Research title : Photovoltaic Installation Planning Using UAV Image In Politeknik Kuching Sarawak

Research Leader : Sr. Lee Kong Fah

Synopsis :

Solar energy is renewable resource, meaning it is abundant and sustainable over the long term. Solar photovoltaic (PV) is one of the solar energy technologies. These systems use sunlight to generate electricity. However, finding the best place to install solar panels is difficult, especially on the rooftop. Traditional methods like manual surveys are slow, costly, and sometimes unsafe. At Politeknik Kuching Sarawak, these challenges make it hard to plan and set up solar panel systems efficiently. There is a clear need for a faster, safer, and more accurate way to check which rooftops are suitable for solar panel installation. Therefore, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UA V)-based approach for solar PV installation planning at Politeknik Kuching Sarawak was proposed in this research. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, offer a safe and efficient method for capturing high-resolution aerial images of the institution. These images will be processed using photogrammetry software. Utilizing UAV technology for solar PV installation planning offers several advantages compared to traditional methods. UAVs provide a cost-efficient alternative to manual roof surveys, reducing labour costs and the time required for data collection. Data acquisition through UA Vs is significantly faster than traditional methods, accelerating the planning process for solar PV installations. The results indicated that the proposed method could accurately identify the potential locations for installing solar photovoltaic panels on the rooftops of Politeknik Kuching Sarawak. High recognition accuracy is achieved through visual interpretation of UA V photos.

Status of Development: TRL3

Benefit/Outcome/Impact: 

In conclusion, the high-resolution Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images for accurate Photovoltaic (PV) panel mapping at Politeknik Kuching Sarawak has been developed. An UAV technology for solar PV installation planning offers several advantages compared to traditional methods. The use of high resolution UAV imagery enabled precise mapping of rooftop surfaces, helping identify optimal PV installation locations at Politeknik Kuching Sarawak. This technology is able to provide a cost-efficient alternative to manual roof surveys, reducing labour costs and the time required for data collection. Data acquisition through UAVs is significantly faster than traditional methods, accelerating the planning process for solar PV installations. Pentagon College Building, Green Lecture Building, and Department of Petrochemical are the three (3) places in Politeknik Kuching Sarawak that are suitable locations for solar PV installation. This research also shown that the best aspects for capturing the most insolation are south-facing downslopes, and the optimal slope ranges are between 10 and 30 degree.

Research Leader : Sr Che Ku Ahmad Fuad Bin Che Ku Abdullah

Synopsis :

Datum Navigation Application for Politeknik Kuching Sarawak (D’NAP), is a digital tool designed to address challenges in locating geodetic datum points within campus boundaries. Using a combination of GNSS technology and digital mapping, the application improves surveying efficiency, spatial accuracy, and accessibility to control points. The system incorporates mobile navigation, static image referencing, and geospatial databases, leading to a 49.63% reduction in search time compared to conventional methods.

Status of Development: TRL7

Benefit/Outcome/Impact: 

D’NAP proved to be an efficient and accurate tool for campus geospatial referencing. It improves surveying speed, reduces human error, and offers a scalable model for other institutions. Future upgrades should include: 

• Real-time GNSS tracking 

• Augmented Reality (AR) features 

• Integration with GIS systems 

• Expansion to other campuses

Research Leader : Mohd Fadli Bin Che Adenan 

Synopsis :

Cerapan aras laut yang tepat dan jitu adalah penting untuk kerja-kerja pengurusan pantai, keselamatan pelayaran, dan pemeliharaan alam sekitar. Kaedah tradisional untuk mengukur aras air seperti menggunakan staf aras perlu menggunakan tenaga kerja yang banyak, terdedah kepada kesilapan manusia, dan sukar untuk dilaksanakan dalam persekitaran tertentu. Bagi mengatasi masalah-masalah tersebut maka sistem inovasi integrasi wifi dan tolok pasang surut mudah alih dihasilkan. Sistem ini memberi tumpuan kepada reka bentuk dan pembangunan tolok pasang surut yang disepadukan dengan Wi-Fi dan penderia ultrasonic. Sistem ini diuji sejauh mana konsistensi dan juga kebolehpercayaan dengan mengukur paras air secara berterusan dan menghantar data secara tanpa wayar dalam masa nyata. Sistem ini dihasilkan dengan mengaplikasikan konsep Internet of Thing (IoT) iaitu melibatkan elemen penderia, alatan pintar dan juga pemantauan atau pencerapan secara masa nyata. Analisis konsistensi adalah dengan memperoleh nilai R2 yang menunjukkan konsistensi yang tinggi bagi cerapan tersebut. Selain itu, ujian perbandingan dijalankan dengan melihat kepada perbezaan cerapan dengan kaedah konvensional. Beberapa cerapan menunjukkan hasil yang sama sehingga cerapan terakhir yang sangat berbeza disebabkan kecuaian manusia mencerap dengan kaedah konvensional. Kesimpulan yang diperoleh dari ujian ini menunjukkan sistem boleh digunapakai oleh pelajar politeknik semasa sesi khemah ukur. Sistem ini akan ditambahbaik serta disesuaikan dengan cabaran industri di luar politeknik khususnya penggunaan di luar ruang lingkup pelajar politeknik. 

Status of Development: TRL7

Benefit/Outcome/Impact: 

Secara keseluruhannya sistem inovasi yang dihasilkan ini berjaya mencapai objektif yang dikehendaki. Sistem tolok air pasang berasaskan Arduino yang berjaya menunjukkan bagaimana teknologi sumber terbuka dengan kos yang rendah boleh dimanfaatkan untuk memantau pasang surut dengan berkesan. Sistem ini digunapakai dengan meluas oleh pelajar Politeknik Kuching Sarawak semasa sesi khemah ukur.

Research Leader : Reminjus anak Anding

Synopsis :

The traditional methods of water quality monitoring are labor-intensive and time-consuming, often leading to delays in decision-making. This project introduces an Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) designed to provide real-time water quality monitoring in large water bodies such as lakes and rivers. The ASV is equipped with sensors to measure key parameters, including pH, temperature, turbidity, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Data collected by these 

sensors is transmitted to a NodeMCU ESP32 receiver and visualized on the ThingSpeak.com platform, enabling continuous monitoring through an Internet of Things (loT) framework. 

The ASV can be remotely controlled and is also capable of autonomous operation using the ArduPilot system and Mission Planner software. This setup allows for pre-programmed routes and autonomous data collection missions. The implementation of this system addresses several challenges associated with traditional water quality monitoring, such as safety risks, high costs, and inefficiencies in data collection and management. By leveraging modern technologies, this project aims to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of water quality monitoring processes.

Status of Development: TRL7

Benefit/Outcome/Impact: 

This study successfully achieved the primary objectives in developing a functional Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) based on the Pixhawk flight controller. The integration of Pixhawk with GPS, compass, telemetry modules, and ArduRover firmware enabled reliable surface-level autonomous navigation. Sensor fusion involving a GPS module and radio telemetry data transfer, and water quality sensors allowed the ASV to navigate through pre- planned waypoints and assist water quality monitoring in real time through ThingSpeak.com, thereby enhancing operational safety and route efficiency. Control and stability systems were effectively tuned, ensuring smooth heading and speed regulation under varying environmental conditions. The telemetry system, configured via RF modules and 4G connectivity, supported consistent remote monitoring and command execution, even at extended ranges. Power consumption was optimized by employing energyefficient hardware and strategic mission planning, which prolonged operational endurance. Furthermore, the ASV was equipped with environmental sensors to perform automated data collection, confirming its potential use in water quality monitoring and survey missions. Field testing in lakes and calm coastal areas validated the ASV's autonomous capabilities, with accurate waypoint following performance. Overall, the research demonstrates that Pixhawk, in conjunction with open-source tools and appropriate marine-grade sensors, provides a viable and scalable solution for ASV development in environmental monitoring, surveying, and other maritime applications. The accuracy analysis reveals that the loT sensors provide data that aligns well with national water quality standards, particularly for pH and TDS measurements, which fall within acceptable limits. However, temperature readings slightly exceed optimal ranges for aquatic life, and turbidity levels show significant variations, indicating potential issues. While the data demonstrates reasonable accuracy suitable for educational and environmental applications, regular calibration and validation of the loT system are essential to ensure reliability and enhance user confidence. The study found that students possess a high level of awareness regarding loT, driven by their educational exposure and practical experiences. Conversely, lecturers displayed moderate awareness, highlighting a need for targeted professional development to enhance their understanding of loT applications. Experts exhibited robust awareness, reflecting their expertise in the field. Promoting greater hands-on experience and training for lecturers can bridge the awareness gap and ensure that all users are equipped to leverage loT technology effectively.