DCU-Final-Year-Projects-Booklet-2025

53 63. The PerformanceAnalysis of CombinedHeat Pump Systems inResidential Buildings This thesis focuses on the performance analysis of combined heat pump systems in residential buildings, assessing their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. Heat pumps are a key technology for reducing energy consumption and emissions in the residential sector. Using the simulation tool, GeoT*Sol, the study evaluates different configurations, including ground source and air source heat pumps. The analysis considers performance metrics such as coefficient of performance, seasonal energy efficiency, and operational costs. By comparing standalone and integrated heat pump systems, the study aims to identify the most efficient configurations for sustainable residential heating and cooling. Findings will contribute to energy policy, and support the transition toward NZEB’s Student Programme Mechanical andManufacturing Engineering (Year 5) Project Area Renewable Energy Technology Project Technology GeoT*Sol Student Name(s) Conor Sheridan Email conor.sheridan56@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Reihaneh Aghamolaei 64. Development of an Endovascular Closure Device This project focuses on designing and developing an endovascular closure device for vascular applications. The research involves reviewing existingmedical devices on the market to identify gaps and establish design requirements. Prototypes of the device will be developed and tested using a custom-built static pressure testing rig to assess performance and leakage rates. The testing setup will use water to simulate in-vivo pressure conditions, enabling the quantification of the device’s efficacy. By combining literature review, engineering design, and experimental testing, the project aims to deliver an innovative solution for effective and reliable endovascular closure. Student Programme Biomedical Engineering (Year 4) Project Area 3-DModelling, Biomedical Engineering, Device Design, Mechanical Design andManufacture, Tissue Engineering Project Technology Excel/VB, Solidworks Student Name(s) Eoin Connolly Email eoin.connolly48@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Owen Clarkin 65. Decarbonisation of ShippingUsingNuclear Power The global economy is highly dependent on cargo shipping, which alongside air travel, remained one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. This project conducted a bench and design study to evaluate the feasibility of a nuclear “floating power station” supplying electricity to cargo ships travelling in convoy via interconnecting power cables. Existing naval nuclear power plants, in theory, could generate sufficient electricity for large cargo vessels. A conceptual “hybrid” cargo ship could operate under electric power within a convoy, decouple to enter ports independently, and later rejoin a subsequent convoy, while the floating power station remained stationed in international waters. Student Programme Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering (Year 5) Project Area Electric Generation, Energy Conservation, Renewable Energy Technology, Vehicle Control, Life Cycle Assessment Project Technology Excel/VB Student Name(s) Jarlaith Brady Email Jarlaith.brady63@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr David Kinahan