Innovative Projects Realized

Investigation of mean flow and turbulence around submerged spur dikes

Riverbank erosion is a major concern around the world, caused by high river floods. Occurrences of intense floods in rivers, attributed to climate change, such as the recent (July 2023) incidents of cloudbursts and accompanying riverbank washouts in several parts of northern (Himalayan) India provide glaring examples. Protection against riverbank erosion is, therefore, a formidable engineering challenge and the present work proposes to study the effect of submerged spur dikes, which are short underwater structures, in arresting bank erosion. The proposal plans to investigate the velocity and turbulence field around the structure through experiments carried out in physical models in the home institution (at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India) and complement these with computer simulations carried out at the host institution (University of Windsor, Canada). The findings from the project are expected to help in the adoption of more effective and eco-friendly approaches in tackling riverbank erosion and contribute to the long-term sustainability of river ecosystems.

Design and Construction of an On-Demand, Submerged Combustion, Direct-Contact Water Heater operating on Hydrogen for use in the Agricultural Sector

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Generative AI Enhanced Financial and Risk Analytics – Part 1

In this research project, we plan to explore potential uses of generative AI models, such as ChatGPT, to enhance financial modeling. Trusting financial advice from Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (GPT) models is a challenge due to model “hallucinations”, necessitating careful verification and validation of the output. Therefore, we plan to take an alternative approach. We would use ChatGPT to obtain a sequence of steps to solve a financial modeling problem and a list of potential data sources. Subsequently, we would validate generated output and interpret it as a sequence of computational steps to be performed with quantitative algorithms. Next, we would perform computations with quantitative finance algorithms such as Monte Carlo simulations, risk modeling and portfolio optimization. To communicate obtained computational results to a decision-maker we would feed numerical results to ChatGPT asking to interpret those. Combining new generative AI models with established numerical financial algorithms may allow us to obtain better results. By blending strengths of AI-generated problem solving methodologies with advanced quantitative finance techniques, we hope to achieve more robust and favorable investment and risk management outcomes, suggesting a hybrid approach for more effective and reliable financial decision-making in the future.

Modularité de produit et complexité manufacturière dans le contexte des produits récréatifs

Le développement de produits et l’introduction de nouvelles technologies dans la production des produits récréatifs se sont considérablement accélérés chez BRP, Leader mondial dans la conception et la fabrication de produits récréatifs. Cette cadence de croissance a généré un niveau élevé de complexité dans l’organisation. Le département de stratégie manufacturière est présentement à la recherche de solutions pour les assister dans le développer d’une méthodologie adaptée à la réalité de BRP et le déploiement d’indicateurs mesurables qui serviront à mesurer, effectuer un suivi et à le stabiliser en continuant de rencontrer les attentes de leurs clients.
Le partenaire du projet est un leader dans la conception, fabrication et commercialisation des produits récréatifs. La personnalisation des produits et l’augmentation des systèmes embarqués sur les véhicules contribuent à alourdir les tâches de reconfigurations qu’il faut apporter à la ligne d’assemblage. Un indice de complexité et une métrique de suivi contribueront à réduire le risque associé à cette complexité. De telles approches ont été lancées récemment par Toyota, BRP souhaite valider leur potentiel dans le contexte des produits récréatifs.

Green ammonia derived membranes & sorbents for direct air capture of carbon dioxide

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Enhancing the efficiency of blow-offs in municipal water services to reduce non-revenue water

Water distribution systems deliver clean water to urban dwellers. To ensure safe water quality is maintained as it is conveyed through the system and to the user, a maximum retention time must be met. Terminal sections of water distribution networks, also known as dead-ends, are notably problematic because water is stagnant. Many cities have opted to use blow-off valves on these dead-end pipes, to continuously withdraw water and avoid stagnation. However, this continuous withdrawal is wasteful and costly. The City of Greater Sudbury faces the challenge of managing water quality and non-revenue water in more than 300 dead-ends with blow-off valves. The main objective of the proposed project is to develop a framework for managing and modelling blow-offs. Findings will inform future blow-off modelling efforts as well as define strategies for the City to close or substitute blow-offs.

Energy efficient iGrow air circulation system for raspberry cultivation

Despite being the world’s third-largest raspberry importer, Canada faces challenges like high local wholesale prices, erratic climate, pest issues, and labor costs. This project offers a breakthrough solution—an innovative, scalable indoor farm—to address these issues. The goal is to create a cutting-edge platform that overcomes horticultural challenges, empowers future growers, and transforms Canadian indoor farming using advanced technology and sustainable methods.

The primary focus is to optimize the microclimate of the existing iGrow platform by managing airflow and vapor pressure deficit, vital factors impacting crop yield and plant health. To achieve this, a skilled postdoctoral researcher experienced in designing airflow for engineering applications using open-source libraries will be engaged.

The current iGrow system utilizes a closed-loop design to efficiently remove moisture from plants and recover energy from light fixtures. This captured heat serves to warm plant roots and condition incoming air, boosting energy efficiency. The appointed postdoctoral researcher will redesign airflow components—supply plenum, nozzles, and return ducts—to ensure controlled vapor pressure deficit and optimal airflow distribution within the closed-loop system, aiming for maximum benefits.

By merging technology and sustainability, this project aims to revolutionize indoor farming in Canada, leading to improved yields, plant health, and knowledge sharing among future growers.

Réseau hydrographique en Afrique du Nord (60,000 – 12,000 ans)

Notre espèce, Homo sapiens, a de tout temps dû co-évoluer avec les changements climatiques et écologiques du territoire. Ces interactions ont pu influencer l’évolution biologique et culturelle des populations humaines. Pour autant, nos connaissances sur ces processus restent limitées par la nature même des données archéologiques disponibles et la difficulté de mettre en relation les modèles climatiques proposés pour le passé lointain. Ma recherche doctorale examine les conditions écologiques en Afrique du Nord entre 60 000 et 12 000 ans, intervalle au cours duquel la Sahara s’aridifit et où les populations maintiennent et/ou initient de nouvelles pratiques culturelles à des échelle régionales. Le facteur climatique est souvent proposé pour expliquer ces changements, toutefois, peu d’études se sont portées sur cette question à une échelle macro.
Ce projet propose une reconstitution du réseau hydrographique nord-africain afin d’évaluer son étendue spatial au sein des territoires. Les cartes obtenues permettent de discuter la connectivité écologique des régions, leur portée pour l’isolement ou la connectivité des populations humaines, et leur influence sur la transmission d’informations culturelles.

Machine Learning Developer interns within cross-functional teams to develop and commercialize AI-powered solutions – Part 11

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Simulation of the underwater vehicle

The internship will be centred on the simulation of the dynamics of the Proto towed vehicle platform. Go Beyond will produce an initial design for the intern to work with, which will strongly resemble a torpedo-shaped AUV. The Proto simulation research will take that design and study various aspects of its dynamics. The outcome of the project will be a functioning dynamical model of Proto, which will help to influence the real-world prototype.

Developing VR scenarios for the assessment of Atlas Copco’s products

The project will develop and test VR scenarios for the assessment of selected AC tools and products. This will help AC develop more usable next-generation products.

Creating Brand UX

Independent retailers can’t compete with the convenience and assortment offered by online and omnichannel retailers. At Fitzba.com, we are making local shopping as convenient as online. Our product development team is in a race to achieve product-market fit. We need a Brand UX intern to help us design the website’s user interface. But the other side of having a great product is telling people about it. The Brand UX intern will support the marketing team to execute brand strategy.