We are promised that large scale wind and solar power will provide us with a reliable and economic supply. This ignores the fact that wind power suffers from "wind droughts" and solar power is least in winter time when we need it most. They need long-term low-cost storage for which a suitable technology does not yet exist. The presentation will discuss the very real problems involved in developing large scale wind and solar power. Wind power varies throughout the year and "wind droughts" can last for five days or more. Solar power goes off every night and his least in the winter time when we need it. Another problem is what can be done with all the surplus power that will be available when the wind is blowing and the sun is shining. Bryan will discuss these problems in detail and provide a costing of various forms of energy storage. He will also argue that nuclear power is a better solution but it first has to get rid of an archaic and restrictive regulatory regime. Finally, he will discuss the very real risk posed by the discovery that Chinese made inverters for wind and solar power have secret back door access that the Chinese government could use to shut down all the wind and solar power and precipitate a Spanish style blackout. Snacks and networking will begin in Wellington from 6pm and Wellington will "dial in" to watch the online broadcast from 6.30pm. Presenter Bio Bryan Leyland MSc, DistFEngNZ, FIMechE, FIEE(rtd), is an electrical and mechanical engineer with 70 years’ of power industry experience within New Zealand and in many other countries. During his career Bryan specialised in hydropower, but is also familiar with every other form of generation including the design and construction of steam, diesel and hydropower stations. Bryan has also been involved with wind, wave, tidal, solar and nuclear power schemes. Bryan is also the successful author of ‘Small Hydroelectric Engineering Practice’, a comprehensive reference book covering all aspects of identifying, building, and operating hydroelectric schemes between 500 kW and 50 MW.

This talk delves into the cutting-edge engineering advancements that have transformed nuclear submarines into strategic naval assets. It explores key mechanical innovations, such as advanced reactor propulsion systems, fuel efficiency improvements, and control mechanisms that ensure both safety and performance. The discussion will cover the latest engineering principles behind energy optimization, including the reactor following turbine approach, which maximizes propulsion efficiency. It will also highlight the role of specialized control rods, heat exchangers, and composite materials in enhancing submarine endurance and maneuverability. Key Discussion Points: Advanced Nuclear Propulsion: Evolution of reactor efficiency and fuel dispersion technology. Mechanical Systems Optimization: How modern engineering enhances submarine durability and performance. Control Rod Innovations: Enhancing safety and reactivity control in nuclear-powered vessels. Energy Efficiency Strategies: The science behind propulsion and power management systems. Nuclear submarines represent the pinnacle of maritime engineering, blending advanced mechanical innovations with cutting-edge nuclear propulsion technology to achieve unmatched endurance and stealth. One of the most revolutionary advancements lies in reactor propulsion efficiency, where the philosophy of reactor following turbine ensures maximum energy utilisation. This approach synchronises reactor operations with the turbine system, minimising energy loss while improving operational longevity. Further enhancements in control rod technology have led to automated reactivity regulation, ensuring precise adjustments to reactor power levels and fuel dispersion. These improvements enhance safety protocols while optimising energy output, making modern submarines more resilient and efficient than ever before. Delivering insights into these advancements is Dr Vinay Karanam, a renowned nuclear engineering consultant and principal engineering scientist at kvinay.guru.. With extensive expertise in AI-driven material development and numerically advanced fluid mechanics, Vinay has been instrumental in advancing next-generation submarine technologies. His research has contributed to the application of artificial intelligence in predictive reactor analytics, heat exchanger efficiency, and hydrodynamic optimisation, shaping the future of autonomous and adaptive submarine systems. Vinay's talk will provide a deep technical dive into how engineering principles, computational modelling, and AI-enhanced materials are revolutionising nuclear submarine technology. His insights will shed light on the future trajectory of mechanical and nuclear integration in naval defence. Vinay is currently the Treasurer of National Committee for Mechanical Engineering Group (MEG), Engineering New Zealand and Chair of Waikato branch of MEG.

Geothermal power is clean and reliable, available when the sun isn’t shining, or too much shining and not enough raining and/or the wind isn’t blowing, it is one of the keys to decarbonising NZ’s electricity. However, our Wairãkei power generation plant is the second oldest geothermal power plant in the world. Contact is working to replace the old Wairãkei A & B generators through a staged development at Te Mihi. The new plant will generate more efficiently and sustainably, using the same resource that has powered Wairakei for decades, while reducing effects on the Waikato River and its local tributaries. This project requires significant modification the existing steam field infrastructure and connection of additional production and reinjection wells. Te Mihi Power Station Stage 2A, the existing Te Mihi Power Station units 1 and 2, Wairakei B station and binary plant, and Poihipi Power Station will all be operated as an integrated system, optimising their ability to convert geothermal energy into electricity. Come and learn more about this important project for the future of New Zealand’s power supply from engineer, Mike Dunstall – General Manager Development, Contact Energy.

Event Overview: There will be an introduction to the scale of the main tunnel, for the interceptor and its connection sewers, and an account of the design issues and equipment requirements to raise the wastewater 40m into the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant. There it will receive the sophisticated treatment required for discharge into the Manukau Harbour. The pump station itself includes: • Six KSB Amarex KRT 750 kW Pumps • Schneider VSDs • An HVAC system for the station • A foul-air treatment facility • 11kV ring main and transformers • Two HV switch rooms • Emergency diesel generators, to supplement the mains power • Overhead gantry crane • Elevator and stairwell The presentation will describe the planning and delivery of the Mangere Pump Station, including: • Design – key considerations • Procurement – challenges, opportunities • Construction – Programme, staging. • Commissioning – risks, particularly WWTP interfaces The presenters will describe the way that sewage is conveyed to the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). This $1.5 billion project comprises many elements, including: • A high lift pump station at the WWTP • 16.2km of DN4500 Main Tunnel • 4.5km DN3000 Link Sewers • 17 shafts ranging 25-75m deep • Two foul air treatment facilities • A recycled water treatment plant • Over $100 million of connection sewers and manholes The Mangere Pump Station is the “jewel in the crown” of the Central Interceptor scheme. The main shaft is 26m in diameter and 40m deep; one half serves as a wet well whilst the other half

Formula SAE is an international competition, run between Universities, that challenges students to conceive, design, fabricate, and compete with small formula-style racing cars. Teams spend 8-12 months designing, building, and preparing their vehicles for competition. These cars are judged in a series of static and dynamic events, including technical inspection, cost, presentation, engineering design, solo performance trials and high performance endurance. MEG sponsors three New Zealand based teams in the FSAE competition and we're bringing them together on the same night to tell us what they're doing.

The Mechanical Engineering Group present this webinar that introduces a comprehensive methodology for enhancing the design and performance of mechanical components for lunar rover missions.

The 2023 New Zealand Hydrogen Council Summit, held in Wellington September 7 - 8, represented a watershed in the development of the use of green hydrogen in New Zealand as part of a wider decarbonisation effort. It revealed a transition from ‘planning’ to ‘doing’. These first steps will be summarised, including their rationale and development potential. Following a review of hydrogen projects currently active in New Zealand, Mark will introduce some example projects featuring green hydrogen being undertaken overseas by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, with reference to their potential in NZ. Presenter: Mark Booth is General Manager of Mitsubishi Corporation’s Auckland Branch. He has been studying hydrogen development opportunities in New Zealand for the last 10 years and been with Mitsubishi over 33 years, mainly in power generation and industrial infrastructure capital works projects.

Presenter: Steve Lockwood is a retired Chartered Mechanical Engineer. In 2016 while working as a Designer for Buckley Systems he was chosen to design a prototype Midget Speedway Racing Engine. This engine was built by Esslinger and developed to become the current day Esslinger BB7, a four-cylinder, 2.7 litre, methanol burning monster that screams to over 9000 rpm and delivers over 380 horse power. Today’s Esslinger BB7 engine is now the most successful power unit in its class in New Zealand and Australian Speedway Racing, and last year placed first and second in a National Feature Race at Ventura Raceway, USA.

