EMEC Class Visit

Yesterday we popped up to EMEC for a look around and to find out a bit more about what they do.

It was a brilliant trip and we learned a huge amount.  We also got the chance to share some of our knowledge about renewable energy with Eileen and Lisa.

While there we completed some tasks.  We separated into small groups and visited each department within EMEC.  We completed an 'iSpy' challenge and then we had to ask some of the staff for more information about their jobs and wave and tidal energy.

Here are some photos of our visit. (These photos are mainly of the pupils in Miss Kelday's group - the other groups also visited the same rooms and completed the same activities)

The first room we visited was the Data Room.

We asked the question: How do you measure how big the waves are and how fast the tides are?

We looked at the machine that calculated and recorded that information and saw photographs of the devices that are out in the sea to help measure the height and speed. (see below)

The second room we visited was Technical Engineering to find out 'How Wave and Tidal machines work'.  We had a look at the types of wave and tidal devices on the EMEC website and recognised some of the ones that we knew. (Pelamis, Oyster...)

Then we had a look at a mini tidal turbine and had a go at making it spin using straws.  Some of us managed to overload the machine with our big puffs!  

In the Electrical Engineering room we had to find out 'How electricity travels safely from the sea to our houses'.  Liam took a few photos of the HUGE underwater cables that are used to do this.  The second photo shows all of the different layers that the cable has and how it is made waterproof and strong.

We also found out that these cables are very expensive and difficult to replace if they break - luckily this rarely happens. 

Next stop - Research Room.  We asked the question - 'Why do we have to watch for birds and animals?'

We learned that people are employed to sit and watch wildlife using really big binoculars.  They also record what they see.  They have to make sure that the wave and tidal devices are not harming the wildlife in that area.

In the Operations Room we had lots of fun operating the CCTV camera that looks over Billiacroo.

We learned that keeping an eye on the weather is very important to help the devices get in and out of their locations safely.  We also tracked some boats on the AIS website.  This helps EMEC to check that nobody goes on site that is not meant to be there.  They have powerful walkie talkies so they can talk to the boats if they need to.  

After we'd visited each room we all returned back to the conference room.  We were really keen to share what we had found out - especially since there was a reward in it for us.  Miss Kelday and Mr Cursiter also shared what they had learnt. 

We also got the chance to ask Eileen and Lisa some questions.  One of us asked about the new 'Penguin' device.  We found out that it is called the Penguin because it was made in Finland and Penguin means the same in Finish and English so it is easier for everyone to say.  As a guess we thought it might have been called that due to the way it waddles when it moves.

Because of this we all left EMEC waddling like penguins!  Brilliant! 

We had an excellent trip and are really grateful to EMEC for their kindness and support in helping us learn even more about renewable energy where we live.