Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Tidal Current Energy Resource Assessment In Ireland: Current Status And Future Update, Fergal O'Rourke, Fergal Boyle, Anthony Reynolds

Articles

Interest in renewable energy in Ireland has increased continually over the past decade. This interest is due primarily to security of supply issues and the effects of climate change. Ireland imports over 90% of its primary energy consumption, mostly in the form of fossil fuels. The exploitation of Ireland’s vast indigenous renewable energy resources is required in order to reduce this over dependence on fossil fuel imports to meet energy demand. Various targets have been set by the Irish government to incorporate renewable energy technologies into Ireland’s energy market. As a result of these targets, the development in wind energy …

Engineering Design And Development, David Kennedy

Conference Papers

Combining Industrial and Functional Design methodologies for the development of new products and systems requires a broad understanding of human behaviour and industrial activities. The requirements of international standards, protection of the environment and the ability to make a profit on sales requires a sound attitude and approach to succeed, especially in current economic conditions. This highlights the importance of good business and management strategy that must be dynamic to meet the changing needs of the market. Competitiveness depends largely upon advances in the fields of design and Innovation, cutting edge research and new advances over a broad range of …

Reducing Whole Body Vibration Levels In Off-Road, Heavy-Duty Vehicles: A Case Study With Computer Modelling, Shaun Mcfadden, Matthieu Morhan, Brian Hurley

Conference Papers

This paper describes a case study involving the dynamic ride performance of a 30-ton, articulated dumper vehicle. The vehicle in question was originally fitted with a front-end, solid axle with leading arm mechanism. After an engineering design program, the vehicle was custom-fitted with a Timoney Independent suspension system. Extensive testing and modelling activities using LMS Virtual.lab Motion® were undertaken to determine the productivity levels of each vehicle. It was demonstrated that the vehicle fitted with a Timoney suspension could achieve a productivity increase of up to 50%. A health analysis is also presented which shows the Timoney Independent suspension system …

Intelligibility Of Electrolarynx Speech Using A Novel Actuator, Brian Madden, Mark Nolan, Ted Burke, James Condron, Eugene Coyle

Conference Papers

During voiced speech, the larynx provides quasi-periodic acoustic excitation of the vocal tract. Following a laryngectomy, some people speak using an electrolarynx which replaces the excitatory function of the absent larynx. Drawbacks of conventional electrolarynx designs include the buzzing monotonic sound emitted, the need for a free hand to operate the device, and difficulty experienced by many laryngectomees in adapting to its use. Despite these shortcomings, it remains the preferred method of speech rehabilitation for a substantial minority of laryngectomees. In most electrolarynxes, mechanical vibrations are produced by a linear electromechanical actuator, the armature of which percusses against a metal …

Computer Simulation Of A Biomass Gasification-Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Power System Using Aspen Plus, Wayne Doherty, Anthony Reynolds, David Kennedy

Articles

The operation and performance of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack on biomass syn-gas from a biomass gasification combined heat and power (CHP) plant is investigated. The objective of this work is to develop a model of a biomass-SOFC system capable of predicting performance under diverse operating conditions. The tubular SOFC technology is selected. The SOFC stack model, equilibrium type based on Gibbs free energy minimisation, is developed using Aspen Plus. The model performs heat and mass balances and considers ohmic, activation and concentration losses for the voltage calculation. The model is validated against data available in the literature …

Investigation Into The Possible Benefits Of A Refrigeration Based Intercooling System, Ronan Kierans, Jim Mcgovern

Conference Papers

This paper describes findings from analysis and simulation in relation to the possible benefits of applying refrigeration based intercooling to the engine of a modern passenger car or haulage vehicle. Initial theoretical analysis showed that, depending on the engine specifications and the boost pressure level of the turbo/supercharger, the power improvement could range from 15–30% and there would be a similar improvement in torque. This meant a smaller engine could be used to do the work of a larger engine. The power required to run the refrigeration system, the space required and the charge air pressure drop due to its …

