On February 22nd, the SCI183 lab class had a tour regarding the history of the construction of downtown Boston. We met our tour guide in front of the Samuel Adams statue at Faneuil Hall at 3pm.
After a quick introduction, we examined the history hidden around the statue of Samuel Adams and looked at the old map of Boston on a sign. Then we moved to the north side of Quincy Market, and explored the old red brick buildings which have been restored as bars, restaurants and shops. There is so much history hidden in the traditional buildings. For example, a big stone on the corner was placed in order to prevent cars from driving down narrow roads, and the initial of Thomas Edison were found on the outdoor lamps.
Then we moved to the Public Gardens between the North End and downtown Boston. There used to be a highway separating downtown Boston and the North End, but the highway was reconstructed to run underneath the garden. Due to this project, the North End has established an open and direct connection to downtown Boston.
After examining the history of the highway, we moved to the Aquarium T station to discuss the history of subway construction in Boston. Our guide talked about the difference of the elevation level of each subway and explained that each color of the line has a reason for the color. We took the T back to Park Street, and we finished the tour there.
On February 11th, Suffolk University Sustainability Committee opened a special event called “Signs of Change Teach-In”. The event was taken place at the Amenities room, 73 Tremont St. from 1pm to 2pm.Three speakers from different organizations were invited to this event and attendees had a panel discussion on post-Copenhagen Climate Change Conference and what action we can take for fighting against climate change. Students and professors were so enthusiastic to ask questions and express opinions based on their own research. So far, this event was very essential for me to understand the stance of private organizations on the results of the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference.
The most interesting topic discussed in this talk was the discussion over carbon offset. Overall this talk was very sophisticated and I did not understand some terms and backgrounds of environmental issues. But I have done research on carbon trade and the goals of the Kyoto protocol last year so I knew the system of carbon offset. Ms. Lisa Hodes, from The Gold Standard Foundation, mentioned about the inefficiency of carbon offset. Implementing a “carbon tax” has been debated over decades to decrease the carbon emission of each country. However, very strong support for carbon trade by international actors discouraged actualization of the carbon tax so carbon tax is not very realizable these days. Ms. Hodes insisted that carbon trade is not working as much as it was expected to. Also there was a question from the listeners about why international actors are investing more in carbon offsets rather than its infrastructure. Ms. Hodes commented that indeed corporations should invest in infrastructure. So far, I understood that the idea of carbon offset is very creative but there are many obstacles to overcome for actual implementation to occur.
Also, it was very interesting that all three speakers agreed that the environmental problem occurring now is not global warming, but climate change. Although global warming has been widely discussed over decades, in some parts of the world, the weather is very unstable and even cooler than before. One recent relevant example is the snow storm in D.C. and snow in Florida; Boston did not have as much snow as D.C. The random weather forecast I watch every morning might be a symptom of global climate change.
Overall this event was a very good opportunity for me to know the real opinions of private organizations toward the results of the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference. I am very interested in the works of Suffolk University Sustainability Committee, so I am planning to visit the weekly meeting of a student group called “Suffolk Recycles” to take an action for ongoing climate change.
On February 10th during the regular SCI183 class, we had an in-class assignment on experimenting with the light sensor of LEGO mindstorm. In the past, we had a couple of lectures practicing the NXT program using the LEGO mindstorm but this was the first time to do the experiment using a sensor.
Our assignment was to build a NXT program to let the mindstorm to follow a black line. The light sensor can read the color difference of black and white because the white color exceeds the level 50 of the light sensor, and the black is under 50. First, we built a car-like mindstorm machine with two motors on the side just like we built it in past classes. We connected each motor to port A and C. We programmed the action to let only Motor A move when the light reading is less than 50, and when the light reading is more than 50, Motor A stops and Motor C runs for 0.25 seconds. The entire motion is infinitely looped.
Our group cooperated with each other to build the machine and to do the experimentation. This was the second time we built the mindstorm to a car-like machine with two motors so it did not take very long time to build the machine. In the first experiment, the machine moved backwards so it could not find the line. We needed to figure out why our machine was moving backwards and we got advice from the other group who had the same problem. In the second experiment, the machine successfully followed the line. The mindstorm programming assignment requires cooperation with classmates so this is not only a learning programming but a lesson in communication skills. So far, our group could finish the assignment during class and achieved the knowledge of how the light sensor and NXT programming collaborate together.
