Author: Isaac Gendler

Solar Water Heating

Solar Water Heating

Solar Water Heating

08/15/18

“How can we warm our homes using solar energy?”

 

Solar panels are famous for providing clean and cheap energy. However, that’s not the only thing they can give. A typical solar panel will convert 14% of the energy it receives from the sun into electricity, while the rest is dissipated as heat. This extra heat can be used to heat incoming air which can then be funneled down a vent into an energy transfer module which not only warms a building’s water supply but also provides nice filtered air to the interior space. This system is known as Solar Water Heating and is one of the most exciting technologies in development.

Phase-Change Materials for Solar PV Cooling

Phase-Change Materials for Solar PV Cooling

Phase-Change Materials for Solar PV Cooling

08/14/18

“What is an innovative way to cool solar PV?”

 

Solar PV has the highest growth rate amongst all forms of energy. However, in order to operate effectively, it must be at a stable temperature. One way to do this is to use something known as Phase-Change Materials. Phase-Change Materials are high heat coefficient materials at their phase-change temperature. Because they have a high heat coefficient, they can absorb a large amount of heat without fully changing their state. Phase-Change Materials are employed in Building-Integrated Solar PV Systems to keep them at optimal temperatures.

Transformer Breathers

Transformer Breathers

Transformer Breathers

08/13/18

“How can we control the moisture in a transformer?”

 

Transformers are some of the most fundamental pieces of critical infrastructure. However, they can also be quite delicate. If there is too much moisture near the insulating material, it can induce a fault. So how can we use our engineering mindset to solve this problem? Well, what if we were to attach a cylindrical filter filled with silica gel at the entrance of the transformer so that any air that passes through will have its moisture taken out? Well, this is known as a Transformer Breather and is vital for transformer operations.

Transformer Cooling Tubes

Transformer Cooling Tubes

Transformer Cooling Tubes

08/12/18

“How can we cool the oil in a transformer?”

 

Transformer oil is vital for winding insulation. However, in order for optimal performance, it must be kept at a cool temperature. So how can we use our engineering mindset to accomplish this? Well, what if we were to simply have the transformer oil circulate in tubes near a cooling source? This is the idea behind Transformer Cooling Tubes and is a staple of transformers in the world.

Negative Energy Pricing

Negative Energy Pricing

Negative Energy Pricing

08/11/18

“Can energy become so cheap that prices become negative?”

 

The more supply relative to demand that cheaper a product is. And energy is no exception to the rule. States such as Germany, California, and Hawaii are now generating so much energy from Distributed Energy Resources and conventional power during low period times that electricity prices are going negative! To avoid great imbalances, these areas are now selling their energy to neighboring states to create grid balance.

Explosion Vents

Explosion Vents

Explosion Vents

08/10/18

“How can we reject transformer oil in the case of a fault?”

 

Transformer oil is vital for maintaining electrical insulation. However, sometimes a transformer fault can occur and overheat the system. So how can we use our engineering mindset to prevent drastic damage? Well, we can simply build an Explosion Vent in the system. When an explosion occurs in the system, transformer oil will rush out and be ejected safely.  

Transformer Cooling

Transformer Cooling

Transformer Cooling

08/09/18

“How can we control a transformer’s temperature?”

 

A transformer fault from overheating can rupture an entire distribution grid. So how can we use our engineering mindset to prevent this? Well, how about we take a note from other cooling systems and run a coolant around the wires and core and reject the heat to the ambient space? This is the fundamental idea behind Transformer Cooling which saves tons of transformers each year.

Transformer Oil

Transformer Oil

Transformer Oil

08/07/18

“Is oil used to insulate transformers?”

 

Transformers are an inseparable part of Critical Grid Infrastructure. And part of their day-to-day functioning requires insulation material. However, such material will have to be able to withstand high temperatures and sudden electric discharges. This is commonly solved using Transformer Oil, a substance employed all around the world.