FAST
Western University's Free Appropriate Sustainability Technology (FAST) Research Group
Wanted! Students to make a distributed future with solar-powered open-source 3-D printing and recycling. Contact Dr. Joshua Pearce - Apply here

This category contains lab protocols for Western University's Free Appropriate Sustainable Technology (FAST) Research Group.

A note on safety: FAST researchers never do anything you feel is unsafe. If any experiment makes you even remotely uncomfortable go to talk to Dr. Pearce about it immediately.

FAST method template[edit | edit source]

Purchasing[edit | edit source]

FAST recommended courses[edit | edit source]

Computer vision/ AI[edit | edit source]

  1. Data Analytics Foundations ECE9603/9063 - help understand the basics of machine learning.
  2. Machine Learning ECE 9039 - helpful for students interested in the field.
  3. Advanced Data Analysis SS 4850G/SS 9850 from statistical sciences,

Solar photovoltaics[edit | edit source]

  1. ECE9013 - Programming for Engineers
  2. ECE9048 - Modelling Power Systems
  3. ECE9054 - Optimization Techniques
  4. ECE9407 - Sensor Networks and Embedded Systems
  5. ECE9042 - Power Systems Protection
  6. ECE9403 - High Frequency Power Converters
  7. ECE9063 - Data Analytics Foundations
  8. ECE9039 - Machine Learning
  9. MME9617 - Energy Conversion

3D printing[edit | edit source]

Resilient Food[edit | edit source]

Useful software[edit | edit source]

Software to install[edit | edit source]

  • OpenSCAD
  • FreeCAD
  • Blender
  • Meshlab
  • Meshroom
  • Inkscape
  • Gimp
  • Krita
  • KiCAD EDA
  • Fritzing
  • Python
  • Arduino IDE
  • SAM (solar advisor model) from NREL
  • QGIS
  • Lulzbot Cura
  • Slic3r
  • OpenShot
  • Audacity
  • Libre Office
  • Firefox
  • Dia
  • GNU Octave

FAST Research Facilities[edit | edit source]

Space[edit | edit source]

The Pearce group has been allotted a lab and outdoor testing facilities. ...coming soon.'

  • The optimal tilt angle for PV in London Ontario is 34°


Local electric data[edit | edit source]

Western Manufacturing Capabilities[edit | edit source]

Western Characterization[edit | edit source]

*     Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
*     Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES)
*     Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM)
*     Contact Angle
*     Corrosion and Electrochemistry
*     Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
*     Dynamic SIMS (D-SIMS)
*     Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
*     Laser Raman Spectroscopy
*     Microhardness Testing
*     Optical Microscopy
*     Scanning Electron Microscopy  (SEM/EDX)
*     Sample Preparation and Processing Facilities
*     Surface Profilometry
*     Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
*     Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS)
*     Weathering Chambers
*     X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
*     X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
*     X-ray Micro Computed Tomography (Micro-CT)
*     Partner Facilities
*     Training and Courses


Physics[edit | edit source]

As far as photovoltaic device testing is concerned, we have the following

  • AM1.5 solar simulator (also in conjunction with measurements at variable temperature, 20-300K if required)
  • External Quantum Efficiency (EQE)
  • Photocarrier mobility measurements by Time of Flight (ToF) and Charge Extraction by Linearly Increasing Voltage (p-CELIV)
  • Defect characterization (Electron Spin Resonance) under irradiation


As far as solar energy material testing is concerned, we have

  • Atomic force microscopy (AFM): morphology
  • Kelvin probe microscopy (KPFM): work function, electron energy levels
  • Scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM): super-resolution luminescence and photoconductivity imaging (various excitations, I.e. 633, 532 and 405 nm)
  • Photoluminescence spectroscopy (405 nm excitation normally, other possible)
  • Photothermal deflection spectroscopy (heat evacuation, thermal conductivity in thin-film solar cell materials)
  • UV-Vis spectrometry (transmission, reflection, optical band gap)
  • Electrical transport measurements at low temperature (20-300K)
  • Auger electron spectroscopy (AES): surface/subsurface elemental composition
  • Scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) at variable temperature (20-300K): morphology, electrical properties

On order:

  • both an IQE setup (with variable stage temperature and bias light intensity),
  • environmental chamber (for temperature and humidity cycling).

Fanshawe[edit | edit source]

  • Atonometrics Solar Simulator

Contains 52 – 400 watt metal halide bulbs (full visible light spectrum bulbs) Maximum light output 1200 W/m 2 Two test planes 2.3 m X 1.3 m each Does not perform UVA, UVB

  • CEAST (Instron) 9350 Impact Test System /Thermal Chamber

Maximum energy transfer 1800 J Maximum speed 24 m/s Variable mass with the addition of mass plates Max chamber temp +150 C, Min temp -70 C Tensile Impact, puncture, izod, charpy

  • Instron 5982 Tensile and Compression with Thermal Chamber

Maximum tensile strength 100 kN, Maximum compression strength 50 kN Maximum chamber temp o without grips +600 C, with grips +315 C Minimum chamber temp o without grips -150 C, with grips -73 C

  • Tenney Environmental Chamber

Internal dimensions 762 mm X 813 mm X 914 mm Temp range -73 C to +200 C Humidity range 20% to 95%

  • RHCSZ Environmental Chamber

Internal dimensions 1372 mm X 1372 mm X 914 mm Temp range -70 C to +180 C Humidity range 5% to 95% RH Stand alone or interfaces with shaker

  • Cantrol Walk-in Environmental Chamber

Internal dimensions 3.66 m X 3.66 m X 2.44 m (12’ x 12’ x 8’) Temp range -35 C to +85 C Humidity range 20% to 95% RH Floor capacity of 454 kg (1000 lbs)

  • Ascott Cyclic Salt Corrosion Chamber

Capacity of 2000 L (70.6 ft 3 ) Weight capacity of 200 kg Temp control +20 C to +70 C Humidity control 50% to 100% RH 4 atomizing spray nozzles, 4 spray down nozzles 2 X 100 L brine reservoirs, 1 X 150 L brine reservoir

  • Singleton Corrosion Chamber

Capacity of 264 L (9.3 ft 3 ) Weight capacity of 50 kg Temp control ambient to +60 C Primarily use for ASTM B117 and MIL-STD-810H 509.7

  • Data Physics Electrodynamic Shaker

Capacity 454 kg (1000 lbs) 3 axis (X, Y, Z) Sine sweep & dwell, random, classic shock, SRS Multimodal: Sine on random, random on random Raymond EMC Chamber 3 meter chamber Radiated emissions 10 Hz to 18 GHz Conducted emissions 10 Hz to 500 MHz Radiated immunity 80 MHz to 6 GHz @ 10 V/m ESD up to 25 kV

  • Eckel Anechoic Acoustic Chamber

Dimensions 9.14 m X 7.62 m X 4.27 m (30’ X 25’ X 14’) Floor Capacity of 21 tons Background noise level 14 – 20 dB, 100 Hz cut-off Vehicle exhaust extraction system

  • De-Ionized Water Treatment System

Produces water with < 5 microsiemens conductivity Provides water for all chambers humidity Provides water for corrosion test systems

  • Spectrometer 200-1036nm

Outreach after[edit | edit source]

OS Videos[edit | edit source]

Research Data Repository Approaches[edit | edit source]

Open Educational Resources[edit | edit source]

3DP supplies Canada[edit | edit source]

Media in category "FAST methods"

The following 2 files are in this category, out of 2 total.

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