On February 8th during the SCI183 Lab class, our class visited MIT Plasma Science & Fusion Center (MIT PSFC) to see the nuclear reactor in MIT. First, Mr. Istvan Cziegler from the MIT Department of Physics gave us a presentation about the overview of nuclear fusion. I have studied about nuclear fusion from the political aspect such as nuclear proliferation and what kind of nuclear weapons are used or tested. However I did not know the technology itself of nuclear fusion so this presentation was very essential to deepen my understanding of nuclear technology.
Mr. Cziegler stressed the positive aspects of nuclear fusion technology. Nuclear power generation has given us a path to cleaner energy supply, but the nuclear waste, accidental explosion and the use of nuclear technology against human beings are jeopardizing our life. He described that nuclear fusion is a better technology because nuclear fusion does not produce nuclear waste like nuclear fission. Nuclear fusion is unlikely to cause accidental meltdown or catastrophic failure and fusion fuel does not become a proliferation threat.
Additionally, he described the nature of plasma. According to his description, plasma is the “fourth state of matter.” Extremely high temperature is required for plasma to start occurring. Also nuclear fusion requires continuous high temperature to kick-start it. Plasma’s heat is used for the nuclear fusion reactor to start.
After the presentation, we were invited to the nuclear reactor in the building next to the PSFC. It was my first time to actually see a nuclear reactor. The nuclear reactor was very huge and made of very thick strong metals. The safety of the nuclear reactor is secured by many layers of protection such as protective helmets before entering into the reactor. Huge thick doors, alarms and many machines surround the reactor. The man who took us around the nuclear reactor lab explained that the nuclear reactor in MIT is only for experimental use and not scaled for generating electricity. Overall, this was a very good experience to see the example of what is happening inside a nuclear reactor.
Demand Response – The First Key to Improve Energy Efficiency
Source from “Energy Efficiency Road Map”, Bonneville Power Administration
Introduction
“Energy Efficiency Road Map”, published by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is a technology roadmap that analyzes the energy efficiency and distribution of resources. This document focused on energy use in residential and commercial sectors, and regionally, on the impacts in Pacific Northwest. The document is aiming for RD&D (Research and Development + Delivery) of BPA’s work to make sure resources of BPA are correctly and efficiently used for energy businesses.
Demand Response – Overview
Demand Response (DR) is one of eight most prioritized energy efficiency criteria posed by BPA. DR is “a method of using technology and incentives to reduce energy loss in the residential sector to prevent wasting energy at the time of peak use and high wholesale market prices.” By improving the level of DR, reduction in energy loss is expected. DR approaches to the efficient energy supply by reviewing demand exchange, distributed generation, energy storage and direct load control of energy needs. DR uses various technologies to expand the energy capacity of electrical system.
Three Approaches of Demand Response
Demand response technology has three main ways to reduce energy loss: voluntary demand reduction, direct load control and distributed generation.
Voluntary demand response is a method of reducing energy overuse by offering consumers incentives to voluntarily reduce their electric loads at system peaks. Voluntary DR uses Demand Exchange (DEMX) system which offers demand reduction to ordinary consumers via the Internet.
Direct Load Control (DLC) involves a utility-controlled appliance at a customer site. Examples of possible DLC energy source are air-conditioner or winter heat appliances in the residential sector.
Distributed generation (DG) is the alternative back-up generators used when peaking resources are needed. Natural gas is preferably used to lower the fuel costs and reduce the environmental effect by polluted gas.
Challenges of Demand Response
Challenges of DR are diverse. First, it is very hard to find a customer who agrees to use their home appliances for researching. Another hurdle is that many of BPA’s energy providers give an incentive to end users for higher electricity use. It is natural that firms try to maximize their profit and do not consider the external negative effects. It is very important to save energy use for the conservation of the environment, but this is contrary to the nature of firms. Still there is another hurdle and that is implementing DR would force “market-based” rates on the basis of taxation.
Contributions on Demand Response by BPA
DR offers benefits to both utilities and consumers. Example benefits brought by DR are increased electric system reliability and reduced price volatility.
DR programs are actually practiced around the U.S. BPA successfully demonstrated the Demand Exchange system during the 2000-2001 West Coast energy crisis. It saved $1.9 million by purchasing DR instead of purchasing from the profit-seeking private sector. Moreover there are many example of DR used in organizations in the U.S.
