TECH OFFERS

Chemical analysers determine the chemical composition and characteristics of compounds. Such devices aim to provide rapid and accurate results of the analysed compounds but are often limited to bulky, laboratory-grade designs. Traditional spectroscopic systems are limited by its detection range based on the monochromator and light source, often resulting in poor resolution that affects the results of the analysis. This technology on offer is a patented low-cost, high signal-to-noise ratio micro-spectrometer module that can be used in long-distance detection. In comparison to traditional spectrometers that use spectral splitting, the utilisation of frequency-varying incident light to measure different spectral bands without signal intensity loss enables the user to achieve high signal-to-noise ratios and high precision. By using this spectrometer, real-time analysis of the composition of chemicals at the point of manufacture is possible which makes it a convenient tool for quality checks to enhance product quality and reduce risks. The technology has been validated for use in semiconductor manufacturing and the technology owner is interested in co-development projects and test-bedding opportunities to extend the technology in other sectors such as specialty chemicals, pharmaceutical, smart home appliances, food and agriculture to name a few. This technology is a micro-spectrometer comprising of a composition analyser and optical detection components (semiconductor light sources and sensors) with the following features: Low-cost and modular device Self-developed architecture module High precision and signal-to-noise ratio Able to penetrate glass and perform component analysis in different spaces over long distances Suitable for analysis of organic compounds that can be detected from 250 to 2500nm Potential applications of the micro-spectrometer include (but are not limited to): Inspection of industrial products for process monitoring, real-time picking and inspection and product classification Smart devices for health management and home appliances Biomedical – for use in medical devices The global process analysis equipment production is valued at $6.7 billion in 2022, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 6.55%. This market is projected to grow to $8.1 billion in 2025. With this technology, users can utilise this small, accurate and low-cost device to maximise production outputs. Low-cost device with good spectroscopic performance (high signal-to-noise ratio) Enhanced applicability of spectroscopic analysis – able to measure through thick glass or conduct long-distance measurements The technology has been validated for use in semiconductor manufacturing and the technology owner is interested in co-development projects and test-bedding opportunities to extend the technology in other sectors such as specialty chemicals, pharmaceutical, smart home appliances, food and agriculture to name a few. spectrometer, analysis, chemical, measurement, process monitoring, long-distance, detection, electronis, printer circuit board, semiconductor, agriculture, food, spectroscopy, analyser, inspection Electronics, Sensors & Instrumentation, Chemicals, Analysis

This technology is a patented synbiotics (combination of probiotics and prebiotics) cleaning solution that offers a safe and sustainable alternative to traditional cleaning products and disinfectants. When released onto the surface, the probiotics will digest and break down dirt, grime, and other unwanted substances while the prebiotics in the solution act as an additional source of nutrition for the probiotics. The resultant surface microbiome provides a continuous cleaning effect that is longer lasting than traditional cleaning chemicals and disinfectants. Often, the overuse of traditional chemicals and disinfectants results in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), allergenic reactions to the user, negative impact on the environment and short effective lifespan. With this synbiotics technology, users can overcome these limitations and achieve a long-term effective cleaning system and a natural microflora to the environment. When utilised in healthcare settings, the synbiotics cleaning solution demonstrated a higher reduction of pathogens (80% more), decreased AMR (up to 99.9%) and health-associated infections (52% lesser). The technology owner is interested in co-development projects and test-bedding opportunities with companies looking for a sustainable and long-lasting cleaning technology i.e., cleaning equipment and automation manufacturers/suppliers and cleaning service providers. This technology consists of proprietary dual action deep cleaning probiotics enzymes and specially formulated surfactants which helps to detox surfaces, break down biofilm and dirt components through a continuous cleaning effect and microscopically purifying down to the deepest pores of surfaces. Main features of this synbiotics cleaning technology include: High efficacy and able to target broad spectrum of pathogens Long-lasting and continual cleaning efficacy Safe and non-toxic Decreased AMR (up to 99.9%) Reduction in health-associated infections (52%) Suitable for water-resistant surfaces This technology can be deployed across several sectors including healthcare, commercial, industrial, and residential buildings on water resistant surfaces (floor and walls). The technology owner has successfully test-bedded the technology in local healthcare institutions. By varying the probiotics used, this technology may also be used in agriculture, aquaculture, animal husbandry and personal care applications to extend the benefits of probiotics into new products. The global healthcare facilities and household cleaner market is estimated to be valued at US$55 billion in 2022. With the continuous use of chemical disinfectants, multi-resistant bacteria like super bugs and MRSA are expected to raise AMR and account for a rise in AMR-related deaths. This synbiotics cleaning technology can overcome and reduce AMR concerns, maintaining a long-term effective cleaning system and a natural microflora to the environment. This technology overcomes limitations in using conventional cleaning products and disinfectants such as: Limited effective short lifespan results Increasing health risks (acute & chronic) to both the user and consumers Requires more manpower & cleaning frequency Difficultly in breaking down biofilms, causing recurring odour and dirt It also provides and maintains a chemical-free, long-term effective cleaning system through the dual action deep cleaning efficiency. The technology owner is interested in co-development projects and test-bedding opportunities with companies looking for a sustainable and long-lasting cleaning technology i.e., cleaning equipment and automation manufacturers/suppliers and cleaning service providers. probiotics, prebiotics, cleaning, synbiotics, sustainable, eco-friendly, long-lasting, microbiome, antimicrobial, antimicrobial resistance, natural, health associated infections, sanitisation, disinfectant, chemicals Environment, Clean Air & Water, Biological & Chemical Treatment, Sanitisation, Chemicals, Bio-based, Sustainability, Sustainable Living

Maskless laser lithography (MLL) is a microfabrication technique used to create complex patterns on a substrate with high precision and resolution.  A Singapore-based research team has developed a compact and cost-effective MLL system by seamlessly integrating hardware and software components. By seamlessly integrating with computer-aided design software, operators can easily input arbitrary patterns for exposure. The small system footprint makes it ideal for research labs and offers widespread applicability across various fields, including microfluidics, electronics, and nano/micro mechanical systems. The system's cost-effectiveness extends its benefits beyond university research labs, presenting opportunities for semiconductor and medical companies to leverage its capabilities. This technology is available for IP licensing or further co-development in view of scale-up manufacture and commercialisation. Max exposable area 150mm x 150mm Max substrate size 150mm x 150mm Resolution 0.8 microns Precise cartesian movement, laser focus and pattern alignment using camera vision Galvo mirror-based laser steering Feedback-enabled actuators, optical elements, and electronic control systems Proprietary software efficiently processes computer-aided drawings of nano/microstructures Smart focusing mechanism, image recognition (pattern stitching) This technology offers a versatile nano/micro lithography tool for research labs creating sub-micron sized features and to facilitate rapid prototyping of circuits and devices. The cost-effective desk-top configuration provides researchers and industry practitioners access to lithography techniques without the need for complex infrastructure and facilities. Applications extend to the design and fabrication of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMs), biomedical devices and microelectronics, such as in the following sectors: Medical (including microfluidics) Semiconductor Microelectronics Biotechnology and life sciences Advanced materials research The global Maskless Lithography System market size is estimated to be worth US$ 336.06 million in 2022 and forecasted to increase to US$ 501.43 million by 2028 with a CAGR of 6.90%.The lithography market is also projected to experience sustained growth in the coming decades due to the increasing demand for 5G, AIoT, IoT, and semiconductor circuit performance and energy consumption optimization. Similar laser lithography systems use complex, expensive, and sensitive components such as employing the use of a fast-moving optical head while this technology directly steers the laser beam to expose the patterns. Arbitrary pattern lithography systems such as electron beams lithography (EBL) typically require large vacuum chambers, pumps, chillers, and precise electronics for steering electron beams. Fast UV mask aligners require masks that fixed chrome patterns on quartz or glass plates. Compared to current state-of-the-art systems, this technology offers competitive performance at reduced cost, complexity and with a substantially smaller footprint.   Materials, Semiconductors, Electronics, Lasers, Optics & Photonics, Healthcare, Medical Devices

The regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions have led to the adoption of a remodelling strategy that focuses on decreasing the energy usage of buildings. This can be achieved through measures such as thermal insulation and retrofitting, which extend the lifespan of buildings while reducing their energy consumption. The proposed technology by a Singapore-based research team utilises proprietary Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) material for reinforcement to enhance the longevity of buildings. It contains a modified epoxy adhesive used in the FRP-adhesive-concrete interfaces to provide a range of advantageous properties, that include being 5 times lighter while 10 times higher tensile and flexural strength than steel, cost-effective in production, easily shaped, demonstrating high corrosion resistance, and offering both flexibility and tolerance to misalignment. In addition, through the modification of bonding agents and surface aerogel insulation, the fire retardancy of the material had been enhanced by 3 classes to V-0 rating according to the UL 94 plastic flammability standard. Among the superinsulation materials, aerogel stands out with its unique acoustic properties and significantly lower thermal conductivity of approximately 0.014 W/m.K. Additionally, it possesses exceptional physical and chemical attributes, such as its translucent structure. As a result, it is widely regarded as one of the most highly promising materials for thermal insulation in building applications. The FRP technology is currently pending fire testing to meet local regulatory requirements (e.g., BS 476 Part 20-23) and will be subjected to evaluation by the Building Innovation Panel of BCA in coming months. The technology owner is keen to support interested industrial partners to fabricate larger prototype of the FRP for test-bedding on site, and eventually license the intellectual property to the industrial partner for commercialisation. Through the external strengthening of structural components, the fire retardant FRP improves structural properties, leading to reduced environmental concerns, lower construction material costs, decreased labour requirements, and reduced CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Silica aerogels typically exhibit a longitudinal acoustic velocity on the order of 100 m/s, making them suitable for various applications in acoustic devices for noise insulation. Furthermore, aerogels boast the lowest refractive index and dielectric constant among all solid materials. FRP is regarded as superior to conventional steel due to its notable advantages, including exceptional corrosion resistance, high flexibility, and tolerance to misalignment. It is also lightweight, cost-effective to produce, easy to shape, and possesses high tensile and flexural strength. Furthermore, FRP exhibits elastic properties. By modifying the bonding agent used in FRP-adhesive-concrete interfaces, the strength from the FRP developed using the proposed technology can be enhanced by 12%, and its flammability can be improved from an unclassified level to achieving a V-0 rating under the standard UL-94. Previously, aerogel found limited use in small-scale applications within the aerospace industry. However, there is now a growing trend of employing aerogel for larger building-integrated applications, aiming to reduce energy consumption. This has sparked renewed interest from both start-ups and established insulation manufacturers. The technology itself is relatively straightforward, making it an attractive choice for building owners and architects seeking a simple solution to lower energy costs. By incorporating aerogel insulation, buildings can enhance their energy performance and provide improved comfort and satisfaction for occupants. Remarkably, this technology can be applied to various types of buildings, including HDB flats, shop houses, commercial and industrial buildings, as well as both landed and non-landed housing units. Moreover, its versatility extends to both existing structures and new construction projects. Looking ahead, aerogel insulation is poised to play a significant role in the future of green building materials. Its applications extend beyond buildings and encompass areas such as architecture, vehicles, aircraft, spacecraft, and marine insulation. Meanwhile, fire retardant fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) materials have emerged as a valuable solution for building retrofitting and structural strengthening applications, particularly in terms of fire safety. These materials combine the strength and flexibility of FRP with fire-resistant properties, making them an effective choice for enhancing the fire resistance of existing structures or strengthening them to withstand fire-related incidents. When applied to building retrofitting, fire retardant FRP materials can be used to upgrade the fire