Reflection on Engineering Work

Competency Element

A brief summary of how you have applied the element

Paragraph number in the career episode(s) where the element is addressed

PE1   KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL BASE

PE1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline

Theoretical knowledge gained from studying “Renewable Energy Resources” , “Mechanics of Materials” and “Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning” was used in the projects.

CE 1.2, 2.1, 2.2

PE1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline

I used different mathematical equations for the designing of Parabolic Trough.

Heating and Cooling load for the Air Conditioning were calculated using load calculation equations. CAMEL software was used to optimize the load and analyze and compare it with manual calculations.

CE 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 3.8, 3.11, 3.12, 3.21

PE1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline

Knowledge gained in “Finite Element Methods” and analysis software ANSYS helped to analyze the drop table.

CE 2.1, 2.2, 2.10

PE1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline

Sequential switching of energy resources from traditional fossil fuels to renewable energy resources is seeming eminent. Parabolic Trough is the future of energy sector in energy deficient countries, like Pakistan.

CE 1.1, 1.2,1.21

PE1.5 Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline

Being aware of the side effects some of fossil fuels have on the environment, helped us to use the environmental friendly Solar power to generate electricity. It reduces the carbon foot print and hence, guarantees a greener and healthier future.

CE 1.2, 1.21

PE1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline

Being project leader the responsibility laid on my shoulders to ensure successful timely completion of the project. For this I employed Primavera and Microsoft Project software to finish the project within given timeline.

CE 1.8, 2.7, 3.5, 3.7

PE2   ENGINEERING APPLICATION ABILITY

PE2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving

Working on renewable energy project incited students and industrialists to use this energy source to power their needs. And I visited them to help them design the projects.

CE 1.21

PE2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources

I used the VRV system instead of the Central Air Conditioning as it is more energy efficient and gives more control.

I used CAMEL to analyze the manual load calculations and suggest changings in the structure of building.

ANSYS was used to analyze the drop table for the drop test.

CE 2.2, 2.10, 3.4, 3.21, 3.22

PE2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes

In each project I followed the engineering design process i.e. Defined the problem, searched for solution and picked a solution and developed it (Solar Power Plant). At the end, I prepared the report for each project including all experiments in systematic order.

CE 1.21

PE2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects

I used my management skills and software i.e. Primavera and Microsoft Project to keep track of the progress and finish it within given time.

CE 1.7, 1.8, 2.7, 3.5, 3.7

PE3   PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

PE3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability

Before the start of each project I made sure that my team follows the predefined guide lines to ensure professional and ethical conduct. Safety talks  before every critical activity helped to achieve this goal.

CE 1.8, 1.9, 1.20, 2.14

PE3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains

I presented my Final Year Project (Solar Trough) in front of project supervisor, Chairman of Mechanical Engineering department and an external examiner.

CE 1.21

PE3.3 Creative innovative and proactive demeanour

Used economical techniques to select the Concentrated Solar Power technology, which need small absorbing surfaces and large reflective surfaces. Absorbing materials are more expensive than the reflective surfaces.

CE 1.10

PE3.4 Professional use and management of information

I kept record of all the meetings by writing minutes of meetings at the end of each meeting. Prepared the project reports using all the experimental and theoretical knowledge.

CE 1.5,1.8,1.9,2.7,3.5,3.7

PE3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct

My leadership skills and professional attitude during my final year project helped me to be leader in next two projects as well. Leading project teams more than once groomed my leadership skills and helped to enhance my professional conduct.

CE 1.7,  2.1, 3.5

PE3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership

My leadership in the projects was effective enough to finish the projects well in time and in good team spirit. I inspired my team members to work through difficult situations and solve issues without being stressed out.

CE 3.5, 2.11,