Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) refer to integrated mechanical & electrical systems in micron scale that are now growing in numbers due to a miniaturization trend. An advanced actuation method proposed for MEMS in University of Toronto and Ryerson University will be applied for an auto-focus mechanism in cell phone cameras. This research will build on work […]

The build of an efficient, low cost, and environmentally friendly heat and power generation system for the use in single family detached dwellings, wastewater treatment plants, or landfills, is the objective of this project. This system is based on the solid oxide fuel cell and is designed to operate with biogas. We have successfully proved […]

The goal of this project is to develop a prototype microfluidic device to rapidly determine whether a target protein is present in a sample. Applications of this device include genomic and proteomic research, pharmaceutical testing, and quality control for various industries, including food preparation. The prototype will make use of electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) actuation, […]

Hydrocarbon-based fuels have been the primary source of energy for mankind for centuries. However, during the last century there has been an exponential increase in the utilization of such fuels and the demand for energy is growing continuously. Hydrocarbon fuels are the primary source of greenhouse emissions which are severely affecting the global climate and […]

There is an increasing demand for development of electric vehicle (EV) due to the serious energy shortages and environmental pollution. Advanced Lithium (Li) rechargeable batteries are the most promising power systems in commercial Hybrid EV. The main challenge is still the development of alternative material in terms of energy density, cycability, safety, and cost. In […]

The high throughput combinatorial testing for pharmaceutical applications requires fast methods for manipulating droplets in microfluidic systems. In this project, a microwave platform will be designed and employed for fast droplet heating, identification and detection. The use of extremely confined microwave energy makes heating, detecting, and identifying droplets possible. With the new platform it will […]

Food safety is of paramount importance to Canada. Recent episode of Listeria out-break in a meat processing plant has created renewed interest in monitoring of food borne pathogens in ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products. The proposed device is aimed to detect Listeria monocytogenes in food samples within a few hours. This device integrates the microfluidics and […]

Standing balance is controlled by several inputs, including vision, vestibular sense, and ankle proprioceptionResearch studies in this field actively engage and manipulate these input mechanisms to examine theireffects on the balance output, mainly muscle actuation in the lower limbs. While significant progress hasbeen made, it is often difficult to isolate a single input and test […]

In papermaking, a slurry of wood fibres, which are approximately 2 millimetres long and 30 microns in diameter, is drained through a forming fabric. In this drainage process the fibres get trapped by the fabric as the water drains through it. The actual drainage process is obviously highly complicated because the forming fabric geometry is […]

3D movies and videogames enjoy a rapidly increasing popularity. However, current display technology, especially for home theatres, still requires the viewers to wear assistive devices such as shutter glasses. We are developing 3D display technology that does not require such assistive devices. This technology uses micro-electromechanical elements and synchronized image content display. The aim of […]

The conventional continuum-based physical relations that describe heat and fluid flow in bulk materials, such as the Navier-Stokes and Fourier equations, break down at sub-continuum scales. The failure of these relations, along with the current trend of miniaturization in man-made devices and wide spread use of nano-structured systems, urge for development of new computational techniques […]

Anaerobic digestion is an environmentally-friendly process that breaks down biomass into simpler, more stable components, while simultaneously capturing energy in the form of a methane-rich biogas.  Digesters are usually used to treat wastes, such as at municipal waste facilities, or from livestock farms.  However, anaerobic digesters are not very reliable, suffering from occasional “digester upsets”.  […]