This paper discusses the Espressif Systems latest product ESP32 designed for Internet of Things and embedded system related projects. The ESP32 is a low-cost, low-power system on a chip series of microcontrollers with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities and a highly integrated structure powered by a dual-core Tensilica Xtensa LX6 microprocessor. This paper provides a comparative analysis of the ESP32 with some other market competitors and introduces the microcontroller specification, features and programming details. A portable, wireless oscilloscope based on the ESP-WROOM-32 and a mobile application is described in detail as an example of successful practical implementation of the device.

The need to develop and deploy Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) aerial vehicles has intensified over the last decade. As the demand for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) has increased, so too has the regulations that surrounds the industry. Strict regulations are currently in place but differ from country to country. Due to these regulations BVLOS innovators have been posed the task of exploring the means of operating flight missions with the UAV out of the sight of the pilot. Autonomous flight capability is not only fundamental to BVLOS operations for UAS but also likely to have a significant impact on the future development of passenger carrying autonomous aircraft. This review explores the technologies that have been developed to date that enable BVLOS applications. BVLOS flight operations have the potential to open a huge area of commercial opportunity however, there remain many concerns about the current capabilities of UAS to detect and avoid manned and unmanned airborne hazards that may pose a significant safety risk.

This paper presents a review of the state-of-the-art in aircraft electrical propulsion technology. A comparison is provided of differing propulsion mechanisms such as propellers, open fans, ducted fans, multi-stage rim driven fans and distributed thrust designs and their suitability to particular flight profiles and mission applications. Electrical motor architectures are also reviewed with particular attention being given to synchronous machines, such as Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) and Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) technologies, and the recent advances that have been made in solid-state switching and High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) material applications. Present day electrical power generation, storage and control technologies are also reviewed including hybrid and fuel cell technologies and regeneration techniques. Electrical storage capabilities with regard to specific power and energy characteristics are discussed and the extent to which existing system technology can be integrated onto a Hybrid-electric and an All Electric Aircraft (AEA) is also investigated. Finally, a conclusion is provided highlighting the current technological challenges facing the development of commercial aircraft in terms of performance, airframe configuration and legislative and operational infrastructural requirements.

The role of Unmanned Aircraft Systems have increased substantially in recent years and are now not only used for personal use but for commercial, search and rescue and military application. The increase of the UAS will pose a significant safety risk to not only buildings and property but to the public and general air travel. This increase will undoubtedly cause a significant strain on Air Traffic Control (ATC) system and will lead to UAS not being used to their full potential. The use of autonomous UAS will increase over the coming years, and a reliable system of Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) will be needed both for effective safety and reliability. Currently, there is no real framework in place to accommodate low level UAS in urban airspace. This research aims to discover the current state of the art technologies and innovations developed to create a workable UTM framework giving an overview of the various methods available to analyse the likelihood of a UTM being developed. The findings of the paper show that there is a definitive need for such a system to be developed and maintained if UAVs are to be incorporated into everyday life.

The further penetration of renewable sources in the grid requires the implementation of energy storages in order to smooth out the variability and intermittent nature of renewables. This paper looks at the possibilities for a storage solution to meet an unprecedented situation of having no power input from renewables or an outage from grid sources for five consecutive days in the highest demand period of the year. The study uses as test case a 1000 house estate in the year 2050 with each property using electrical heating and electrical vehicle charging. The magnitude of power and energy estimated, together with the practicalities is then used to assess current storage solutions suitability and the likely possibilities of new innovations in the storage environment.