A team of DTU students reached the final round of the 24th Eureka student research contest, with 3,728 participants from 119 universities and colleges nationwide, and 1,231 projects. Finally, 488 contestants from 88 institutions with the 160 best submissions were selected for the final round, resulting in 8 first prizes, 15 seconds, 14 thirds and 97 consolation prizes. The contest was held at the Academy of Banking in HCMC.
The DTU team consisted of Phan Van Truyen, a PNU-standard Electrical Engineering student, Nguyen Trung Kien, also majoring in the same program, and Truong Minh Xuan Tung, a PNU-standard major in Mechatronics. The team presented their project entitled “An application of edge-processing artificial neural networks to monitor water quality.” Their innovative application will enable authorities to address pollution problems in a timelier way and was awarded a Consolation prize for a project with implementation potential.
The Consolation prize
Engineering & technology challenges
The contest began on November 11, 2022, and contestants could enter individually or in groups. The 12 topic categories comprised Social Sciences & Humanities, Education, Economics, Law, Engineering & Technology, Planning & Architecture, IT, Chemical Engineering & Pharmacy, Biotechnology & Medicine, Agriculture-Forestry-Fishery, Environmental Sciences & Resources, and Food Technology.
DTU students present their project
The DTU team competed in the Engineering & Technology category and came up with the idea of researching and creating a water quality monitoring system. The system uses artificial neural network (ANN) algorithms, to compute WQI levels from raw data from special sensors. With this information, analysts can quickly assess the quality and the usability of a water source, while traditional methods require heavier use of the sensors and significantly increase overall cost.
The system is built with sensors distributed in different depths to the bottom, not only at the surface. In addition, the use of ANN algorithms reduces the amount of data transmitted through the network, which saves energy. Solar power is also incorporated to ensure that the system is environmentally friendly.
The research is tested
“The breadth of our research and its implementation was strictly limited by the time available,” said Truong Minh Xuan Tung. “Our system required the design and construction of specialized electronic circuit boards with several complex sensors communicating through LoRa. Many components were ordered abroad, and delivery was slow. Then we needed to conduct much testing to ensure the viability of our concept, which took three months, including travel to various other locations, at the same time continuing our regular studies. Thanks to the support of Professor Truong Van Truong, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and the leaders of the School of Engineering & Technology, we were able complete our system and enter the competition.”
Prizes at the 24th Eureka finals
“The 24th Eureka research contest has become a prestigious academic exercise for students nationwide,” explained a Faculty of Electrical Engineering lecturer. “Thousands of projects are submitted, and the competition is stiff. The team members are mostly final-year or postgraduate students, with significant knowledge and experience, who benefit from the support of lecturers with higher academic qualifications. Those from South Vietnam also have the geographic advantage of being closer to the organizers to expedite their preparation for the semi-finals and finals.
“This year, DTU developed a highly practical application, which solves several practical problems at the same time, integrating the most advanced techniques, and in line with the technological development strategy of the city of Danang, based on a LoRaWAN wireless sensor network.
In addition, the ANN algorithms greatly improve system performance compared to conventional signal processing algorithms and, finally, the system monitors and collects data from deeper locations, below the surface, which enhances its creativity and usefulness.”
Student Phan Van Truyen said, “We’re very happy to receive this award. Although it’s only a Consolation prize, it’s in worthy recognition of our research, and it will motivate us to work even harder on next year’s project. Actually, I was selected from more than eight hundred other contestants and honored to present our project and be interviewed at the closing ceremony. Now, we’ll continue our work with our instructor to develop the project further, and, in the spirit of Faculty of Electrical Engineering students, we’re always ready to take on new challenges and reach for success.”
(Media Center)