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With another pandemic-laden year drawing to a close, we take a look at some of the best engineering blogs of 2021. As a leading provider of precision engineering services, we strive to bring you the latest news and updates from around the world. Our goal is to keep you up to date with all things engineering, manufacturing and new technologies.
For those of you who already know PRV Engineering, we publish new content every week across various sectors, from defence and aerospace to construction, rail, automotive and renewable energy among many others. With Christmas already behind us and the New Year celebrations just around the corner, here’s a look at some of the top stories from our blog this year.
Engineering Blogs for the Future: A New 22-Lbs Hydrogen Engine
One of our top engineering blogs talks about using hydrogen as a fuel. Indeed, it poses many challenges due to its high flammability, diffusivity and very low density as a gas, not to mention storing and processing it. Some of the current methods are just not sustainable but all of that could be a thing of the past. Aquarius Engines, an Israel-based company, has unveiled a small hydrogen engine that could eliminate the global reliance on hydrogen fuel cells and fossil fuels.
The hydrogen engine of the future only weighs 22 pounds (10 kg) and is a single-piston-linear engine with only 20 components and one moving part. That means the hydrogen engine is much cheaper to produce and maintain compared to traditional combustion engines. with a new small 22-lb hydrogen engine that could effectively replace the internal combustion engine.
Significant Breakthrough In Nuclear Fusion: Generating Near-Limitless Clean Energy
Another one of our most-read engineering blogs covers limitless clean energy. While it has been a concept in development for what seems to be an eternity with little success, recent developments tell a different story. In 2021, we looked at portable nuclear micro-reactors and the UK’s plans to build nuclear fusion plants. Now, we are even closer to limitless clean energy as the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy has set an astonishing new record using the tokamak reactor.
In December 2020 it set a world record by maintaining plasma at 180 million °F (100 million °C) for 20 seconds. Now, it reached 100 million °C and maintained super-hot plasma for 30 seconds which beats the own record by 10 seconds. As discussed in previous articles, nuclear fusion uses the same type of reaction that the Sun and other stars do to produce nearly limitless clean energy.
Portable Nuclear Microreactors For Cleaner Energy
As far as engineering blogs go, the news that a team of engineers are developing portable nuclear microreactors is certainly a standout. Engineering from start-up, Radiant, secured $1.2 million in funding last year from angel investors to help develop these portable power devices. These will be manufactured for both commercial and military applications bringing a new dimension to portable power sources.
While still in the prototype phase, it outputs more than 1MW which is enough to power around 1,000 homes for up to eight years, according to Radiant. Due to its compact size, transporting the portable nuclear microreactors is much easier whether by air, sea or road, delivering affordable power to communities that don’t have easy access to renewable energy.
New Armoured Vehicles For The British Army
The British Army has some of the world’s most advanced technologies and now, new armoured modular vehicles are on the list. In a historic event for the UK Defence industry, it is the first time in several years that any new armoured vehicles will be manufactured in the UK.
The company tasked with producing the Boxer Mechanised Infantry Armoured Vehicles is WFEL, a leader in tactical military bridges. Production will commence at its new manufacturing plant in the North West of England.
Few engineering blogs are as interesting as this one, highlighting the importance of manufacturing locally for the defence sector.
What Are Electrical Busbars And Where Are They Used?
Engineering blogs across the world cover several fascinating topics and one of our specialities include electrical busbars. These hugely important parts form the backbone of most power applications and provide the all-important interface between power modules and the outside world.
Electrical busbars are a prime example of the latest engineering feats as they make complicated power distribution much easier, cheaper and more flexible. Even as power applications become smaller, faster and more complex, busbars will remain the primary choice for electrical power distribution.
Engineering Blogs For Graduates: Which Engineering Fields Of Study Are The Most Exciting?
If you’re looking to become an engineer, many engineering blogs offer sound advice on which field to pursue. Engineering is a broad subject with several disciplines and interesting ways of specialising, including civil engineering, aerospace and automotive engineering, biomedical and materials science engineering among many others.
Not too long ago, the categories were limited to civil, electrical, mechanical and chemical but new subsets are emerging as technology continues to evolve. To find out which engineering fields of study might be best for you, this post may help shed some light and open a few doors.
Engineering Blogs Summary
PRV Engineering works closely with several industries including aerospace, defence, oil and energy, construction and rail. We specialise in CNC machining, 5-Axis machining, waterjet cutting, busbars, deep hole drilling and structural steel fabrication among many others.
As such, our engineering blogs look at a variety of topics to keep our readers updated with all the latest industry news. If our 2021 engineering blogs are anything to go by and considering the rate of advancements in technology, the next 12 months will be even better.
From everyone here at PRV Engineering, we wish you a Happy New Year! May 2022 be filled with love, happiness, health and prosperity.