Engineering Commons^™

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 …

High Performance Modified Dsr Routing Protocol For Wlan Mesh Networks, Mustafa Ramadhan, Mark Davis

Conference papers

This work presents a cross-layer modification to the DSR protocol which discovers high throughput paths on multi-hop wireless mesh networks. The modified DSR incorporates a metric based upon the bandwidth availability at a node into the routing discovery mechanism. We introduce the Access Efficiency Factor (AEF) as an alternative metric to the hop-count for the routing selection mechanism. In this modification, the selected path is identified by finding a path with the highest minimum AEF value. The OPNET modeler has been employed to investigate the performance of the modified DSR protocol on randomly generated network opologies of different node densities. …

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 …

Information Hiding Using Stochastic Diffusion For The Covert Transmission Of Encrypted Images, Jonathan Blackledge

Conference papers

A principal weakness of all encryption systems is that the output data can be `seen' to be encrypted. In other words, encrypted data provides a 'flag' on the potential value of the information that has been encrypted. In this paper, we provide a novel approach to `hiding' encrypted data in a digital image. We consider an approach in which a plaintext image is encrypted with a cipher using the processes of `stochastic diffusion' and the output quantized into a 1-bit array generating a binary image cipher-text. This output is then `embedded' in a host image which is undertaken either in …

Developments In Intelligent Monitoring Of Concrete Structures, T. M. Chrisp, G. Starrs, W. J. Mccarter, E. H. Owens, S. V. Nanukuttan, Niall Holmes, L. Basheer

Conference papers

Deterioration in concrete comprises an initiation period and a propagation period. The initiation period is characterised by changes that occur within the concrete in response to the exposure environment and continues until a stage is reached when damage begins to propagate. The propagation period begins at a point in time defined when a particular event occurs (e.g. loss of steel passivity due to chloride ingress) and continues until a specified limit state is reached. The initiation and propagation stages of a deterioration process result from a complex interaction of physical, chemical and electrochemical phenomena. Prediction of the field performance of …

Suitable Knowledge Management In Project Environment, Taya Polyaninova

Dissertations

Knowledge is becoming one of the main assets for organizations that want to improve their competitiveness in currently changing market. Knowledge comes from different sources within organizations, such as internal processes, projects, customers and stakeholder information. As markets and the way of doing things changes, many companies implement different projects to deal with those changes, which leads to accumulation of knowledge and information. Companies use Knowledge Management to create, identify and distribute knowledge and experiences arising from projects within organisation. However, as projects are done to create unique deliverables and they are never the same, there is a difficulty in …

Development Of A 12 Kva Dsp-Controlled Laboratory Prototype Upqc, Iurie Axente, Jayanti Navilgone Ganesh, Malabika Basu, Michael Conlon, Kevin Gaughan

Articles

This paper reports the development of a laboratory prototype of a fully digital DSP-controlled 12-kVA unified power quality conditioner (UPQC), capable of compensating for both the supply voltage and the load current imperfections. A fully digital controller based on the TMS320F2812 DSP platform is implemented for the reference generation as well as control purposes. The delay problem in the digital controller is overcome by application of a fast DSP, a compact control technique and proper flow of control steps in the DSP software. A phase-locked loopless software grid synchronization method has been implemented for the effective operation of the UPQC …

Antenna Development For Radio Frequency Hyperthermia Applications, Sergio Curto

Doctoral

This thesis deals with the design steps, development and validation of an applicator for radio frequency hyperthermia cancer therapy. An applicator design to enhance targeted energy coupling is a key enabler for preferential temperature increments in tumour regions. A single-element, near-field approach requires a miniaturised solution, that addresses ergonomic needs and is tolerant to patient anatomy. The antenna war-field rriodality and the high-dielectric patient loading introduce significant analytical and computational resource challenges. The antenna input impedance has to be sufficiently insensitive to in-band resonant cletuning and the fields in the tissue can he targeted to selected areas in the patient. …

Rainwater Harvesting And Greywater Treatment Systems For Domestic Application In Ireland, Zhe Li, Fergal Boyle, Anthony Reynolds

Articles

Water shortage has been recognised as one of the key issues facing many countries. Fortunately, there are relatively abundant water resources available in Ireland because of its plenty of rainfall. However, Ireland will inevitably encounter water shortage in the future, especially in urban areas. The water consumption per capita per day in Ireland is one of the highest in Europe. The water demand is still increasing due to population growth and higher standard of living. The use of domestic rainwater harvesting and greywater treatment systems has the potential to supply nearly 94% of domestic water in Irish households. The utilisation …

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 …

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 …

A Novel Telescopic Boom Deployment System For Use In Upper Atmosphere Research, Mark Wylie, Paul Duffy, Dinesh Vather, Johnalan Keegan, Stephen Curran

Conference Papers

Typical measurement probe deployment systems on sounding rockets employ hinged booms which extend the probes away from the rocket. This configuration often has a significant mass and may require a considerable amount of the rocket’s valuable payload volume. In an effort to reduce both mass and volume, the DIT Space Research Group have designed a light weight carbon fibre telescopic boom system, compatible with measurement probes commonly used in upper atmosphere research. Our design has been selected to be tested on a suborbital space flight onboard the REXUS 9 sounding rocket in March 2011. The purpose of this test is …

A Web And Mobile System For Environmental Decision Support, James Carswell, Keith Gardiner, Michela Bertolotto, Andrea Rizzine

Books/Book chapters

Current field data collection methods for many of today’s scientific and other observer/monitor type applications are still entrenched in the “clipboard age”, requiring manual data transcription to a database management system at some (often much) later date, and only allows for visualisation and analysis of recently captured field data “back in the lab”. This chapter is targeted at progressing today’s pen & paper methodology into the spatially enabled mobile computing age of realtime multi-media data input, integration, visualisation, and analysis simultaneously both in the field and the lab. The system described is customized to the specific needs of the Canadian …

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 …

Healthcare Professional Roles: The Ontology Model For E-Learning, Lorraine Carmody, Elizabeth Sherry, John Cardiff

Conference Papers

The paper aims to present the MEDeLEARN project, an ontology-driven virtual learning environment for Medical Information System training. The current training environment for healthcare professionals in the use of essential medical information systems in a large urban training hospital is based on conventional instructor-led training sessions. Problems arise due to the demanding nature of the hospital working environment, causing training to be cancelled or curtailed. This mode of training delivery is deemed to be inefficient and ineffective, with the danger of serious errors occurring as a consequence.

The project investigates whether a virtual learning environment can address the competency gap …

The Integration Of Smart Meters Into Electrical Grids To Ensure Maximum Benefit For Consumers, Generators And Network Operators., Tom Bean, John Mcgrory

Dissertations

The term “smart metering” has been used in many project descriptions and publications produced by utility companies (e.g. gas, water and electricity), conference papers and journal papers, but the true meaning of the term has been fudged. Does smart metering signify rapid recording of data (i.e. data logger) or does it give totals (e.g. maximum, minimum and average), as neither of these are truly “Smart” or “Intelligent” virtues in themselves, or is there some additional role that needs to be explored. This dissertation examines the “smart metering” idiom jointly from energy supplier, grid manager and consumer perspectives and formulates a …

Bs News May/June

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Ghost Estates Will Haunt Us For Years, Lorcan Sirr

Media

No abstract provided.

Novel Techniques For The Integration Of Antennas And Photovoltaic Cells, Maria Roo Ons, S. Shynu, Max Ammann, Sarah Mccormack, Brian Norton

Conference Papers

Various novel approaches to the integration of antenna and photovoltaic technologies are proposed. These include the use of polycrystalline solar cells as groundplane for microstrip patch antennas as well as for reflectors of half-wave dipole antennas. Transparent materials were also evaluated as antenna radiating elements, allowing greater solar efficiency. A novel technique illustrating how emitter-wrap-through rear contact solar cells can be used as a folded-dipole antenna, which is located in the focal line of a parabolic solar concentrator, to provide high solar efficiency as well as high antenna gain, is presented.

Compact Spiral Loaded Printed Monopole Antenna, Xiulong Bao, Max Ammann

Conference Papers

A novel miniaturized printed monopole structure is proposed. The antenna comprises a printed monopole strip which is loaded by a spiral located on the rearside connected by a via. The inductive loading provided by the spiral enables considerable miniaturization of antenna. A parametric study of key dimensional parameters and groundplane are discussed.

