Journal of Advance Electrical Engineering and Devices

Development and Performance Evaluation of Dual Microcapsule-based Self-healing Polymeric–Carbon Composites for DC Motor Brushes

Md. Ali — 2026-05-18

The durability and performance of DC motor brushes are critically limited by friction-induced wear, electrical degradation, and microstructural damage during operation. This study presents the development and performance evaluation of a dual microcapsule-based self-healing polymeric-carbon composite designed to enhance the operational lifespan and reliability of DC motor brushes. The composite integrates conductive carbon fillers, including graphite, carbon black, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), within an epoxy polymer matrix embedded with two distinct types of microcapsules containing epoxy resin and amine hardener, respectively. Upon mechanical damage, the rupture of microcapsules enables in-situ mixing and polymerization, resulting in autonomous crack repair and restoration of conductive pathways. Experimental investigations were conducted under varying load conditions to evaluate electrical resistivity, contact voltage drop, wear rate, and healing efficiency. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in wear rate (up to ~45%), improved electrical stability, and recovery of up to 88% of initial conductivity after damage. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirms effective crack closure and microstructural restoration. The proposed dual microcapsule system exhibits superior healing performance compared to conventional single-capsule approaches, providing a promising solution for advanced self-healing electrical contact materials in DC motor applications.

Solar Power Systems: Technologies, Components, and Implementation

Aditya S. Chavan — 2026-05-20

Solar power systems have developed significantly in recent years and are becoming one of the most important sources of clean and sustainable energy. This study presents a comprehensive overview of solar power technologies, their key components, and practical implementation from an electrical engineering perspective. Solar energy can be converted into electrical energy using photovoltaic (PV) technology, where sunlight is transformed into direct current (DC) power through semiconductor materials such as silicon. The study explains the working principle of solar power systems and describes key components, including solar panels, battery storage systems, inverters, and charge controllers. In addition, various applications of solar power systems in residential, commercial, and agricultural sectors are discussed, showing their wide usability. Recent advancements such as maximum power point tracking (MPPT), smart grid integration, and improved energy storage technologies have increased system efficiency, reliability, and overall performance. These developments have made solar energy more practical and accessible for large-scale as well as small-scale applications. However, solar energy systems still face certain challenges, including dependence on weather conditions, intermittent power generation, and high initial installation costs. Despite these limitations, continuous improvements in power electronics, battery technologies, and intelligent monitoring systems are helping to overcome these issues. As a result, these systems are continuously becoming more efficient, affordable, and widely adopted. Solar energy is expected to play a major role in meeting future energy demands while reducing environmental impact and supporting sustainable development.

Hydrogen-based Power Generation from Flare Gas for Rural Electrification: A Techno-economic Evaluation

Olorunfemi Adebayo Makun — 2026-05-26

Gas flaring remains one of the major environmental and economic challenges associated with crude oil production in developing countries, particularly in Nigeria. This study presents a techno-economic analysis of converting flared gas into electricity using a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system for rural electrification. Field data obtained from OML companies in the Niger Delta Flow Stations revealed an average flared gas volume of 10.506 MMSCF/day with a methane concentration of 86.2%. Steam methane reforming (SMR) was employed to convert methane into hydrogen for electricity generation using a 1 MW PEM fuel cell model developed in MATLAB/Simulink. Technical performance indicators and economic metrics such as annual energy yield, levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), net present value (NPV), and payback period (PBP) were evaluated. Results indicate that the system can generate approximately 352.96 GWh annually with an LCOE of $0.0206/kWh, annual revenue of $15.53 million, and a payback period of 2.3 years. Environmental analysis further showed a daily CO₂ emission reduction of approximately 883,350 kg through diesel displacement. The findings demonstrate that flare-gas-to-electricity systems are technically feasible, economically profitable, and environmentally sustainable for rural electrification in gas-flaring regions.

IoT-Enabled Intelligent Motor Protection and Monitoring System for Agricultural Irrigation Pumps

Tejas Thombare — 2026-06-22

The proposed system continuously monitors the pump’s supply voltage and current, as well as the hydraulic output. It consists of an ESP32 microcontroller board along with a ZMPT101B AC voltage sensor, an ACS712 Hall-effect current sensor, and a YF-S201 water flow sensor. It has a relay module that is controlled by the microcontroller for disconnecting the motor supply instantly in the event of any faults like under- or over-voltage and under- or overcurrent. The real-time data is transmitted wirelessly using Wi-Fi connectivity through the MQTT protocol to a Node-RED dashboard, which is displayed on the mobile application of the farmers for remote access and control. The proposed system helps in the determination of the irrigation efficiency by comparing the energy consumed by the motor with the actual water flow produced, which acts as an indicator of potential faults in the pump. The accuracy of the voltage and current measurements, as well as the instant of relay switching, was tested, and it was found that the measurement of voltage has an accuracy of ±1.5 V, the measurement of current has an accuracy of ±0.2 A and relay switching instant has an accuracy of 500ms for all the faults tested.

Smart Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: Enabling the Future of Sustainable Mobility

Battula Sravani — 2026-07-02

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming a major concern as a green and energy-saving car brand in comparison to a traditional transportation system that is fuel-based. The fast rise in EV adoption has led to a high demand for effective and high-quality charging infrastructure. The paper provides an in-depth analysis of the EV charging stations, including their types, components and how they work. Other forms of charging, such as Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast charging, are examined in the context of power capacity, charging time and use. The major elements of EV charging points, which include power converters, control systems, and charging interfaces, are also discussed in the paper. The design and planning parameters, such as load, grid integration, and safety, are examined to provide effective and stable operation. Besides this, the difficulties of EV charging infrastructure, including high cost of installations, higher burden on the electric system, fewer locations of charging stations and prolonged charging time are also pointed out. The paper notes that the development of more advanced solutions, like smart charging mechanisms and connection with renewable energy sources, is necessary to improve the performance and sustainability. Finally, to enable the further expansion of electric mobility and to mitigate the environmental impact, the creation of efficient and scalable EV charging infrastructure should be promoted.