This Engineering Research Bulletin presents the research papers of student researchers from the electrical engineering, electronics engineering, computer engineering, geodetic engineering, civil engineering, architecture and information technology education programs; hence, the diverse research topics are tackled in this bulletin.
Its mission is to provide an outlet for quality research to be publicised and published to a global audience. The journal aims to publish papers selected through rigorous peer review to ensure originality, timeliness, relevance, and readability.
The Journal
ISSN: 2423-1355 (Online)
ISSN: 2423-1355 (Print)
DOI: to be posted...
Publication Frequency: Yearly
Editor-in-Chief
Emmanuel James P. Pattaguan, Ph.D.
Vice President for Academics, University Research and Development Center
Managing Editors
Dr. Marie Jean N. Mendezabal, PhD
Director, University Research and Development Center
Mr. Ertie C. Abana
Head, Center for Engineering Research and Technology Innovation
Mr. Emilio A. Carag
Language Editor, University Research and Development Center
Contents
BAFNET: A SOIL EROSION CONTROL NET USING BANANA PSEUDO-STEM FIBERS
Angelo Lui M. Agustin, Marc Aeron T. Reyes, Vaneza T. Lapangan, Noel Frederick A. Figueroa, Lester L. Ramirez, Princess Anne E. Layugan, Frances Lorane T. Calapini
Soil erosion is a naturally occurring process that affects all landforms determined by four
fundamental factors: soil characteristics, vegetative cover, topography, and climate.
Various soil erosion control is processed to lessen and delay from happening using different parts of a plant.
Hence, this study aimed to produce BafNet and compare it to Coconet in terms of water absorption capacity, tensile strength, and net efficiency or soil reduction efficiency. It was revealed that the banana pseudo-stem fiber (BPSF) rope could absorb more water than the coco fiber rope by 38.94%. Also, it is stronger than the coco fiber rope by 165.2 N and 5.85 MPa for a one-meter rope having a diameter of 6 mm. For torrential rain on a silty type of soil at a 30° slope, the results exhibited that BafNet is more efficient than the Coconet by 11.29%.
Keywords: — banana pseudo-stem fiber, erosion control net, soil erosion, soil reduction efficiency, tensile strength, water absorption capacity
DISASTER-RESISTANT MODERN BAHAY KUBO
Janet L. Cangas, Kyla Grail F. Guevarra2, Mesheya Joy G. Pascual , Yvonne A. Tacata, Mark Vincent D. Bricia, Ian James Villano, Ertie Abana
Losses and destruction from floods and landslides increase in the Philippines as typhoons become more frequent and intense. A previous study conceptualizes a lightweight bamboo-based hybrid amphibious house with a buoyant basis of HDPE sewer pipes in a steel cage and easy base isolation. The main objective of this project was to design disaster-resistant Modern Bahay Kubo using Bamboo as the primary material data for wind loads, dead loads, and live loads have been obtained from the National Structural Code of the Philippines 2015 and the results of the forces applied are enough to endure the disaster-resistant Modern Bahay Kubo. Since no standard code is available for Bamboo, the Steel code of the NSCP 2015 has been adapted wherever necessary. The STAAD analysis findings indicate different maximum displacement values from different loading and load combinations specified by NSCP. In terms of wind load, it shows that the most significant displacement is roughly 0.099mm at 320 kph, indicating that the design for Bahay Kubo is durable and strong enough to endure wind speeds ranging from 240 to 320 kilometers per hour
Keywords:bamboo, disaster-resistant, Bahay Kubo, typhoon, structure, construction
AUDI: AN AUTOMATED FOG DISINFECTING MACHINE
Yavis Kanata L. Antonio, Fitz Christian G. Cauilan, Eiron K. Pattaguan, Harvie M. Turingan, Aira Jane C. Bassig
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought major inconvenience to the education system due to the unprecedented shift in the method of instruction. Limited physical classes to reduce close contact, strong adherence to the Covid-19 protocols, and developing ways to reinforce the educational missions of institutions must be administered to ensure a virus-free environment. Inclined to these constraints, an automated fog disinfecting machine was created. Its goal is to automatically disinfect the space by considering its occupancy variable. The effectiveness was assessed through the Petri-disk diffusion method. The results showed an overwhelming decrease in microbial growth after it undergoes the disinfection process. Many factors have contributed to achieving such results, some of which are the composition of the disinfectant liquid, the mobility of fog, and the machine’s performance which added a reinforced cleaning method. The data gathered from the different tests conducted proved that the Automated Fog Disinfecting Machine is a wise choice to further reinforce the physical learning environment of academic institutions and other institutions during this time of the pandemic.
