Volume 14 | Issue 6 |

 Abstract

This study investigates the structural, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric properties of lead-free Barium Calcium Titanate-Cobalt Ferrite (BCT-CFO) magnetoelectric composites. The samples were synthesized using a solid-state reaction method and characterized using SEM, EDS, and X-ray diffraction techniques.

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 Keywords

BCT-CFO, Magnetoelectric composites, Ferroelectricity, Piezoelectricity, SEM

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Metal chalcogenide-carbon nanocomposites are gaining significant attention as advanced materials for modern energy storage and conversion technologies. Their effectiveness arises from the complementary properties of both components: metal chalcogenides provide high electrochemical activity and multiple redox states, while carbon materials enhance electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and surface area. This review highlights recent progress in synthesis approaches, structural engineering, and applications of these nanocomposites in batteries, supercapacitors, electrocatalysis, and photocatalysis. Additionally, key limitations such as structural instability, volume expansion, and scalability challenges are critically discussed, along with future research directions for real-world applications.

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 Keywords

Metal Chalcogenide, Carbon Nanocomposites, Energy Storage, Energy Conversion, Chemical Vapor Deposition, Electrospinning

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In this study, the binary mixtures n-butanol with formamide were investigated, focusing on their dielectric constant, density and refractive index. The dielectric constants were measured to assess the electrostatic interactions within the mixtures, density values provided insights into the overall composition and packing of molecules. Additionally refractive index data offered information on the optical properties of the mixtures, through systematic analysis. we observed variations in these properties in n-butanol with formamide binary mixtures. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the physicochemical behaviour of these mixtures. From the experimental dielectric data, excess dielectric constant, Kirkwood correlation factor, Bruggeman factor are estimated and reported in the study. The results show that the dielectric constants, densities and refractive index of the binary mixtures, decreases with increasing percentage of volume of n-butanol and the study shows the presence of molecular interactions and hydrogen bonding in the binary mixtures.

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 Keywords

Binary liquid mixtures, Dielectric constant, Kirkwood correlation factor, Hydrogen bonding, Density and refractive index, Formamide-n-butanol system, Bruggeman factor

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HelioFusion Smart Solar Tracking Hybrid PCM Cryo-Refrigerator is an advanced and energy-efficient refrigeration system designed to operate using renewable solar energy. The system integrates a dual-axis solar tracking mechanism, which continuously aligns the solar panel with the sun to maximize energy absorption and improve overall efficiency. To ensure uninterrupted cooling, the system incorporates Phase Change Material (PCM) for thermal energy storage. PCM stores excess cooling energy and maintains the desired temperature even during power interruptions or low solar availability, thereby enhancing system reliability.

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 Keywords

Solar Energy, Dual-Axis Solar Tracking, IoT-Based Monitoring, Phase Change Material (PCM), Thermal Energy Storage, Heat Pipe Technology, Energy Efficiency, Smart Refrigeration, Off-Grid Applications.

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Traditional cam-follower test rigs rely on manual measurement techniques using tachometers, vernier scales, and protractors to analyze simple harmonic motion (SHM). These conventional methods are prone to human error, limited in precision, and unable to provide real-time data visualization. This research presents the development of an advanced digital cam-follower test rig integrating sensor-based data acquisition, automated measurement, and real-time computational analysis. The system employs a Royal Enfield Bullet cam-follower mechanism with a rotary encoder for RPM and angular position measurement, and a Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) for follower displacement measurement. An Arduino microcontroller transmits data to a custom Python software platform which implements signal processing algorithms to generate kinematic graphs: cam angle vs. follower displacement, velocity, and acceleration. The system also automatically reconstructs the complete cam profile. Experimental validation demonstrates measurement accuracy improvement of 95%, data acquisition time reduced by 80%, and the capability to analyze complex motion patterns previously undetectable with manual methods. This digital test rig serves as a modern pedagogical tool bridging theoretical concepts with Industry 4.0 measurement technologies.

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Cam-follower mechanism, simple harmonic motion, LVDT sensor, rotary encoder, data acquisition, Arduino, kinematic analysis, Python software.

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This paper presents the design, structural analysis, fabrication, and experimental testing of a 1-ton capacity pillar-mounted jib crane with 180-degree controlled rotation, developed to address material handling challenges in small and medium-scale industrial environments. Conventional jib cranes providing 360-degree rotation impose safety risks in confined workspaces. The proposed crane employs an ISMB 250 structural steel boom as a cantilever beam, supported by a hollow circular steel mast of 225 mm outer diameter.

