Hiroshi Osada - Electronic System Engineering - osada@ Associate Professor Graduate School of Engineering Thermoregulation in plant system - Analysis of thermogenesis in plant system and its technological application -

I. Research achievements
1. Magnetic temperature-sensing system
I have been studying a magnetic temperature-sensing system that uses temperature-sensitive ferrite as the temperature-measuring element. This sensing system can be the optimal device for minute temperature measuring because the self-heating of the temperature-measuring element can be maintained at a negligible level. Also, the physical and chemical stability of the element allows continuous use of the system for a long period of time. With these properties, the magnetic temperature-sensing system can be used for practical applications, including in a precision temperature control system in a sealed container.

2. Microorganism sensing dsystem
Counting methods of microorganisms, including plate count and optical methods, are not widely used due to their disadvantages, such as the time required for counting, level of sensitivity and running costs. In our research, we use facing plate electrodes to carry out comprehensive analysis of electronic properties of samples in order to develop a time-effective and low-cost counting system applicable for general microorganisms.

3. Beverage recognition system
While various types of sensing elements have become available for many different kinds of quality inspections, appraisal and evaluation of taste and aroma of foods and beverages still rely on people's sensory organs in most of the cases. We are to develop beverage recognition systems by using composite metallic oxides thin film that change their electric properties according to the temperature as well as to the kind and concentration of ions and molecules adhering to the surface.

II. Goals in the COE Program
Techniques to use thermogenesis and thermoregulatory mechanisms of plants in industrial applications

1. Analysis with mathematical and electronic circuit methods
We will study the thermoregulatory mechanisms of plants by treating information obtained from the plants in a purely mathematical way or by analyzing it with an electronic circuit as an analogy. The results will be used to determine a thermal control algorithm based on the plant system that is out of the limit of the conventional concept.

2. Study of engineering thermoregulatory devices
- Industrial application (high stability constant temperature control systems)
We will carry out research in highly stable constant-temperature control systems by directly using the plant-type thermoregulatory algorithm. This is aimed at developing a thermoregulatory system that realizes high energy efficiency and high robustness simultaneously.

- Medical application (Micro heat-generation devices with energy self-sufficiency)
The research will aim to transform the plant-type thermoregulatory algorithm into a hardware that can be applied to the development of micro heat-generation devices that use sugars and other compounds as the energy source. By obtaining energy from glucose and other substances in blood, the resulting device is expected to be applied to energy self-sufficient hyperthermia equipment.

- Energy application (bio-power generating system)
The bio-power generating system, or "agricultural-engineering-hybrid devices," will be developed by applying the information obtained from thermoregulatory plants, including energy supplying mechanisms, to engineering techniques. We aim to build an ultimate cogeneration system that stores the power generated directly by natural energy-from air, soil, water and light.

III. Related website
http://e4f150.elc.iwate-u.ac.jp/

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