27ELECTRICAL AND ROBOTICS ENGINEERING
Resonant ZnO Nanostructure Integrated Flexible SAW Sensors for Healthcare Wearable Sensing Applications
Dr Ajay Achath Mohanan Lecturer , PhD
Research expertise : Surface Acoustic Wave ( SAW ) sensors , ZnO nanostructures , RF magnetron sputtering , Hydrothermal growth
E : ajay . mohanan @ monash . edu T : + 603 5514 6252
Flexible surface acoustic wave ( SAW ) devices integrated with resonant zinc oxide ( ZnO ) nanostructures as sensing media can realize highly sensitive healthcare wearable sensors in future with potential applications for real-time monitoring of vital signs such as pulse rate , blood pressure and breathing patterns , as well as sensing toxic gases and UV radiation . Further , the structural flexibility and tiny device footprint of flexible SAW sensors along with their ability to be interrogated wirelessly and passively using an onboard antenna make these sensors convenient to be attached to the human body for sensing purposes with minimal obstruction to daily activities .
Our research deals with design and fabrication of highperformance flexible ZnO / polymer layered flexible SAW devices , followed by on-chip integration of resonant ZnO nanorods as sensing medium on these devices . ZnO nanorods of precisely tuned dimensions could be grown on the surface of the SAW device through continuous flow hydrothermal method operated under surface reaction-limited zone .
Smart Energy Systems : Connecting Renewable Based Electricity Generation into Smart Grids
Dr Charles R . Sarimuthu Senior Lecturer PhD , MIET , SMIEEE
Research expertise : Power Systems , Power Quality , Renewable Energy and Smart Grid .
E : charles . raymond . arimuthu @ monash . edu T : + 603 5515 9732
Energy is an indispensable factor for the economic growth and development of a country . Long term projections indicate that the energy demand will rapidly increase worldwide . Renewable energy technologies are an ideal solution because they can contribute significantly to worldwide power production with less emission of greenhouse gases . The integration of renewable energy using smart grid technologies can improve energy security and safety of the electric system . The installation and connection of renewable based distributed generation ( DG ) units can positively affect the power quality of the electric system . However , a converse effect could also be noted . DG units are likely to affect the system frequency . Moreover , the impact on the local voltage level of DG connected to the distribution grid can be significant . Especially raising voltage levels in radial distribution systems can be seen as one of the main technical connection issues of DG . Currently we are working on development of synchronverters ( smart inverters ) for frequency control application in solar systems . We are also working on intelligent voltage control systems using on-load tap changer transformer in distribution networks with DG .
FESEM image of 4-micron thick reactive-RF magnetron sputtered c-axis oriented ZnO thin film grown on Si ( 100 ) substrate for SAW propagation .
FESEM image of ZnO nanowalls grown using hydrothermal method on SAW device electrodes for humidity sensing applications .
Core and coils of 3-phase , High Voltage ( HV ) transformer with on-load tap changer ( OLTC )
3-phase inverter ( hardware prototype ) developed in laboratory for solar systems .
27ELECTRICAL AND ROBOTICS ENGINEERING
RESEARCHER PROFILE 2025 / 2026