A newly formed University Aeronautics Club [UAC] now needs hobby builders, mechanical engineers, pilots, cyclists, triathletes and aerospace enthusiasts to assist and mentor students in their work on a Human Powered Aircraft (HPA) project. There have been at least five previous attempts in New Zealand to build an HPA and none have flown successfully. The UAC and supporters aim to achieve the first successful flight of a HPA in New Zealand, with what will also be the largest HPA designed and built in New Zealand. HPA flights have been achieved in Australia and South Africa, and that is something we can not let go unanswered. A 90 second flight over 800m would be beat these previous southern hemisphere flights. What makes this attempt at building an HPA have better odds at getting airborne? The project is based on a proven design and is being directed by Roger Warren, a design engineer who has already achieved muscle powered flight in The United Kingdom. He is a founding member of Team Airglow that took the first RAeS trophy for HPAs, the Icarus Cup in 2012. Roger has constructed composite propellers and refurbished HPAs back to airworthy condition, competed regularly and has been competition director in the annual British Human Powered Flying Club Icarus Cup events. He returned to Auckland in 2020 and has been instrumental in forming the UAC after giving regular talks on HPAs. The students leading the organisation of the club will present on how the club has formed, how the project tasks will be broken into smaller manageable subtasks, some of the hurdles they still face and the learning outcomes they expect to get from this and other aeronautical build projects. Roger will present the overall design plan details that are based on the proven HPA aircraft that he has flown most, Airglow, and will highlight the improvements and details that this New Zealand build will make to the ergonomics, composite construction, the aerofoil choice and the propellers.

An electric helicopter with a completely new tail rotor concept - lighter, simpler and more energy efficient - a Kiwi world first! Come and learn form the inventor (and pilot) about the challenges of doing something differently. This event is hosted by the Engineering New Zealand Auckland Branch in collaboration with the Mechanical Engineering Group. One of these innovations came from a hanger in Parakai where Oskar Stielau launched New Zealand’s first electric helicopter in 2019. At the time, the world of electric helicopters was in its infancy with most being made by replacing the kerosene engines with electric motors and batteries. But what set Oskar’s ZK-IAB apart was the scrapping of the single tail rotor and transmission system to replace it with a separate array of smaller rotors. This presented a unique set of challenges during the development of the craft. However, as a result it became the first electric helicopter in the world to use independently driven main and tail rotors. Join the Mechanical Engineering Group on the 14th of February to meet the inventor and hear about how New Zealand’s first electric helicopter was built and certified to take to the skies. Presenter: Oskar Stielau

New Zealand’s longest tunnel, New Zealand’s largest wastewater scheme, the solution to Auckland’s beach water quality – however you look at it the Central Interceptor is one seriously cool bit of engineering! Thirteen enormous drop shafts and lots of water flow bring real engineering challenges and this presentation, by the lead engineer Steve Grace, will describe the application of cascades to the CI scheme, and physical modelling at the University of Auckland Fluids Lab to test variations to the conventional configuration. The project has now moved onto the construction phase and many of these shafts are now being built. The presentation will provide an update on the project and the benefits of adopting prefabricated shaft liners. Presenter: Stephen Grace is currently Lead Engineer on the project for the Link Sewers and was previously Design/Engineering Manager. He has been on the project since 2014.

Presented by Tim Hawkey September 20 2022 Tim’s presentation covers the energy storage market, current progress in floating offshore wind development and the key technology risks EnergyBank is focused on to bring this technology concept to market.

Presented by Roger Warren, August 9 2022 Roger outlines and introduce the modern history of Human Powered Flight and the challenges of the engineering and the pilot constraints.

Decarbonisation of steel making process: Bringing steekmaking out of the Iron Age Presented by Dr Troy Cyle, CEO of Heavy Engineering ReSearch Association (HERA) Troy overviews decarbonisation initiatives in the global steel industry, as well as those specific to Aotearoa New Zealand. This webinar includes Hōtaka Whakakore Puhanga Waro mo te hua rino, the zero carbon steel program and the first Materials Passport being developed in NZ.

Presented by Fia Jones, November 30 2021