A Pattern Reconfigurable Slot Antenna With Hybrid Feed, Matthias John, Max Ammann

Conference Papers

In this paper we investigate the design and operating principle of a pattern reconfigurable multi-mode slot antenna with a hybrid feed. The slot antenna is excited by an orthogonal arrangement of a co-planar waveguide (CPW) fed circular disc and a microstrip fed square patch. The design objective is to be able to change the direction of the main lobe by feeding the two orthogonal elements with different phases.

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 …

Input-Output Analysis Of Irish Construction Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Adolf Acquaye, Aidan Duffy

Articles

Ireland is committed to limiting its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 113% of 1990 levels over the period 2008-12 and to 84% of 2005 levels by 2020 under the Kyoto Agreement and the EU’s ’20 20’ by 2020 respectively. National policies have targeted many industry sectors but have failed to directly tackle GHG emissions associated with construction activity. This paper estimates energy and GHG emissions intensities of the Irish construction sector and subsectors and estimates its contribution to Irish national emissions. This information is used to identify and assess the impacts of policy measures which would result in a reduction …

Projected Costs Of A Grid-Connected Domestic Pv System Under Different Scenarios In Ireland, Using Measured Data From A Trial Installation, Lacour Ayompe, Aidan Duffy, Sarah Mccormack, Michael Conlon

Articles

This paper presents results of a study of projected costs for a grid-connected PV system for domestic application in Ireland. The study is based on results from a 1.72kWpPV system installed on a flat rooftop in Dublin, Ireland. During its first year of operation a total of 885.1kWh/kWp of electricity was generated with a performance ratio of 81.5%. The scenarios employed in this study consider: a range of capital costs; cost dynamics based on a PV module learning rate of 2+/-75%; projections for global annual installed PV capacity under an advanced and moderate market growth conditions; domestic electricity cost growth …

Meshscan: A Fast And Efficient Handoff Scheme For Ieee 802.11 Wireless Mesh Networks, Yin Chen

Masters

As a next generation network solution, Wireless Mesh Networks (WMN) provides fast Internet access to a large area, which is from university campus to city scale. In order to provide an uninterrupted Internet experience to a mobile client, a process called handoff is required to maintain the network connection from one Mesh Node (MN) to another MN. Ideally, handoff should be completely transparent to mobile users. A critical application like VoIP will require a handoff capability that transfers a call from one mesh node (MN) to another in less than 50 msec. However the current IEEE 802.11 standards do not …

Learning And Assessment Of Student Communication Skills On Engineering Programs: Some Experiences, Aidan O'Dwyer

Conference papers

In this contribution, the author reports on, reflects on and evaluates case studies in which the ability to communicate effectively was embedded into modules for which the author had academic responsibility, on both Level 8 (Bachelors) and Level 9 (Masters) engineering programs. The generic competency was developed using formal student presentations, mostly done individually, with a minority done in teams. Peer and tutor assessment of the presentations was employed, following a structured guideline agreed with the students; among other advantages, peer assessment assists in the further development of student analytical skills and professional ethics. The contribution discusses the peer assessment …

Optical Limiting Study Of Double Wall Carbon Nanotube-Fullerene Hybrids, Kang-Shyang Liao, Jun Wang, Daniel Fruchtl, Nigel Alley, Enrico Andreoli, Eoghan Dillon, Andrew Barron, Hansoo Kim, Hugh Byrne, Werner Blau, Seamus Curran

Articles

In order to merge complementary temporal and spatial nonlinear optical characteristics of Fullerene and carbon nanotubes, synthesis of double wall carbon nanotube-Fullerene hybrid was performed by covalently linking DWNT and C60 by amination reaction with polyethylenimine. DWNT-Fullerene hybrids were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, UV-vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Optical limiting performance of DWNT-Fullerene hybrids is superior to those of Fullerenes and SWNTs at the same level (~ 80%) of transmission. Whereas nonlinear scattering is an evident mechanism, reverse saturable absorption from Fullerene moieties has significant contribution. Charge transfer between the DWNT and Fullerene moieties may play an important role …

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

Conference Papers

No abstract provided.