Keywords: automation, disinfecting machine, liquid disinfectant, covid-19 pandemic
I-LIGHT: AN IMPROVED LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR POULTRY FARMS
Hubert Chester C. Damo, Shedric V. Dimayuga, Princess Gail P. Dineros, Korrrine G. Villaverde, Peejay Paguirigan
Poultry farming is one of the most progressive enterprises where millions of broilers are produced every year. Improvement on poultry farms includes systems where the basic needs of broilers are addressed. I-Light is an improved lighting system that incorporates three (3) major factors in the growth of broilers – color, photoperiod, and light intensity. This system compared the existing traditional lighting system (TL) and LED lighting system (LL) between the improved system in terms of broiler growth and at the same time determine the mortality rate and power usage. Arduino Mega Microcontroller and a LED sensor were used to control the light intensity. The performance was assessed by comparing the average weight and mortality of the chickens as well as the power usage within the conduct of the experiment. The results determined that the i-Light system performed better than both TL and LL systems. In terms of growth, the i-Light system demonstrates its ability to outperform TL and LL as seen by the fact that the i-Light system's weight gain on the final week of experimentation is 55.45% heavier than TL and 36.36% heavier than LL. It was also shown that the system logs the lowest mortality rate compared to the TL and LL system which records a 30% mortality rate which is more ideal than the 50% shown on TL and 40% for LL. The power usage results show the savings from the electricity consumption of the three systems. It shows that the i-Light used the least electricity. The i-Light system is 75.44% more efficient than the TL which saves up to 95.914 PHP monthly. On the other hand, i-Light is 63.12% more efficient than LL which saves up to 53.42 PHP per month. This study proved the system to be advantageous in terms of growing broiler chickens and power saving. Based on the results of the tests, it has been determined that using the i-Light Lighting system instead of the TL system and LL system is a viable option for poultry farmers.
Keywords: — poultry, led, intensity, broiler, lighting system
MICRO HYDRO GENERATOR TURBINE
Christine Fernando, Nicole Emmanuelle Pagalilauan, Jay Vee Miranda, Ailyn Samontina, Rouxanne Macoco, Marion James Ladia
This study developed a micro-hydro generator turbine utilizing water flowing into a single inflow pipe which makes the turbine rotate continuously within a specific water pressure. The device is intended to be connected to the household’s main water pipeline to generate energy and convert it into electricity that can operate small devices during emergency power outages. It comprises a turbine, generator, step-down voltage, charger module, rechargeable battery, and dc-dc boost module. From the tests conducted, the device generated an average voltage, current, and power of 4.99 V, 0.48 A, 2.40 W at 35 psi, and 4.36 V, 0.35 A, 1.54 W at 20 psi. The power efficiencies of the device at 35 psi and 20 psi were 23.97% and 15.44%, respectively. The percent charge of the built-in battery increases by 1% after an average of 9 minutes and 14.6 minutes for high and low pressure, respectively. The results showed that the device generated enough energy to supply small devices rated 5 volts like smartphones, power banks, portable lamps, and portable fans.
Keywords: hydroelectric generator, portable turbine, sustainable energy
ASSESSMENT OF COASTAL EROSION: A BASIS FOR A SALVAGE ZONE MAP
Mark Wayne Alcantara, Jofrey P. Costales, Regine R. Oandasan, Christine Joy M. Tan, May Z. Valdez
Coastal erosion has become a major problem that the world is facing for various reasons. This study analyzed the shoreline rate of change of the two barangays in Ballesteros, namely: Centro East and Centro West using the Last High Tide (LHTS) of the Sea Level Affecting Marshes Method (SLAMM), specifically the Shoreline Change SAMP (Special Area Management Plan). The coastal retreat for the past 14 years (2007-2021) and the predicted possible shoreline landward movement after 15 years (2021-2036) were identified. Overall, the average shoreline rate of change is 2.236 meters per year, the approximate area of the coastal retreat for the past 14 years is 4.8 hectares, and the possible coastal retreat if there is no human intervention for the next 15 years is 5.1 hectares. As the Philippines is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, landslides, and climate change, which cause the triggers of coastal erosion, the government should take actions like reforestation and seawalls to mitigate the coastal problem.
Keywords: coastal erosion, shoreline, salvage zone
MAPPING THE SUITABILITY OF EXISTING AND PROBABLE ISOLATION FACILITIES
Helen Grace S. Acedo, Diwata A. Miranda, J- Randel C. Cammayo, Winalene B. Valentin, Krandell Lyne A. Baccay, May Z. Valdez
This study aimed to map the accessibility of the existing isolation facilities in Cabagan, Isabela, and propose probable locations suitable for establishing isolation facilities using the Geographic Information System (GIS), where the data were inputted and processed. Geocam Pro was used to collect data specifically, the geographic coordinates of the existing facilities, and Google Maps were utilized to determine their accessibility to the Milagros Albano District Hospital (MADH). A suitability map was projected, in which 100% of the proposed isolation facilities are accessible to any road network of Cabagan, Isabela, with low and moderate susceptibility to flooding and low susceptibility to landslides. The location also belongs to the non-exposed group having a radius of more than three (3) km from the sanitary landfill. The proposed location of the isolation facilities is also readily accessible to the community and a hospital accepting suspected or confirmed Covid-19 patients.
Keywords: covid-19, QGIS, isolation facilities, suitability map
COVIDEX: TEMPERATURE ASSESSMENT AND IDENTIFICATION TRACKING MACHINE FOR CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION
Kevin Y. Gumabay, John Rigelkelt C. Suacillo, Henon Jay G. Iloreta, Ertie C. Abana
During the Coronavirus pandemic, businesses, public transportation, and social service groups are putting in place strategies to return to the 'old normal' or gradual activity. Returning to the former routine carries a higher danger, as COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease with difficult detection. Vaccination slows the pathogen's replication but does not prevent it. As a result, it is ineffective in preventing minor illnesses. COVIDEX can determine a person's temperature and assess their current condition if the user has symptoms of COVID-19, and it will also automate data logging on large establishments upon entry. It also has features of alcohol dispensing for hand sanitation. The test result of the COVIDEX temperature reading capability has shown an accuracy of 90%, its Barcode reading capability has an accuracy of 85%, and on the user ergonomics, it has 84.29% satisfaction.
Keywords: COVID-19, temperature, barcode, scanning, ID
WINDOWS-BASED INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH PROJECT MONITORING FOR BARANGAY
Cyril Joyce M. Balilia, Lyanna I. Pagulayan, Jay Alheizen A. Acoba, Jaye-em C. Mebaña, Lily Ann Dela Cruz
The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a web-based barangay Issuance System for barangays called the “Barangay Document and Issuance System (BDIS).” Researchers used a development research approach to design and develop the web-based Barangay Document and Issuance System (BDIS). The Barangay Document and Issuance System (BDIS) was created using the Rapid Application Development (RAD) approach of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and evaluated by IT professionals, IT practitioners, and barangay stakeholders. The acceptance of the created system was evaluated using the System Usability System for system evaluation. The average score for all participants who evaluated the system was 4.58, which translates to "strongly agree.” The Barangay Document and Issuance System (BDIS) was rated acceptable because respondents liked it and found it convenient and easy to use. Barangays will benefit from this system to reduce administrative work and process document requests. It also functions as a database of barangay records by implementing and using the Barangay Document and Issuance System (BDIS).
Keywords: barangay document, rapid application development, system development life cycle
ELECTRICITY GENERATING WATER FAUCET WITH THREE-INFLOW PIPES GENERATOR
Rhanny Cureg, Maricel Domingo, Jomar Baruzo, Jerome Saunar, Eduardo Baratas, Ertie Abana, Francis Nicholas Escobar, Marion James Ladia
This study developed a hydro-electric energy device that harvests energy by means of flowing water which makes the turbine rotates continuously. The device is intended to be used as a water faucet which can be a viable energy source for small appliances rated five volts. It is composed of a generator, turbine, step down voltage, charger module, rechargeable battery, and volts booster converter. From the different tests conducted, the device was able to generate an average voltage, current and power of 4.705 V, 399 mA and 1.877 W, respectively. The power efficiency of the device was 18.77%. The percent charge of the built-in battery increases after an average of 25.5 minutes. The device was able to generate enough power to charge low voltage devices such as smartphones, power banks, portable lamps, and portable electric fans.
Keywords: generator; turbine; water faucet; power efficiency
MAPPING OF SOLAR POWER POTENTIAL STRUCTURES USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
Angelica Baquiran, Tiffany Bianca, Javier, Rhodmark James Dalit, John Jarvis Manuel, Dan Joseph Pacis, Dominic Lyndon Palchan, Ertie Abana, Jaime-11 Daliuag
Solar energy has massive potential to address energy shortage problems and elevate living standards. In fact, more and more people are starting to invest in solar power systems by installing solar panels in their roofs. It is a way to generate electricity for home and business without increasing the negative impacts on the environment. However, the fact remains that some buildings will not benefit from solar panels as they are not located in the right area or position. For this reason, this study developed a method of generating a map showing structures suitable for solar panel installation. The method was applied in the town center of a third-class component city in the Philippines. Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Geographical Information System (GIS) tools, and digitized structures were used to generate the map along with different criteria which served as a guide in identifying suitable structures. The criteria used were the rooftop’s slope, orientation, solar radiation, and surface area. The results show that 24.23% of the structures in the town center are suitable structures for solar panel installation with a potential energy generation of 7681.796135 MWh.
