DCU-Final-Year-Projects-Booklet-2025

87 165. Heat Pump V Boiler Comparison This project compares the benefits and challenges of heat pumps vs boilers in residential heating, focusing on energy efficiency, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness. Residential energy accounts for 25%of Ireland’s energy demand, making it crucial to reduce associated carbon emissions. Heat pumps, powered by electricity and use of air, water and ground sources, provide higher efficiency and lower carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-based boilers. However, their adoption depends on home suitability and retrofitting costs which can be significantly high. The study examines both systems’ seasonal performances, installation challenges and the role of government grants, and provides insights into sustainable and economically viable heating solutions for residential homes. Student Programme Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering (Year 4) Project Area Energy Conservation, Renewable Energy Technology Project Technology Excel/VB Student Name(s) Leah Hanrahan Email leah.hanrahan6@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Prof Brian Corcoran 166. Postura – Exercise, Easier Exercise is a cornerstone for a healthy lifestyle. Yet for many, staying consistent without guidance can feel overwhelming. Postura is an Android fitness app that turns your smartphone into a personal trainer, enhancing workouts while minimising injury. Powered by GoogleML Kit and CameraX, its RepDetect feature uses your phone’s camera to track repetitions, provide real-time feedback on form, and alert you to potential risks. Postura also offers instructional videos, workout tracking, and seamless integration with Google Health Connect for detailed fitness insights. Google Calendar integration and reminders helps you stay consistent and achieve your goals. Prioritising safety, consistency, and convenience, Postura empowers you tomaximise every workout with confidence. Student Programme Computer Science Project Area Android, Artificial Intelligence, GPS/GIS, Image/Video Processing, Mobile App, Motion Analysis, Sensor Data, Sensor Technology, Software Development, Wearable_Technology Project Technology Java, NoSQL, SQLite, Machine Learning, GoogleML Kit Student Name(s) James Capellan  |  Nikita Shautsou Email james.capellan2@mail.dcu.ie  |  nik.shautsou2@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Mr RayWalshe 167. Smart Autonomous VehicleQt-basedMonitoring System This project investigates the functionality of smart autonomous vehicle monitoring systems. It aims to design and develop a prototype system tomonitor and control an autonomous ground vehicle in industrial settings. Operators can observe the vehicle’s real-time status via a Qt-based user interface, displaying data, such as the position, sensor readings, andmotion metrics. Data and commands are exchanged between the vehicle and user application using anMQTT broker. The system uses Gazebo for autonomous vehicle simulation and real-life demonstrations with a physical LiDAR sensor. This integration enables effective remote monitoring industrial autonomous vehicles. Student Programme Mechatronic Engineering (Year 4) Project Area Internet of Things, Mechatronic Systems, RaspberryPi, Sensor Data, Sensor Technology, Simulation, Software Development, Vehicle Control Project Technology C/C++, Docker, Python, Qt Student Name(s) Joanna Ozougwu Email joanna.ozougwu2@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Prof DerekMolloy