performance of structural elements such as columns, beams, slabs, and walls. This approach is particularly beneficial for structures that do not meet current fire safety codes or have aged fire protection systems. The unique value proposition of aerogel insulation materials lies in their exceptional thermal performance, lightweight nature, versatility, moisture management capabilities, enhanced comfort, longevity, and environmental sustainability. These qualities make aerogel insulation materials an attractive choice for a wide range of building applications, offering significant energy savings and improved building performance. The fire retardant FRP is able to enhance fire resistance, provide structural strengthening, resist corrosion, offer lightweight and space-efficient solutions, ensure flexibility and ease of installation, offer cost-effectiveness, and provide design versatility. These qualities make fire retardant FRP materials a compelling choice for improving the fire safety and structural integrity of buildings. Aerogel blanket, Thermal insulation, Acoustic insulation, Fibre reinforced polymer, Fire retardant Materials, Composites, Environment, Clean Air & Water, Biological & Chemical Treatment, Green Building, Façade & Envelope

Lithium-ion battery technology using graphite anode material is widely used in consumer electronics, electric vehicles and energy storage systems. However, for high-power, ultra-fast charge/discharge applications, e.g., regenerative braking in cars, electric buses, batteries for aircraft/marine sectors, graphite anode material is less preferred due to safety and performance limitations. Currently, lithium titanate oxide or LTO battery technology is one of the commercially available solutions for high power applications. LTO battery is a type of rechargeable battery that has a longer cycle life, faster charging and safer than conventional lithium-ion batteries. Despite these advantages, LTO battery is up to two times more costly than conventional lithium-ion batteries in the market, and has considerably lower specific energy density of about 60-110 Wh/kg than conventional lithium-ion chemistries, e.g., 90-165 Wh/kg for LFP and 150-270 Wh/kg for NMC.   The technology proposed by the Singapore-based research team relates to a method to synthesise a proprietary formulation of lithium-ion battery anode consists of mesoporous titanium dioxide (TiO2) material and robust LiMnFePO4 cathode. The research team's organisation holds patents related to synthesis of mesoporous TiO2 and LiMnFePO4 materials. This novel anode formulation for high power batteries is potentially able to reduce the production cost to about US$250 per kWh from US$500-600 per kWh for LTO, according to preliminary estimates by the team based on manufacturing capabilities in China. The cost reduction is derived from the use of cheaper TiO2 raw materials (vs. LTO) and the simple manufacturing process. The mesoporous TiO2 anode material can be integrated into existing manufacturing lines for lithium-ion cells without the need for new equipment. This TiO2 Li-ion cell chemistry offers inexpensive high power and safer battery technology. Using 18650 cylindrical cell of mesoporous TiO2 anode material with manganese-based cathode material, the cell achieved superior charging rate performance of up to 4C, energy density level of 70-100 Wh/kg and a cycle life of about 5,000 cycles, while retaining 80% of the initial capacity. The research team anticipated that the TiO2 cells will have up to 30% better energy density than LTO cell technology and 40-50% lesser cost than LTO technology. The research team is seeking industry partners to collaborate for a 5-10 kWh test bed project on a fast-charging application including uninterrupted power supply (UPS), regenerative braking and etc. The research team is able to tap on their in-house facilities to fabricate mesoporous TiO2 cells (21700 or 18650 format) using the novel anode formulation.   Cathode: LiMnFePO4 Anode: TiO2 Energy density: 70-100Wh/kg Charging: 3-4C in 15-20min Rapid pulse charging: 10-20C in 3-6min Discharging: 4-5C in 12-15 min Long cycle life: 5000 cycles No metal plating, no micro-shorting and no thermal runaway Lower cost than current high-power battery solutions in the market: estimated $250/kWh Relatively lesser supply chain issue hence easy to scale for market penetration Regenerative braking in cars, electric buses, aerospace and marine sectors Uninterrupted power supply systems in data centres or solar energy storage systems to address intermittency issues Depending on the type of applications considered, the market is segmented to different sectors including electric powertrain, aerospace/marine industries and energy storage systems. The global market for LTO batteries is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.92% from 2022 to 2030. The growth of the market is driven by the increasing demand for LTO batteries in the aforementioned applications. Unlike the high-power battery solutions offered in the market, the proposed high-power battery technology solution is safe and inexpensive with moderate energy density, enabled by the mesoporous TiO2 anode material formulation. The team expected that the anode material formulation has relatively lesser supply chain issue thanks to abundance of its raw material, hence it is easy to scale up the technology for market penetration. Battery technology, High-power, Quick charging, Quick discharging, Long cycle life, Highly safe, Inexpensive, Regenerative braking, Aerospace/marine sector, Energy storage systems Energy, Battery & SuperCapacitor, Manufacturing, Chemical Processes

