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Western Canada Group of Chartered Engineers

Members of U.K Institutions of Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Structural, and Building Service Engineers, B.C., Yukon, Washington &Alaska

NEWSLETTER

Volume 02 – December 2015

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From the Chairman….

Welcome. 2015 has indeed passed quickly. We set out this year with a new

vision: a vision to deliver inspirational engineering events and networking

opportunities. And that is what is we have done.

This year we have been challenged and inspired by our many speakers:

by Mr Robin Silvester CEng, Chief Executive Officer of Port Metro Vancouver;

by Professor Mike Van der Loos PhD PEng, leader of the Advanced Robotics Group at the University of

British Columbia; by Mr Meiric Preece PEng, Technical Director of the Evergreen Line Rapid Transit

Project; by Mr Michael Wrinch PhD PEng, President of Hedgehog Technologies and next year’s

President of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia; by Mr

Antonio Marchet PEng, of Endurance Wind Power; and, by Stan Ridley CEng PEng, former President of

BC Hydro International and now President of West Energy Management. We have heard from a wide

cross section of our profession and we will do the same next year. We have also partnered with many

other learned societies. Our July barbecue was together with the Association of Professional Engineers

and Geoscientists of British Columbia Sea-to-Sky Branch, our September meeting was together with the

American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and our November meeting was with the Structural

Engineers Association of British Columbia. We have increased the time for networking at our technical

meetings, but this is still a sphere in which we can do much more. Our membership includes many very

senior engineers and executives and we should provide events to which they and their colleagues desire

to attend. On this we will focus more next year.

This year has seen progress, slow progress perhaps on establishing mutual recognition between

Engineers Canada and the UK Engineering Council, for establishing reciprocity between Professional

Engineer and Chartered Engineer status. We are close, but not there yet. I will give an update at our

Annual General Meeting in January. Reciprocity alone will not necessarily increase the relevance of our

sponsoring institutions in Canada, but it is a first step.

As I mentioned in the last newsletter, your Committee would like to change the name of our Group.

Not the formal name, which should remain extant, but the routine doing-business-as name. At the

Annual General Meeting, we will ask you to consider adopting the clearer, more succinct doing-business-

as name of “Chartered Engineers Pacific”. I encourage you to vote in favour of it. Concurrently then

with updating the branding of our website and of our meetings and events with a new name, we intend to

use this an opportunity to better demonstrate our inclusiveness to all grades of internationally trained

engineer: be they Chartered, Incorporated or Technician.

Two months ago, we elected a new Liberal Government with a promise of growing our economy and

investing further in our infrastructure. This may well signal the beginning of a prosperous future for us all.

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I hope so. At our Annual General Meeting, we too must elect a new Committee. However

first, we need candidates and they come from you. I encourage you to step

forward and do just a little more for your profession, for you institutions. If you are willing

to stand, please email me your name. My one-year term as Chair ends in January, I have

greatly enjoyed serving you and look forward to supporting next year’s Chair.

With my very best wishes,

Matthew Walton-Knight, CEng PEng MICE

Chair, Western Canada Group of Chartered Engineers

chairman@wcgce.org

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RECENT EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES.

Technical Meeting 20th May 2015.

Topic - Innovative Natural Gas Delivery System in the Australian Outback.

Presented by: Dr. Michael Wrinch. Principal of Hedgehog Technologies Inc.

The presentation described a first of a kind fuel delivery system used to convert diesel fueled mining

generators (50 MW) to natural gas systems using train trucks instead of pipelines. A description of the

system, how it was implemented, the

business case and some of the challenges

of the project were discussed.

A special focus was presented on how the

advanced safety systems were developed to

control and protect a highly complex system

from a hazardous event.

Designing to IEC-EX 60079.x international

standards with IEC 61508 and IEC 61511

SIL rated equipment, Hedgehog designed a

gas filling and decanting station. The plans

included full end- to-end design of energy

systems, safety and control, created

specifically for use in Australia. The company

used a range of isolation techniques including

intrinsic barriers, explosion proof and control ventilation.

Matthew Walton-Knight introducing the speaker Dr. Michael Wrinch.

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Report on BBQ in 18th July 2015 with APEG BC.

On July 18, 2015, our Group joined the APEG BC (Association

of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British

Columbia) Sea-to-Sky Branch for its 16th Annual Summer

Barbeque held again at the home of Bill and Vivian Vaughan in

West Vancouver.

Twelve members and guests from our Group joined more than 150 Sea-to-Sky members and guests

for a pleasant afternoon talking with fellow engineers in a beautiful garden. We sampled beer, we

feasted on an excellent fully catered barbeque buffet and we were entertained by a Live Jazz

Band. It was a most pleasant and worthwhile afternoon and a super opportunity to chat with fellow

professional engineers from different engineering backgrounds.

Next year’s event is scheduled for 23rd July. We look forward to seeing you all there!

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Technical Meeting 16th September 2015.

Wind Turbines Design and Build.

Presenter. Mr. Antonio Marchet P.Eng of Endurance Wind Power.

Mr. Antonio Marchet of Endurance

Wind Power gave an overview of the

state of art wind turbines erected in

north America (106 units) and Europe

(596) with the longest running now

5.3 years. Design life is 20 years. The

best seller is 55 KW units while 85%

of operating units are in the range of

50-100 KW. The company head office

is in Surrey BC where 400 units can

be designed and manufactured

annually for export by 66 workers.

Other design/manufacturing hubs are

in Utah USA, Midlands UK and

Gadstrup Denmark.

The speaker explained that the tip

height of the rotor reaches from 34 to

60 m, with 400 m under development. The rotors are manufactured in fiberglass, rotate typically at

33 rpm in wind speeds up to 20 m/s. The optimal efficient wind speed is only 2 m/s. Power output is

directly proportional to wind speed. Some models are installed with remote monitoring internet-

based facilities.

Testing of development models is

performed in Utah with the

following features under scrutiny:

electric output and power quality,

acoustic profile, safety, functions,

load profile and durability.

Installation cost is on average

$250k. Users or clients include

agricultural (wind farming),

educational institutions, utility

companies and industrial users

(fabrication, high energy

consumers).

Further interesting data, graphics

and video clips of this

presentation are available on our

website www.wcgce.org.

Reported by George De Ridder.

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Technical Meeting 21st October 2015. Perspectives on Climate Change and World Energy.

Presenter. Mr. Stan Ridley P.Eng C.Eng. MICE.

Mr. Stan Ridley gave us a very enlightening presentation on the state of our world energy consumption and our present reliance on fossil fuels. At present, only 9% of world energy is derived from renewable sources such as hydro and solar. The rest of our energy consumption is met primarily by oil, natural gas and coal with 5% for nuclear. To provide a means of comparison, the technological man of 1970 in the U.S. consumed approximately 230,000 Kcal of energy per day (~115 times that of primitive man). The change in energy consumption patterns over time are shown in Figure 1 below.

Figure 1. Estimated Daily Consumption of Energy per Capita at Different Historical Points.

Adapted from: E. Cook, "The Flow of Energy in an Industrial Society" Scientific American, 1971 p. 135.

(Source: https://www.wou.edu/las/physci/GS361/electricity%20generation/HistoricalPerspectives.htm).

Stan Ridley making a convincing point.

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The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a United Nations scientific

intergovernmental body, set up at the request of member governments. IPCC Climate Change 2013

– The Physical Science Report shows that warming in the climate system is unequivocal and since

1950 many changes have been observed throughout the climate system that are unprecedented

over decades to millennia and that it is extremely likely that human influence has been the dominant

cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century.

Each of the last three decades has been successively warmer at the Earth’s surface than any preceding decade since 1850!

The continued emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2 and Methane) will cause further warming and changes in all components of the climate system. The only way to limiting climate change will be through substantial and sustained reductions of greenhouse gas emissions.

The world needs to find viable alternatives to fossil fuels which may possibly last another 150 to 200 years. As an interim solution, nuclear power could make up the difference.

CO2 Concentrations in Atmosphere.

Figure 2. This graph, based on the comparison of atmospheric samples contained in ice cores and more recent directmeasurements, provides evidence that atmospheric CO2 has increased since the Industrial Revolution. (Source: NASA. http://climate.nasa.gov/evidence, & NOAA).

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Wind, solar and wave are good renewable energy sources but are limited by the lack of cost effective & efficient energy storage systems. Also, at this time also their capacity factors are very low. We need more hydroelectric developments (including pumped storage), major “breakthroughs” in energy storage and “new breed” nuclear systems, just 3 items on the wish list. Of course, much more investment is needed.

However, like the start of the Fossil Fuel Age, the New Power & Energy Age will generate enormous wealth while solving the Greenhouse & Climate crisis.

In closing, our speaker brought our attention to the quote by Honourable Donald Johnston, former senior Canadian Cabinet Minister, Secretary General of the OECD (1996-2006):-

“There should be a plan B because we know that there is no Planet B.”

Stan Ridley with members and guests. More discussion with Stan Ridley …….

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Technical Meeting 18th November 2015.

Innovative Buildings and Structures in the Middle East.

Presented by Eric de Fleuriot de la Coliniere, P.Eng

Our speaker Mr. Eric de Fleriot de la Coliniere gave us an extremely

interesting, fascinating and

informative presentation about

engineering feats in the United Arab

Emirates (UAE) and Qatar.

Eric worked full time for 5 years in Dubai (UAE) and in Qatar

as a lead bridge consultant for the Ministries engaged in

planning of sustainable maintenance procedures for bridge

infrastructure at large.

As background information, the United Arab Emirates is a

federation formed in 1971 by seven emirates known as the

Trucial States—Abu Dhabi (the largest), Dubai, Sharjah,

Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, and Umm al-Qaiwain. In

addition to a federal president and prime minister, each emirate

has a separate ruler who oversees the local government.

Another interesting fact is that the UAE is the seventh largest

oil producer whereas Qatar is known for its’ gas reserves.

This mineral wealth has permitted the construction of some of

the most ambitious and spectacular structures in the world.

The Burj Al Arab hotel is constructed like a

sail and boasts the only Seven-star status in

the world. It is built on an artificial island

280m from the shore. The land reclamation

took three years and construction a further

three years. Due to the soft soil, the 230

piles are driven to a depth of forty meters.

The hotel has a height of 321m and was

completed in 1999 at a cost of $1B.

A staggering 70,000m3 of concrete and

9,000 tons of steel were used to construct it.

At 830m tall, the Burj Khalifa is presently the

world’s highest building. To ensure that there

would be no problems from atmospheric conditions, a wind analysis was performed. This task was

completed by a Canadian company.

Burj Al Arab seven-star hotel, Dubai

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Similar to the Burj Al Arab hotel, the piles for the Burj Khalifa rely on surface friction forces rather than

pure end forces to support the structure above.

Our speaker mentioned that the climate in this part of the world is very tough on materials. In particular,

the high Sulphur content of the air is very tough on concrete. To overcome this problem, all concrete is

painted.

However, bland finishes are not desirable in the UAE and a big emphasis is put on finishing details in

terms of patterns and aesthetics. This is a very important requirement for the any contractor taking on a

project here.

For marine structures, the environment is also a harsh picture and does not get much better with the

Persian Gulf’s salt content being three times higher than that of the Pacific.

Dubai also boasts another top spot with its metro system. With 75Km of track it is the longest in the

world.

Although Dubai has some of the tallest and most plush buildings in the world, the rotating skyscraper for

sure has to be one of the most original building designs seen. This 420meter, 80 floor building (modelled

after smaller building in Brazil)

allows each floor to rotate as

desired by the occupants

depending upon their mood for

wind, shade, sunset or view.

