engineering Engineering Contexts and Challenges Renewable Energies Biomass

engineering Engineering Contexts and Challenges Renewable Energies: Biomass Generation The Engineering Scenario: Biomass Energy Generation slides 2 -3 The Main Branches of Engineering slide 4 The Systems Approach slides 5 -7 Making Biogas / Energy Transformations / Mechanisms slides 8 -9 Modelling solutions slide 10 Energy generation systems slide 11 -14 Presentation slide 15 Biogas Generator Extension Work slides 16 -

engineering The Engineering Scenario. A Scottish based distillery company plans to install a biomass generator that produces energy by burning the large amount of used grain (waste) produced in the distilling process. They want to build the biomass plant on their existing site. Many companies are considering using renewable means to generate energy. The main reasons for this are: • to comply with laws and regulations meant to help the environment • to improve the company’s reputation by showing they are a responsible company and environmentally friendly • to save money by not having to buy electricity or generate electricity by other less environmentally friendly means • to make their energy supply reliable and reuse cheap and available materials Activity. Find out about biomass generation and, through discussion, suggest other advantages of using this form of energy generation.

engineering In this activity we will consider some of the engineering tasks and activities required to build an engineering ‘plant’ of this type. Once we understand how the systems work we will design and ‘model ‘some of the systems necessary to create movement and produce or convert energy. Activities. Through group and class discussion, internet research and, where possible, by discussion with practicing engineers. 1. identify the: • main branches of engineering likely to be involved in building this plant. • ‘types’ of engineer responsible for each of these stages: the planning, designing, construction, testing and maintenance of the new plant 2. Biofuel and biomass are forms of renewable energy generation. List four types of renewable energy sources and three fossil fuels used in electricity generation and comment on the environmental implications of each. The main branches of engineering are shown in the following slide. Examples of engineering sub branches are included on separate slides 18 -23.

engineering An Application of Science, Mathematics and Technology Main Branches of Engineering Mechanical Engineering Civil Engineering Electrical Engineering is a combination between the abstract of science and the beauty of art (Martin Bercovici) Chemical Engineering Activity. Consider one ‘main branch’ of engineering and the note some of the most important activities and products involved. Other engineering sub branches are included on slides 18 -23.

engineering The Systems Approach Large engineering projects such as the biomass generator are complex. To make them easer to understand a Systems Approach is used. One feature of the systems approach is to use: Input >> process >> output (what goes in) > (what happens inside the machine for example) > (what comes out) From the overall system diagram engineers can then decide what sub-systems will deal with each of the inputs and which will produce each of the required outputs. This gives a clearer picture of what the complete system will look like including how the sub-systems are connected together. Activity. For a simple system, such as the kettle – identify the inputs, processes and output. The next slide shows some of the important inputs and outputs of the distillery. Activity. By discussing the main inputs and outputs identify some of the possible environmental impacts from such a plant. Supplementary questions on environment issues are included in extension slide 17.

engineering System Diagram Activity. By discussing the main inputs and outputs identify some of the possible environmental impacts from this plant.

engineering Sub-system diagram showing biomass energy generation Super grain feed hopper Anaerobic Digester Belt presses Used grain (waste) Grain cake Biogas Steam Turbine Bio fuel Boiler Electricity Distillery Export electricity Natural gas Existing Boilers Steam

engineering Making Biogas. The video clip shows how biogas is produced. The movement of the products around the system is controlled by various mechanisms. Activity: watch the clip and identify mechanisms used in this system. Mechanisms are used to open and close the gates and valves to allow the products to flow from one part of the system to another. The gate in the Shed is opened using an electric motor, which is connected to a mechanism known as a rack and pinion. Mechanisms change the size and direction of force produced at the output of the mechanism compared to the input force. How it Works – Making Biogas

engineering • Mechanisms can also covert one type of motion to another. • Electric motors produce what is known as rotary motion at their output shaft. As you saw in the video clip the gate has to move in a straight line up and down. Motion in a straight line is called linear motion and straight line motion which repeats over and over is known as reciprocating motion. Types of Motion • The system diagram for a rack and pinion mechanism is shown below. This mechanism converts rotary motion to linear reciprocating motion. This example of a control is shown as a simulation model in the slide 10. Activity Extensions. 1. A number of other modelling challenges of control systems, based on the Biogas Generator , can be found in the extension materials. Slides 24 -27. 2. Study the mechanisms in a bicycle and explain how motion is converted.

engineering Electronic simulation software , such as YENKA as shown here, allows mechanisms and electrical circuits to be combined and the resulting system simulated. Activity: Shed Gate control. 1. Draw up a sub-system diagram for the system shown for opening and closing the shed gate. 2. Build the circuit shown using suitable electronic simulation circuit software.

engineering The video clip shows how grain, and other materials can be used to produce biogas. Activity How many examples of rotary motion converted to linear motion, or vice versa, are shown in the video clip? Activity Extension. A number of other modelling challenges can be found in the extension materials. Slides 25 -27. How it Works - Biogas Plant

engineering Activity Watch each of the following three videos. 1. Micro-hydro power 2. Wave Power 3. Combined heat and power plant Choose one to discuss in more detail and then draw up a subsystem diagram showing the energy transformations in the process. How it Works - Micro-hydro Process

engineering How it Works - Wave Power Process Activity Choose one video/audio clip to discuss in more detail and then draw up a sub-system diagram showing the energy transformations in the process. For background to energy generation from the ocean please click.

