Tag: Energy

Distributed Energy Resources

Distributed Energy Resources

Distributed Energy Resources

01/25/18

“How can we have true localized energy generation?”

 

In the past, most energy was generated through large, expensive and environmentally intensive engineering projects such as nuclear power plants and steam boiler systems. But with the advent of renewable energy, such infrastructure can now be rendered obsolete. Since Renewable energy sources can work with a few separated units and does not cause drastic environmental harm, they can be positioned close to homes and offices. As such we can realize something known as Distributed Energy Resources, which will explode in the coming years!

Fuel Economy in Aircraft

Fuel Economy in Aircraft

Fuel Economy in Aircraft

01/24/18

“Can fuel economy be applied to aircraft?”

 

Fuel economy is one of the key standards when evaluating automobiles. However, can this system also be applied to aircraft? Well, it turns out that not only is it entirely possible but also vital in the industry! Fuel economy for aircraft depends on aerodynamics, wing design, engine efficiency, weight, and propulsive efficiency.

Fuel Economy

Fuel Economy

Fuel Economy

01/22/17

“How can we measure a car’s fuel efficiency?”

 

Cars are some of the most ubiquitous machines in the world. However, most of them are also powered by liquid petroleum, and since there is a myriad of different models they all consume this material at a different rate. So how can we create a measure of this efficiency? Well, if we use our engineering mindsets, then we will realize that we can standardize everything by seeing how much fuel is consumed per unit of distance, therefore creating something known as Fuel Economy. Fuel economy is affected by multiple factors, including onboard appliances, environmental conditions, and engine design. The better the fuel economy, the more sustainable the vehicle is.

Battery Powered HVAC for Trucks

Battery Powered HVAC for Trucks

Battery Powered HVAC for Trucks

01/19/18

“How can we increase a vehicle’s fuel efficiency with smart HVAC usage?”

 

In the trucking industry, gas mileage is very important. The less money a fleet manager needs to spend on gas, the more profitable their company will be. However, the human driver also needs to be kept comfortable while at work, which often entails an HVAC system. And if this HVAC system is used, then more gas will be used, meaning the gas mileage will decrease. So how can we use our engineering mindset to solve this problem? Well, we know that what our climate control system really needs is energy. And we know that we can supply energy to appliances using batteries. So what if we were to simply make a Battery Powered HVAC for Trucks? Well, this idea is actually something that is implemented into everyday trucks, due to increases in energy efficiency!

Solid Fuels

Solid Fuels

Solid Fuels

01/18/17

“Can fuel exist in a solid form?”

 

When we think of fuel, we often think of the liquid petroleum that exists within our car. However, not all fuel has to be in a fluid form. In fact, there is such a thing as solid fuels to create heat and power. Many of these solid fuels are very well known such as coal, plant biomass, charcoal, wood, and even municipal waste!

HVAC Wind Turbines

HVAC Wind Turbines

HVAC Wind Turbines

01/16/17

“How can we use waste energy from an air compressor to power an HVAC system?”

 

Air compressors can generate a lot of waste steam when they are being used. However, if we use our engineering mindsets and think about the science of cogeneration, then we know that waste heat doesn’t have to be wasted. In fact, we if we install a wind turbine by a compressor, we can actually create energy from this process to power HVAC systems. This is known as an HVAC Wind Turbine and is a brilliant demonstration of engineering capabilities.

Energy Storage in Buildings

Energy Storage in Buildings

Energy Storage in Buildings

01/14/18

“Is there a problem with renewable energy and buildings?”

 

Renewable energy has large implications for building energy use. However, one of the major problems is that it had difficulty being integrated into the grid systems, as all of the energy comes in as an active form. Therefore, we must consider how to integrate energy storage in buildings, whether it be through batteries or other devices.

Does Global Warming Slow Down Wind Turbines?

Does Global Warming Slow Down Wind Turbines?

Does Global Warming Slow Down Wind Turbines?

01/13/18

“How can climate change slow down our renewable energy portfolio?”

 

Wind Energy is one of the most fundamental renewable energy resources. However, research performed by the Energy and Resources Group at the University of California Berkeley have shown that wind in the Northern Hemisphere is actually in decline as a result of climate change. As a result, the more the climate warms, the less potential wind will have! So do your part and make sure that you live sustainably so we can have more potential for clean energy!

Electric Load Forecasting

Electric Load Forecasting

Electric Load Forecasting

01/11/18

“Can we predict the amount of energy generation for a given day?”

 

Predict how intense the electric load will be for a given day is immensely useful. For example, we will need to know how much energy to generate or how much energy to take from a battery. This is known as Electric Load Forecasting and is one of the most important factors in the energy industry.