BSRIA seeks to INSPIRE engineering talent
As part of its INSPIRE programme to help engage young people in engineering, BSRIA recently welcomed a group of year 9 (aged 13 and 14) pupils from Ranelagh School in Bracknell to its test facilities. They were presented with a challenge before their visit to design and make their own prototype ceiling grilles, which were then tested in a classroom mock-up.
The brief for the challenge allowed scope for creative thinking to provide the best thermal comfort for the occupants.
The tests included air temperature, relative humidity and air speed. Smoke tests were also carried out to visualise the air distribution.
The winning grille was designed by Sophie Jeriorski and Amy Harris, pictured with BSRIA test-house manager Tom Garrigan. It is described as a brilliantly creative design that tested well within the industry standard.
Tom Garrigan said, ‘Given the relatively basic materials they were given, we were really impressed with the students’ grilles. It’s great to see the creativity and enthusiasm of young people and shows there is lots of talent out there — good news for the future.’
BSRIA ran a similar activity last year and as a result will be taking on one of the previous participants as part of its year 11 (15 to 16) work experience.
