Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Actuated valve setup has been complete, stepper motor demonstrated to be capable of adjusting the cooling output (fraction of cold/ambient temperature air)
Setup requires additional hardware to secure flexible hoses to barbs (hose clamps ordered) for use with highest pressure setting
Pressure regulator implemented
Test setup completely assembled, ready for CAD and assembly modeling
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Established a means of controlling upstream pressure (using a regulator) to control degree of cooling
Performed testing of varying fractions of cold air for cooling
Assignments for Coming Week
Jayant Mathur
Continue programming data collection software suite
Assist with developing control software (and hardware assembly)
Nate Goldberg
Perform relevant analyses concerning fluid resistance to determine cooling air flow rate
Outline tasks for the poster
Kristen Matsuno
Continue updating CAD
Assist with developing control software for stepper motor
Nathaniel Liu
Compile receipts of purchases and obtain reimbursements
Implement IR sensor mount and prepare emulation test block.
Sponsor Feedback and Corresponding Action Items
Sponsor approves of the actuated valve system and is still fond of the vortex tube.
Instructor Feedback and Corresponding Action Items
Professor Tustaniwskyj pointed out that the valves, which were broken due to overturning, could easily be overturned by the sponsor as well, and cautioned us to choose our final design solution characteristics with sponsor convenience and reliability in mind. Accordingly, stops will be implemented to ensure overtorquing of the valves does not occur.
Comments from Other Students
Other students expressed interest and approval for the vortex tube solution at the first design review presentation.
Risks and Areas of Concern
Controlling degree of cooling slightly trickier than initially imagined using actuated valve system due to differences in air flow resistance from the different structures in each line (vortex tube adds dynamic resistance element).
This potential concern is under control using a pressure regulator setup, but actual performance might be slightly worsened (still have more than enough cooling capability).
Resources or Information Required but not Available
Mass balance (for testing) no longer available (Professor Garay's scale was stolen...), but alternatives are being sought in other labs.
Information about air flow rate in the sponsor's heated chamber also needs to be confirmed (to determine how control of the cooling airflow will be implemented).
Schedule
Tuesday 5/30 - 2:00 pm Team meeting
3:00 pm Meeting with professor (rescheduled due to Monday holiday)
5:00 pm Additional team meeting (if necessary)
Wednesday 5/31 - 2:00 pm Phone call with sponsor contact (Jeremy)
5:00 pm Team meeting
Friday 6/2 - Complete Testing and Poster Draft
Budget
Remaining Funds: $100.84
Progress on Report and Webpage
Submitted report for peer feedback and received another group's report for feedback.
Webpage still in progress, poster draft will be started this coming week.