23 June 2005

Greener world awaits for student inventor

Photo opportunity - David Tonery will be available to be photographed after the graduation ceremony at the Caird Hall tomorrow afternoon (Thursday June 23). David will be at the press stand immediately outside the Caird Hall.

Graduation is a special time in the University year, as thousands of students complete their studies and set their sights on making their mark in the outside world. David Tonery is already well on the way to doing that as he graduates from the University of Dundee, and his plans could have a substantial impact on us all.

David, who achieved an BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, has attracted the attention of some of the world's leading motor manufacturers and chemical companies with his design for a new component for the internal combustion engine, the device which powers most mechanised forms of transport.

David's invention could significantly reduce exhaust emissions, increase engine efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

In their final year of study Mechanical Engineering undergraduates have to complete a project, and David decided to base his on his idea for a greener and more efficient evolution of the internal combustion engine.

"The idea was inspired by a lecture on the thermodynamics of the internal combustion engine during a thermodynamics class," said David.

"The idea is now at the patent application stage and collaborators are expected to input in the coming year with a possible commercialisation of the product witin two to three years."

During the course of David’s final year the Scottish Institute of Enterprise supported his project with an inter-business fund and the funding of a patent application based on the new design.

The University's Department of Research and Innovation Services also supplied a workstation for David in the GreenHouse pre-incubator business facility on campus.

"I have received a lot of help and support for my work both from within the University and from outside sources," said David.

"John MacKenzie from Research and Innovation Services provided guidance with Intellectual Property Rights and advised on all the services available within the University and outside. With his mentoring it was possible to secure a place in the GreenHouse and apply for different funding available.

"A world leading car manufacturer based in the UK provided technical information and support, also two leading chemical companies supplied materials free of charge. The lecturers, support, and technical staff within the Mechanical Engineering Division also provided invaluable help and support."

During the year David was nominated in he Outstanding Young Scottish Person of the Year and came second overall in the University Business Idea/Plan Competition. He was also a finalist in the National Business Plan Competition sponsored by the Scottish Institute for Enterprise.

David joined the course at Dundee as a direct entrant into third year from Ireland's Cork Institute of Technology, where he had already completed a Certificate and Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.

After graduation David intends taking a year out to work exclusively on his new design.

By Roddy Isles, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, r.isles@dundee.ac.uk