A journey of innovation and discovery with UAS technology
Bangladeshi Ph.D. student leads groundbreaking research in UAV Electromagnetic Compatibility, pioneering innovation in drone technology
“Tackling the challenges of UAV electromagnetic compatibility has been both exhilarating and demanding. It’s a journey where every obstacle unveils a new opportunity for innovation,” reflects Tanzim Jim Hassan, a second-year PhD student in Electrical Engineering from Bangladesh.
Hassan’s groundbreaking research under the mentorship of Dr. Prakash Ranganathan at the Data, Energy, and Cyber Systems (DECS) and Center for Cyber Security Research (C2SR) labs has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of UAV technology.
Hassan embarked on an ongoing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funded project titled “Evaluate UAS Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC).” Discussing the project, he remarks, “Understanding the intricate dance between UAVs and high electric and magnetic fields has been a fascinating journey. It’s not just about flying drones; it’s about ensuring their resilience in diverse environments.”
One significant aspect of Hassan’s research is his exploration into the effects of high E/H fields on UAV battery characteristics. “The battery is the lifeblood of UAV operations. Witnessing the impact of E/H fields on battery performance was a pivotal moment in our research journey,” he emphasizes.
Through meticulous experimentation and analysis, Hassan and his team developed a groundbreaking multi-stage hybrid machine learning (MS-HML) model. “Our model isn’t just about predicting battery drain; it’s about empowering UAV operators with real-time insights for safer and more efficient flights,” he explains.
Reflecting on the challenges encountered during the project, Hassan notes, “Every challenge we faced was an opportunity to innovate. From designing custom mounts for data collection to navigating uncharted territories in machine learning, every step pushed the boundaries of what we thought was possible.”
Their efforts culminated in accolades at prestigious conferences such as the IEEE North American Power Symposium, where their research poster on “UAS-guided Electric and Magnetic Field Data Distribution Across Transmission Lines” secured the first-place award.
“Being recognized for our contributions fuels our passion to keep pushing the envelope of UAV technology,” says Hassan.
Looking ahead, Hassan’s current project funded by the Department of Energy’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (DOE-CESER) signifies his commitment to advancing UAV technology. “Our journey doesn’t end with understanding; it extends to securing the future of UAV integration in critical applications,” he asserts.
Tanzim Jim Hassan’s journey epitomizes the transformative power of research and innovation in advancing UAV technology. His relentless pursuit of knowledge not only addresses critical challenges but also paves the way for future advancements in this dynamic field.
Written by John Nguyen // UND College of Engineering & Mines
