Latest news with #KillianSmith
Agriland
20-05-2025
- Science
- Agriland
Safety mechanism for vacuum tankers wins engineering award
A safety mechanism to aid elderly farmers in particular with the use of vacuum tankers has jointly won Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Undergraduate Engineering Competition 2025. 'Engineering Design & Development of an Easy-Lift Mechanism for Efficient Handling of Vacuum Hoses on Trailed & Mounted Vacuum Tankers' is the project by Killian Smith from Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan. The other joint winner of the award was a project by James Swift from Castlebar, Co. Mayo – 'Harnessing Hydrogen – A Study into Renewable Energy Storage Using Hydrogen' The two ATU students were named as joint overall winners of the Undergraduate Engineering Competition at the 2025 ATU Galway annual Engineering Exhibition and Competition. Their work now gains them automatic entry into Engineer Ireland's Innovative Student Engineer of the Year competition which will take place in Dublin in autumn. Safety for vacuum tankers Killian Smith from Co. Cavan, who was also awarded the Agricultural Engineering Award for his project, said: 'The prototype I developed helps operators of vacuum tankers lift heavy vacuum hoses onto the side of the tanks without risking injury. 'It's especially beneficial for elderly farmers, helping them continue working safely.' ATU Agricultural Engineering award winner Killian Smith from Ballyjamesduff, pictured with ATU head of department, Des O'Reilly, and Noel Sheridan, senior design engineer, McHale James Swift from Co. Mayo also claimed the Energy Engineering Award for his winning project. He said: 'My project aims to provide a means of storing excess renewable electricity during times of low demand using a hydrogen fuel cell system. 'The prototype I developed uses electrolysis to produce and store hydrogen, which can later be converted back into electricity through galvanic operation when needed. 'The system is entirely emissions-free, with water as the only by-product,' he said. Award The winners were selected from 100 students whose work was initially electronically displayed. After a comprehensive shortlisting and voting process, 55 projects were selected for physical display in ATU Galway's Cafe Foyer from April 28 until May 2. The students' work was carefully critiqued and evaluated by a panel of 40 external engineering professionals, from 30 sponsoring companies, during the formal competition held on campus on Wednesday, April 30. Other final year students won engineering awards in other categories such as Biomedical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering Design and Mechanical Engineering specialisation streams. Event organiser and Mechanical Engineering Department lecturer Dr. Oliver Mulryan said: 'The Engineering Expo is a flagship event that strengthens the connection between our department and industry. 'This year's showcase featured an impressive range of innovative student projects across all stages, clearly reflecting the practical skills and creativity of our students. 'We commend our students for their ingenuity, and we are deeply grateful to the mentors, judges, and sponsoring companies whose invaluable support help make this event such a success. Your continued commitment to our students and programmes is truly appreciated.' Prof. Graham Heaslip, head of School of Engineering, ATU Galway, said: 'This year's engineering exhibition was an outstanding success, highlighting the creativity, problem-solving skills, and future-ready thinking of our students. 'Each project reflected a deep understanding of real-world challenges and demonstrated the kind of innovation that defines the next generation of engineers.'
Irish Post
12-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Irish firm wins contract to support overhaul of Scotland's electricity grid
AN Irish firm has won a valuable contract to support the 'largest ever' overhaul of the Scottish electricity grid. Kirby Engineering had been named as one of the preferred partners of Scottish Power as they deliver what they describe as the 'largest-ever overhaul of the electricity grid in Scotland. Kirby is among a number of Irish firms that have expanded their offerings into the Scottish market this year. With the support of Enterprise Ireland, more than 10 companies have announced new contracts and expansion in Scotland. Cleantech Civils and Uniquely have both announced new offices in Scotland for 2025, with Uniquely planning to create 100 jobs as they establish their Scottish base. Sheily O' Loughlin, Enterprise Ireland, Killian Smith, Cleantech Civils, Minister Niamh Smyth, Joe Healy, Enterprise Ireland, Jerry O'Donovan, Consul General of Ireland, pictured at the opening of Enterprise Ireland's new Glasgow office Following a research and development investment of over £10m, Dublin-based Subsea Micropiles has launched a pioneering offshore wind anchoring solution, which will get its first commercial installation for Orkney Harbour Authority in Scotland. The move will cut costs and environmental impact for the Authority, while bringing a further 100 jobs to the area over the next five years. Enterprise Ireland recently opened an office in Glasgow. 'Our new Glasgow office signals a long-term commitment to Scotland as a key market and will further support the success and impact of Irish enterprise across the UK, our largest export market,' Enterprise Ireland Regional Director for the UK, Nordics & New Exporters, Deirdre McPartlin said. 'Scotland represents a dynamic growth market for Irish companies and its unique characteristics are best understood through a local presence,' she added. 'For the offshore wind sector, Ireland's established capabilities in engineering, marine services, and grid technologies are positioning its firms as key contributors to Scotland's clean energy transformation.'
