Published on: Monday, 26 September 2011

On Friday 23rd September, at a glittering awards ceremony in the Millenium Hotel, Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London, the following results were announced at the 2011 European Science Engineering and Technology SET Award Finals:

First Place Babcock Award and Best European Mechanical Engineering Student 2011

Rian Edman of Cork Institute of Technology
▪ Thermodynamic Analysis, Testing and Evaluation of a Concept 6 Stroke Engine.

Runners Up Finalists

Benjamin Lindley of the University of Cambridge
▪ Waste incineration in a pressurised water reactor. 
              
Ross Doak of Heriot-Watt University
▪ Design of a spherical mobile robot.

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In September 2010, as part of his final year studies, Rian undert took a self-conceived and driven project under the supervision of Dr Keith McMullan on the topic “Thermodynamic Analysis, Testing and Evaluation of a Concept 6 Stroke Engine”, achieving a First Place in Class mark for his capstone project. 
 

Rian set out the objective of investigating the feasibility of an alternative configuration of internal combustion engine that presents the possibility of improved thermal efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. Rian has striven to contribute towards the most worthy goal of developing an efficient and environmentally friendly internal combustion engine by undertaking the concept design analysis of a six stroke reciprocating engine. The development, from first principles, of mathematical models to describe the thermodynamic behaviour of both a conventional engine and the additional strokes of the cycle has been undertaken by Rian.

 Rian has also undertaken advanced simulation of the modified engine, employing state of the art modelling techniques to predict and validate cycle expansion pressure and developed engine power. A prototype simulation and test Engine has been selected, procured and modified. A modified 6 stroke cycle concept design has been devised and 6 stroke mathematical models developed. Six stroke simulation software has been designed and commissioned and the 6 stroke water injection process simulated.

The “Poseidon” Reciprocating Engine Simulation Programme, designed, developed and commissioned by Rian, represents a remarkable piece of work for an undergraduate student and has the potential to become a valuable tool for all engine designers. Significant power and fuel efficiency gains and emissions reduction of the modified cycle, determined though the developed engine simulation mathematical models and software, are presented by Rian.

Rian’s academic and personal excellence achievements were recognised in January 2011, when he was awarded, through open competition, the €5,000 Cliona Magner Bursary for student of outstanding potential 2010-11.

Throughout his four years at this institute, Rian has substantially developed and continues to develop the many diverse skills necessary to pursue a highly successful career in engineering research, development and innovation. Rian has displayed exemplary diligence and academic ability throughout all his studies and has demonstrated exceptional leadership and motivational skills. This sustained record of excellence is clearly and most suitably capstoned by Rian’s self-conceived final year concept engine design and simulation project, which constitutes a remarkable body of work for an undergraduate student.

A delighted Rian reflecting on his great adventure in Westminster, competing in highly exalted company against the cream of the cream of European students and colleges, expressed gratitude to all who had aided him in his preparations for the European Finals and in particular Dr Keith McMullan, Project Supervisor and CIT PhD Student Kieran O'Callaghan, whose advice and guidance in the run up to the finals was invaluable.

Rian will graduate next month with a First Class BEng (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering.