Engineering news
Floating turbine could show the way forward
The Engineer
Renewable energy experts frequently tout floating offshore wind turbines as one of the most promising future energy sources, thanks to the ability to generate from previously inaccessible deep water far from shore. A new €31m project from the European Marine Energy Centre could point the way forward, with the installation of a floating turbine off the west coast of Ireland.
New owner vows to let Bloodhound 'off the leash to see how fast it will go'
Professional Engineering
The new owner of the land speed record-chasing Bloodhound car has vowed to “let it off the leash to see just how fast” it can go. The British car made its first appearance since the project went into administration this week, showing off a fresh paint job outside new headquarters. Current land speed record holder Andy Green, engineering director Mark Chapman and others came with the car, and the project is focused on finishing the build and moving on to high speed testing “as soon as possible”.
Rolls-Royce tests hybrid version of well-known engine
Aerospace Testing International
Reducing emissions using electric and hybrid propulsion is a significant challenge in aerospace, thanks to the massive energy demands and relative efficiency of traditional engines. Rolls-Royce is nonetheless leading efforts, and has successfully ground tested a hybrid version of an engine that is already used in 170 different aircraft. The hybrid version could find use in vertical-take-off-and-landing (VTOL) aircraft.
Heat off the rails: air from hot HS2 brakes could warm 500 new homes
Professional Engineering
Brakes and engines on 360km/h HS2 trains will provide heat and hot water to up to 500 new homes. The plan, which was announced on Saturday, will see five air-source heat pumps draw warm air from the railway’s tunnels, instead of it seeping into the ground from traditional ventilation systems. The project will revolve around a crossover box at Old Oak Common in London, the location for a new rail interchange expected to see 250,000 passengers every day.
Energy device inspired by quivering leaves could save stricken Mars rovers
Professional Engineering
An energy-harvesting device inspired by the “unique” trembling of aspen leaves could one day provide a last-ditch safety net for stricken Mars rovers, researchers have claimed. The mechanism, which might also be well-suited for powering weather sensors in hostile environments, was created after University of Warwick engineers investigated the leaves’ quivering in low wind speed. The energy generated could sustain Mars rovers even if solar panels stop working after a storm.
Charger fills up battery trains in seven minutes
Rail Technology Magazine
A new fast charger for Vivarail's Class 230 battery trains can fully charge a train in seven minutes, the company has announced. A train can travel 60 miles on one charge. The technology could help operators run zero-emission routes.
Posties keep on triking
Driving Electric
Postmen and women will deliver mail on eight new motor-assisted trikes in Stratford, Cambridge and Sutton Coldfield. The lightweight vehicles use mains charging, regenerative braking and solar panels to feed a 48V battery, with a 250W electric motor.
Airline cancels order for 49 Boeing 737 Max 8 jets
The Guardian
Indonesian airline Garuda has cancelled an order for 49 Boeing 737 Max 8 jets in the wake of two fatal crashes involving the new aircraft. Earlier this week, it emerged that both planes were missing two optional safety features, an angle of attack indicator and an angle of attack disagree light.
Hands-off approach at UK's first autonomous bus trial
Professional Engineering
Bus drivers are taking a hands-off approach at a depot in Manchester, where the UK’s first full-sized autonomous bus is being trialled. The single-decker, 11.5m ADL Enviro200 vehicle is driving autonomously, trying manoeuvres such as parking and moving into the bus wash. Software from the project will be used in a major trial next year. Five autonomous buses will carry passengers across the Forth Road Bridge between Fife and Edinburgh.
'Swarming' robots work together to complete tasks
The Engineer
Looking like spinning tops with extra parts, palm-sized robots developed at MIT, Columbia, Cornell and Harvard have worked together to complete simple tasks, despite not communicating with each other. Swarming robots could become much more common in future, designed to complete difficult tasks.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers