ADVICE AND GUIDANCE Synopsis Example 3 Chartered Engineer (CEng)

Transcription

1 ADVICE AND GUIDANCE Synopsis Example 3 Chartered Engineer (CEng)

2 Carbon Monoxide Interlock Synopsis by May 2016 Prepared for the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers for Chartered Membership

3 Contents 1. Executive Summary 2. Introduction 3. Properties of natural gas 3.1. Characteristics of combustion Conservation of mass 3.2. Types of burner 3.3. Incomplete combustion 4. Characteristics of carbon monoxide 4.1. Effects of carbon monoxide 4.2. Carbon monoxide detectors Semiconductors Gel cell Electrochemical 4.3. Regulations within the United Kingdom 5. Observations of carbon monoxide detectors 5.1. British Standards 6. Observations of electrically powered hydrocarbon fueled appliances 6.1. Observations of electrically independent hydrocarbon fueled appliances 7. Appliance interlock specification 7.1. Study of mechanical waveforms Measuring frequency 7.2. Development of a proof of concept 7.3. Introduction of microcontrollers Principles of sampling audio Fourier Transform 7.4. Development of hardware 7.5. Development of proprietary software 7.6. Development of mechanical noise attenuation 8. Intellectual property 8.1. Consideration of prior art 8.2. Application for intellectual property rights 9. Further application developments 9.1. Integration with the IoT 10. Conclusion 1

4 11. Appendices 12. References 13. Declaration 2

5 Declaration I declare that this synopsis represents an original piece of work by myself and that the statements made within it are true to the best of my knowledge. 1. Executive Summary This report relates to the self-funded research and development of a carbon monoxide (CO) interlock which is an electrical isolation device operable to disconnect power to an electrically controlled, hydrocarbon fueled burning appliance in response to the activation of an alarm produced by a CO detector. This paper will also explore and consider the first principles of physics and engineering regarding the analysis and recording of mechanical waves, exothermic reduction oxidation reactions, the behaviours of CO in the atmosphere, proprietary software algorithms and electronics design for the effective detection of an audible CO alarm. I will also demonstrate due consideration of international third party intellectual property in order to secure rights for the developed technology primarily within the United Kingdom. Applications for rights will also be made for Europe and the United States. 2. Project Idea Statement Common hydrocarbon fueled appliances within the United Kingdom use natural gas for heating and use electrical power for control. Such appliances depend on complete combustion of the fuel to operate safely and effectively. Complete combustion of a hydrocarbon fuel typically requires a source of oxygen and ignition. When working with methane (CH 4 ), the optimal stoichiometric mixture of gas and oxygen (O 2 ) would be one volume of CH 4 reacting with two volumes of O 2. As the air we breathe consists of 20.9% O 2 and 79.1% N 2 the following equation for complete combustion of 1m of CH 4 would be 1m CH 4 + 2m O 2 + 8m N 2 1m CO 2 + 2m H 2 O + 8m N 2. Note that the N 2 remains unaffected throughout this process as it is unreactive at standard temperature and pressure. This equation can be drastically affected by reducing the amount of oxygen as follows, 1m CH m O 2 + 8m N 2 0.5m CO + 0.5m CO 2 + 2m H 2 O + 8m N 2. Under these circumstances, not 3

6 burning enough oxygen will result in incomplete combustion, the release of carbon particles and a highly poisonous gas called carbon monoxide (CO) which is invisible and has no odour. It is currently advisable to mount domestic CO detectors at ceiling level, away from 'dead' spaces or obstructions for effective detection. A compromise is normally made between common CO detectors being sited near potential sources of CO gas and the alarm being loud enough to be heard throughout the building. Such detectors are mainly battery powered, enabling a simple low cost installation and usually do not require battery replacement during its operational life. When an integrated response level is exceeded, the CO detector is operable to output an audible alarm, which at best would alert the occupant to take action in the form of manual isolation of power to an electrically controlled appliance, such intervention is likely to expose the responsible person to a greater level of CO gas. By this time the occupant may already be suffering from symptoms of low exposure such as dizziness and confusion. Entering a room in which the defective appliance is located can elevate the symptoms, ultimately leading to unconsciousness, brain damage or death. If no isolation of the appliance can be safely achieved, the appliance may continue to operate and raise the concentration of CO levels which is capable of affecting adjacent properties. This could occur when the building is unoccupied, if the alarm is insufficiently audible or if the occupants are heavy sleepers, intoxicated, have a hearing impairment, infirm, pregnant or infant. It is therefore desirable to provide an automated isolation device operable to the safe disconnection of power to an electrically controlled appliance in response to the activation of an alarm produced by a carbon monoxide (CO) detector. The device will be designed with consideration towards Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, BS EN :2010+A1:2012, BS EN :2010, BS EN 50292:2013, electromagnetic compatibility and experience as a gas operative. I will develop the device based on my research, experience and findings from conceptual prototypes. 3. Personal Role Statement I am currently the director for as Project Director. and my role within this project will be My output will comprise the following: A. Creating test equipment and protocols 4

7 B. Building prototypes based on the result analysis of field tests C. Writing specifications for the application of international intellectual property including defence in response to the search and examination reports D. Development of software and relevant specifications E. Writing specifications and including technical drawings and schematics F. Develop and test models of alternate designs and processing methods to assess feasibility, operating condition effects, possible new applications and necessity of modification G. Identifying, directing and presenting the benefits and applications of the device 4. Academic Level Statement I will endeavour to demonstrate my findings at an academic level of MEng in order to gain chartership with IGEM by detailing my research and development results, analysis, calculations and application. I will also detail the key project issues and how they were overcome using engineering principles in order to successfully invent a novel solution. I certify that the above Synopsis has been prepared by myself,. Signature: I certify that the above Synopsis has been prepared by 5