Month: January 2025

Reversing Valves

Reversing Valves

01/22/25

“How do heat pumps change the direction of refrigerant flow?”

One of the best features of heat pumps is their ability to switch from operating as a cooler to operating as a heater and vice versa. But what makes this happen? Well, heat pumps have a component called a Reversing Valve. This piece of machinery allows for direction change in refrigerant flow. Reversing valves are a vital part of heat pump machinery, and should serve as an inspiration to engineers all over the world.

Borehole Thermal Energy Storage

Borehole Thermal Energy Storage

01/19/25

“How can we use the Earth for seasonal thermal energy storage?”

Thermal energy can be difficult to store. No matter how you shield it, heat transfer will take place. This can make operating a highly efficient full-year heat pump thermal energy network system more difficult. But what if we were to run used cooling water in the Summer to heat a piece of Earth, and then draw upon that heat for the winter time? This is the base idea for Borehole Thermal Energy Storage. This technology can revolutionize the building heating sector.

Image credit: http://www.underground-energy.com

Pipe Manifolds

Pipe Manifolds

01/18/25

“How can we divide one pipe into multiple smaller pipes?”

Pipes are a backbone of modern infrastructure. Sometimes, we’ll need one pipe to branch off into others. We can accomplish this through Pipe Manifolds. Pipe manifolds are used in a wide range of applications, from HVAC systems to hydraulics.

Why Approval for Rebuilding Los Angeles Homes From the Wildfires Will Be Streamlined

Why Approval for Rebuilding Los Angeles Homes From the Wildfires Will Be Streamlined

01/17/25

“Why has approval for rebuilding Los Angeles homes from the wildfires been streamlined?”

Wildfires have destroyed a large amount of homes in Los Angeles. This has exacerbated the displacement and housing crisis already present in the city. California Governor Gavin Newsome has responded by suspending CEQA review and Coastal Act permitting for anything related to the reconstruction of properties substantially damaged or destroyed in the wildfires. This is Why Approval for Rebuilding Los Angeles Homes From the Wildfires Will Be Streamlined.

Why Los Angeles Needs to Clear Downed Power Lines Need Before Residents Can Return

Why Los Angeles Needs to Clear Downed Power Lines Need Before Residents Can Return

01/16/25

“Why does LA need to clear downed power lines before residents can return?”

The January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires have wreaked havoc across the communities and infrastructure of Southern California. One of the biggest consequences has been the downing of powerlines. Electrocution can ensue if electricity is turned on before these are cleared. This is Why Los Angeles Needs to Clear Downed Power Lines Need Before Residents Can Return.

Why Los Angeles Residents Who Want to Return to Their Homes Must Wait for a Toxic Material Search

Why Los Angeles Residents Who Want to Return to Their Homes Must Wait for a Toxic Material Search

01/15/25

“Why do Los Angeles residents who want to return to their homes must wait for a toxic materials search?”

Many Los Angeles residents want to return home as soon as possible. However, hazardous materials may be present in the home, so Los Angeles County has declared that anyone who wishes to return must be assessed and removed by EPA. This is Why Los Angeles Residents Who Want to Return to Their Homes Must Wait for a Toxic Material Search.

Wildfire Containment

Wildfire Containment

01/14/25

“How can we contain a wildfire?”

Wildfires continuously spread unless they run out of fuel or are actively stopped. The first step in ceasing wildfires is to contain them. This involves removing fuels from the burn perimeter, stabilizing the front. This is how Wildfire Containment works.

If you need help or would like to provide help Black Altadena/Pasadena families hurt because of the LA fires, please check out the Displaced Black Families Altadena & Pasadena Mutual Aid Directory for resources

Why Los Angeles Should Densify Urban Housing for Wildfire Resilience

Why Los Angeles Should Densify Urban Housing for Wildfire Resilience

01/13/25

“Why should Los Angeles densify the amount of urban housing for wildfire resilience?”

Los Angeles is experiencing rent gouging with the ongoing wildfires. The tight housing supply makes it more difficult for people to find appropriate housing at an affordable rate. But if the city densifies its urban housing stock, it can create more vacancies away from fire zones that people can move into in times of crisis. This is Why Los Angeles Should Densify Urban Housing for Wildfire Resilience.

Why The State of California Should Prioritize the Rebuilding of Altadena

Why The State of California Should Prioritize the Rebuilding of Altadena

01/12/25

“Why should the State of California prioritize the rebuilding of Altadena?”

The wildfires sweeping Los Angeles have decimated humungous swaths of the metropolitan area. Altadena, a town in the San Gabriel Valley region, is one of the most affected places. Altadena is a diverse, dynamic community that’s long served as a cornerstone of the region’s Black American population. Altadena was one of the few places in Los Angeles County where Black Americans could receive a home mortgage during the redlining era, allowing it to hold a multigenerational Black American community. On January 7th, 2025 around 6:30 pm Pacific time, the Eaton fire started in Altadena, and spread over the city. Over 7,000 structures have been destroyed and the entirety of the town was evacuated. Given Altadena’s significance as a home for these communities fleeing racist state abuse, California should be obligated to rebuild Altadena. This is Why The State of California Should Prioritize the Rebuilding of Altadena.

Image credit: Nextdoor