engineering Activity Choose one video/audio clip to discuss in more detail and then draw up a sub-system diagram showing the energy transformations in the process. Extension Activity. Find out how a steam turbine works and compare its complexity to a wind turbine or tidal power turbine. How it Works - Heat and Power Process

engineering Presentation Prepare a presentation which demonstrates your understanding of the importance of engineers to society. The presentation should last around 5 minutes. The presentation could be based on a historical contribution made by engineering, a current product or project, or a future development. • A historical contribution could be a description of an invention or inventor, or a civil engineering project from the pyramids to castles, roads, bridges and so on. • A current contribution should focus on the role of one particular engineer in the development of an important product or project. • A future contribution should look at how an emerging technology could be developed to provide benefits to individuals or society as a whole.

engineering Engineering Contexts and Challenges Extension work based on the Biogas Generator The social and environmental impact of engineeringslide 17 Engineering Sub Branches slides 18 -23 Systems Modelling slides 24 -27

engineering The social and environmental impact of engineering. Activity There are many benefits for the distillery company from the biomass project. List four of these benefits and explain them. This project would help to reduce the need for energy generated from finite (fossil fuel) sources. What benefits would a power generation plant of this type have for society as a whole? The project would also have some advantages and disadvantages to the local community, especially those living close to the plant. • What social and economic benefits would the project bring to the local community? • What disadvantages would there be for those living around the plant, both during the building phase and afterwards? • In terms of the health and wellbeing of society - discuss the pros and cons of supporting a company that produces alcohol?

engineering Engineering Sub- branches • Mechanical Engineering slide 19 • Civil Engineering slide 20 • Electrical Engineering slide 21 • Chemical Engineering slide 22 • Hybrid Engineering slide 23

engineering Mechanical Engineering Vehicle Engineering Aerospace Engineering Design and manufacture of devices and systems which control and propel vehicles Design and manufacture of air and spacecraft Thermal Engineering The heating or cooling of processes, equipment, or enclosed spaces Specialities include Automotive, railway and naval engineering Acoustic Engineering The generation or suppression of sound and vibration Specialities include Aeronautical and astronautical engineering Activity: Which of these sub branches could be involved in the Biomass Project and what would be their role?

engineering Civil Engineering Geotechnical Engineering Dealing with geological materials at the site of a civil engineering project Structural Engineering Transport Engineering Developing structures that support loads The manufacture of molecules Specialities include Earthquake, wind, ocean and architectural engineering Traffic, road and railway engineering Mining engineering Environmental Engineering Planning and advising on Improving and protecting the environment within a project Specialities include Fire protection, sewage, water, waste management, and transport engineering Activity: Which of these sub branches could be involved in the Biomass Project and what would be their role?

engineering Electrical Engineering Electronic Engineering Design of analogue and digital circuits Specialities include Computer Engineering Power Engineering The generation and delivery of electricity and the design of devices such as motors and transformers The design of and application of computer systems and microcontrollers Control and Telecommunications engineering Specialities include Software engineering, control, Robotics, networking Activity: Which of these sub branches could be involved in the Biomass Project and what would be their role?

engineering Chemical Engineering Materials Engineering Using the properties of matter within engineering applications Specialities include Ceramic and Chrystal engineering Process Engineering The design, function and control of chemical processes Molecular Engineering The manufacture of molecules Specialities include Petroleum refinery, plastics and paper engineering Activity: Which of these sub branches could be involved in the Biomass Project and what would be their role?

engineering Hybrid Engineering Energy Engineering Broad field dealing with renewable energy, efficiency, and facilities management Mechatronic Engineering Hybrid of Electrical and Mechanical engineering Nano Engineering Fabricating devices the size of atoms and molecules Bio Engineering Application of technology to medicine and biology Specialities include Solar, wind, wave and bio -fuel engineering Robotics, instrumentation and avionics engineering Specialities include Polymers, materials for integrated circuits Genetic, tissue and biochemical engineering There are many others, including industrial engineering, nuclear engineering, agricultural engineering and applied engineering. Activity: Which of these sub branches could be involved in the Biomass Project and what would be their role?

engineering Systems Modelling The following ‘modelled’ examples are based on the systems, controls and mechanisms found in the Biomass generator and similar engineering systems. • Grain filling warning system. • Grain hopper sensing system. • Temperature sensing system. Slide 25 Slide 26 Slide 27 Activity. Using appropriate modelling systems and or boards: design, assemble, test and evaluate your solutions.

engineering Challenge: Grain filling warning system. 1. Design a system which will light a red LED while the substrate tank is filling. Once a float switch detects that the tank is full a solenoid should close the filler pipe and the red LED should go off. 2. Draw a system diagram 3. Draw a sub-system diagram 4. Build and test the simulated circuit shown.

engineering Challenge: Grain hopper sensing system. 1. Design a system that will spin a mixing paddle once a light sensor detects it is dark (showing that the grain tank is full) or when a test switch is pressed. 2. Draw a system diagram 3. Draw a sub-system diagram 4. Build and test the simulated circuit shown. 5. Suggest other uses for this type of system.

engineering Challenge. Temperature sensing system. 1. Design a system that will switch on a heater (simulated by a lamp) when the temperature in the fermenting tank falls and the heater switch is on. 2. Draw a system diagram 3. Draw a sub-system diagram 4. Build and test the simulated circuit shown. 5. Comment on the success of the design and suggest other uses for this type of system.