INNOVATION July-August 2012

2011 2012 PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Electromagnetic Compatibility Research Firgelli Technologies teamed up with NSERC Canada and the University of Victoria to study the Electromagnetic Compatibility of Micro Linear Actuators. The results of this project have improved actuator design and facilitated CE certification for sales in Europe. Researchers were able to observe and apply frequencies in the range of 40 MHz to 20 GHz as well as electrostatic discharges in the range of 1 kV to 20 kV. The bulk of emissions and radiated interference testing was conducted at the University of Victoria’s anechoic chamber, pictured here with a low-frequency antenna surrounded by a carbon-loaded foam absorber. This reduces interference from reflections of the test signal, while the grounded metal sides of the chamber form a Faraday cage to reduce interference from outside the test chamber. Project participants: Mike Baker PEng, Ruaridh Mackinnon EIT, Marjan Mokhtaari.

Guan Xiao Er Hao On November 3, 2011, Guan Xiao Er Hao was delivered to the Dongguan Fire Services Department, China by the builder Wang Tak Engineering & Shipbuilding, Hong Kong. This latest fireboat was designed by Naval Architects Robert Allan of Vancouver, Canada, and is one of Asia’s largest and most powerful dedicated fire-fighting vessels. Guan Xiao Er Hao (“Dongguan Fireboat Number 2”) is a 46 m, twin screw, diesel-powered fireboat specifically designed for marine and shore-side fire-fighting and offshore rescue in the Pearl River Estuary, the Pearl River and the Dongguan region harbour environment. This fireboat has been designed to perform a wide variety of tasks, including: safety service and fire-fighting standby in the petrochemical industrial zone on Dongguan-Lisha Island, fire-fighting operations at offshore installations and in rivers and ports in the area, supply of land fire mains, search and rescue operations, initial salvage response, and incident command centre.

Little QualicumRiver at Highway 19A Bank Stabilization Bank erosion due to meander migration threatened the Highway 19A Bridge at Little Qualicum River. Emergency riprap placement provided temporary relief but the site required a permanent solution. To reduce the risk of washout during a flood, a series of riprap stream barbs were constructed to stabilize the bank. A guidebank was constructed upstream to redirect the channel into a less abrupt alignment through the bridge waterway opening. To restore fish and wildlife habitat, large woody debris, riparian restoration and off-channel ponds were incorporated into the design resulting in a net gain of riparian and aquatic habitat. This project demonstrates sustainable engineering by providing infrastructure protection while enhancing valuable habitat in a highly sensitive environment. Owner: BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (BCMoT). Design: Mike Feduk PEng and Dickson Chung PEng (BCMoT). Construction, Environmental Management and Enhancements: Sean Wong (BCMoT).

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