Innovative Projects Realized

Internship in analytical chemistry – trace element analysis with LA-ICP-MS

Mammalian genome architecture and mobility

Molecular mechanisms of DNA methyltransferase recruitment in health and disease

Vibration Analysis of Rotating Composite Compressor Blades

Machine learning for inline quality analysis in a mechanical press-line

Reinforcement Learning for Traffic Light Optimization

Automated Mapping of Software Projects to Common Platform Enumerations (CPEs)

Creating a Blood Vessel Model to Study Atherosclerosis by Using Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Gaze Detection with Monocular Cameras

Wave View Imaging Internship

Wave View Imaging is developing a novel breast imaging device that uses microwave signals to create an image of the breast. The technology has significant potential to be used at point of care to monitor breast health. Wave View Imaging is actively exploring the application of monitoring neo-adjuvant therapy. This treatment approach is provided for women with locally advanced breast cancer. The goal of the neoadjuvant treatment is to decrease the tumor size prior to surgery, as well as to down-stage the lymph nodes. Chemotherapy is typically used for treatment, while endocrine therapy is another option. To evaluate the patient response to the treatments, oncologists rely on palpation of the breast which is subjective. Our technology has the potential to accurately measure patient response to treatment. As the Wave View Imaging device has a compact form factor, is safe and easy to operate, it can be used at the point of care. Patient can have a scan during their scheduled visit with their oncologist. The scan takes about 5 minutes and results are provided immediately to the oncologist. Clinical testing of the device will take place this summer at the Tom Baker Cancer Center, where patients going through chemotherapy treatment will be followed.

Techno-economic feasibility mapping of geothermal energy in Alberta – Gord Brasnett SEDV Capstone

The goal of this research project is to build a techno-economic map which may be used to estimate the generalized project costs and revenues associated with a geothermal energy project in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB). The model will estimate practical factors such as: mobilization expenses and proximity of a potential site to existing infrastructure. The model will also account for technical considerations: geothermal gradient (the rate at which temperature increases below surface), depth to reach the required temperatures, estimated heat flow, rock-type/permeability, electrical output (a function of heat flow and turbine efficiency), and amount of thermal energy that may be useable for direct-use heating. The model will also estimate economic factors: drilling costs (a function of depth and rock type), operational expenses, the value of electricity or direct use heat, the potential value of carbon credits associated with displacing electricity or heat generated using fossil fuels, and the possibility of a project recovering value by extracting lithium or other useful minerals if available geochemistry data indicates sufficient concentrations to be of interest.

Eavor-Loop geothermal at the University of Calgary: A techno-economic pre-feasibility study

Geothermal technology can provide clean and reliable energy in a wide variety of applications and is expected to play a crucial role in reducing energy-related GHG emissions to limit climate change in accordance with the Paris Agreement. We propose to conduct a techno-economic pre-feasibility analysis to determine the suitability of an Eavor-Loop closed-loop geothermal system from Eavor Technologies to produce heat and power from a warm sedimentary basin for the University of Calgary main campus in Calgary, Alberta. An Eavor-Loop geothermal system could help meet the need for reliable, zero-emissions power at the university by offsetting carbon-emitting energy from the natural gas cogeneration facility located on campus and the Alberta electrical grid while integrating into the existing district heating infrastructure.
There is a growing body of work examining the configuration and application of closed-loop geothermal systems, including the Eavor-Loop design. To date, however, there has been no investigation into how Eavor-Loop technology could be integrated into the University of Calgary energy system, or into a combined heat and power system in general.