156B Week 5
Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Liquid cooling has changed again this week due to the sponsor on 4/23 deciding it was too expensive. We are waiting on his recommendation and sources to continue forward.
The design and CAD is near finalization, we just need to find a size that makes sense for the liquid cooling channel.
We have printed test stator pieces and we are currently testing threads and print settings to optimize this process for later on.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
We have begun to order some materials.
We were able to accomplish a preliminary CAD model, and only a few more tweaks are expected.
We were about to finalize an order for fluorinert but it was decided to be too expensive so we are waiting on recommendations for other options.
We have decided to move forward with "build your own o-ring" kits as we have decided they will work best in case we have design changes.
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Liquid cooling - with the sponsor, figure out which liquid we will be using for the cooling reservoir - Kenan
CAD - with the sponsor and based on team recommendations, finalize the CAD model and set it up for FEA analyses. Begin drawings if approved by sponsor - Nick
Printing - test print some prototype pieces to ensure that the current CAD matches with the actual testing apparatus - Bijan
Refining - test prototype's liquid cooling channel water-tight capabilities and try to see if any configurations cause leakage - Kiernan
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
4/23 online
Fluorinert is higher than expected price, recommended changing to mineral oil for liquid cooling.
Sponsor has said he will provide a link to this information, we are waiting on it and do not know how it will affect the project.
Apparently this has always been an option but it was not mentioned to us before.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
4/20 in-person
Is fluorinert really pollution? It may not be.
Yes, it is. Per the technical data sheet, "As a perfluorocarbon (PFC), this product has a high global warming potential and a long atmospheric lifetime. As such, its use should be carefully managed to minimize emissions." Also care should be taken as to prevent spillage into water sources.
Is the fluorinert going to expand? Is creation of a vent necessary?
Talk to 3M about what type of sealant is going to work because fluorinert isn't compatible with everything.
The 3M distributor we're talking with told us they don't have much test data on fluorinert's compatibility with epoxy, but he provided two 3M epoxies that he said will be fine to use.
Do a constant distributed load FEA on the gland for the O-ring and make sure the housing will handle the load.
In progress.
How will you prevent boiling off for the fluorinert?
We will put it back in the reservoir for storage, it will only be used very briefly.
Electrical efficiency of cranes versus drones?
We have done more research on this global possibility, and experts speculate that drones will not replace cranes in any near future, but they will very likely be cooperating in the immediate future as drones will increase delivery of smaller batches of materials.
Make recommendations on how to mitigate noise pollution, safety, and heat issues.
We are suggesting swept-back wing tips to reduce noise pollution.
Kill switches/relays will help prevent coils being exposed to at-risk environments
4/23 update
Anything regarding fluorinert may be irrelevant moving forward as the sponsor wants to move to mineral oil since fluorinert is more expensive than anticipated.
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
We received no comments from other students.
Risks and Areas of Concern
Project scope seems to be changing again. It may be time to discuss this with the sponsor with Jerry.
Resources or Information Required but not Available
Mineral oil as liquid cooling (our sponsor has some specific idea).
Schedule
Upcoming milestones:
Begin 3D printing design prototype this week
Finalize CAD this week
Finalize coolant this week
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Total Budget
$5,000
Spent
$3.00, fluid plug
$23.50, PETG
$28.00, 1-1/4 pipe tap
Remaining
$4,945.50
Progress on Report and Webpage
Report is near completion for the main parts and the webpage has not been updated for a while.