1. New technologies Optical Fibres
BTEC First Engineering
New technologies
Optical Fibres
Optical fibres are cables not metal but are thin strands of glass.
Communication signals (internet, phone etc) are sent down the glass by shining light which is reflected along the fibre.
They are able to send data at much faster speeds, with greater bandwidth. Much more information can be transmitted along the same size of cable.
Copper wire is easier to connect (Optical fibres are difficult to join easily) but are slower, heavier and carry less information
Teacher notes (PS 8):
Optical fibres – replaced copper wire. Much faster speeds, with greater bandwidth. Much more information can be transmitted along the same size of cable.
Hydrogen fuel cells – the energy produced is clean, with only heat and water as waste products. Engines that use hydrogen fuel cells are quieter and more simple than petrol or diesel engines.
Surface nanotechnology – different chemicals can be used on materials to give them differing surface properties. One good example is self-cleaning windows.
Telematics – similar to satellite navigation systems, a telematics system can be used to track locations of vehicles by using GPS references and ICT systems combined.
Blended wing bodies – different from ‘flying wing’ designs. These aircraft have a distinct wing and body, although much more aerodynamic than existing designs.
Bionics – small electronic devices can be used for medical purposes to improve the medical condition of individuals. A pacemaker fitted to regulate a person’s heartbeat is a good example.
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2. To be able to design exam questions and mark schemes which demonstrate your knowledge.
To be able to identify and explain new developments in engineering materials and technologies.

3. New technologies Hydrogen fuel cells
BTEC First Engineering
New technologies
Hydrogen fuel cells
Hydrogen Fuel cells are used to power cars but do not BURN fuel so do not create pollution
Instead they use Hydrogen in a CHEMICAL REACTION which produces Electricity and Water (and no pollution)
They are also quieter and simpler than traditional combustion engines although at the moment they Cost more and petrol stations don’t sell Hydrogen
It is also important that the Hydrogen is gathered using renewable sources of energy. Otherwise getting the Hydrogen in the first place can use fossil fuels and cause climate change
Teacher notes (PS 8):
Optical fibres – replaced copper wire. Much faster speeds, with greater bandwidth. Much more information can be transmitted along the same size of cable.
Hydrogen fuel cells – the energy produced is clean, with only heat and water as waste products. Engines that use hydrogen fuel cells are quieter and more simple than petrol or diesel engines.
Surface nanotechnology – different chemicals can be used on materials to give them differing surface properties. One good example is self-cleaning windows.
Telematics – similar to satellite navigation systems, a telematics system can be used to track locations of vehicles by using GPS references and ICT systems combined.
Blended wing bodies – different from ‘flying wing’ designs. These aircraft have a distinct wing and body, although much more aerodynamic than existing designs.
Bionics – small electronic devices can be used for medical purposes to improve the medical condition of individuals. A pacemaker fitted to regulate a person’s heartbeat is a good example.
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4. New technologies Surface nanotechnology
BTEC First Engineering
New technologies
Surface nanotechnology
Surface NanoTechnology is where a microscopic coating is applied to surfaces so that nothing sticks to them
Self cleaning windows can be made this way so that even though dust and dirt may land on the glass, whenever it rains they will wash off on their own
The big advantage is not having to pay window cleaners or put up with dirty windows
However there is a cost involved in applying the coating in the first place.
Teacher notes (PS 8):
Optical fibres – replaced copper wire. Much faster speeds, with greater bandwidth. Much more information can be transmitted along the same size of cable.
Hydrogen fuel cells – the energy produced is clean, with only heat and water as waste products. Engines that use hydrogen fuel cells are quieter and more simple than petrol or diesel engines.
Surface nanotechnology – different chemicals can be used on materials to give them differing surface properties. One good example is self-cleaning windows.
Telematics – similar to satellite navigation systems, a telematics system can be used to track locations of vehicles by using GPS references and ICT systems combined.
Blended wing bodies – different from ‘flying wing’ designs. These aircraft have a distinct wing and body, although much more aerodynamic than existing designs.
Bionics – small electronic devices can be used for medical purposes to improve the medical condition of individuals. A pacemaker fitted to regulate a person’s heartbeat is a good example.
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5. New technologies Telematics
BTEC First Engineering
New technologies
Telematics
GPS, Mobile Telecommunications and ICT combined to track and manage the location of Cars and Trucks
GPS = Global Positioning System
Helps with: Navigation, Logistics (making sure the right vehicles are in the right place at the right time) and communication
Teacher notes (PS 8):
Telematics – similar to satellite navigation systems, a telematics system can be used to track locations of vehicles by using GPS references and ICT systems combined.
Blended wing bodies – different from ‘flying wing’ designs. These aircraft have a distinct wing and body, although much more aerodynamic than existing designs.
Bionics – small electronic devices can be used for medical purposes to improve the medical condition of individuals. A pacemaker fitted to regulate a person’s heartbeat is a good example.
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6. New technologies Blended Wing Bodies
BTEC First Engineering
New technologies
Blended Wing Bodies
Advanced aircraft designs consisting of large aerofoil wings joined to an aircraft body.
different from ‘flying wing’ designs. These aircraft have a distinct wing and body, although much more aerodynamic than existing designs.
Reduce fuel costs. Combined with lightweight composite materials for maximum fuel efficiency
Teacher notes (PS 8):
Telematics – similar to satellite navigation systems, a telematics system can be used to track locations of vehicles by using GPS references and ICT systems combined.
Blended wing bodies – different from ‘flying wing’ designs. These aircraft have a distinct wing and body, although much more aerodynamic than existing designs.
Bionics – small electronic devices can be used for medical purposes to improve the medical condition of individuals. A pacemaker fitted to regulate a person’s heartbeat is a good example.
© Pearson Education Ltd Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. 6

7. New technologies Bionics
BTEC First Engineering
New technologies
Bionics
small electronic devices can be used for medical purposes to improve the medical condition of individuals.
A pacemaker fitted to regulate a person’s heartbeat is a good example.
Prosthetic Limbs with electronic motors or bluetooth control
Teacher notes (PS 8):
Telematics – similar to satellite navigation systems, a telematics system can be used to track locations of vehicles by using GPS references and ICT systems combined.
Blended wing bodies – different from ‘flying wing’ designs. These aircraft have a distinct wing and body, although much more aerodynamic than existing designs.
Bionics – small electronic devices can be used for medical purposes to improve the medical condition of individuals. A pacemaker fitted to regulate a person’s heartbeat is a good example.
© Pearson Education Ltd Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. 7