Navigating the Challenges of a Final Year Project: Lessons from the Winners of IChemE Student Design Prize
Key Ideas
- Consider the scope of your design project carefully, weighing the value-add of addressing waste streams against the additional workload involved.
- Select appropriate technology for each aspect of the project; be mindful of proprietary restrictions that may limit detailed design information.
- Understand and validate your designs using computer-aided design software, ensuring practical feasibility and addressing challenges such as temperature increase during compression.
- Take advantage of unique challenges in design projects to innovate and potentially contribute to solving real-world issues, showcasing your technical skills and creativity.
The 2023 IChemE Australia and New Zealand Student Design Prize was won by Glen McClea and Campbell Tiffin's team for their project on 'Renewable Hydrogen from Biomass Resources'. The article provides valuable insights for undergraduates embarking on final year design projects. The project highlighted the importance of considering the scope of the design, especially in utilizing waste streams effectively while balancing the workload. It emphasized the selection of appropriate technology, cautioning against proprietary restrictions that may hinder detailed design aspects. Furthermore, the article discussed the limitations of design software, urging designers to validate their designs practically. The team's experience with compressing CO2 for storage underscored the need for careful consideration in design. By embracing unique challenges in design projects, students can showcase their technical skills and creativity, potentially contributing to practical solutions. The winners' innovative approach to coupling reactions for hydrogen production demonstrates the value of tackling complex problems in final year projects, ultimately leading to recognition and awards.