Future goals of Demand Response
As BPA’s future role BPA is expected to continue its research and evaluation on using DR techniques by paying special attention to the implications of dealing with utility customers and contracting and field installation logistics. Also regional experimentation of the DR program across the U.S. is expected.
BPA’s DR goals are to reduce costs, defer transmission investments and safeguard the region’s resources. BPA is focusing on reducing winter peak in constrained areas, providing energy in dry years, stabilizing market prices at peak seasons and stable economic distribution.
The 2nd SCI183 lab class took place in the Museum of Science. We explored the Museum of Science and learned about many aspects of science that supports our life. The Museum of Science has numbers of exhibitions that explain about the scientific development very concretely but at the same time they are very easy to understand.
My favorite exhibition in the Museum of Science is one of the special exhibitions called “Running the Numbers”. This exhibition shows our speed of production and its potential environmental effect through art. The exhibition consisted of several very large printed computer artworks, and each large artwork is created by millions of small compressed images of cans, garbage, cell phones and other products. Each piece of art is very detailed, and it is very hard to see each image that make up the entire art. These works of art are trying to express the amount of garbage thrown away in a certain amount of time, the amount of plastic cups produced in a certain amount of time, and other massive production and disposal of goods that is happening in the real world.
Millions of images drawn in the pictures are countless, and every single person visiting this exhibition seems astonished about the scale of production happening in the world. These paintings let us realize that our daily life is directly affecting the natural environment, and they caused real feeling for the need for conservation of the environment to us. The United States became largely convenient by single-use plastic cups, plastic bottles and paper plates. Also, advertisements are everywhere in the U.S. They help make outdate products and encourage consumers to buy more. We need to rethink what we use to make our life more convenient in the U.S. We also need to consider reusing products.
Example numbers shown in the exhibition;
Two million plastic beverage bottles are used in the U.S. every five minutes
426,000 cell phones are retired in the U.S. every day
106,000 aluminum cans are used every thirty seconds
1.14 million brown paper bags are used in the U.S. every hour
One million plastic cups are used on airplane flights in the U.S. every six hours
106,000 aluminum cans are used every thirty secondsTwo million plastic beverage bottles are used in the U.S. every five minutes106,000 aluminum cans are used every thirty seconds
The 2nd SCI183 lab class is taken place in the Museum of Science. We explored the Museum of Science and learned about many aspects of science that supports our life. The Museum of Science has numbers of exhibition that explains about the scientific development very concrete, but at the same time they are very easy to understand.
My favorite exhibition in the Museum of Science is one of the special exhibitions called “Running the Numbers”. This exhibition shows our speed of production and its potential environmental effect by art. The exhibition is consisted of several very large printed computer artworks, and each large art is created by millions of small compressed images of cans, garbage, cell phones and other products. Each piece of art is very detailed, and it is very hard to see each image that consist the entire art. These arts are trying to express the amount of garbage thrown away in a certain amount of time, the amount of plastic cups produced in a certain amount of time, and other massive production and dispose of goods that is happening in the real world.
Millions of images drawn in the pictures are countless, and every single person visiting this exhibition seems astonished about the scale of production happening in the world. These paintings let us realize that our daily life is directly affecting the natural environment, and caused serious feeling of the need for conservation of the environment to us. The United States became largely convenient by single-use plastic cups, plastic bottles and paper plates. Also, advertisements are everywhere in the U.S. They make the product out-of-date and encourage consumers to buy more. We need to rethink about our convenient life, and especially in the U.S., we need to consider about reusing products.
Example numbers shown in the exhibition;
Two million plastic beverage bottles are used in the U.S. every five minutes
426,000 cell phones are retired in the U.S. every day
106,000 aluminum cans are used every thirty seconds
1.14 million brown paper bags are used in the U.S. every hour
One million plastic cups are used on airplane flights in the U.S. every six hours
Assignment 1: Web blog: Go to uga and write a one page summary of the Annual Energy Outlook 2009 with Projections to 2030
The Annual Energy Outlook 2009 (AEO2009) is the annual research paper on future US energy supply, demand and prices through 2030. AEO2009’s projections are; the impacts of extending the PTC for renewable fuels by 10 years; the impacts of uncertainty about construction costs for electric power plants; the relationship between natural gas prices and oil prices; the economics of bringing natural gas from Alaska’s North Slope to U.S. markets; expectations for oil shale production; the economics of plug-in electric hybrids; and trends in world oil prices and production. AEO2009’s main focus is the current global financial crisis and its effect to the price of energy supply in the U.S. Also it concerns the growing emission of greenhouse gas that prevented more use of fossil fuels for generating electricity. AEO2009 pointed out the growing tide to the use of renewable fuels, and promoted the more environmentally-friendly use of energy.
