Purpose: 

The objective of this lab is to explore the power generation potential of a thermoelectric “Seebeck” generator.

Principles: 

The thermoelectric effect: This is the conversion of temperature difference between two objects (cup of ice water vs. cup of boiling water) to electric voltage.A thermoelectric device is used in this process this temperature difference and in turn create voltage.

Seebeck Effect: The conversion of temperature directly into electricity

J = σ(-V+E_emf­­)

• σ is the local conductivity
• J is he current density
• V is the local voltage
• E_emf is the electric field of the electromotive force

The Peltier Effect:  Is the heating or cooling taking place at the thermoelectric device connected to two conductors; one in the cold cup, the other in the cup of boiling water.

Q = (x_b-x­_a)*I

• Q is the heat
• I is the current in amps
• X_b is the Peltier coefficient of material b
• X_a is the Peltier coefficient of material a

Ohms Law: States that the current through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the potential difference across the two points.

V=I*R

• V is voltage
• I is current in amps
• R is resistance in ohms

Power: The rate at which energy is transferred, used, or transformed.

P=I*V,   P=I²R

• P is power in watts
• I is the current in amps
• R is the resistance in ohms
• V is the voltage in volts

Electrical Resistance:  The opposition to the passage of an electric current through a conductor. Resistance of the thermoelectric device is 1.5Ω

 Apparatus:

• Peltier Device (COM-10080)
• 2 Thermometers
• Heating elements
  • Boiling water
  • Cooling Elements
    • Ice & water mixture
    • Voltmeter

Procedure:

1. Setup the Peltier device and make note of the hot and cold sides of the device.
2. Measure the temperature of the room and record it below at “Start”
3. Measure the voltage the device is producing with the voltmeter, it should be roughly 0
4. Pour ice into the cup and fill the rest of it with water
5. Boil the water and add it to the second cup
6. Put the Peltier device into the cups with the hot side in the boiling water and the cold side in the ice water
7. Observe the voltage increase to its maximum value
   1. Record this value as the 0 time voltage
   2. Record the hot and cold temperature in the 0 time
   3. Repeat the measurements at the time intervals shown in the table below
   4. Calculate the current and power generated for each recorded time

10. Copy the results into excel and graph the voltage on the y-axis over the temperature difference on the x-axis

Data:

Analysis:

In our experiment, we found that the power generating potential of our thermoelectric generator was relatively low. This may be because the system itself is inefficient or because our experiment was performed on such a small scale. The principles implemented however, accurately explained the properties of the generator system. Because our experiment was performed on a very small scale, it would be interesting to determine whether increasing the sizes of both heating and cooling elements would generate more power. Also interesting to note is whether increasing the temperature of the heating element (making it hotter than boiling) would add to the voltage producing potential of the generator. This experiment showed that there a ways of creating electricity that produce drastically less harm on the environment. If research and resources were directed to making systems like our thermoelectric generator more efficient we just may find that we can reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Overall, this course helped enhance our understanding of conventional energy producing methods as well as sustainable energy efforts. It also served to show that the possibility of living in a world that relies on sustainable energy instead of fossil fuels actually exists.

http://www.its.org/node/3767

http://www.howstuffworks.com/thermoelectricity-info.htm

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

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

Introduction:
The purpose of today’s lab was to explore and demonstrate energy intensity. By using a solar cell, a simple flashlight, a ruler and a few colored filters we were able to understand solar energy and the factors that affect intensity. With the help of the Labview VI and Microsoft Excel, once we had conducted the experiment we were able to understand the relationship between light intensity and the voltage output of the solar cell.

Procedure:
Once the solar cell was properly connected we were to shine the flashlight on it at four different distances. We first observed the intensity with the light directly up against the solar cell. We repeated this step shining the light 8, 15, and then 30 cm away from the solar cell. Utilizing Microsoft Excel once again to translate the data from the voltage output into readable numbers we plotted the data on a graph that compared voltage and distance. In order to better understand voltage output we performed the experiment with different colored filters to see the affect they would have on intensity. The results were similarly entered into Excel and depicted as a bar graph.

Conclusion:
From this experiment we learned the workings of solar energy and the variables that have an affect on intensity and voltage output. We measured factors including light intensity and color filtering and finally graphed the results to compare each factor’s influence on intensity on the solar cell.

I found this experiment helpful in understanding the way solar energy is generated and transferred.  By using a solar cell similar to the ones used on solar panels I was able to experience and manipulate the biggest factors of solar power. The experiment was clear concise and provided a scaled-down example of a hugely complicated energy system.

Intro:
The purpose of this lab was to demonstrate Faraday’s Law, which states, “changing magnetic fluxes through coiled wires generate electricity.” In order to prove this we enlisted the help of a generator in the form of flashlight. Its usual battery-operated insides had been replaced by a tube containing a magnet traveling back and forth through a coil of wires. What was the source of power? A bit of kinetic energy created by shaking this “generator.” The flashlight was connected to a series of wires and then finally a computer which would translate the generated electricity into readable numbers.

Procedure:
Once completely connected and with LabView open, we were to shake the flashlight for thirty seconds, while counting the number of shakes per thirty seconds. The next step was to calculate (in Microsoft Excel) the sum of the squares of the voltages from that thirty-second round of shaking. We repeated this 3 times, shaking at different rates, collected the data from Excel and plotted it to fit a linear curve.

Results:
The linear curve plotted by our data seemed a bit drastic. We attributed this to a large difference in the sums of squares of the voltages. Our group hypothesized that this could be due to the difference in “number of shakes per thirty second interval.” Because our number of shakes were often high and varied in range our data was plotted that way. We performed one more round of shaking at a low rate and found our hypothesis to be in line with our results.

Conclusion:
So despite our high range of numbers and semi-drastic linear curve, our results accurately reflected the data and proved Faraday’s Law, which says changing magnetic fluxes, in this case shaking the flashlight containing the magnet, does indeed generate electricity.

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