Eamon Kilheaney (Left), Eric Redmond (Centre) and CEO of Writech Ted Wright (right)
Eamon Kilheaney (Left), Eric Redmond (Centre) and Ted Wright (right)

DCU Mechatronic Engineering Students win the Best Applied Student Engineering Projects Competition 2021

Taking first place in the 2021 competition were two 4th year DCU Mechatronic Engineering students, Eric Redmond and Eamon Kilheany.

In November, a combined Engineers Ireland Mechanical & Manufacturing Division and Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Republic of Ireland Committee held the final of their third annual Applied Student Engineering Project competition.

The competition’s aim was to recognise the professional approach of students when undertaking complex projects with real-world applications, whilst also raising awareness of the expectations upon professional engineers and the opportunities offered by the two institutions.

Taking first place in the 2021 competition were two 4th year DCU Mechatronic Engineering students, Eric Redmond and Eamon Kilheany.

During their project, Eric and Eamon developed a revolutionary new way of safely pressure testing closed piping systems, which are primarily designed to test fire sprinkler systems up to a pressure of 16 bar. This new testing device is connected directly to the cloud, recording pressure fluctuations continually while automatically pressure testing a system to a prescribed standard. The system has a touchscreen user interface that is used to electronically fill out information about the test, monitor the pressure while testing and accept a sign off signature on completion, making the process more efficient and cutting down on paperwork. There is also a screen that allows the user to calibrate the pressure transducer. This is to ensure that  the correct pressure reading is being taken and that   the system is being kept up to date in compliance with  stringent ISO standard requirements for the pressure testing of fire sprinkler systems. During a test pressure drops are monitored and will automatically and instantly release the pressure safely if a rupture or large leak is identified. This new technology represents a positive  development and is a game changer in the industry of pressurised pipe fabrication and installation.

All winners of the Best Student Applied Engineering Projects received a cash prize, with a maximum of €500 for 1st place in each category,  an opportunity for a placement within I-Form, the SFI Research Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and a certificate. Overall winners in both the postgraduate and undergraduate categories also received a medal which was  custom designed and manufactured by I-Form.