Each floor is designed to be

capable of one full rotation in 90

minutes.

In Qatar there was a challenging

problem for providing a road link

between the airport and

downtown that avoided a busy

urban area in the middle. The

solution was the Bayhead

Crossing, a tunnel and bridge

system that traversed the bay

area. Three bridges and tunnels

were constructed. The bridges

look like a steel pipe with

sections cut out.

Longevity and durability requirements were high and this project. It was built with a 300year life span!

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The geology in Qatar

is primarily limestone

with high levels of

chlorides, which gives

certain challenges to

design of construction

materials.

Another interesting

fact about Qatar,

similar to the UAE, all

significant buildings

are required to be

illuminated at night.

With the large number

of spectacular

buildings and

imaginative structures,

one can only imagine

that the night time

vistas are truly

amazing.

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Artistic views of the proposed futuristic Bayhead Tunnel-Bridge Crossing in Qatar.

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CEP SCHEDULE FOR TECHNICAL MEETINGS

AND ACTIVITIES 2016.

Date Venue Event / Tech Meeting

Subject

Presenter Status

Wed 27th Jan

5:00 pm.

Royal Vancouver

Yacht Club.

Point Grey Road.

Vancouver.

AGM and Dinner

Key note by

Mr. John Clague.

Immediate Past

President of APEG BC.

Confirmed.

Wed 16th Mar

7:00pm.

Accent Inns

Burnaby.

TBD Shane Jensen Confirmed.

Wed 18th May

7:00pm.

Accent Inns

Burnaby.

TBD Prof David Wilson of

UBC Mechanical /

Biomedical

Engineering’s Centre.

Confirmed.

Sat 23rd Jul 3:30pm. TBA Barbeque Social. Tentative.

Wed 21st Sep

7:00pm.

Accent Inns

Burnaby.

ZincNYX fuel cell storage

systems: background, use

and impact on global

electrical generation.

John McLeod CEng

(ZincNYX - VP

Engineering).

Confirmed.

Wed 16th Nov

7:00pm.

Accent Inns

Burnaby.

George Massey Tunnel

Replacement: The cable-

stayed solution.

Edward Green CEng

PEng (Charter Project

Delivery - Project

Manager Main Bridge).

Confirmed.

o Technical meetings commence 7:00 pm free of charge to members and guests, following

Committee Meeting at 5:00 pm.

o Note: July - meeting starts at 3:30 pm, followed by barbeque social event at 5 pm.

o Please also note! Additions and amendments to the above schedule along with details on

individual functions will be distributed via email and posted on www.wcgce.org

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Capstone Design Project Update.

UBC CAPSTONE project report from Kris Gadareh C,Eng (Rep IMechE):

For the 2015-16 academic year a joint Electro-Mechanical Capstone Project proposal

was submitted to the UBC Department of Mechanical Engineering by CEP/WCGCE

committee members Alan Wood (IET) and Kris Gadareh (IMechE).

This Mechatronics project proposal was among 41 projects submitted to UBC by a variety of Canadian

companies and governmental organizations. One hundred and sixteen final year students received

presentations from sponsors on Thursday 10th Sept and were instructed by the Faculty to rank their top

5 choice of projects.

Based on this ranking, 8 Faculty members and supervisors then assigned projects to 28 teams (4 to 5

students per team).

Our project proposal has now been chosen by a team of students who will be starting an 8 months long

(September-April) Capstone Project to design, build and test a cost effective autonomous

marine vessel - robotic boat for operation on lakes within Canada. The primary application

would be for depth measurement using sonar sensors.

KG/GDR

This project will provide a good opportunity to promote CEP/WCGCE specifically among

students as well bringing awareness of our activities and subsequently attracting future

members. CEP/WCGCE could provide financial support to the project: a proposal for

financial support should be developed. KG and GDR undertook to draft a proposal and

submit by email to the Committee during November 2015.

