victor Lubecke, Associate Professor, Dept. of Electrical Engineering

10:45 a.m. In Treatment

Wastewater treatment is one of the biggest biotechnology industries in the world. Among different treatment processes, fixed-film processes are gaining popularity in recent years due to their low operation costs and versatility in meeting different treatment goals. An essential component of fixed-film processes is the supporting materials, on which microorganisms attach and grow in the form of biofilm. A new class of supporting materials for fixed-film processes that has shown significant improvements in wastewater treatment will be presented.

Tao Yan, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering