http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3623 2013-05-22T05:32:23Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4328 Odour and ammonia emissions from intensive poultry units in Ireland Hayes, E. T.; Curran, Thomas P.; Dodd, V. A. Odour and ammonia emissions were measured from three broiler, two layer and two turkey houses in Ireland. The broiler units gave a large range of odour and ammonia emission rates depending on the age of the birds and the season. A considerable variation between the odour and ammonia emission rates was evident for the two layer units which may have been due to the different manure handling systems utilised in the houses. There was relatively little difference in the odour and ammonia emissions from the two turkey houses. As a precautionary principle, odour emission rates utilised in atmospheric dispersion models should use the maximum values for broilers and turkeys (1.22 and 10.5 ou(E) s(-1) bird(-1) respectively) and the mean value for the layers depending on the manure handling system used (0.47 or 1.35 ou(E) s(-1) bird(-1).  2006-05-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4327 Assessment of the influence of media particle size on the biofiltration of odorous exhaust ventilation air from a piggery facility Sheridan, B. A.; Curran, Thomas P.; Dodd, V. A. Two pilot scale biofiltration systems were constructed and installed at the University College Dublin Research Farm, Lyons Estate. Experimental units consisting of two pens in a 12 pen pig house were sealed off from other pens. Air from each pen was extracted and treated separately in two biofiltration systems. Wood chips larger than 20 mm were selected as the medium for biofiltration system 1, whereas chips of between 10 and 16 mm were used in biofiltration system 2. The moisture content of the media was maintained at 69±4% (w.w.b.) using a load cell method. The volumetric loading rates ranged from 769 to 1847 m3 [gas] m-3 [medium] h-1 over a 63-day experimental period. Both biofilters reduced odour between 88% and 95%. Ammonia removal efficiencies ranged from 64% to 92% and 69% to 93% for biofiltration systems 1 and 2, respectively. Sulphur-containing compounds were reduced between 9-66% and -147-51% across biofiltration systems 1 and 2. The pH of the biofilters' leachate remained between 6 and 8. Pressure drop for biofilter 2 was 16 Pa greater than that of biofilter 1 at the maximum volumetric loading rate of . It is recommended that a wood chip media particle size greater than 20 mm be used for large scale operation of a biofiltration system on intensive pig production facilities to reduce the development of anaerobic zones and to minimize pressure drop on the system fans. 2002-09-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4316 Practical Experience with Woody Biomass in a Down-Draft Gasifier Wolff, Deidre; Walsh, Eilín; McDonnell, Kevin Gasification is the cleanest method of obtaining energy from fossil fuels, but with increasing awareness of depleting fossil fuel reserves attention has shifted towards renewable sources of energy. Any carbonaceous material can be gasified to generate high-value end-products from otherwise potentially low-value materials. Gasification can also generate energy from purpose-grown bioenergy crops, and Ireland has an ideal climate to produce woody biomass for energy generation. This update outlines some preliminary results from an investigation into the most suitable woody feedstock for small-scale localised gasification to produce a synthetic gas suitable for use in internal combustion engines. Argentinean- and German-standard wood pellets and Irish-grown willow chips were gasified in a down-draft gasifier. Operation of the gasifier led to the observation that the willow chips bridged within the feedstock hopper which prevented completion of gasification. Implementing a stirring bar in the feedstock hopper prevented bridging and gasification was then successful. Collection of the gas produced during gasification of willow chip was unsuccessful, however gas composition analysis indicates pellets which meet the German-standard are more suitable than Argentinean-standard pellets for use in a down-draft gasifier; work is underway to determine the composition of willow-derived synthetic gas to determine the most suitable feedstock for decentralised gasification by rural communities in Ireland as part of smart farming systems. 2013-02-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4301 Regional integration of renewable energy systems in Ireland - The role of hybrid energy systems for small communities Goodbody, Craig; Walsh, Eilín; McDonnell, Kevin; Owende, Philip Due to a lack of indigenous fossil energy resources, Ireland's energy supply constantly teeters on the brink of political, geopolitical, and geographical unease. The potential risk to the security of the energy supply combined with the contribution of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions to climate change gives a clear indication of Ireland's need to reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels as primary energy source. A feasibility analysis to investigate the available renewable energy options was conducted using HOMER software. The net present cost, the cost of energy, and the CO2 emissions of each potential energy combination were considered in determining the most suitable renewable and non-renewable hybrid energy system. Wind energy was shown to have the greatest potential for renewable energy generation in Ireland: wind energy was a component of the majority of the optimal hybrid systems both in stand-alone and grid-connected systems. In 2010 the contribution of wind energy to gross electricity consumption in Ireland approximated 10%, and the results of this feasibility study indicate that there is great potential for wind-generated energy production in Ireland. Due to the inherent variability of wind energy the grid-connected system results are particularly relevant, which show that in more than half of the analyses investigating electrical energy demand the incorporation of wind energy offset the CO2 emissions of the non-renewable elements to such a degree that the whole system had negative CO2 emissions, which has serious implications for Kyoto Protocol emissions limits. Ireland also has significant potential for hydropower generation despite only accounting for 2% of the gross electricity consumption in 2010. Wind and hydro energy should therefore be thoroughly explored to secure an indigenous primary energy source in Ireland. 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4294 A preliminary investigation on face recognition as a biometric identifier of sheep Corkery, Gerard; Gonzales-Barron, Ursula A.; Butler, Francis; McDonnell, Kevin; Ward, Shane The suitability of face recognition was investigated as a biometric-based identifier for sheep using a holistic analysis of face images by the independent components technique. Algorithm training was performed independently on several normalized face images from 50 sheep (sets of two, three, and four training images per sheep). The performance of this technique was assessed on a separate set of images (three normalized face images per sheep) using the cosine distance classifier. When 180 to 200 components were extracted, the recognition rate was as high as 95.3% to 96%. As expected, fewer independent components reduced the recognition rate, while a higher number of training images per sheep improved it. Although our results have demonstrated the potential of face recognition as a non-invasive, inexpensive, and accurate novel biometric identifier of sheep, further work should aim at improving recognition rates on a larger set of sheep faces. 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4283 The influence of measurement methodology on soil infiltration rate Walsh, Eilín; McDonnell, Kevin The recorded rate at which water infiltrates into a soil is influenced by the physical condition of the soil, current and previous uses of the soil and the method and equipment used to record the infiltration rate. Soil’s natural variability and the potential inaccuracy associated with particular methods can overestimate infiltration rate. To determine the most suitable apparatus for repeated use at a small-scale, a number of trials were conducted to investigate the influence of the method and moisture regime on the recorded infiltration rate. Trials were conducted on a medium clay-loam soil which has cropping history of maize-winter wheat-grass-grass-grass. It was observed that there was no significant difference in recorded infiltration rates which could be attributed to the practice of pre-saturating the soil prior to measuring infiltration rate. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the rates recorded using a single ring infiltrometer and a double ring infiltrometer, indicating that these methods are equally suitable for infiltration rate determination when working at this scale which facilitates multiple replications in the same location or within a short timeframe. 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4281 The Direct Use of Post-Processing Wood Dust in Gas Turbines Doherty, Alîne; Walsh, Eilín; McDonnell, Kevin Woody biomass is a widely-used and favourable material for energy production due to its carbon neutral status. Energy is generally derived either through direct combustion or gasification. The Irish forestry sector is forecasted to expand significantly in coming years, and so the opportunity exists for the bioenergy sector to take advantage of the material for which there will be no demand from current markets. A by-product of wood processing, wood dust is the cheapest form of wood material available to the bioenergy sector. Currently wood dust is primarily processed into wood pellets for energy generation. Research was conducted on post-processing birch wood dust; the calorific value and the Wobbe Index were determined for a number of wood particle sizes and wood dust concentrations. The Wobbe Index determined for the upper explosive concentration (4000 g/m3) falls within range of that of hydrogen gas, and wood dust-air mixtures of this concentration could therefore behave in a similar manner in a gas turbine. Due to its slightly lower HHV and higher particle density, however, alterations to the gas turbine would be necessary to accommodate wood dust to prevent abrasive damage to the turbine. As an unwanted by-product of wood processing the direct use of wood dust in a gas turbine for energy generation could therefore have economic and environmental benefits. 2012-09-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4257 Monitoring environmental parameters in poultry production facilities Corkery, Gerard; Ward, Shane; Kenny, Colum; Hemmingway, Phil Increases in fuel and feed prices are placing a significant burden on the poultry industry in Ireland and worldwide. For producers to meet their financial targets, increased performance and output is a key issue, now more than ever. To optimise performance in broiler production houses, the effect of environmental and air quality parameters on bird performance and energy consumption must be known to allow farmers make informed management decisions. This paper concentrates on the application precision livestock farming sensors to develop recommendations for improved bird performance and energy consumption in broiler production farms in Ireland.   Air temperature, relative humidity, light, air speed and air quality (in particular CO2 and NH3 concentrations) are identified as important parameters for improving bird performance and energy consumption in broiler production houses. Several of these parameters (temperature, relative humidity, CO2 and NH3) were monitored on two farms during the study over the initial 2 weeks of the production cycle. Air quality was often overlooked during the production process, as farmers struggled to limit high heating and feed costs. However, elevated levels of CO2 (>3000 ppm) did not appear to affect broiler growth rates. Additionally, a strong correlation was observed between relative humidity and NH3 (R2 = 0.86 - 0.92). Producers tend to use relative humidity as an indication for NH3 levels and the research shown in this study confirms the close relationship between the two parameters. It is recommended that further data should be gathered from producing units and novel performance technologies should also be investigated. Computer Aided Process Engineering - CAPE Forum 2013, 2013 2013-04-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4237 Evaluation of the odour reduction potential of alternative cover materials at a commercial landfill Solan, P. J.; Dodd, V. A.; Curran, Thomas P. The availability of virgin soils and traditional landfill covers are not only costly and increasingly becoming scarce, but they also reduce the storage capacity of landfill. The problem can be overcome by the utilisation of certain suitable waste streams as alternative landfill covers. The objective of this study was to assess the suitability of Construction & Demolition fines (C&D), Commercial & Industrial fines (C&I) and woodchip (WC) as potential landfill cover materials in terms of odour control. Background odour analysis was conducted to determine if any residual odour was emitted from the cover types. It was deemed negligible for the three materials. The odour reduction performance of each of the materials was also examined on an area of an active landfill site. A range of intermediate cover compositions were also studied to assess their performance. Odour emissions were sampled using a Jiang hood and analysed. Results indicate that the 200 mm deep combination layer of C&D and wood chip used on-site is adequate for odour abatement. The application of daily cover was found to result in effective reduction allowing for the background odour of woodchip. 2010-02-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4236 A new microplate procedure for simultaneous assessment of lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants and pro-oxidants, using crocin and β-carotene bleaching methods in a single combined assay: Tea extracts as a case study Prieto Lage, Miguel Ángel; Murado García, Miguel Anxo; Vázquez Álvarez, José Antonio; Anders, Yvonne; Curran, Thomas P. β-Carotene and crocin bleaching reactions are the basis of two methods extensively used to quantify antioxidant and pro-oxidant activities. They are appropriate for lipophilic and hydrophilic matrices, respectively, and can provide useful complementary information in the study of complex natural extracts containing components with variable degrees of polarity. In this regard, a microplate procedure (Carotene Combined Bleaching) is proposed that enables the combination of both methods in a single, informative and less expensive method which is also faster to carry out. As an illustrative model, the method was applied to test a set of commercial lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants and some predictable pro-oxidant agents. Afterwards, as a food compound case study, the antioxidant activity of five types of tea extracts (Green, Blue, White, Black and Red) were characterized and their equivalent potential activity was calculated using commercial antioxidants on the basis of the new procedure developed in this research. The activity of the tea extracts decreased in the following order: (a) In a predominantly lipophilic environment: White > Black > Red > Blue > Green tea extracts; and (b) In a predominantly hydrophilic environment: Green > Red > White > Black > Blue tea extracts 2012-11-30T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/4232 Numerical and finite element analysis of heat transfer in a closed loop geothermal system Hemmingway, Phil; Tolooiyan, Ali Analysis of the thermal regime created by a geothermal borehole heat exchanger is performed using a closed form radial heat flow equation, a geothermal borehole heat exchanger design tool and a finite element model. Climatic, heat exchanger construction and building load data are entered into the heat exchanger design tool in order to create a theoretical model along with thermal parameters from a number of geological formations. Output data from the design tool model are used in conjunction with the closed form radial heat flow equation to calculate the predicted temperature with respect to time and distance from the heat exchanger for the modelled ground formations. The output data from the design tool is also used to create a number of finite element method models against which the predictions calculated using the closed form radial heat flow equation can be compared. A good correlation between the temperatures predicted by the finite element models and the closed form equation calculations is observed. However when used within its recommended limiting conditions, the closed form equation is shown to slightly underestimate the temperature of the ground when compared to the finite element model predictions. The limiting conditions associated with the closed form equation are discussed in the context of the output from the finite element method models. 