Moscow Polytechnic University postgraduate student receives grant to develop sensors to protect vehicles from overheating

Alexandra Pogiba, a postgraduate student at the Faculty of Graphic Printing of Moscow Polytechnic University, has received a V.E. Fortov grant to implement the project "Non-electronic (mechanical-optical) sensors and devices for automatic protection of ground transport from excess solar radiation." This development promises to be an important step in ensuring comfortable conditions for public transport passengers.

Why is it relevant?

Modern buses, trams, cars, and trains with panoramic windows and transparent roofs lack adequate protection from solar radiation overheating. When boarding vehicles, passengers often encounter unacceptably high temperatures, especially before the engines start. Using air conditioning before the vehicle starts is economically impractical, and using blinds requires human intervention, which is often simply not feasible.

What solution does the scientist propose, and what is innovative about it?

Using hard-elastic polypropylene films, the sensitivity of polymer transparency to repeated cyclic deformations was discovered and experimentally confirmed. This discovery formed the basis for the development of a new transparent polymer material with a mechanical-optical effect.

"To address the problem of protecting ground transportation from excess solar radiation, I propose using a new transparent film polymer material with a mechanical-optical effect on windows as a light filter (sensor), and also developing a thermally stimulated sensor device to reduce its transparency in a deformed state," explains Alexandra Pogiba.

The device will be equipped with an air piston on the vehicle roof, which will stretch and contract the film between the windowpanes. This can be achieved by increasing the length of the sensor light filter by 5-10%.

A working prototype is planned to be created and tested in laboratory conditions. A description of the models and technologies used will be prepared, which can be implemented in production. The project has great potential for improving the operating conditions of public transportation and enhancing passenger comfort.

Background: V.E. Fortova is being conducted within the framework of the federal program "Priority 2030," in which Moscow Polytechnic University participates with the strategic projects "Modular platform for compact electric vehicles" and "Localization of auto-components."