Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
In the past week since our previous progress report, progress has in made in the implementation of the hydroturbines to generate current/voltage and updating the temperature sensor system.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Obtained a Lab Space
A fully functional rotor/piping setup was made for a single hydroturbine and was used to test itscurrent/voltage output. This setup is modular and has many interchangeable insertions forpressure meters, hydroturbines, and etc. The Arduino temperature sensor system has been upgraded to support multiple sensors. Sensors themselves had wires soldered to their terminals so the entire Arduino setup no longer has to be buried underground, also allowing the sensors to be placed in direct contact with the soil.
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Measure pressure before and after flow passes through hydroturbines using more accurate pressure meters when they arrive on Friday, 5/4/18. Brian, Jannys, Nahoon
Make alterations to the modular piping system to accommodate additional hydroturbines when they arrive on Friday, 5/4/18. Find the greatest number of hydroturbines that can be supported within the tolerable pressure drop. Brian, Jannys, Nahoon
After seeing which soil depths provide the greatest temperature differences throughout 24 hours, compare the depths with the temperature differences between the ambient air and the water flow for the same time. Plant the thermoelectric generators at the larger of the two by Wednesday, 5/9/18, and measure the current/voltage outputs. Zhaoyuan
Meet with Tom, our sponsor, at Thursday, 5/10/18 to share our findings and ask about any flexibility in the allowable amount of pressure drop and electrical concerns.
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
We have not met our sponsor since the Thursday of Week 2. However, we are still considering his earlier recommendation to find the greatest number of hydroturbines before reaching the allowable pressure drop. This of course, meant that we have purchased more testing hydroturbines and necessary equipment.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Based on the meeting with our instructor, it was suggested that we first provide a rudimentary demonstration of the full energy production capabilities of our resources. This meant temporarily putting aside the implementation of a voltage conditioning circuit and the irrigation valve itself in order to properly gage the maximum power output of both the hydroturbine and TEG. Furthermore, we were advised to gather as much temperature data as possible to compensate for daily weather fluctuations. Fortunately, our upgraded sensor system makes doing this much more convenient.
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
N/A
Risks and Areas of Concern
Being able to include all necessary peripherals & circuitry inside an irrigation box
- Power sources being significant enough to actually push charge to a 9V battery
- Thermoelectric power being too reliant on the location of testing
Resources or Information Required but not Available
Budget
Our total budget is that of $4100
Approximately $40 on Thermoelectric Generators
Approximately $40 on Arduino Uno + Sensor Kit
Approximately $50 on Hydroturbine Generators
Approximately $200 on Irrigation Set-up Items (ie piping, risers, elbows, tees, etc.)
Remaining: $3770
Schedule
Progress on Report and Webpage