DCU Expo 2023 Final Year Projects

76 150. ANovel Low-Cost Microfluidic Device for Automated Extraction of DNA This project developed a novel low-cost microfluidic device that is capable of fully automating the initial phase of sample preparation of a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). It uses centrifugal microfluidics to replicate the laboratory benchtop operations of DNA purification using a silicate solid phase extraction method in a fully sealed tube. It can be regarded as the first step in developing a sample to answer point of care molecular diagnostic test as it requires no specialized equipment or training to use. Class Biomedical Engineering (Year 4) Project Area AdditiveManufacturing, Automation, Biomedical Engineering, Device Design Project Technology Solidworks, microfluidics Student Name(s) Abby Farrell Email abby.farrell97@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr David Kinahan 151. Evaluating the Cost of De-IcingWind Turbines This project investigates the various methods of ice mitigation on wind turbines, specifically hydrophobic coatings and heating elements. The project involved building a prototype wind turbine and experimenting with these mitigation methods in an icing wind tunnel to examine the effect of the extra load on the blades and the power usage. The project reviewed the various types of ice formations in relation to the impact and effect of icing, causing power losses, damage to the structure, and safety hazards. Class Mechanical andManufacturing Engineering (Year 4) Project Area 3-DModelling, Energy Conservation, Mechanical Design andManufacture Project Technology Excel/VB, Solidworks Student Name(s) Anna Kervick Email anna.kervick2@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr GregMcNamara 152. AnOptimization of Cooling Efficiency of Electronics in Electronic Panel Heaters using Phase-ChangingMaterials andNatural Convention This project investigates the optimisation of cooling techniques used to regulate the temperatures of electronics in electric panel heaters, where they are subjected to an elevated temperature environment. Class Mechanical andManufacturing Engineering (Year 5) Project Area Mechanical Engineering/Cooling Project Technology ANSYSWorkbench Student Name(s) Philip Dermody Email philip.dermody2@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Mohammad Saffari