The objective of this lab was to first and foremost become familiar with the Lego Robot that we would use frequently throughout the course.  Next we were introduced to Labview a program commonly used to record and convert scientific data. Our final and most important task in this lab was to use the Lego Robot to understand the relationship between distance, velocity and acceleration in an experiment in which we controlled the acceleration. By connecting our Lego Robot to Labview, we were able to a select its acceleration speed.   (note: we entered the circumference of the wheels of the robot into Labview as a constant.)

Once a power was selected for acceleration, we lined a ruler along the path of the robot in order to measure the distance traveled.  We did this 3 times at different acceleration powers; 50, 75, and 100.

We used the formula:  average speed = distance traveled/time to travel distance

Because we entered the circumference of the wheel into Labview, the program generated a distance traveled for the robot, which we were to compare to our own observations.

Data

1^st speed: 50 Acceleration

computer       15 cm

ruler               17 cm

computer       15 cm

ruler               16 cm

computer       15 cm

ruler               17 cm

2^nd speed: 75 Acceleration

computer       24 cm

ruler               25 cm

computer       24 cm

ruler               27 cm

computer       23 cm

ruler               27 cm

3^rd speed: 100 Acceleration

computer       35 cm

ruler               39 cm

computer       35 cm

ruler               37 cm

computer       36 cm

ruler               37 cm

In our experiment we found our margin of error to be pretty standard.  We were accurate in our measurements and recording. In this lab we got to see just how accurate and efficient the distance formula is in determining distance and velocity. We also got to play around with the Lego Robots and learn how Lego has surprisingly contributed to the world of  science. Overall it was a highly interesting lab that helped me better understand what distance, speed, velocity and acceleration all have to do with each other.

Hydro-fracking is a highly debated drilling practice used to extract natural gases from dense shale. Created by Halliburton Inc.,Schlumberger Inc., and Messina Inc., it is the most economically efficient method known today. Like anything involving the use of fossil fuels, however, there is much debate as to whether it is a method that should be used on a large scale.  In theory hydro-fracking is the perfect solution. It is energy and economically efficient. In addition, it give us access to the nearly 500 trillion cubic feet of natural gas (equivalent of 80 billion barrels of oil) located in the Marcellus basin deposit. This deposit is approximately 48,000 square miles in area and stretches from eastern Ohio to the Catskills and south through northern and western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. (peacecouncil ) The issue however is that chemicals are added to the almost 8 million gallons of water used per fracking in order to force out the natural gas. As the process requires drilling a well that crosses the natural aquifer (water reservoir located about layer of shale)  the high risk of water contamination becomes more of a reality. Today legislators are debating the best way to go about the process. Hydrofracing may seem like a good option for natural gas extraction but when it comes to drinking water, I can do without the chemicals. Not to mention the side effects on the environment such as deforestation, radioactive waste in the ground and air emissions continue to destroy our planet.

 

http://www2.epa.gov/hydraulicfracturing

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/03/nyregion/hydrofracking-safe-says-ny-health-dept-analysis.html?_r=0

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

What does it take to cause a historic nuclear meltdown? How about a 9.0 magnitude earthquake off the coast of eastern Japan, followed by a consequentially larger tsunami?  The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster of March 2011 joins the Chernobyl disaster as one of the worst nuclear meltdowns in history. The earthquake caused much damage to the plant, decommissioning 3 of 6 reactors. The reactors are designed to shut down automatically in the case of emergency at which point emergency generators would power electronics and coolant system. However, It was the 15-meter tsunami triggered by the earthquake that caused the disaster. The tsunami flooded the rooms that contained the emergency generators used for cooling the reactor systems. Upon the generator failure, pumps critical to maintaining the continuous circulation of coolant throughout the reactors to prevent meltdown lost power. As the pumps stopped, the reactors overheated as a result of to the normal high amount of radioactive decay heat. Due to this high radioactive release the accident was rated a 7 on the INES (International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale) scale. The Chernobyl disaster is the only other nuclear disaster to receive such a rating. The World Nuclear Association reports “there have been no deaths or cases of radiation sickness from the nuclear accident, but over 100,000 people had to be evacuated from their homes to ensure this.”  Efforts to clean up and repair the damage are ongoing, however it is projected to take up to 40 years and could cost up to $12 billion to close the reactors. Apart from cooling, a large part of ongoing on-site tasks are to prevent release of radioactive materials, especially in the form of contaminated water leaked from the three units.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21737910

http://rt.com/news/fukushima-nuclear-plant-disaster-013/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukushima_Daiichi_nuclear_disaster

http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Safety-and-Security/Safety-of-Plants/Fukushima-Accident-2011/#.UVOtmlvwJc8

