MH

M. Hengelmolen

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Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations for residential areas are becoming increasingly important as the urban population keeps growing and extreme weather conditions due to climate change are becoming more prevalent. Since CFD simulations simulate and visualise fluid flows, users can analyse and predict air flows in urban environments, giving insight in pollution, heat dissipation, and weather conditions. Performing these simulations demands expertise and time: 3D urban models must be prepared, and pre-run setups must be defined to obtain accurate results. Partial automation can streamline this process. Therefore, we developed a method that identifies geometric errors and defines mesh parameters for the open source CFD software OpenFOAM. This method follows the ISO19107 standard and recent CFD guidelines for urban areas, ensuring accurate simulation results. We validated algorithms with a variety of urban models and parameters, and analysed the workflow developed for the mesh parameters definition. Additionally, we created a prototype, in the form of a web application, in which these algorithms are implemented. Our prototype will simplify the use of CFD simulations for urban areas, making them more accessible to everyone. ...

Indoor localisation for blind people with use of LiDAR scanning and ArcGIS Indoors

Student report (2022) - L.C. Dechamps, M.I. van Esch, M. Hengelmolen, L.W.L. Kan, Y. YANG, E. Verbree, N. van der Vaart, V.P. van Altena
Blind and visually impaired people currently have inconveniences locating themselves in the indoor environment. No standardized system exists for them yet. After an inventory of the requirements of blind people, different representations do qualify for providing specific information blind people need. The main research question is: "How can blind people localise themselves (near) real-time in indoor environments with the combination of 3 representations of reality, namely (1) LiDAR point cloud matching, (2) ArcGIS Indoors and (3) Audio dynamic tactile map as the user interface?". Room detection and positioning of the user within the room are obtained by LiDAR scanning and point cloud matching. The processed point cloud height raster grids are acquired and imported into the Esri ArcGIS platform. The rooms are geo-referenced, and data is enriched by contextual awareness. As a user interface for blind people this report proposes two deliverables: a dynamic tactile map and an added or stand-alone audible supported user interface. Preliminary results of the qualitative validation show positive outcomes. This report is a stepping stone for the possibility of integrating multiple into one device. ...