Keywords:GIS; DEM; solar power; solar radiation; solar panel
AUTOMATED VERMICAST PRODUCTION MACHINE
Kathrine Tio, Frynz Clyd Agustin, Jayvee Castellon, Rustonel Vergara, Ertie Abana, Ariel Lorenzo
Vermiculture is a fast way of converting wastes into organic fertilizer. It is an excellent soil enhancer and bioactive fertilizer for organic farming. Unfortunately, the conventional practiced by vermiculture farmers cannot guarantee to sustain the preferred worm activity. For this reason, an automated vermicasts production machine was built to maintain the environmental parameters required in the production of vermicasts without human intervention. The machine includes substrates shredder, watering system, harvester, soil sifter and is supported by the use of a microcontroller which receives data from the soil moisture and temperature sensors to monitor the environmental parameters. After conducting trials, it was evident that the vermicasts production machine was able to produce vermicasts. The watering system employed showed an efficient response on the unstable conditions of the vermibed. Apparent in the system was the operational monitoring of soil moisture and temperature which controlled the desired environment of the worm activity. With an initial vermiworm weight of 500 grams, the machine produced 2.5 kilograms of vermicasts and increased the worm production to 745 grams. The fish amino acid was also able to increase the vermiworm and vermicast production rate by enhancing the development and size of the African Nightcrawler. The machine yielded vermicasts with nutrient contents of 0.77% Nitrogen, 0.26% Phosphorus and 0.46% Potassium. With these nutrient contents, the machine is considered to be more desirable than the conventional method since it can produce more nutritive organic fertilizer for farmers.
Keywords: vermiculture; vermicast; vermiworm; microcontroller; soil moisture sensor; temperature sensor
WEATHER-BASED AUTOMATIC WATERING DEVICE
Pauline Franchez Dulin, Cherry Ann Bacud, Angelica Apostol, John Jeffrey Dy, Joernn Franz Reyes, Aira Jane Bassig
Watering the plants is one of the most labor-intensive tasks in household activities which cause wastage of water if unexpected circumstances occur like sudden rain. For this reason, a weather-based automatic watering device was developed in this study to automatically water the plants. The device determines the soil moisture percentage and the weather condition in the area. These data are checked by the microcontroller, whether they meet the specified conditions before sending the command to relay which triggers the water pump. The device continuously measures soil moisture percentage and weather condition automatically without human assistance. After the series of testing conducted, the researchers verified that the device was accurate in collecting weather information. It was able to trigger the water pump accordingly based on the detected parameters. The device will give the users the convenience of automatically watering their plants and saving water at the same time.
Keywords: watering device; microcontroller; weather; soil moisture
AQUACISION: A MULTIPARAMETER AQUACULTURE WATER QUALITY TESTER AND DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM
Mark Anthony Lazo, Louise Mark Kit Geronimo, Lester John Comilang, Kenneth John B. Cayme, Jay Ventura
The paper presents a multiparameter aquaculture water quality tester and decision support system. The device was developed to aid aquaculture farmers in monitoring water quality parameters and maintaining or achieving optimal levels by suggesting ways on how a farmer can respond to such measurements. The Aquacision device measures six different water quality parameters; temperature, practical salinity, pH level, total dissolve solid (TDS), oxidation-reduction-potential (ORP), and algae density. Measurements were sent to the Aquacision application where they were processed to determine the course of action that was best to maintain or achieve optimal levels through the use of fuzzy rules. The Aquacision sensor measurement accuracy for temperature, practical salinity, pH level, TDS, and ORP are 99.746%, 99.465%, 99.406%. 99.705%, and 95.575%, respectively during the actual testing. The AQUACISION application using the ISO/IEC 25010 software quality model evaluation with 1-5 rating scale received average of 4.633, 4.667, 4.525, 4.750, 4.525, and 4.450 for characteristics functional suitability, performance efficiency, compatibility, usability, reliability, and portability, respectively. The application also received an average satisfaction of 4.750 which is highly satisfactory.
Keywords: aquaculture; temperature; practical salinity; algae density
PORTABLE AND MULTIPURPOSE THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR DEVICE
Ivy Marcos, Mark Anthony Crisostomo, Simplicio III Granado, John Khenrick Pagela, John Mark Peralta, Jennirose Matias
The researchers developed a multipurpose and portable thermoelectric generator that maximizes the waste heat generated from different sources to provide electricity that could power up low voltage devices. Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) module converts heat energy into electric energy through temperature difference generated from both the hot and cold side of the module itself. This study used eight thermoelectric modules for the accumulation of waste heat to the hot side of the module and as for the cooling side; the researchers used a radiator as a medium to hold the cold substance. Based on the result of the testing, the device works best on waste heat source from transport systems. For the cold side of the TEG device, cold water exhibits better performance in charging the batteries. Practically, the device can be used anytime and anywhere by anyone as long as the source has the capacity to generate sufficient heat.
Keywords: thermoelectric generator; radiator; waste heat; mobile devices