Thermodynamic Optimisation Of The Otto / Stirling Combined Cycle, Barry Cullen, Michel Feidt, Jim Mcgovern, Stoian Petrescu

Conference Papers

Combined cycle systems are an established method for increasing primary energy efficiency of power generation systems. Some ongoing research is concerned with investigating the novel combined cycle system involving the Otto and Stirling thermodynamic cycles. The Otto cycle is to act as the topping cycle, with the Stirling cycle acting to recover heat from the exhaust for the purpose of additional power generation. The present work investigates the thermodynamic optimisation of the combined cycle system for the case of the engines operating under two imposed parametric constraints: 1) imposed heat addition to the Otto cycle, and 2) imposed maximum cycle …

Simulation Of A Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stack Operating On Biomass Syngas Using Aspen Plus, Wayne Doherty, Anthony Reynolds, David Kennedy

Articles

A tubular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack was modelled and its operation on biomass syn-gas was investigated. The objective of this work was to develop a computer simulation model of a biomass gasification-SOFC (BG-SOFC) system capable of predicting performance under various operating conditions and using diverse fuels. The stack was modelled using Aspen Plus and considers ohmic, activation and concentration losses. It was validated against published data for operation on natural gas. Operating parameters such as fuel and air utilisation factor U_f and U_a, current density j and steam to carbon ratio STCR were varied and …

Validation Of A Simulation Model For A Combined Otto And Stirling Cycle Power Plant, Jim Mcgovern, Barry Cullen, Michel Feidt, Stoian Petrescu

Conference Papers

A project has been underway at the Technological University Dublin (DIT) to investigate the feasibility of a combined Otto and Stirling cycle power plant in which a Stirling cycle engine would serve as a bottoming cycle for a stationary Otto cycle engine. This type of combined cycle plant is considered to have good potential for industrial use. This paper describes work by DIT and collaborators to validate a computer simulation model of the combined cycle plant. In investigating the feasibility of the type of combined cycle that is proposed there are a range of practical realities to be faced and …

Gate 3 Grid Connection Group Processing Approach:An Analysis, John Leahy

Msc. in Energy Management

The aim of this project is to analyse the Group Processing Approach (the “GPA”) to renewable generator grid connections, and in particular the Gate 3 process which is the latest round of the GPA that is currently being implemented in the Republic of Ireland, to determine if it is the most effective approach for connecting new renewable generation. Gate 3 is the third series of the GPA for connecting renewable generation to the Irish Electricity grid where applications are processed in groups or batches. The size of the Gate 3 has bee capped at 3,900MW with applicants being selected based …

Design Of A Single Alkaline Fuel Cell Test Bed, James Brunton, David Kennedy, Fergal O'Rourke, Eugene Coyle

Conference Papers

This Research focuses on the design and development of a single alkaline fuel cell test bed facility. The paper also makes reference to problems and solutions encountered during construction that resulted in a more effective fuel cell and operating system. As a sustainable and clean alternative energy option, fuel cell technology has the potential to provide electrical power for stationary and mobile applications. Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are a viable long term energy solution, but to-date has failed to make a major impact on the energy market. Fuel Cells offer a sustainable energy options that can be cost effective …

An Investigation Into The Retrofitting Of Air Source Heat Pumps Into Fabric Improved, Detached, Oil Centrally Heated Dwellings In Rural Ireland, Ciara Ahern

Other resources

In Ireland the predominant house type is detached housing which constitutes 43 % of entire stock. 72% of the detached housing stock is rurally located and 68% is heated by fuel oil. 82% of houses in Ireland have a radiator heating system. Detached housing, due to larger size and high surface area to volume ratio, has a greater heat loss per m² than all other house types of the same construction period. It follows that, if a heat pump can be successfully deployed in a house of this type it can be successfully deployed in almost all other house …

Online Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring And Control System, Paul Duffy, Gerard Woods, James Walsh, Michael Kane

Conference Papers

No abstract provided.

