After weeks of configuring our experiments, our class came together today to show each other the work we have all done. Here, we switched experiments with another group. We conducted their procedure while they conducted ours. The experiment that I got to witness was extremely fascinating and intriguing. It was the solar bottle lamp.

This experiment was very organized and researched. First, this group started off with showing us a video to explain the purpose of their experiment. The video depicted a third world country that did not have the means to supply their cities with electricity. With these low budget solar bottle lamps, people were able to create a rather efficient way to light their houses.

From there, the group went on to show us the solar bottle lamp they conducted. They ran through some of the background procedure they had already done to save some time. So here we had the solar bottle lamp made up of a plastic water bottle with a mixture of bleach and water inside. Then they had conducted a box that had one hole in the top and a tiny hole in the side.

Now it was our turn to continue the rest of the procedure. We were instructed to look through the side hole of the box. Inside was rather dark, considering the hole from the top was not allowing much light through. Then, we were told to put the solar bottle lamp into the top hole and look inside the box. Now, the box was unbelievably illuminated.

This experiment was mind blowing. Before this, I had never heard of a solar bottle lamp. Its low cost makes it affordable for people who are struggling with paying for electricity. Even though, it may not be practical for Americans to start lighting their homes with solar bottle lamps, it is a start towards a safer and cheaper method of electricity!

Last week in class we had a guest speaker, Tom Vales. Bringing in several demonstrations, Mr. Vales gave us an inside look on the type of equiptment he works with. These demonstrations included, a pelter device, a stirling engine, a mendecino motor, a tesla coil and a piezo.

The first demonstration was the mendecino motor. Though this little gadget is used primarily as only a teaching device and has no practical use, it was still very fascinating. When light hits the solar cells on this device, it makes a current. The current causes it to rotate 90 degrees and then continues the process all over again.

The next device we were shown was the peltier device. This was created in 1834. It has two pieces of metal put together. When you heat one and cool the other, it generates electricity. You can also put energy into it. However, this is a low efficiency device. The CPU in computers use it.

Then, Mr. Vales showed us the Tesla Coil. At first, I did not know what to expect. This device looks kind of scary at first, however, Mr. Vales showed us how to use it properly. This tube of coils sat up on a crate. This is called the zeon tube. When Mr. Vales turned it on, you could hear it working. Then he took what he called a “magic stick” and placed it into the generating electricity of the tesla coil. Because his arm was not an insulator the waves generated over him and he was not  harmed in the slightest. He then took a light bulb and held it near the tesla coil. Without even touching the current, the light bulb lit up. Next, he showed us what used to be the “practical use” of this tesla coil. He turned on this light  that used violet rays. People believed that by rubbing it over your scalp, throat or skin it could cure acne, cancer, and many other things. However, is does absolutelyy nothing.

Overall, I really enjoyed this class. I’m definitely a visual learner, and to see all  this demonstrated before us was a great hands-on way to learning. Also, it was interesting to see what each device was used for.

Solar energy seems to be a very safe and accessible form of energy. However, it only makes up ten percent of the global energy demand. Some efforts have been made, but one that seems to stand out the most is Germany’s MS Turanor. CNN describes this vessel, “The $16 million vessel not only boasts 536 square-meters of shiny photovoltaic panels, but also the world’s largest rechargeable lithium battery — capable of storing enough power to allow the “Turanor” to travel for five full days without sunlight.”This boat is set to journey around the world. It is an excellent plan because usually solar energy plants take up massive amounts of land.This is a great way to conserve land and obtain energry naturally. (Backer, Stina.).

However, here the U.S. different efforts are being made. The American Solar Energy Society are making headlines in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, NPR, Time, BusinessWeek, NBC, Fox News, San Jose Mercury News, Rocky Mountain News, and countless others. They are a nonprofit organization led by solar power experts and advocates. The ASES is really pushing to convert to solar energy because of its extreme benefits. The energy of the sun is so powerful we would not need much of it to create enormous amounts of energy. Also, it would not be harming our enviornment in any way as fossil fuels do. (“About the American…”).