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3946 The effect of groundwater flow on the thermal front created by borehole heat exchangers Tolooiyan, Ali; Hemmingway, Phil This paper presents an analysis performed using a coupled TEMP/W-SEEP/W finite element model to consider both the conducive and convective effects of groundwater flow on the thermal regime created by a ground source energy system. The change in the development of the sub-surface thermal regime created by ground source energy borehole heat exchangers caused by a groundwater flow across a site, relative to a scenario where groundwater flow does not exist is examined. Analysis is performed using finite element formulations of both single borehole and multi borehole systems. The results of this work show that even a modest groundwater flow across a site can lead to a significant change in the development of the sub-surface thermal regime. It also shows that groundwater flow can result in implications for: proposed developments incorporating ground source energy systems; nearby existing ground source energy systems; potential future nearby ground source energy systems and the use of established software packages currently used for the design of ground source energy systems in the industry. 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3942 Interpretation of In Situ and Laboratory Thermal Measurements Resulting in Accurate Thermogeological Characterisation Hemmingway, Phil; Long, Michael (Michael M.) Growing worldwide interest in the exploitation of geothermal energy resources has led to a scenario where the technology routinely forms part of building-scale renewable energy feasibility studies. A thorough understanding of site-specific thermogeological parameters is a vital design requirement of such systems and accurate measurement and interpretation of these parameters is necessary in order to inform scientifically rigorous system design. An overview of the theory underlying a number of laboratory and in situ thermal characterization testing methods and the results from a number of testing regimes carried out using the various thermal characterization equipment constructed in University College Dublin are presented. Results from both the laboratory steady-state and non-steady-state thermal analysis systems and the in situ thermal characterization system are shown to provide accurate measurements of soil and rock thermal parameters. In addition, the settlement profiles of a number of the tested materials were investigated in order to gain an in-sight into this potential drawback of exchanging the backfill material placed around electricity cables to optimize thermal transfer efficiency. Geotechnical and Geophysical Site Characterization 4, September, 2012 2012-09-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3772 Design and development of a low-cost thermal response rig Hemmingway, Phil; Long, Michael (Michael M.) A thermal response test (TRT) is a controlled insitu test during which a known quantity of heat energy is injected into a closed loop heat-exchanger pipe while the heat dissipation rate into the surrounding ground is monitored. Results from a test can be interpreted to determine a number of ground thermal parameters with are vital design requirements for any medium to large scale ground source energy system. This paper describes the design and construction of a low cost TRT rig and compares the results obtained from a test using the constructed rig and a commercially built rig in order to evaluate the accuracy of the constructed equipment. The TRT rig is designed in accordance with the following principles: keep construction costs low, improve the cost-efficiency of TRT testing by incorporating remote data transmission capability and ensure attainment of sufficient accuracy to satisfy the design requirements of ground source energy systems. Analysis of data collected by the TRT rigs result in a calculated thermal conductivity of 1.9 W/mK in both cases. This value falls within the range expected for the tested geological formation and confirms the accuracy of both test rigs. 2012-08-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3725 Geothermal energy : settlement and water chemistry in Cork, Ireland Hemmingway, Phil; Long, Michael (Michael M.) Detailed analysis of potential water chemistry and settlement issues associated with the installation of open-loop geothermal systems is infrequently carried out. This has led to the failure of several previously installed systems. Chemical analysis of water extracted from beneath the Cork docklands, Ireland has been performed by the authors in order to assess the suitability of the area for the exploitation of open-loop geothermal energy. The possibility of settlement induced by pumping of groundwater for open-loop systems has also been examined. Current market penetration of ground source heat pumps in Ireland is discussed to illustrate the infancy of the technology in Ireland relative to other European countries and to highlight the necessity of approaching the possible installation of such systems with the care required. Water extracted from beneath the docklands shows that significant water chemistry issues exist. Laboratory and field tests confirm that optimal concentration levels of several water chemistry characteristics are significantly exceeded; leading to the conclusion that open-loop exploitation in the area may not be suitable. In addition, settlement induced by pumping of water could potentially lead to a consolidation settlement in excess of 30 mm due primarily to the existence of highly compressible alluvium. 2011-07-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3693 Geothermal energy in small countries - laying the foundations for innovative development Hemmingway, Phil; Long, Michael (Michael M.) Creation of an environment in which shallow geothermal energy can thrive will require a coherent approach and a high level of collaboration with professionals from countries that have developed technical expertise in the area. Implementation of regulations, standards and guidelines adapted from best practice in countries such as Switzerland, Germany and Sweden, in addition to understanding the mistakes and successes made by these countries, with respect to the development of their geothermal industries, will help small countries such as Ireland to develop a well-regulated market for the technology. This paper outlines and addresses some of the technical, regulatory and certification issues faced particularly by small countries in their efforts to develop a shallow geothermal energy industry, provides examples of best practice with regard to development in countries with established geothermal energy industries and presents proposed solutions to these issues / barriers using the existing situation in Ireland by way of example. Fourth World Engineers Convention: Engineers Power the World – Facing the Global Energy Challenge, Geneva, Switzerland, 4-9 September 2011 2011-09-04T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3685 Developing Geothermal Energy Research Capabilities at University College Dublin Hemmingway, Phil; Long, Michael (Michael M.) Ireland has one of the highest energy dependencies in Europe and as such must adapt quickly to increase renewable energy exploitation levels in order to secure its energy future. A mix of renewable energy technology types (wind, solar, biomass, wave, tidal, geothermal) will be required in order to achieve Ireland’s national renewable energy generation targets. Geothermal (or ground source) energy can have a part to play in this mix. Over the last number of years the School of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering in University College Dublin has begun to develop shallow geothermal energy research capabilities in several areas of interest. Early studies involved the investigation of water chemistry and settlement issues at several sites on the Cork docklands. It was concluded that the chemical characteristics of the water contained in the aquifer could hinder the development of open loop geothermal systems in the area, and that settlement may be a potential concern in cases where open loop systems are installed due to the presence of highly compressible alluvium deposits. Subsequent work has involved the development, construction & performance validation of a thermal response testing rig for site thermal characterisation, installation of both domestic and commercial sized energy piles for research purposes and investigation of soil, rock and grout thermal properties using both steady-state and non-steady-state laboratory testing techniques. This paper gives a brief overview of the completed and ongoing work in the School of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering. Geothermal Energy - Progress and Developments in Ireland and Internationally, May 2011, Kilkenny, Ireland 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3684 Energy Foundations - Potential for Ireland Hemmingway, Phil; Long, Michael (Michael M.) With one of the highest energy dependencies in the European Union, Ireland must adapt quickly to renewable energy technologies or risk paying the penalty in the form of high energy prices in years to come. Escalating energy costs have led to a renewed interest in alternative energy technologies and ground source energy is one such resource which is being increasingly considered. This paper presents some of the practical considerations of energy foundations, evidenced from the installation of a number of test energy piles. In addition, a preliminary feasibility study of an energy foundation system for a planned university administrative building and an overview of the current status of ground source energy technology in Ireland are presented. Building heating and cooling loads are estimated based on high building energy standards which the university hopes to implement in all building projects going forward. The proposed energy foundation system is shown to have the capacity to provide the heating and cooling base loads for the building Geo-Frontiers 2011, Dallas, Texas, March 13-16, 2011 2011-03-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3795 Thermal response testing of compromised borehole heat exchangers Hemmingway, Phil; Long, Michael (Michael M.) The results of five thermal response tests (TRTs) are presented. Three of the tests were carried out consecutively on the same borehole to illustrate the importance of allowing artificially imposed thermal gradients to dissipate prior to commencement or re-commencement of a test following testing issues. The two remaining tests carried out on separate boreholes confirm the results obtained by the first(uncompromised) of the initial three tests. The testing regime demonstrates the necessity of careful performance of TRT’s and shows the variation in costs/required borehole length which may occur if testing problems occur on site. 2012-03-19T00:00:00Z