Engineering news
’Blue energy island’ tidal turbine project gets £1.2m funding
Professional Engineering
The Welsh island of Ynys Enlli could ditch its dependency on diesel to become the world’s first ‘blue energy island’ thanks to a new tidal energy project. Nova Innovation has secured an investment of £1.2m from the Welsh government through the European Regional Development Fund for its Enlli project in north Wales. The installation will generate electricity from the natural ebb and flow of the tide between Ynys Enlli – also known as Bardsey Island – and the mainland of the Llŷn Peninsula.
Helical antenna deployed in orbit for first time
Professional Engineering
An origami-inspired helical antenna has deployed in orbit for the first time, contributing to a space-based Internet of Things (IoT) communications network. Developed by Oxford Space Systems, based at the Harwell Space Cluster in Oxfordshire, the antenna is designed to maximise stowage efficiency and radio frequency performance. The helical design also has a low mass and offers ‘single shot’ deployment.
Rolls-Royce stresses SMR opportunity
The Engineer
Building a fleet of 16 small modular reactors (SMR) around the UK could create 6,000 jobs over five years, according to the UK SMR consortium. The group, led by Rolls-Royce, said 80% of contracts to build components could be done by factories in the Midlands and the North. The fleet could create a further 34,000 long-term jobs from the mid-2030s, the consortium said.
’Blade walker’ robot inspects offshore wind turbine
The Engineer
An insect-like robot has scaled the blades of an offshore wind turbine for the first time. Developed by BladeBug, the blade-walking device is designed for inspection and repair of turbine blades. It could reportedly deliver lifetime cost savings of 30-50% compared to rope access technicians.
Catalyst platform turns carbon emissions into plastic
Professional Engineering
The polluting emissions of petrochemical refineries could be captured and transformed into useable plastic thanks to new technology developed at the University of Southampton. Aiming to reduce emissions and produce plastic in a sustainable way, a team of scientists invented the hybrid catalyst platform, known as Viridi CO2. Created by Dr Daniel Stewart and Professor Robert Raja, the platform can reportedly convert carbon dioxide into versatile plastic materials in an efficient and sustainable way.
UK firm to convert Moon rock into oxygen and metal
Professional Engineering
Mankind’s efforts to establish a permanent base on the Moon and travel further through the solar system could receive a major boost thanks to a new project from a UK firm. Sheffield’s Metalysis will develop technology to extract oxygen and metallic powder from regolith, or Moon rock. The oxygen could be used as propellant or life support on space missions, while the mixed metal alloy could be used for manufacturing on the lunar surface.
Hyperloop-like model train hits 1,000km/h
E&T
A 1:17 model of the Hyper Tube, a Hyperloop-like track vehicle in development at the Korea Railroad Research Institute, has reached a top speed of more than 1,000km/h in testing. The model travelled through a tube with atmospheric pressure of 0.001atm, accelerating thanks to the use of powerful magnets.
Stretching fibre-optic ‘skin’ gives robots and AR systems human sensation
Professional Engineering
A stretchable ‘skin’ that detects deformations such as pressure, bending and strain could allow robots to feel the same “rich, tactile sensations” as mammals, its developers have claimed. Researchers at Cornell University in New York state developed the fibre-optic device, which uses low-cost LEDs and dyes. The sensor could be added to soft robotic systems or used with augmented reality (AR) technology.
Automotive firms make ‘last chance plea’ for zero-tariff Brexit deal
Professional Engineering
The UK automotive industry has issued a “last chance plea” for a zero-tariff, zero-quota EU trade deal as it braces for potentially “disastrous” outcomes. Brexit preparations have already cost the sector £735m, according to a new survey from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), with more than £235m spent in 2020. As companies prepare for new processes from 1 January 2021, two-thirds (60%) have spent “significantly” on stockpiling.
Arrival gives classic white van a green upgrade
Professional Engineering
We are more reliant than ever on delivery drivers, but that brings an environmental cost. Oxfordshire's Arrival hopes to change that with its all-electric van, for which it’s just had a major £339m order for 10,000 units from logistics giant UPS. We took a look at the company’s revolutionary 'microfactories'.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.