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 Keywords

Jib Crane; ISMB 250; Structural Analysis; Material Handling; Cantilever Beam; Buckling; Fabrication

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Solar desalination has emerged as a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to address the growing global demand for potable water, particularly in arid and remote regions where conventional water treatment technologies are economically or logistically unfeasible. With increasing freshwater scarcity driven by population growth, industrialization, and climate change, solar stills offer a simple, low-cost, and renewable energy-based desalination method. However, despite their advantages, conventional solar stills suffer from inherently low productivity due to limited heat absorption, poor evaporation rates, and significant thermal losses, which restrict their large-scale applicability.To overcome these limitations, recent research has focused on enhancing the performance of solar stills through hybridization techniques, among which the integration of solar air heaters has shown promising potential. This review paper aims to systematically analyze and synthesize existing experimental studies on hybrid solar stills coupled with solar air heaters to evaluate their effectiveness in improving distillate yield and overall thermal efficiency.The review methodology involves a comprehensive literature survey of peer-reviewed articles obtained from reputed journal databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Springer, covering publications primarily from 2010 to 2025. Selected studies are critically examined based on experimental configurations, operating conditions, climatic influences, and performance metrics such as daily yield, efficiency, and cost analysis.Key findings from the reviewed literature indicate that the integration of solar air heaters significantly enhances basin water temperature, accelerates evaporation rates, and improves overall system productivity compared to conventional solar stills. Additional augmentation techniques such as the use of phase change materials (PCM), nanofluids, external condensers, and optimized basin geometries further contribute to performance improvement. Among these, combined systems incorporating solar air heaters with thermal energy storage and advanced materials demonstrate the highest efficiency gains and yield enhancements.In conclusion, hybrid solar stills integrated with solar air heaters present a viable and efficient solution for improving desalination performance. Future research should focus on optimizing system design, integrating advanced materials, conducting long-term field studies, and performing economic.

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Efficiency Gains: Yield Improvement: Optimal Conditions: Condensation Recovery.

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The present study focuses on the design, development, and performance evaluation of a hemispherical solar dryer for agricultural applications. Drying is an essential process for preserving food materials by reducing their moisture content, thereby extending shelf life and minimizing post-harvest losses. Conventional open sun drying methods are associated with several limitations such as contamination, uneven drying, and dependence on climatic conditions. To overcome these challenges, a hemispherical solar dryer was developed using a dome-shaped transparent structure that enhances heat retention through the greenhouse effect. The system consists of an absorber surface, drying chamber with trays, and a controlled airflow mechanism.

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 Keywords

Hemispherical Solar Dryer, Solar Drying, Agricultural Drying, Greenhouse Effect, Moisture Removal, IoT Monitoring, Renewable Energy, Drying Efficiency

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The present study focuses on the hybrid solar thermal water purification system with metaheuristic optimization for improved efficiency aimed at addressing the growing demand for safe drinking water using renewable energy sources. The proposed system utilizes solar energy as the primary power input, which is stored in a battery and subsequently used to operate a heating unit. Water is heated to a controlled temperature below its boiling point to initiate the purification process. The generated vapor is then condensed to obtain distilled water, which undergoes an additional filtration stage using a suitable filtering medium to enhance water quality. A secondary condensation stage ensures that the purified water is delivered at ambient temperature for direct consumption. The development process followed a systematic product design approach, beginning with the identification of user requirements and proceeding through design, prototyping, and evaluation stages. Furthermore, an economic assessment was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of large-scale production. To improve system performance, metaheuristic optimization techniques were applied to key processes, including heating, cooling, and purification. The results indicate that the proposed system is an energy-efficient and cost-effective solution for decentralized water purification, particularly suitable for rural and remote areas. If implemented effectively, the system has significant potential to alleviate the scarcity of potable water.

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 Keywords

Solar Energy, Water Purification, Metaheuristic Optimization, Thermal Distillation, Hybrid System, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Water Treatment

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 Abstract

The rapid proliferation of high-energy-density Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs) in electric vehicles and grid-scale storage has shifted the critical bottleneck from energy capacity to thermal stability. Conventional air and liquid cooling methods increasingly struggle to manage the localized heat flux generated during Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) and high-discharge cycles, often leading to capacity fade or catastrophic thermal runaway. This review evaluates the transition from macro-scale cooling to nanomaterial-based thermal control, focusing on the integration of nanotechnology within passive and active cooling architectures.

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 Keywords

Lithium-ion Battery (LIB), Thermal Management System (BTMS), Nanofluids, Phase Change Materials (PCM), Graphene, Thermal Runaway, Heat Transfer Enhancement.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition