"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Tag: Mechanical Engineering
How Rooftop Solar Can Be Used as a Grid Resource
04/13/19
“How can rooftop solar be utilized for the grid’s needs?”
Rooftop solar is one of the fastest growing types of distributed energy resources. However, right now they are only used to provide power to the buildings of the owner. But what if we could use that extra energy to provide power for the grid? This would increase grid flexibility and allow for further decarbonization. This is How Rooftop Solar Can Be Used a Grid Resource.
Why Undergrounding Power Lines Makes Them More Vulnerable to Flood Damage
04/12/19
“Why is undergrounding power lines not recommended for flood-prone areas?”
Undergrounding power lines is a recommended course of action to build resilience against forest fires, storms, and heavy winds. However, this also makes them more prone to flood damage, as they will become submerged in water in the event of one. This is Why Undergrounding Transmission Lines Makes Them More Vulnerable to Flood Damage.
The EPA Federal Test Procedure and Why It Is Important
03/23/19
“How are vehicles tested for emissions and fuel economy in the United States?”
In the United States, in order to sell a car the emissions and fuel economy must be known. But how can this be accomplished? Well, what if we were to make the vehicle undergo a series of standardized and controlled drive-cycles and measure fuel consumption? This way, not only can we measure its performance for that trip but compare it to every other vehicle that underwent a similar trip. Well, it turns out the EPA does exactly with The EPA Federal Test Procedure.
Image credit: Wikipedia
Ecological Impacts of Solar Farms Replacing Agricultural Farms
03/21/19
“What are the consequences on the environment for replacing agriculture with solar?”
With the advent of the ever-increasing business case for renewable energy, farms are starting to replace growing crops with generating solar. However, like every process there are potential environmental impacts that must be addressed. Primarily, soil that could be used for growing crops is being diverted to ground for panels. Second, shading from the solar panels could dampen productivity of agriculture. As a result it is best to place solar panels on farmland not reserved for crops. These are the Ecological Impacts of Solar Farms Replacing Agricultural Farms
Image credit scientificamerican.com
How to Properly Use Distributed Energy Resources for Resilience
03/18/19
“How should we use distributed energy resources to build resilience?”
Distributed energy resources such as solar and wind energy are shaping up to be the next dominant paradigm in energy. And one of their most touted benefits is the increased resilience that they will bring. However, research has shown that this will only occur if they are deployed in a careful manner. This means that they will need to be planned to provide backup to vulnerable transmission lines, relieve congestion, and be placed under control of grid operators. This is How to Use Distributed Energy Resources for Resilience.
Why Tempered Glass is Used for Cooking Lids
03/17/19
“What type of glass is used for cooking lids?”
Cooking food is one of the most intricate parts of human life, whether it be meal-prepping for the week or dining with friends. And if one is using a pot then one of the most useful things is to see what is going on underneath. That way, we can monitor what processes are occurring and what to do if something goes wrong. Usually, translucent covers are made of glass. However, since cooking involves high changes in temperature and pressure, the glass needs to be extremely strong and sturdy. As a result, tempered glass with its thermal strength is used. This is why Tempered Glass is Used for Cooking Lids.
Alternators
03/13/19
“Are there generators that produce AC Electricity?”
Generators are one of the pillars of the modern technological world. Generators that specifically produce alternating current are known as Alternators and are extensively used in automobile applications.
Image credit: Wikipedia
Why Airplane Windows are Round
03/10/19
“Why are airplane windows round?”
The low-pressure environment that airplanes fly at means that not only must they use a special glass but also a special shape. Because the internal pressure of the cabin is much higher than the external environment, the airplane will expand, inducing stress in the exterior. If square windows are used, then this stress will become overly concentrated and may break the plane. As a result, ovular windows must be used to ensure a smooth distribution of stress. This is Why Airplane Windows are Round.
Decarbonizing Air Travel
03/04/19
“How can we make air travel carbon-free?”
One of my favorite things to do is travel. Although I don’t get the opportunity often, I love the ability to see new lands, meet new people, and really change my perspective on the world. And one of my favorite parts is traveling to the destination by plane. Being able to gaze upon the entire world through my plane window almost makes me feel like a child again.
However, as a sustainability enthusiast, I feel bad every time I take a flight. I am aware that in one round-trip flight from San Francisco to New York I’ve generated about 20% of the greenhouse gases emitted by the average American car travel. In 1992, it accounted for 13% of all transportation emissions and is expected to grow in the coming years. As a result, Decarbonizing Air Travel is a necessity for achieving a climate-friendly world. This can be done through a multitude of sources, most notably replacement or decarbonization of jet fuel.
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