Furthermore, in Asia, the Asia Solar Energy Initiative (ASEI) was launched by ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda on 3 May 2010. ADB.org states, “It aims to create a virtuous cycle of solar energy investments in the region, toward achieving grid parity, so that ADB’s developing member countries optimally benefit from this clean and inexhaustible energy resource.” They are trying to implement 3000 MW of solar power in Asia over the next three years. (Asian Development Bank…).
Efforts towards solar energy are evidently being made all over the world. It just seems to be cost and time that is hindering further production. However, solar power benefits are so enormous, it seems it is only a matter of time before drastic progress is made.

Sources:

“About the American Solar Energy Society.” American Solar Energy Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar. 2013. <

http://www.ases.org/about-ases/>.

“Asian Development Bank (ADB).” Asia Solar Energy Forum Third Meeting. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar. 2013. <

http://www.adb.org/news/events/asia-solar-energy-forum- third-meeting>.

Backer, Stina. “$16m Solar Boat Sails into Record Books.” CNN. Cable News Network, 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 08 Mar. 2013. <

http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/23/tech/solar- powered-boat-circumnavigation>.

On February 15, we conducted a generator lab experiment in class. This lab was an illustration of Faraday’s Law.  Faraday’s Law is stated as, “Any change in the magnetic environment of a coil of wire will cause a voltage (emf) to be “induced” in the coil. No matter how the change is produced, the voltage will be generated. The change could be produced by changing the magnetic field strength, moving a magnet toward or away from the coil, moving the coil into or out of the magnetic field, rotating the coil relative to the magnet, etc. (“Faraday’s Law.”).” Our experimnet further illustrated this law.

Our procedure was pretty simple. Were given a tube-like object that hooked up to the computer. We were instructed to shake this object, while counting how many times we shook it. Our data was calculated on the computer and then logged into excel. We repeated this a few times and were able to come up with numerous amounts of data and graphs. Unfortunately, our computer kept glitching. Our data kept getting messed up and was eventually lossed. However, here is some sample data from another experiment done…

Even though we no longer have the data, I still learned a lot from this lab. We saw that even though we changed the magnetic field strength, voltage was always produced. No matter the change, some about of voltage was induced in the shakes, exactly as Faraday’s law states.

Sources:

“Faraday’s Law.” Faraday’s Law. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar. 2013. <

http://hyperphysics.phy- astr.gsu.edu/‌hbase/electric/farlaw.html>.

Natural gas and a fossil fuel that must be extracted. A newer development called hydrofracking has been put to the test. Hydrofracking, or slick water hydraulic fracturing, was created by Halliburtion Inc. This method uses substantially more water than any other drilling method. It potentially increases toxicity. Also, the drilling certainly takes a toll on natural habitats. (“Neighbors..”).
Since this is newer technology, the risks are somewhat unknown. Investor Enviornmental Health Networks states, ”

Currently investors lack sufficient information on the environmental health hazards of fracturing operations at individual companies—even though the companies face litigation, reputational, competitive, and regulatory risks. Investors lack sufficient information to distinguish the companies that fully understand and are effectively managing the risks attendant to fracturing from those that are not.”. However, there clearly are risks. Since it is known that natural gas is slightly better than the use of coal, the question left to ask is whether it is fully worth it. Is it worth it to switch completely from coal to natural gas? Or, do the risks with the extraction of natural gas remain equivalent to the use of coal? (“Hydraulic Fracturing…”).
The pros and cons are laid out on a website called thinkbeforeyoufrack.org. Here it is stated that hydrofracking will help to increase jobs to boost our economy. It is stated here that hydrofracking is a lot like tobacco companies. Even though it is unsafe, companies keep pursuing the project. The reason why it is so unsafe is because of the amount of water it uses. On top of this, many chemicals are added to the water. Toxin emissions are enormous with this use of extraction and many natural habitats are destroyed in the process. Overall, hydrofracking does not seem like a positive solution. We must continue to evaluate our resource methods. (“About Hydrofracking.”).

Sources:

“About Hydrofracking.” Think Before You Frack. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar. 2013. <

http://www.thinkbeforeyoufrack.org/about-hydrofracking/>.

“Hydraulic Fracturing for Natural Gas Development.” Natural Gas Hydraulic Fracturing. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar. 2013. <

http://www.iehn.org/overview.naturalgashydraulicfracturing.php>.

“Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation.” What Is Hydrofracking? N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar. 2013. <

http://www.peacecouncil.net/NOON/hydrofrac/HdryoFrac2.htm>.

On March 11, 2011, an earthquake caused a diastrous tsunami in Japan. This tsunami disabled the AC (or alternating currents of energy) to the power plant. Operating reactors shut down immediately. Fuel tanks for emergency generators were carried away. The cooling system in units 1,2, and 3 failed. Efforts were made to reduce the pressure inside the plant. However, nothing helped stop the hydrogen explosions that completely destroyed the facility. (Anzai, Kazunori.)
Due to the explosions and shut down of the entire plant, radioactive materials were released into the air and water. These products included volatile iodine-131 and  caesium-137. People were obviously forced to evacuate. By the next day, March 12, they extended the evacuation zone to 20km from the power plant. On March 16, Japan ordered that all persons under the age of 40 leave the evacuation zone further and recieve suppliments to help them from the poisonous toxins they may have injested. Considerable work was further done on the evacution zone to help reduce the amount of radioactivity. (“Radiation Declines..”).
Japan is now taking further actions to improve their energy. Japan is turning towards natural gas as their new source of energy. IHS.com states, ”

The markets for natural gas are growing stronger in industry and power, and the adoption of LNG in transportation signals a fundamental change in consumption patterns. 2013 will be the critical year for Japan as it plans and invests in its new energy future, with natural gas as a central pillar of its energy mix. All of these decisions require comprehensive, reliable and in-depth understanding of the new global energy reality.”. This is something that many countries have been looking into. The option of natural gas is cheaper and less harmful to the enviornment. After the terrible Fukushima accident in 2011, Japan drastically needs a turn around. (“Japan’s New…”).

Source:

Anzai, Kazunori, Nobuhiko Ban, Toshihiko Ozawa, and Shinji Tokonami. “Abstract.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 09 Dec. 2011. Web. 08 Mar. 2013. <

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3246178/>.

“Japan’s New Energy Quest.” IHS Home Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar. 2013. <

http://www.ihs.com/products/cera/multi-client-studies/japan-energy-quest.aspx>.

“Radiation Declines at Fukushima.” Fukushima Accident 2011. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar. 2013. <

http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Safety-and-Security/Safety-of- Plants/Fukushima-Accident-2011/>.

It is obvious that gas mileage is affecting Americans negatively all across the nation. With that said the White House and automakers have signed a plan to increase automakers’ corporate average fuel economy to 54.5 mpg by 2025. However, considering where we are at now, how will this be possible?

Forbes has devised a list of ten ways to increase gas mileage. These ten ways include weight reduction, slipperier aerodynamics, turbocharging and direct fuel injection, variable cylinder management, automatic stop-start, mild electrifications, electric power steering, regenerative breaking, advanced transmissions, and diesel power. (Gorzelany, Jim)

Weight reduction seems to be at the top of the list for many manufacturers. The major way to tackle this is by creating aluminum bodies for the cars. Even though aluminum is harder to weld, it is significantly lighter than the usual steel used to make cars. Other way to solving this problem include removing spare tires, replaces much of the interior with a lighter plastic and making the size of each vehicle on a smaller scale. (“Popular Articles”)

Slipperier aerodynamics involves wind resistance. Forbes states, “Cars that are designed with a lower so-called coefficient of drag allow the air to slip around them more efficiently, meaning their engines require less power to reach and maintain higher speeds.” This would be extremely useful on high ways and driving at higher speeds.

Turbocharging and direct fuel injection sound a bit frightening, but they are extremely useful in increasing mpg’s. Direct fuel injection is injecting fuel into each of an engine’s cylinders at a great pressure. This alone is said to boost fuel economy of by 2 or 3 percent. A turbocharger forces additional air into an engine’s cylinders to boost power. Both work together to increase efficiency. (Gorzelany, Jim)

Variable cylinder management is the alternation of the amount of cylinders the vehicle uses to run on at different speeds. For example, Honda seems to be leading the automotive world with this technological advancement. They have recently come up with new V-6 3.0 liter i-VTEC (intelligent VTEC) technology. This allows for a car to run on all six cylinders during acceleration and to only run on three cylinders during cruising. This lowers fuel consumption and drastically decreases exhaust emissions. (“Honda Introduces…”)

Automatic stop-start in cars has reported to boost a car’s mileage by 15 percent! Forbes explains, “This function automatically shuts down a vehicle’s engine during deceleration and while stopped to preserve fuel. It starts the engine up again immediately once the driver lifts off on the brake pedal.” (Gorzelany, Jim) This seems to be a simple innovation that could save us so much!

We already know that electricity is more efficient than gas, considering the advances in hybrid vehicles. Even so, Forbes states, “Adding a small electric motor to a conventional gasoline engine boosts both its available power and its fuel economy.” (Gorzelany, Jim) Why this hasn’t been done sooner, seems absurd. We have the technology to add electricity into common vehicles, and should be done as soon as possible!

Electric power steering seems like something cars already have. Even though it has been done already in many vehicles, it certainly increases fuel efficiency. Even if the improvement it slight, electric power steering, decreases the drag on the vehicle’s engine. Bringing all cars up to date on this technology will certainly help. (Gorzelany, Jim)

Advanced transmissions allow, “lower gears are able to deliver more power to launch the vehicle from a stop, while higher gears require less power at cruising speeds than a typical five-speed automatic.” (Gorzelany, Jim) Clearly less power is used to move the vehicle farther, which in turn saves a lot.

Diesel fuel is last major way automotive inductries are using to increase gas mileage. Diesel-fuel is safer, cleaner, and more efficient than the regular gasoline. Many manufacturers are creating vehicles that get more mpg’s than a lot of the hybrids. (Gorzelany, Jim).

With all these ideas and plans already being made, a 54.5 mpg by 2025 seems a little more accessible. Not only with this decrease costs for consumers but it will surely benefit our environment as well.

Sources:

Gorzelany, Jim. “How to Build a Car That Gets 54.5 MPG.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 01 Aug. 2011. Web.

01 Mar. 2013. <http://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2011/08/01/how-to-build-a-car-

that-gets-54-5-mpg/>.

“Honda Introduces Variable Cylinder Management V-6.” Motor Trend Magazine. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar.

2013. <http://www.motortrend.com/auto_news/news_030618_hon/>.

“Popular Articles.” Weight Reduction and Lightening a Car to Increase Performance. N.p., n.d. Web. 01

Mar. 2013. <http://www.torquecars.com/tuning/car-lightening.php>.

Ever had your electrical company come out to your house and read your meter? They were probably looking to make sure things were working properly and checking the voltage. Well, what if it was no longer necessary for people to have to go to houses and record the information? What if it could all be done through a computer?

