Author: Isaac Gendler

Bolt Preload

Bolt Preload

Bolt Preload

05/08/18

“How can we make bolts resilient to stronger loads?”

 

Bolts are used to keep to keep objects together using compressive forces. However, in order to work, they need to have some initial force applied to them. This Preload is usually a compressive force that allows the bolt to withstand a tensile force equal to the same magnitude. The higher the compressive load, the higher the tensile resilience. However, if the bolt preload is too much, then it can weaken the Proof Strength. Therefore, when making a Bolt Preload, we must take into account both factors.

Net Load

Net Load

Net Load

05/07/18

“How do we quantify the difference between renewable energy generated and energy demand?”

 

Renewable energy is now able to generate vasts sums of power in many parts of the world. However, it currently is not able to provide all of the power consumed by many parties. Because of this, renewable energy experts have called this difference to be the Net Load on the system. The Net Load tends to be lower at noon due to the availability of the sun (resulting in the infamous duck curve). California’s net load can be seen on this website.

The T-Test

The T-Test

The T-Test

05/05/18

“How can we measure the difference between two sample populations?”

 

As Engineers and Social/Natural Scientists, we often like to measure the differences between sample populations. However, how can we know how far apart they truly are and whether or not these sample populations are representative of the entire population? Well, what if we were to measure the difference between their median values and then divide that by difference of their standard distributions? This is known as the T-Test and is used to quantify two population’s difference and its measurement accuracy.

How Microgrids are Already Helping Puerto Rico

How Microgrids are Already Helping Puerto Rico

How Microgrids are Already Helping Puerto Rico

05/03/18

“How are Microgrids already helping Puerto Rico?”

 

Microgrids have been theorized as something that could help Puerto Rico recover from the damage done by Hurricane Maria. But this idea has just been tested in practice. In Southeastern Puerto Rico, the centralized grid went out of power, but citizens with distributed energy infrastructure installed had their power working just fine. In fact, some even said that they did not even notice anything change! It just goes to show the power of the Puerto Rican people and renewable energy.

How Could Distributed Energy Resources Disrupt Utilities?

How Could Distributed Energy Resources Disrupt Utilities?

How Could Distributed Energy Resources Disrupt Utilities?

05/02/18

“Will big utilities face a compromised future from distributed energy resources?”

 

Ever since the dawn of the grid utility companies have reigned supreme. But with the advent of distributed energy resources, this all might change. Now that many individuals are achieving grid defection, they no longer have any use for a utility. If the cost of battery storage collapses and energy efficiency has a paradigm shift, this could spell massive disruption for these traditional companies. They might even have to watch out for their survival.

Solar Energy in the Southeastern United States

Solar Energy in the Southeastern United States

Solar Energy in the Southeastern United States

05/01/18

“What is the state of Solar Energy in the traditional Southern United States?”

 

When people think of solar energy in the United States, they typically think of traditional powerhouse states like California and Massachusetts. However, the Southeastern states, commonly referred to as “The South”has some of the most abundant solar resources in the entire nation. So while it would be logical for these states to be in the lead of the future energy paradigm, many of them are actually lagging far behind the national average, save for North Carolina. The reason? Outdated grid technology and regulatory policies keep solar from being incentivized. However, once the South can solve these problems, it will become a distributed energy behemoth to be reckoned with.

Renewables Provided 98 percent of all New U.S Generating Capacity

Renewables Provided 98 percent of all New U.S Generating Capacity

Renewables Provided 98 percent of all New U.S Generating Capacity

04/30/18

“Is it true that 98 percent of all newly generated energy in the U.S now comes from renewables?”

 

Some astonishing news has just come out. In a recent report by the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions (FERC), 98 percent of all new energy generating infrastructure built in the U.S during the first two months of the year came from renewable sources! This is a massive step forward for sustainability and shows current administrations the power of renewable energy.