THIS PORTFOLIO REPRESENTS MY TEC 400 (TECHNOLOGY TRIP 2)

WORK
This is my recorded video detailing about the TEC 400 trip report. It talks about the
various summaries of the report, that is, the SCADA system, IoT and Edge Computing,
comparison between Aluminum and Cast Iron Block, and Petrol Vs Diesel Engine
SUMMARIES OF THE TEC 400 REPORT
Video 1: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)

SCADA is a system that is used to gather and analyze real-time data in order to monitor and
control equipment that deals with critical infrastructure control. A SCADA system is mostly used
in industries like energy, oil and gas pipeline, water distribution system, power, and many more.

A SCADA control system uses computers, networked data communications, and graphical user
interfaces for high-level process supervisory management, but it also uses other peripheral
devices to interface with the process plant or machinery, such as programmable logic
controllers and discrete PID controllers.

A SCADA system operates by sending signals over channels to offer users remote control of
any equipment in a particular system. For example, the control center is linked to the PLC by an
Ethernet connection, which is also linked to various field instruments such as sensors and
actuators via an Ethernet port. The control center monitors and controls entire sites, ranging
from industrial plants to entire complex plants.

There are two important elements, involved in the modern SCADA system;

a) Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) or Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

b) Central station computer.

SCADA system works by communicating in real-time with the controllers i.e. PLCs or RTUs out
in the field that is running the actual process. It then gathers information, from the said
controllers. The data is then displayed on a monitor, to look like an animation. SCADA system
includes some sort of historian products, to ensure the real-time process information can be
tracked over the long term.

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

The industrial internet of things (IIoT) refers to the extension and use of the internet of things in
industrial sectors and applications. With a heavy emphasis on machine-to-machine
communication, big data, and machine learning, IIoT enables industries and companies to
improve operational efficiency and dependability. The IIoT includes industrial applications such
as robotics, medical devices, and software-defined manufacturing processes.
The IIoT is critical to how cyber-physical systems and production processes will transform with
the help of big data and analytics in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. Real-time data
from sensors and other information sources aids industrial devices and infrastructures in
"decision-making," allowing them to generate insights and particular actions.
The regular collection and transmission of data across smart devices and equipment provide
numerous potentials for growth for sectors and businesses. The data enables industries and
companies to detect and address faults or inefficiencies in the supply chain, for example, thereby
pushing for day-to-day efficiency in operations and finance. Proper IIoT integration optimizes
asset utilization, forecasts failure areas, and initiates maintenance activities autonomously.
Businesses may gather and analyze larger amounts of data at faster rates by implementing
connected and smart devices. This will not only improve scalability and performance, but it will
also bridge the gap between production floors and general offices. Integration of the IIoT can
provide industrial entities with a more accurate picture of how their operations are progressing
and assist them in making educated business decisions.

Engine blocks: Aluminum Vs Iron

The engine block is the backbone of every engine as it is the most intricate single piece of metal
of every engine. The most common blocks are aluminum and cast iron engine blocks Cast iron
blocks were common but due to tighter emissions and fuel consumption regulations ways of
building lighter efficient engines were sought, hence the introduction of aluminum engine blocks.
Iron engine blocks are made from gray iron and are divided into classes or grades. Engine
blocks are typically made from class 20 or 25 grey iron and have a tensile strength in the range
of 20,000-25,000 psi.
Aluminum engine blocks are made from one of three alloys: 319, A356, or A357. The most
common is a billet aluminum engine block which is made from, 6061 alloy that is significantly
stronger at 60-70.000 psi. Due to their expensive nature, they are reserved for the most extreme
of racing applications. Apart from being lighter, aluminum blocks run cooler because they are
better heat conductors, making them able to transfer heat onto the coolant. This allows
engineers to specify higher compression ratios by keeping combustion chamber temps lower
and preventing detonation.
Cast iron engine blocks take more boost, are cheaper and easier to rebuild, and are better at
absorbing noise and vibrations. Aluminum engine blocks are lighter, their cracks are easier to
repair, and they’re capable of having higher maximum compression ratios and are thermally
efficient. The choice of engine block depends on the application, as both engine blocks have
significant benefits depending on what you want to do with the engine.

Types of Engines: Petrol Vs Diesel Engine

There are two main types of engines; petrol and diesel engines. Both engines have similar
anatomy. The main difference between diesel and petrol engines is seen in how combustion
occurs. Petrol engines rely on spark plugs to ignite the air-fuel mixture, while diesel engines rely
solely on heavily compressed air.
Diesel engines have low rpm which is attributed to several factors. First, diesel engine requires
heavy beefy internals due to higher combustion pressure and the heavy internals are harder to
spin and limit the max rpm. Secondly, is that most diesel engines are under square by design,
that is, their stroke is wider than the bore. This ensures high torque but it also limits the max rpm
potential. Thirdly, diesel can’t control injection timing to compensate for increased piston
speeds, because they can start combustion only when the air is hot enough and the air is
always hottest when the piston is near the top dead center. The petrol engine on the other hand
with an ECU, a spark plug, and an ignition coil or coil on the plug can fire the spark almost at
any point in the engine’s compression stroke. This allows them to have a higher rpm.
Diesel engines have high compression ratios which result in higher thermal efficiency. In other
words, more energy can be extracted from the air-fuel mixture. This also explains why diesel
engines are considerably more efficient than petrol engines. In fact, diesel engines have the
highest thermal efficiency of any internal combustion engine.
Both diesel and petrol engines can be extremely fun. Petrol engines have a wide power band
and often a better soundtrack leading to more smiles per gallon on a twisty road. But diesel
gives you incredible torque sensations and these can be extremely addictive.