 

The U.S. electrical grid is the system by which electricity is distributed from power companies to consumers.  It’s a complex network involving many components all working together to provide energy to customers near and far.  There are three main parts of the energy grid. The first is the generating stations where electricity is produced, then the transmission lines, which carry power from the stations to the respective demand centers (substations) which in turn feed that power out through its distribution lines.

Electrical plants are typically found near their source of power. For example finding a power plant near a wind farm, coal mine of large body of water may not be unusual as these all serve as forms of energy.  The process by which energy is transferred through these components is fairly simple. The power is generated then stepped up to travel through the transmission wires. Once it reaches the distribution point it is stepped down twice more to the proper voltage to be passed on at the consumer level.

Despite seeming like a few easy steps, there’s much labor that goes into providing power on such a large scale.  In addition, energy consumption has increased as the electric infrastructure in place continues to age. Thus increasing demand for a newer better system.  The new smart grid system seeks to eliminate a good part of that labor by automating much of the process that manages, distributes and monitors electricity. This will allow power companies to provide electricity much more efficiently than they could otherwise. The smart grid system is not only able to monitor electrical activity but it can also collect and act on information gathered about consumer use and consumption. This system is designed to increase the overall efficiency, reliability and distribution of the electrical system. It essentially is the modernization of the power, made possible by a two-way communication system. Now both the electrical companies and the consumers can enjoy the benefits of much more efficient energy. The smart grid is slowly being implemented in the States. With Worcester being one of the first cities in Massachusetts to have a smart grid system its is good to know that progress is quickly being made and being welcomed with open arms as well.

 

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

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=110997398

http://www.usnews.com/news/energy/slideshows/10-cities-adopting-smart-grid-technology/11

 

 

Today, Germany can easily be considered a pioneer in the renewal energy industry. In 2000 the country implemented The Renewable Energy Act, which paved the way to rapid research and development of new ways to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.  Thanks to this act they are leading the way in the renewable energy industry with about 25 percent of the country’s electricity coming from new and cleaner sources of Energy. Their different types of renewable energy include wind, solar power, geothermal power, and hydroelectric energy and biofuels.

While much good has certainly come from the act, there are many who believe the cons vastly out way the pros.  There exist arguments that question truly how effective the act is at efficiently reducing greenhouse gases. The Act has included massive government subsidies to energy companies in order to provide energy to citizens at a reasonably cost. These measure are however not enough to make up for the inconsistencies involved with some renewable resources such as wind and solar energy. As these forms of power can be intermittent, it is difficult to provide stable, reliable and cost friendly energy to German citizens. These prices are forcing many to reassess their faith in renewable energy. For some, the cost of renewable energy measures is not incentive enough to convert from the inexpensive fossil fuels of today.

The old saying about the road to hell being paved with good intentions could not be more accurate in the case of Germany’s Clean Air Policy. A policy enacted in 2000, it was designed to stimulate the research and implementation of cleaner sources of energy throughout the country. More than a decade later the entire initiative is now being reassessed for its actual, efficiency and overall profitability. There are those whose full support is easily earned by the policies, and others who feel it is but a blindly optimistic piece of legislature.

I however, consider it a challenge to both parties. This act should remind us of the pressing issues of global warming and climate change. It should encourage us to become active when it comes to protecting and preserving our planet. While it should never be left simply to the federal government to force and regulate change in a premature environment, Germany’s policies should challenge both renewable energy companies and the producers of fossil fuels to develop more efficient ways of producing cleaner and more cost effective energy. Overall, despite its kinks, Germany’s clean air policy is a step in the right direction.

 

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-11-20/germany-s-clean-energy-transforms-industrial-city-of-hamburg.html

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/08/28/germanys-new-renewable-energy-policy/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_energy_in_Germany