DCU-Final-Year-Projects-Booklet-2025

109 231. ADetailed Techno-Economic Analysis of SEAI Residential Energy Retrofit Grants This engineering project evaluates energy retrofit options for Irish homes using the DEAP and BER methodologies. It assesses a range of energy retrofit options available through the SEAI such as insulation, heating systems and renewables, analysing their impact on energy performance and sustainability. Design Builder software simulates retrofit effects on a 3-bedroom home, while a cost-benefit analysis identifies cost-effective solutions, balancing upfront costs and long-term savings. The project reviews SEAI grant schemes (One Stop Shop, Individual Grants, Fully Funded Grants) to help homeowners access financial support. The goal is to create a framework empowering homeowners tomake informed energy upgrade decisions, improving efficiency and supporting Ireland’s sustainability goals. Student Programme Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering (Year 4) Project Area Energy Conservation, Building EnergyModelling (BEM), Financial Analysis and Cost-Benefit Analysis: Project Technology Design Builder Student Name(s) Oluwatunmise Daniel Oredein Email oluwatunmise.oredein2@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Lorna Fitzsimons 232. Development of Tissue Phantoms toMimic the Optical andMechanical Properties of Human Skin for Use of Optical Clearing This project investigates the fabrication of tissue phantoms designed tomimic the optical and mechanical properties of human skin, specifically for use in Optical Clearing applications. Student Programme Biomedical Engineering (Year 5) Project Area 3-DModelling, AdvancedMaterial Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Project Technology Solidworks Student Name(s) Alex Greene Email alex.greene37@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Antony Kho 233. Thermal Energy Sources and Storage Technologies for Sustainable District Heating Systems in Ireland: ATechnical and Economic Assessment This study aims to address the challenges and opportunities associated with the decarbonisation of Ireland’s heating sector through the use of district heating systems. The project focuses on designing and evaluating thermal energy upgrade and storage processes that can mitigate the loadmatching and seasonal challenges inherent in current waste heat supply options. The goal is to identify and prioritise the most suitable options for district heating systems within an Irish context. This will be achieved through a detailed literature review and a comprehensive techno-economic analysis. Student Programme Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering (Year 5) Project Area Energy Conservation, Renewable Energy Technology, Thermodynamics Project Technology N/A Student Name(s) Rory Doran Email rory.doran23@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Lorna Fitzsimons