As the world continues to make strides in artificial intelligence (AI), the need for transparency in the field intensifies. Clear and understandable explanations for the predictions of AI models not only enhances user confidence but also enables effective decision-making. Such explanations are especially crucial in sectors like healthcare where predictions can have significant and sometimes life-changing consequences. A prime example is the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases based on heart murmurs, where an incorrect or misunderstood diagnosis can have severe implications. The technology, DiagramNet, is designed to offer human-like intuitive explanations for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases from heart sounds. It leverages the human  reasoning processes of abduction and deduction to generate hypotheses of what diseases could have caused the specific heart sound, and to evaluate the hypotheses based on rules. The technology tests which murmur shapes are present in the heart sound to determine the underlying cardiac disease. This approach of abductive-deductive AI reasoning can also be applied to other diagnostic or detective tasks. DiagramNet uses deep learning AI to perform four key steps: ‘Observe event’ by observing displacement to interpret its amplitude, murmur location, and the heart phase in which the murmur occurred. ‘Generate plausible explanations’ by listing possible diagnoses, retrieving respective murmur shape functions, and initialising their corresponding shape hypotheses. ‘Evaluate plausibility’ by fitting each hypothesis to the observation, evaluating the rules in terms of shape goodness-of-fit in conjunction with matching the murmur heart phase. ‘Resolve explanation’ with the hypothesis-fitted inference and the initial inference to make a final inferred diagnosis. By offering clinically relevant explanations in an accessible format, DiagramNet bridges the gap between complex AI predictions and user understanding, fostering trust and actionable insights in critical healthcare applications. Many existing AI models struggle to provide meaningful and easily interpretable explanations—they are either too technical or too simplistic. As such, there is an opportunity for a novel AI model that can generate thorough and easily understandable explanations. In the medical field, diagrams can be particularly beneficial when it comes to illustrating complex observations and making interpretations more accessible to non-technical users and patients alike. Enhances interpretation of AI decisions through a design framework for diagrammatic reasoning. Accelerates and strengthens the adoption of AI technology by leveraging diagrams that adhere to domain conventions. Presents a diverse array of explanation types, namely, abductive, contrastive and case-based explanations. Facilitates trust and consistency in AI-based cardiac diagnosis by providing murmur diagrams which are a universally understood tool among clinicians. Explainable Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare ICT Infocomm, Artificial Intelligence

Reduction in size of the radar unit, and the consequent improvement in mounting options, is critical for increased adoption of millimeter wave radars. The technology presented here showcases an ultra low-profile radar module using a patented lensed antennae design. Millimeter wave radars offer key benefits - - Less affected by darkness, heavy rain, blizzards and other environment factors. - Presence and movement monitoring of a person while preserving privacy. - Concealed installation as millimeter waves penetrate obstacles such as walls and glass. The ultra low profile of the new radar allows easier installation and thus facilitates use in multiple new fields. Till now used mainly in automotive sector, the new compact radar can now be used for bikes, outdoor surveillance and disaster response. The salient features of this technology are – Combination of end-fire antennas with lens element to realize a highly efficient, small aperture, ultra-low profile millimetre wave module that can be installed anywhere. Industry’s thinnest height of less than 12mm which is significantly lower profile than conventional systems. [80%-90%] Easy installation with possibility of using narrow resin housing which are transparent to millimetre waves. Ability to detect multiple obstacles in poor visibility conditions such as snowstorms, fog and dust. The PoC of the system was done with the following specifications – Detection Range: Vehicle/Person at 90m/35m. FOV: Horizontal/Vertical of 120 deg/ 20 deg. Frame Rate: 25 fps Frequency: 76-81 GHZ with ability to select 60GHz based on application. The specifications can be adjusted by changing the antennae design to suit different applications. The lower profile of this radar allows it to be placed in locations where it was not possible to install a millimeter wave radar in the past. This enable its use in multiple new scenarios: Construction equipment. Outdoor surveillance / Intruder Detection. Disaster relief operations when mounted on helmets, goggles, and other wearables. Vehicles including cars, motorbikes, and bicycles. Robotic applications including drones and cleaning robots. Traffic surveillance systems. Privacy protected areas like bathrooms, toilets, nursing homes and others. Assisted mobility devices like wheelchairs. Cabin monitoring for sensing vitals. Millimetre wave radars are a key system for monitoring the surroundings in automotive ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System). The increased adoption has also been facilitated by reduction in cost of the radar IC and the use of single CMOS chip. The use of these radars in other sectors is expected to grow and for this, there is a need for ultra-low profile radars which are easier to install. The ultra low profile of this radar, achieved with the unique antennae technology, allows a lot of flexibility in the choice of installation location. It also opens up more use cases for the millimetre wave radar. When installed in a corner of the room or in a narrow space inside the wall , it allows privacy friendly monitoring of the condition of people. It can allow rescuers to sense and continue their operations in the dark and through smoke when installed on the helmets or goggles. In the healthcare sector, the ultra-low profile radar can be used for occupant monitoring and in acquiring contactless vital signs when installed inside the seat, under the rear-view mirror or the in the ceiling panel of the vehicle. Radar, mm Wave Radar, Low Profile Radar, Presence Detection Electronics, Sensors & Instrumentation, Radio Frequency, Green Building, Sensor, Network, Building Control & Optimisation, Infocomm, Internet of Things, Smart Cities

Conventionally, the design consideration of bearings is very much driven by the mechanical loading condition. With the advancement of wide bandgap (WBG) power electronic devices and pulse-wide modulation (PWM) control techniques, the electrification of motor drive system has found wide applications due to its compact size and high-power conversion efficiency, such as electric vehicles and more-electric aircrafts. However, motor drive systems incorporating high-speed switching devices produce time-varying high-amplitude common-mode (CM) voltage, which results in undesirable CM current in the motor drive system that also flows through the bearings. This phenomenon causes frosting, fluting, and pitting on the bearing and leads to premature bearing failures, which results in unexpected downtime of critical systems. Existing bearing test systems focus on the impact of mechanical load on bearing degradation, but no comprehensive bearing test system is available to evaluate the bearing degradation due to both mechanical and electrical loads. A comprehensive test system with the ability to include the electrical load has been invented. The test system allows the life-span prediction of the bearing under varying electrical load conditions (pulsed current amplitude and repetition rate) at realistic operating conditions with adjustable axial force, rotational speed, and thermal conditions. The measurement data collected can be used to quantity the effectiveness of different bearing designs on extending the lifespan of the bearing under the influence of electrical load. The team is seeking a commercial partner to further develop and bring this technology into commercialization. The bearing test system consists of: (1) Bearing-holder on a rotating shaft; (2) Subsystem to emulate mechanical load; (3) Subsystem to emulate electrical load; (4) Data acquisition subsystem to monitor the vibration as an indicator of health degradation of the bearing-under-test; (5) Software algorithm to estimate the lifespan of the bearing-under-test. The test system has the following adjustable test conditions: (1) Rotational speed up to 2500 rpm; (2) Axial force up to 10 kN; (3) Pulsed circulating current in the bearing up to 3A peak; (4) Pulsed current frequency up to 10 kHz. The potential collaboration partners are test and certification laboratories and bearing manufacturers. The measurement data collected from the bearing test system help evaluate the quality and reliability of any motor-driven products consist of bearings. Therefore, it can be deployed in various industries where bearings are used, such as the automotive, aerospace industry, marine, and energy industries. The bearing test system generates valuable data and insights of the bearing health condition under varying electrical load conditions that can emulate different power ratings of the motor drive systems without building the full systems. It can assist to design and develop high-performance bearings that are immune to electrical loads. The potential customers of the test system are manufacturers of bearings, machinery and equipment manufacturers, electric vehicle manufacturers, and industries that use high-power motor drive systems. Bearings are virtually used in every kind of equipment or machinery, ranging from automobile parts, farm equipment, and household appliances to defence and aerospace equipment. The global bearing market size was valued at USD 111.59 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6% from 2023 to 2030. As one of the major causes of machinery downtime and productivity loss, the issue of bearing failure has become increasingly important in various industries. Therefore, a comprehensive and cost-effective bearing test system becomes a valuable tool in the market. The current bearing test systems primarily concentrate on assessing the influence of mechanical load on bearing degradation. However, there have been no reported bearing test systems that incorporate both mechanical and electrical loads. To address this gap and evaluate the bearing degradation mechanism caused by advanced power electronic devices (i.e., the electrical load), a novel test system has been invented with the ability to include both the electrical and mechanical loads during testing.  Bearing Degradation, Bearing Performance Evaluation, Bearing lifespan prediction, Electrical Load Electronics, Power Management, Manufacturing, Assembly, Automation & Robotics

In a world where resources are diminishing and demands are rising, the value of land has significantly increased for clean energy and food production. Agrivoltaic farming represents a potential game-changing solution that can bring substantial benefits to both the energy and food sectors. The patented technology is a tubular solar photovoltaic (PV) module designed for agrivoltaic farming. The unique tubular nature of the system allows sunlight, water, and wind to reach the plants below while simultaneously harnessing solar power. Moreover, the tubular modules can provide consistent partial shading to protect the plants and reduce ambient temperature and ground moisture loss. This technology enables the dual use of land by integrating agricultural activities such as farming and gardening with solar power generation, maximising the value derived from the limited land. The combination of energy harvesting and agriculture has significant potential to improve farming productivity, increase land-use efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and promote environmental sustainability. The technology owner is keen to collaborate with partners interested in agrivoltaic farming like farmers, gardeners, agritech companies, research centres, and ministries to test-bed and adopt their tubular solar PV technology. The technology owner is also seeking industrial partners (e.g., manufacturers, system integrators, architects, designers, etc) to co-develop a complete solar energy solution or integrate the tubular solar PV modules into specific use cases. The technology owner has developed an innovative tubular solar PV module that integrates flexible thin-film solar PV stripes into glass tubes arranged in parallel. The unique design allows for the permeation of sunlight, rain, and wind through the module. The key features of this technology are: Efficient sunlight utilisation: unique design allows it to capture more direct sunlight for electricity conversion Sunlight and rainwater permeability: increase productivity and crop yields Wind permeability: enable the usage of structures with lower load bearing, reducing the system cost Partial cooling shading: reduce moisture loss and protects the plants from excessive solar radiation Consistent protection: protect the plants below from heavy rain and hail damage Long-term reliability: monolithic PV cells continue work when partially damaged or shaded Self-cleaning capability due to cylindrical shape: reduce maintenance cost compared to conventional panels Modular design with various sizes: allow customisation for specific requirements and facility scalability Horizontal solar PV elevation: enable simple and fast installation (seamless array over large area) The potential applications include but are not limited to: Farms (agriculture, aquaculture, viticulture, horticulture, etc.) Gardens (open gardens, green roofs, etc.) Building façade and rooftop Greenhouses Natural parks, reservoirs, and lakes Other applications (EV charging stations, outdoor canopies, cabanas, pergolas, etc.) The patented technology offers the following unique features: Maximised land-use efficiency: dual use of the land High energy efficiency: constant direct sun exposure Optimised plant growth: light, water, and wind permeability High reliability and good long-term performance Low operating expense (OPEX): negligible maintenance Agrivoltaic Farming, Agrophotovoltaics, Agrisolar, Dual-Use Solar, Ultra Low Light Sensitive PV, Agrivoltaics Energy, Solar, Sustainability, Low Carbon Economy