Everyone uses electricity. It’s what runs our phones, computer, televisions, and radios. Its what generates most of our common household appliances. Starting in the early 20^th century, the technology of electricity has been booming. With this, came the need for commercialization of electrical power. At first, small companies provided power to local industrial plants. Eventually, all these individual companies pooled together. Then came the hydroelectric power plant in Niagra Falls. This was the first of its kind and showed the world electricity was the most effective form of power transmission. Next came the link of powers referred to as the national power grid. Yet again though, electricity was revised. There were large improvements to technology in the 50s and 60s. Nuclear power, computer controls, and other developments started coming into play. Unfortunately, the national power grid has not kept up pace with our fast advancing technology. This is where the “Smart Grid” comes into play. (“History.”)

“Smart Grid” is an up-to-date power grid that will incorporate computer-based remote control and automation. This technology has already been used elsewhere. Therefore, it is expected that we try to incorporate this into our electricity networks. Energy.gov uses a great example to describe the “grid”. They say that it is much like a smart phone, which has a computer in it.  The smart grid means “computerizing” the electric utility grid. The smart grid has automation technology which lets the utility adjust and control each individual device. (“Energy.gov”)

But what’s really awesome about this smart grid? The benefits to upgrading out power grid are quite drastic. Having these efficiency improvements done will decrease the cost of producing, delivery and consuming electricity. For consumers this means, the capability, opportunity and motivation to be more efficient, increased influence on the electricity market, and the ability to switch from gasoline to electricity for transportation. Overall, this improvement is well over due and will surely improve many qualities of life.

Sources:

“Energy.gov.” Smart Grid. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2013.

<http://energy.gov/oe/technology-development/smart-grid>.

“History.” GoingSmartGrid RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2013.

http://goingsmartgrid.net/history-of-smart-grids/.

“Understanding the Benefits of the Smart Grid.” NETL. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Mar. 
             2013.<http://www.netl.doe.gov/smartgrid/referenceshelf/whitepapers/06.18.2010_Understan

ding20Smart%20Grid%20Benefits.pdf>.

What is solar energy? Well solar energy can be obtained in much the same way an electrical circuit operates. Voltage (v) is the amount of energy per charge required to move a charge around a circuit. The current (I) is the moving charge. There are two types of elctrical currents: alternating (AC) and direct (DC). A direect current (DC), also known as photovoltaics, generate constant electricity. For example, buildings are powered by alternating currents. Yet, an inverter is needed to use a photovoltaic to power appliances in the home to convert to an alternating current. Things such as phone chargers use a direct current.

Not only does the electrical current effect the solar ciruit, but so does the light intensity. Light Intensity is a measure of the energy of the light. The higher the intensity, the more photons genrate, hence, greater current voltage. The lights wavelenght is the speed of light, while frequency is the number of cycles per second that pass a given point.

These terms were all demonstrated in the Solar Cell Experiment we conducted. The procedure to this experiment included…

1. measure distance between solar cell and light
2. shine light and run labview program
3. average the data that appears in excel file: Test2.LVM
4. repeat for four different values of d.
5. plot average voltage (intensity) vs. d.
6. repeat steps 1-3 for four different colored filters

Our data was as shown…

In conclusion, the lighter the filter, the higher the voltage. To me this was surprising because I thought that dark colors attracted more light, therefore, blue should’ve had a higher voltage. However, my experimental results proved I had things backwards.

In this second lab, we explored Newton’s second Law: F=ma. To demonstrate this we were supposed to use the Lego Mindstorm motor to lift weights with a pulley. We would change up the amount of weight and the force used to pull it up, and record our findings. Unfortunately, we ran into some difficulties. When the entire class tried their pulleys, none of the computers in the class seemed to record the data.

However, even though we could not complete the experiment ourselves, we were given sample data. This finished data was helpful in understanding what the process was all about.

From the data, we worked in partners to construct a graphs.

The three majors things focused on in this experiment were the law of conservation, power, and velocity.  We also looked at potential energy which is equal to mgh.  I really wish we got to work handson and do this experiment ourselves. I feel if we had gotten the oppurtunity to do it, it would’ve been easier to obtain the new material. However, I did learn from the data and hopefully have the right understanding!