Best Master's Thesis in Information and Communication Technology 2018
The award “best master's thesis” is a research award for students at the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) programme at the Faculty of Technology and Science in Grimstad. The purpose of the prize is to inspire and motivate students, but also to show the importance of research at the master's level. Rolf Arne Kjellby, Svein Erik Løtveit and Thor Eirik Johnsrud won this year’s award. The thesis was supervised by Professor Linga Reddy Cenkeramaddi and Professor Geir Jevne.
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The very best master's thesis within ICT and embedded systems, was awarded during the master’s Degree Promotion in Grimstad by Confirmit.
Energy Harvesting and Energy-Saving Communication Protocols
Internet of Things (IoT) is essentially a network of embedded electronic devices which sense and exchange data without the need for maintenance. It is expected that around 50 billion IoT devices will be connected by 2020.
The problem associated with energy harvest was the starting point for the master's thesis entitled "Development, deployment and evaluation of wireless energy efficiency IoT units" defined by Professor Linga Reddy Cenkeramaddi.
Rolf Kjellby (Foto: Anette Hauso)
Most wireless devices and applications are battery powered with a limited service life. The batteries can last from a few hours to a few years, depending on the device's complexity. In many wireless devices, it is not possible to replace or charge batteries. This applies, for example, for devices located in external locations, in difficult environments or in tough weather conditions. By getting energy from ambient sources is a viable solution for wireless devices.
The students have designed and developed devices that are self-powered through energy harvesting, without the need for maintenance over their lifetime. The devices and wireless sensor networks are designed by utilizing ultra-low power technologies and energy-saving communications protocols. The wireless devices can be deployed anywhere as long there is sufficient light level, and in the range of a gateway.
Motivated Students
Svein Erik Løtveit (Foto: Anette Hauso)
WISENET and UiA facilitates a good learning environment. At the ICT programme, students are given the opportunity to collaborate closely with professors and supervisors, which contributes to greater involvement in the studies. Practical use of knowledge through collaborative projects has been a great motivation for the students.
“Studying at UiA has been a great experience for me. As a student here for five years, I have been given the opportunity to not only learn, but also to grow as a person. The excellent professors, as well as their availability, and WISENET Lab facilities has played an important role in my development. Being able to ask questions and discuss academic matters at any time, without arranging a meeting beforehand, has been highly important to me. Additionally, the variety of subjects offered me a valuable overview within the areas of electronics, communication technology and embedded systems, and in fact, our master
thesis is built on these areas. I have plans to continue my studies at UiA as a PhD student” says Rolf Kjellby.
Thor Eirik Johnsrud (Foto: Anette Hauso)
"Having a masters at UiA has been a good experience for me. Practical use of knowledge through collaborative projects has been a great motivation and made me safe in my work. The University and WISENET Lab have provided us with all the facilities we need in terms of working environment, measuring equipment, components and expertise. The degree has ensured me a very good job where I get a chance to use and develop my skills and interests further, "says Thor Eirik Johnsrud.“Good work environment with skilled and friendly Professors gave an excellent foundation for entering the working life. Work with projects combining practical and theoretical skills is essential”, says Svein Erik Løtveit.