While vibrotactile stimulation shows promise for sensory substitution devices, a crucial question concerns vibrotactile spatial resolution. We examined the optimum distance between three voice coil actuators (model: lofeltL5) on the forearm. Three actuators were embedded in a fabric-based vibrotactile sleeve where the actuators were placed in enclosures 3D-printed on the fabric. We used the relative point localization method where observers must discriminate whether two successive stimulations are in the same location or not. The resolution was measured for five vibrotactile sleeves, each with different distances between the actuators on the longitudinal axis of the forearm. The various distances were tested in a random order. In experiment one, pairs of stimuli were delivered sequentially in a random order to two adjacent actuators of the tactile sleeve on the upper side of the forearm. The task was to identify the perceived direction of the second stimulation (up, down, or the same) relative to the first one. Experiment two involved the same procedure but for the underside of the forearm. Taking the restrictions of the physical dimensions of the forearm and the design considerations into account, our results suggest that 20 mm is the optimum distance between the voice coil actuators (Model: Lofelt L5) for successful discrimination with high accuracy between the two stimulus locations on the forearm. There were no significant differences between the upper and undersides of the forearm.

In this study, recorded empirical data were applied with a practical approach to investigate the optimal tilt angle of the flat plate collectors facing south for a long period in Tehran, Iran. The data included 20 years of recorded average total radiation on the horizontal plane in Tehran’s meteorological station. Based on the previous studies, the annual optimum tilt angle for Tehran was estimated at 33 degrees annually; however, this estimation does not focus on the energy absorption and effectiveness of changing the tilt angle monthly, seasonally, and bi-annually via measured data. This paper aims to explain this distinction between various radiation receptions with different tilt angle adjustments. This study shows that annual solar cumulative radiation energy gained via a monthly tilt angle can be approximately 7% higher than that achieved with an annual tilt angle setup. Additionally, the seasonal and bi-annual tilt angles have about 6% more annual cumulative radiation absorption than the annual tilt angle setup. Moreover, with consideration of similar monthly received radiation, the results illustrate that the radiation gained with a monthly tilt angle set up was 20% greater in the summer months than an annual tilt angle adjustment.

This study presents a new design of a wearable vibrotactile device — a tactile sleeve consisting of three voice coil actuators (Model: Lofelt L5). The device was made within an R&D project aimed at developing a wearable for enhancing the music perception of cochlear implant recipients. The aim is to provide tactile stimulation in addition to the cochlear implant stimulation — generating an audio-tactile music experience. We also present the results of an experiment performed to investigate whether the sleeve can be used to identify songs from tactile stimulation and investigate the effects of different encodings. Five short music segments were used, and the tactile stimulation provided by each voice coil actuator conveyed song information (Bass or drum). Participants had intact hearing. At the beginning of the experiment, the participants listened to one song via headphones. Afterward, they were presented with various tactile encodings of the songs in random order. Their task was to identify the encoding of the song that was played. In this experiment, an investigation of the best combination of information from the bass versus drums was conducted. The results confirm that the sleeve can provide tactile stimulation that can be used to identify songs without audio. The results also provide insights into which encodings are most useful for conveying music.

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This paper evaluates the photovoltaic (PV) module operating temperature’s relation to efficiency via a numerical heat transfer model. The literature reports that higher PV module operating temperatures impact PV module efficiency. There are dozens of explicit and implicit equations used to determine the PV module operating temperature. However, they are not universal, and for each application, it is necessary to insert a correction coefficient based on the environment and boundary conditions. Using a numerical method covering a more comprehensive range of PV module operation conditions to estimate a global equation, this study considers the solar radiation flux, Gt, solar ray direction with respect to the ground level, γ, convective heat transfer coefficient, h, tilt angle, β, ambient temperature, Ta, PV power output, Ppv, PV panel efficiency, η, and environmental properties. The results match the extant empirical work and related literature. PV module efficiency is found to have a linear relationship to the PV module operating temperature via a numerical heat transfer model corresponding to the well-known PV module. It specifies that heat transfer convection changes with PV module tilt angle, causing PV module operating temperature effects. It also represents the PV module operating temperature variations with ambient temperature and solar flux, like those reported in the literature.