Marine Current Energy Devices: Current Status And Possible Future Applications In Ireland, Fergal O'Rourke, Fergal Boyle, Anthony Reynolds

Articles

There is a growing demand for the use of renewable energy technologies to generate electricity due to concerns over climate change. The oceans provide a huge potential resource of energy. Energy extraction using marine current energy devices (MCEDs) offers a sustainable alternative to conventional sources and a predictable alternative to other renewable energy technologies. A MCED utilises the kinetic energy of the tides as opposed to the potential energy which is utilised by a tidal barrage. Over the past decade MCEDs have become an increasingly popular method of energy extraction. However, marine current energy technology is still not economically viable …

Building A Successful Transatlantic Collaboration In Engineering/Technological Education; Lessons From A Six Year Journey, Donal Mchale, Mark Mcgrath, John Lawlor

Conference Papers

This paper reflects on key learning’s from the first six-years (2004-2010) of the development of a collaborative journey of two trans-Atlantic higher-educational institutions. It describes the progress towards building a sustainable and innovative international educational partnership in Engineering/Technological education between the Technological University Dublin,DublinIrelandandPurdue University,Indiana,USA.

In particular, the paper provides insight into the iterative stages of development of this relationship. It reflects on some of the key challenges and it recognises the critical enablers of success. It focuses on challenges and solutions in the following six important areas

(i) The partnership initiation stage. Key considerations and important enablers of future …

Tidal Energy Update 2009, Fergal O'Rourke, Fergal Boyle, Anthony Reynolds

Articles

Tidal energy has the potential to play a valuable part in a sustainable energy future. It is an extremely predictable energy source, depending only on the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun and the centrifugal forces created by the rotation of the earth-moon system. Tidal energy has been exploited on a significant scale since the construction of the La Rance tidal barrage in France in 1967. A tidal barrage utilises the potential energy of the tide and has proven to be very successful, despite opposition from environmental groups. Kinetic energy can also be harnessed from tidal currents to …

Simulation Algorithm And Validation Of A Photovoltaic Water Pumping System, I. Odeh, Y. Yohannis, Brian Norton

Articles

A photovoltaic (PV) water pumping system has been modelled using TRNSYS considering a power supply, a direct current (DC)/alternating current (AC) inverter, an AC induction motor, a centrifugal pump, a well, a water storage tank, and an overflow protection device. The model emulates actual pumping head curves, uses numerical methods to determine pump system working points, and includes a storage tank as a component in the system. It simulates PV-powered water pumping systems, constant voltage tracking, voltage frequency modulation, and maximum power point tracking algorithms; variable inverter frequency with variable motor efficiency, variable inverter frequency with constant motor efficiency, and …

A Study Of Friction Testing Methods Applicable To Demoulding Force Prediction For Micro Replicated Parts, Kevin Delaney, David Kennedy, G. Bissacco

Conference Papers

For replication processes to be deemed successful it must be possible to remove the replicated parts from the tool after processing. With decreasing part and feature size the challenge of demoulding replicated parts increases since the resulting parts and replication tooling used are more delicate and can be easily damaged. Predictive demoulding force models can be used to optimise the part, tool and process parameters to maximise the likelihood of success. Developing accurate models for this process requires knowledge of the dominant interfacial contributions to friction and knowledge of the size scale at which the dominant contributions operate together with …

Pvd And Cvd Coatings For The Metal Forming Industry, Simon Montgomery, David Kennedy, Noel O'Dowd

Conference Papers

Metal forming applications are, by their very nature, taxing on the tools and machines used to achieve a finished component. Material degradation and wear is of critical importance in any such operation as a failing in the tool or machine has the potential to cause health hazards and/or significant monetary losses. The wear of material is due to the contact of two opposing surfaces and their subsequent motion relative to each other. It can take many forms some examples of which are: a two or three body abrasive type, a rolling fatigue type or an adhesion type.

Much research has …