For this project we made solar water heaters. Our design consisted of a box covered in tinfoil sealed in plastic wrap with a copper wire inside. We covered the box in tinfoil to reflect heat inside of it. We sealed it with plastic wrap to retain the heat inside of the box. The way the box functions is there is a copper wire that runs through it. We chose copper wire because it can heat up the easiest. Cold water is poured in a bottle at the top and it heats up as it flows through the copper and pours into a cup in the bottom. After the cup is filled, we pick it up and pour the slightly warmer water back into the bottle and repeat.
Solar Daylighting House Design
For this project, we were assigned the task of creating a 1,000 square foot house and properly light it with windows, skylights, and solar shelves. We scaled our house down to a reasonable height to design. After assembling and painting the house, we used a light to simulate the sun and simulated an average day for each season of the year.
Wind Turbines
For this project we ere assigned to create two different types of wind turbines: vertical and horizontal. The objective was to create the most energy(make it spin the fastest) by putting our turbines in front of a fan. The main difference between the two designs we made is that the horizontal wind turbine works.
Horizontal
For this design we decided to make a four-wing propeller. The reason we chose this many wing is that if we put too many the weight would create drag. And if we didn't put enough wings, the turbine wouldn't spin. Our design was so solid that it was the fastest in the class.
Vertical
This design was a little less solid than the last. Our group was confused on how to actually make the turbine spin (as there was no real physics data on how they work). The main problem we were faced with was getting air to hit one side of the turbine while missing the other, hence making it spin. Our first design consisted of "<" shaped wings. The theory was that the wind would be caught in one side and blow over the other. This didn't work at all, so we took the advice of our teacher, which was just put a couple huge panels on each wing, and the turbine spun.
Cold Frame
Our first project for the energy efficient house was to build a cold frame. Our only limitation to the size was the 68cm x 90cm window for the sun to get in. Our groups decided that we were going to try to get the most space out of the window as possible. To do this we saw that if we added a slanted ceiling after the window, it would allow more plants to be put in the bottom.
For this project we were assigned to build a solar reflector into the north window. For our design we created a free-standing reflector. It is supported by one pole the height of the window. The pole is dug partially underground for stabilization. there is a sheet of plywood roughly the size of the window positioned at a 45 degree angle to the window. It can be spun to make the sun reach the inside of the house when needed.
Materials and Prices
Recycled aluminum - $.29 for .38 lbs 23/32" plywood (2) - about $70 16' wood pole - $26.15
Bonus Project
For our bonus project we thought it would be a good idea to add a solar shelf to the roof of the house. There are two windows between the roofs. We added 1 sheet of aluminum beneath each window and stabilized them with plywood. These shelves would be a great replacement for lights during the day. They reflect light from the sun onto the ceiling and disperse it around the house.
Materials and Prices
recycled aluminum - $.29 for .38 lbs 32/35" plywood - $35 for one piece
Terms
Solar Studio - A small, energy efficient building next to the parking lot at San Marin. Horizontal Wind Turbine - A type of wind turbine that is pointed into the direction or flow of the wind. Vertical Wind Turbine - A type of wind turbine that is placed perpendicular to the direction of flow of the wind.
Reflection
This project took a long time. Overall our group was able to make it through, even if it was last minute. Some things we did well were being able to focus when we needed to. We also were focused on making our models look good. Some things we didn't do well with were communication and staying focused. We didn't talk much outside of school which inhibited our progress greatly. Also there was a lot of goofing around during this project.