Tag: Fluid mechanics

Solar Thermal Collectors

Solar Thermal Collectors

Solar Thermal Collectors

08/07/16

“How can we intake the fluid in a Solar Thermal System?”

 

Solar Thermal Systems are amazing machines that can heat a home using solar energy. However, how can we take in the air or heat-absorbing fluid in the first place? Well, what if we were to encase the solar panels in solar thermal collectors which could intake the fluid, move it around the solar panels to absorb the heat, and then transfer it? Well, this is known as Solar Thermal Collectors and are a vital component for solar thermal systems.

 

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.

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.

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.

Fusegates

Fusegates

Fusegates

07/19/18

“How can we have an extra secure flood control system?”

 

With the ever-increasing proliferation of climate-change-induced natural disasters, humanity needs to focus on making it’s built infrastructure more resilient. And since floods are becoming more powerful on average with each passing day, our floodgate designs must become stronger in proportion. Fusegates are an illustration of this commitment. Fusegates are formed by placing an inlet well behind ballast in an angled bucket on top of a concrete sill. When water floods into the well, the exceptionally strong stability of the system will be able to counteract the pressure. If an overflow occurs, then the inlet well will be able to stabilize the flow of water. If an exceptionally strong flood occurs, then some of the water will be able to be leaked into the basement and through the inlet for further control.

Hinged Crest Gates

Hinged Crest Gates

Hinged Crest Gates

07/13/18

“How can we make a  floodgate that works by rotation?”

 

Floods happen in all types of environments with different conditions. Therefore, humanity will need to build different types of Floodgates that can adapt to these conditions. One of these types may need to work in colder, urban environments, where trash and ice may easily accumulate. By using a rotating gate, which can quickly dispose of any possible residue. These Hinged Crest Gates have been employed all over the world in frigid environments.