Science projects prove an inspiration

MINISTERS, teachers and fellow pupils stood in awe at stalls yesterday as year-long science projects were unveiled for the first time at the RDS.

One bright student showcased his plans to keep drink drivers off the road.

Joey Donovan, 16, explained how a simple breath tester installed in vehicles would prevent those with alcohol from even starting an engine.

Holding a steering wheel attached to an electrical device on his stall, he said: “I’ve installed an alcohol sensor into the ignition of a car. You have to pass a breath test before your car will start. If it detects alcohol on your breath, you won’t be able to start your car,” explained the pupil from Coláiste Choilm, in Ballincollig, Cork.

Having built the whole alcohol circuit for less than €50, he had already caught the attention of Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin who commented that it was “very good”.

“If this was installed into every car made by the motor industry, or even funded by the Government and like seat belts, made mandatory, it would go a long way to eliminating drink driving in Ireland,” argued the technology entrant.

Unfortunately, he said he had yet to gain the interest of companies and industry specialists.

Another entry was an innovative way of creating energy from traffic.

Students Alexandra Carey and Jane Aston kept onlookers curious with their large mechanical entry, which held a large metal ramp that created energy when pressure was applied to it.

The Pivoting Ramp Generator could see energy being created from the tens of thousands of vehicles that pound city streets daily. But how?

“Basically, it’s a new form of renewable energy. There’s a mechanism beneath the road and the ramp would be seen on top. The kinetic energy of a car travelling over the ramp suppresses the ramp,” explained Alexandra.

According to the Christ King Girls Secondary school pupils, one press down of the ramp can power a light bulb for five seconds. The 16-year-old Cork girls though have bigger plans.

“We’ve come up with an ideal location which would be behind the toll booths. or over speed ramps in a park.”