In spite of the ongoing global recession, the appetite for energy in developing countries has no ceiling. More demand on energy will bring long-term increase of the overall price of oil. AEO2009 has analyzed that the world oil price will increase to $130 per barrel in 2030. Although the expected oil price varies from $50 to $200 according to the shift to other energy resources or export restriction policy of OPEC countries, rise in oil price in the future is assumed.
Global climate change has changed the choice of generating electricity. In the modern world, we have multiple ways to generate electricity; thermal power, solar power, nuclear power, wind power etc. Increase in greenhouse gas emission has contingent result to the rise in temperature, and this has caused many kinds of destruction of the natural environment. AEO pointed out the lessening capacity of coal-fired plants. It promotes the shift to natural-gas-fired plants and construction of other renewable power plants. The global climate change has changed the behavior in the electric power sector.
AEO2009 analyzed that the growth rate of renewable fuels is 3.3 percent per year, which is very fast growth compared to the 0.5 percent annual growth in total energy use. AEO2009 also pointed out that the growing needs for biofuels will affect the price of the petroleum-based products. It will raise or lower the price of other fuels according to the amount of biofuels used for electricity generation.
AEO2009 exclusively pointed out the growing energy production from unconventional natural gas resources. US’s domestic production of natural gas has increased by 4.3 trillion feet and this caused decrease in net import. To meet with policies regarding greenhouse gas emissions, more development on the use of natural gas resources is expected, however it is hard for natural gas to follow to the pace of current economic growth. The assumed consumption of natural gas in 2030 is 22.7 trillion cubic feet to 26.0 trillion cubic feet.
AEO2009 expected the shifting mix of unconventional technologies in cars and light trucks. Increasing fuel price will encourage shifting to alternative-fuel and advanced-technology light-duty vehicles. Until now, many forms of unconventional vehicle technologies have been invented such as flex-fuel, hybrid, and diesel vehicles. Sales of light-duty vehicles and advanced-technology vehicles are increasing over years. The research also showed that citizens are choosing more cost-benefiting middle-sized cars rather than sport utility vehicles.
The research concluded with the study on slower growth in overall energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Policies about conservation of the environment and rising energy prices have contributed to slower growth of energy use in the U.S. It also mentioned that the increased use of renewable energy has also slowed the growth of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
1.Fossil fuels are one source of energy that people in current world heavily rely on, and are sustainable energy. The main examples of fossil fuels are oil and coal. Use of fossil fuels to get energy has caused carbon emissions,air pollution and global warming. Many professionals pointed that many forms of fossil fuel will scarce in several decades.
State two or more reasons why we should consider alternative energy sources?
—Because of the scarcity and unsustainable nature of fossil fuels, we need to alternateenergy sources to sustainable sources.
2.Energy is the source that enables something to work. Most machines are enabled to work when energy is put in the form of electricity. Oil, coal and other forms of fuels are the potential source of energy, and by converting the energy to electricity, those machines are able to work.
List two or more types of energy
oGravitational energy
oElectrical energy
3.Renewable energy is a form of energy that provides energy without reducing the capacity of natural environment. Renewable energy promotes sustainable system of society, and its development is highly needed to reduce environmental destruction.
List two or more types of renewable energy
oSolar energy
oWind energy
4.What are the units for energy?
·Joule is the unit of energy for mechanical use. In English, it is also described as foot-pound.
·Calorie is the unit of energy for thermal use. In English, it is also described as British thermal unit (Btu). Btu is the heat to raise 1 pound water to +1 Fahrenheit.
·Watt-hour is the unit of energy for electrical use. The same term is used in English.
5.How is energy related to the growth of population and economy?
As the global population grows, the amount of energy used also grows. Also as the global economy grows, the appetite for energy grows. The current demand growth of energy is 2+% per year.
