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Feasibility study of mechanical vapour compression technology for effluent treatment, brine removal and water recovery using modelling techniques and experimental validation
Full text linkOpta a mención internacional[SPA] Esta tesis doctoral desarrolla un modelo digital centrado en el usuario para la optimización de sistemas de desalación por compresión mecánica de vapor (MVC), con el objetivo de mejorar la eficiencia energética, la gestión de salmueras y la sostenibilidad operativa. En un contexto de creciente demanda de soluciones hídricas sostenibles, se propone una herramienta de simulación accesible que reduce la brecha entre los modelos académicos y las necesidades reales de los operadores industriales. El trabajo se basa en la implementación de un modelo modular en TRNSYS, capaz de simular el comportamiento termodinámico de sistemas MVC bajo distintas configuraciones operativas. Se incorporan subrutinas específicas para la simulación de componentes de una planta MVC, así como para el tratamiento de salmueras. La validación se realiza mediante datos recogidos en una planta experimental real y de criterios definidos por usuarios reales, incluyendo análisis de sensibilidad y optimización paramétrica. Los resultados muestran que el modelo reproduce con alta precisión el comportamiento energético del sistema, permite identificar configuraciones que reducen el consumo energético, y facilita la integración de fuentes renovables sin comprometer la estabilidad térmica. Además, el enfoque centrado en el usuario ha demostrado ser eficaz para mejorar la toma de decisiones operativas en planta. En conclusión, esta tesis aporta una herramienta práctica y robusta para el diseño y operación de sistemas de desalación eficientes, contribuyendo a la transición hacia modelos de gestión hídrica más sostenibles y alineados con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible y de la Industria 5.0.[ENG] This doctoral thesis proposes a user-centred digital model for optimising mechanical vapour compression (MVC) desalination systems, with the aim of improving energy efficiency, brine management and operational sustainability. In a context of growing demand for sustainable water solutions, it proposes an accessible simulation tool that bridges the gap between academic models and the real needs of industrial operators.
The work is based on the implementation of a modular model in TRNSYS, capable of simulating the thermodynamic behaviour of MVC systems under different operating configurations. Specific subroutines are incorporated for the simulation of MVC plant components, as well as for brine treatment. Validation is performed using data collected from a real experimental facility and criteria defined by real users, including sensitivity analysis and parametric optimisation. The results show that the model reproduces the energy behaviour of the system with high accuracy, allows the identification of configurations that reduce energy consumption, and facilitates the integration of renewable sources without compromising thermal stability. In addition, the user-centred approach has proven effective in improving operational decision-making at the plant. In conclusion, this thesis provides a practical and robust tool for the design and operation of efficient desalination systems, contributing to the transition towards sustainable water management models aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and Industry 5.0.Escuela Internacional de DoctoradoUniversidad Politécnica de CartagenaEnergías Renovables y Eficiencia Energétic
Monitoring and alarm system for ship attitude using Raspberry Pi and computer vision
Full text link[SPA] Este trabajo Fin de Máster presenta el diseño e implementación de un sistema embarcado de bajo coste para la monitorización de la inclinación en buques, con capacidad de alerta ante situaciones críticas.
El sistema se basa en una Raspberry Pi equipada con Sense HAT y una cámara, combinando sensores de aceleración y velocidad angular con técnicas de visión artificial. Se capturan datos en tiempo real en movimientos de rotación sobre los ejes del barco que posteriormente se procesan para estudiar el comportamiento del buque. Paralelamente, se desarrolla un algoritmo de detección del horizonte mediante OpenCV, que permite estimar visualmente la inclinación durante el movimiento del buque. Como anexo a lo anterior, se incorpora un módulo de detección de objetos caídos al agua, mediante el tratamiento de imágenes con el fin de indicar cambios en la escena de trabajo como puede ser pérdida de carga o elementos situados en cubierta. El sistema genera alertas visuales y sonoras cuando se superan umbrales críticos, contribuyendo así a mejorar la seguridad operativa en navegación.
El desarrollo se realiza íntegramente en Python, validando el sistema integrado en condiciones simuladas y reales. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran la viabilidad de aplicar tecnologías accesibles y abiertas en el ámbito naval, abriendo nuevos horizontes posibles para la automatización y vigilancia a bordo.
Para realizar el ensayo en condiciones reales, se dispondrá el sistema integrado en un modelo de carena proporcionado por la Escuela y se procederá a realizar simulaciones de movimiento en los ejes de giro en un canal de ensayo de aguas tranquilas.
[ENG] This Master's Thesis presents the design and implementation of a low-cost on-board system for monitoring the inclination of ships, with warning capacity in critical situations. The system is based on a Raspberry Pi equipped with Sense HAT and a camera, combining acceleration and angular velocity sensors with machine vision techniques. Real-time data is captured in rotational movements on the ship's axes that are subsequently processed to study the ship's behavior. At the same time, an algorithm for detecting the horizon using OpenCV is being developed, which allows the inclination to be visually estimated during the movement of the vessel.
In addition to the above, a module for detecting objects that have fallen into the water is incorporated, using image processing to indicate changes in the work scene, such as loss of cargo or items located on deck. The system generates visual and audible alerts when critical thresholds are exceeded, thus contributing to improved operational safety in navigation.
The development is carried out entirely in Python, validating the integrated system in simulated and real conditions. The results obtained demonstrate the feasibility of applying accessible and open technologies in the naval field, opening up new horizons for automation and surveillance on board. To conduct the test under real conditions, the integrated system will be installed in a hull model provided by the School, and simulations of movement on the axes of rotation will be carried out in a calm water test channel.Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Naval y OceánicaUniversidad Politécnica de Cartagen
Establishment of nicotiana benthamiana and arabidopsis thaliana as models for optimizing plant cell cultures in bioreactors
No full textOpta a mención internacional[SPA] El cultivo de tejidos vegetales, desarrollado en los años 1920, es una tecnología clave para la transformación genética, la embriogénesis somática, la clonación y la producción de biomoléculas de alto valor. Sin embargo, los mecanismos genéticos y moleculares que regulan el desarrollo y crecimiento del callo aún se comprenden poco. En este trabajo se aplicaron dos estrategias complementarias para mejorar el crecimiento celular vegetal: un enfoque genético con Arabidopsis thaliana para identificar mutaciones que mejoran las propiedades del callo y un enfoque de bioprocesos para optimizar cultivos de Nicotiana benthamiana en biorreactores.
Se desarrolló un cribado genético directo que combina visión artificial, inteligencia artificial y análisis estadístico para detectar mutantes T-DNA de A. thaliana 1 con mayor tasa de crecimiento del callo. Se identificaron 190 mutantes, muchos en genes relacionados con el control transcripcional y la regulación hormonal. No todos mostraron un crecimiento vegetativo mayor, lo que confirma la especificidad del cribado basado en callos. Este estudio constituye el primer cribado genético a gran escala enfocado en mutaciones que afectan la tasa de crecimiento del callo.
La friabilidad, es decir, la capacidad del callo para formar cultivos líquidos homogéneos es un rasgo importante pero poco caracterizado. Para explorar su base genética, se utilizó un enfoque inverso con datos transcriptómicos que comparaban callos de alta y baja friabilidad. Se analizaron 114 mutantes T-DNA de A. thaliana, identificándose siete con friabilidad reducida y ocho con mayor friabilidad. El análisis microscópico permitió evaluar la agregación celular y validar dos genes asociados a una friabilidad mejorada, demostrando que este rasgo es genéticamente controlable y mejorable.
El rendimiento en biorreactores depende también de parámetros como temperatura, oxígeno disuelto (DO), pH y agitación. Usando N. benthamiana como modelo, se implementó una estrategia de control en cascada que combinó aireación y agitación para mantener niveles adecuados de DO, reduciendo el tiempo de cultivo de 21 a nueve días y logrando el escalado mediante criterios de ingeniería convencionales.
Durante los cultivos se observaron oscilaciones de pH con una periodicidad de 21 horas. Los ajustes de pH y del tampón afectaron significativamente el crecimiento y la viabilidad. Los análisis transcriptómicos revelaron un reloj circadiano activo y una sincronización parcial del ciclo celular, demostrando que las células vegetales se comportan como un tejido líquido. Este trabajo aporta la primera evidencia de que los cambios en el pH apoplástico están regulados por el ritmo circadiano y coordinados con el ciclo celular.[ENG] Plant cell tissue culture, developed in the 1920s, has become a cornerstone technology for plant genetic transformation, somatic embryogenesis, vegetative cloning, and the production of high-value biomolecules. Despite decades of research, the genetic and molecular mechanisms governing callus development and growth remain poorly understood. In this work, two complementary strategies were employed to improve plant cell growth: a genetic approach using Arabidopsis thaliana to identify mutations enhancing callus properties, and a bioprocess approach to optimize Nicotiana benthamiana cultures in bioreactors.
A forward genetic screen combining artificial vision, artificial intelligence, and statistical analysis was developed to identify A. thaliana T-DNA insertion mutants 1 with increased callus growth rates. A total of 190 mutants were identified, many affecting genes related to transcriptional control and phytohormone regulation. Interestingly, not all mutants exhibited enhanced vegetative growth, indicating the specificity of the callus-based screening approach. This constitutes the first large-scale genetic screen targeting mutations that influence callus growth rate.
Callus friability, the ability of callus cells to form homogeneous liquid cultures, is a key but poorly characterized trait in plant biotechnology. To uncover its genetic basis, a reverse genetic approach was applied using transcriptomic data comparing high and low friability calli. A total of 114 A. thaliana T-DNA mutants corresponding to differentially expressed genes were screened, revealing seven mutants with reduced friability and eight with increased friability. Microscopic analysis enabled objective evaluation of cell aggregation, leading to the validation of two genes associated with enhanced friability. These results demonstrate that friability is a genetically controlled and improvable trait.
While genetic factors are crucial for growth optimization, culture performance in bioreactors also depends on process parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and agitation. Using N. benthamiana as a model, we implemented a cascade control strategy combining aeration and agitation to maintain DO levels. This reduced culture time from 21 to nine days, with successful scale-up from laboratory to pilot-scale bioreactors using conventional engineering criteria (volumetric mass transfer coefficient, Reynolds number, and geometry).
Unexpectedly, pH oscillations with a 21-hour periodicity were observed during culture. Buffering and initial pH adjustments significantly affected growth and viability. Transcriptomic analyses revealed a persistent circadian clock and partial synchronization of the cell cycle, demonstrating that plant cells behave as a liquid tissue. This work provides the first evidence that apoplastic pH changes are circadian-regulated and coordinated with the cell cycle.Escuela Internacional de DoctoradoUniversidad Politécnica de CartagenaTécnicas Avanzadas en Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentari
Assessing the social perception of agrivoltaic systems in vineyards. A case study of an integrated trellis-based configuration in South-eastern Spain
Full text linkSustainable development is a key priority in addressing global challenges such as climate change and land degradation. In South-eastern Spain, the Murcia Region stands out for its agricultural significance and its exceptional potential for solar energy generation, owing to its semi-arid climate and high solar irradiance. However, the rapid deployment of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems has intensified competition for agricultural land, positioning agrivoltaics systems as a promising dual-use solution. This study explores the attitudes of wine tourists towards vertically integrated low-height agrivoltaics systems in vineyards, a sector of major economic and cultural relevance in the region. The methodology consisted of guided visits to pilot low-height vertically integrated agrivoltaics systems installed in vineyard trellises at several wineries, followed by administration of a structured ethically reviewed questionnaire. Statistical analysis reveals a predominantly positive social perception of agrivoltaics systems in vineyards, emphasising support for dual land use and a preference for the low-height system integrated into the trellises, due to its greater harmony with the wine-growing landscape. Differences in perception by gender, educational level and environmental awareness suggests the need for differentiated communication strategies in case actions are taken to further increase the favorable social perception observed. Overall, findings position agrivoltaics as a viable solution for reconciling agricultural and energy production in a context of climate change and resource scarcity.Fundacion Seneca (22248/PDC/23) and ENOVOLTAICS-Symbiotic photovoltaic integration in vineyards (EIP-AGRI Operational group APROVOLT). Murcia Region (Spain)
Three-dimensional digital design
No full textThis resource introduces three-dimensional digital design within modern manufacturing, highlighting the shift from manual, prototype-heavy workflows to data-driven processes with virtual simulation and multidimensional modeling. It includes a reading passage, comprehension questions, vocabulary with pronunciation and audio terms, gap-fill practice, speaking and discussion activities enriched with a video on digital twins, a watching task about a 3D design program, a grammar section on gerunds and infinitives, and a Kahoot review to consolidate learning
The television
No full textResource for English language learning centered on the history and invention of television. Includes a grammar reference on past simple, past perfect simple and past perfect continuous, a pre-watching prompt set, a video on the invention of television, and multiple-choice comprehension questions. Concludes with a guided, humorous oral debate activity where students role-play key inventors and pitch future TV ideas, fostering speaking, creativity, and critical thinking
Electric and magnetic circuits
No full textResource focused on magnetic circuits within electrical and electronics engineering. It includes a brainstorming prompt, pre-watching questions, a video on magnetic circuits, and multiple-choice activities about flux, materials, components, and applications. A structured debate guides students to analyze the role of magnetic circuits in modern technology, fostering critical thinking, communication, and understanding of concepts like closed flux paths, ferromagnetic cores, and practical devices such as motors, generators, and transformers
La IA en el análisis de puestos de trabajo
No full textUnidad práctica donde el alumnado realiza un análisis de puestos de trabajo combinando enfoque tradicional y herramientas de IA. Incluye fases de recogida de información, generación con IA mediante iteración de prompts, comparación crítica de resultados y presentación grupal. Promueve competencias en gestión de RR. HH., uso ético y crítico de la IA y comunicación. Contiene actividad extra individual sobre auxiliar administrativo
Introduction to biomedical engineering
No full textThis resource introduces biomedical engineering and its key specializations, including bioinstrumentation, bioimaging, biomechanics, biomaterials, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, clinical engineering, and rehabilitation engineering. It offers reading comprehension with multiple-choice questions, pronunciation practice with audio terms, a fill-in-the-blank activity, a video-based watching task with questions, a focused grammar section on gerunds and infinitives, and a practice module on analog computing with debate prompts. Designed to build vocabulary, comprehension, and applied understanding
Novedades ES6: promesas
No full textIntroducción práctica a las Promesas en JavaScript (ES6). Explica qué son, cómo declararlas y utilizarlas con resolve y reject, y cómo encadenar operaciones asíncronas con then y manejar errores con catch. Incluye ejemplos de código, como uso de setTimeout y fetch, para ilustrar flujos asíncronos y el manejo de resultados y errores