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IMechE Prestige Awards 2016

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers is committed to recognising

excellence and encouraging the highest standards in mechanical engineering. That’s why it awards

more than 400 prizes for outstanding merit and achievement in a variety of fields and areas of

expertise. These accolades include the Prestige Awards – an eminent collection of prizes that

celebrate excellent engineering, in academia and professional practices. The Prestige Awards act to

champion engineers who can truly be said to have improved the world, or advanced the discipline of

mechanical engineering. There is real breadth to the Prestige Awards. They cover individuals and

organisations and all grades of membership and non-members, and are not restricted to engineers

working in the UK. They provide a unique opportunity for individuals or groups to share the results of

their work with a wider audience.

If you have an engineer or an organisation who you think are worthy of nomination or indeed would

like to nominate yourself (James Clayton Prize), then now is the time to act. Applications for the

2016 awards are open, with a closing date of 31 March 2016. The winners and their respective

nominators will be invited to celebrate their achievements at a ceremony and annual dinner held in

London.

James Watt International Gold Medal

The James Watt International Gold Medal is a prestigious award that recognises the lifetime

achievements of engineers from across the globe. Having such a wide remit and scope, it's no

surprise to find that previous winners have been hugely impressive individuals with truly

distinguished careers. That was certainly the case when Professor Richard Parry-Jones, CBE BSc

FREng FIMechE FRSS, was awarded the James Watt International Gold Medal for his contributions

to vehicle development in the areas of driving dynamics and refinement, and for his technical vision

and guidance to steer the UK automotive industry towards a prosperous and successful world-class

future. Read more

Application details:

The Institution awards every two years a Gold Medal to an eminent engineer who has attained

worldwide recognition in mechanical engineering in any direction - science and research, invention,

and production. The award is open to Institution members as well as non-members.

Eligibility: Members and non-members. Prize: Gold Medal

Closing date for all applications is 31 March 2016.

James Clayton Prize

First awarded seventy years ago, the James Clayton Prize is regarded as the most prestigious

annual award made by the Institution to a member(s) of the Institution in any grade (Affiliate to

Fellow), recognising exceptional contribution to mechanical engineering and related science,

technology and invention. Achievement is best demonstrated by way of a recent product or research

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project, or experimental work, from either an industrial or academic source in any geographic

location over a typical period circa the past 5 years. Andy Cowell CEng FIMechE, the managing

director of Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Ltd, clinched the award for his

outstanding contributions to engine design and development in the Formula One world, especially

V10, V8 and the new V6 with Hybrid Energy Recovery System. He was also been recognised for his

inspirational leadership at Mercedes-Benz. Read more

Application details:

Awarded to a member(s) of the Institution in any grade (Affiliate to Fellow) for an exceptional

contribution to mechanical engineering and related science, technology and invention. Candidates

are permitted to self-nominate. All nominations must be supported by a Proposer and Seconder.

Eligibility: Members of the Institution only. Prize: £10,000

Closing date for applications is 31 March 2016.

Other Prestige Awards include:

Alastair Graham-Bryce Award

IMechE Award for Risk Reduction in Mechanical Engineering

Thomas Hawksley Gold Medal and George Stephenson Gold Medal -

The Verena Winifred Holmes Award

Contact us:

E: prizes@imeche.org T: +44 (0)1284 71788

From the Editor…. We trust that this edition of our Newsletter was interesting to read, and welcome your

comments to suggest improvements. It was compiled with care by Alan Wood (IET) →

and edited by Matthew Walton-Knight (ICE), covering activities from July to November

2015. Past editions can be read on our web site www.wcgce.org. I wish to thank Alan

and Matthew sincerely for assisting voluntarily to produce this edition.

George De Ridder MS C.Eng FIStructE P.Eng

Hon Secretary, Western Canada Group of Chartered Engineers.

1325 Lemax Ave, Coquitlam, V3J 2C1