Getting an understanding of Solar, Wind, & Gas Energy Sources
Getting an understanding of Solar, Wind, & Gas Energy Sources
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Solar, wind, & gas energy sources has many differences & similarities. Solar energy comes directly from the sun, while wind energy comes indirectly from the sun. Gas energy is the odd one out & is found underground. Both solar & wind energy are renewable because we will never run out of it, but gas energy is not. All 3 energy sources are measured the same through watts & depend on similar factors when generating energy. Solar & wind energy depend on how much sun or how much wind is present, while gas energy depends on the availability of gas. Another one of the main differences between gas energy & solar & wind is that it costs money to generate.
What is optimization?
In my opinion, optimization is finding the way that something operates most effectively that will create the best results. Throughout this experiment we were trying to find the "best" wind turbine or the most effective.
Optimization Process
Optimization Process
For the optimization process of our wind turbine we tested many different variables to find the optimized wind turbine. Below are the variables which we tested:
Color of wires
After being tested, we found that the color of the wires does NOT affect the voltage generated.
Number of blades
After being tested, we found that using 2 blades out of the 8 generates the most voltage.
Width of blades
After being tested, we found that the greater the width, the more voltage will be generated.
Distance from wind source
After being tested, we found that when the turbine is closer to the wind source, more voltage is generated.
Angle of blades
After being tested, we found that when the turbine blades are at a 30 degree angle (smaller angle), more voltage is generated.
Size of generator
After being tested, we found that the wider generator generated more voltage than the skinny generator.
Optimized Wind Turbine
To the right shows my optimization sheet & final optimized turbine! Below is a video of my optimized wind turbine running! It generated 0.48 voltage.
IMG_3228.MOVSpace is the New Place Planter Project
Below is the project brief ...
Idea Development
Idea Development
To the right is my sketch for my planter. In the bottom left of my drawing, I also have my cut list. We always use our cut list so we know how many pieces to cut before we assemble.
To the left is my final product for my planter! A lot of time & effort went into making it, so I'm happy it turned out the way it did. Starting with my cut list, I cut out my pieces in pairs. I cut out all of the pieces I need for the actual body of my planter first which were 16 6x4 pieces each for the front & back & 4 6x4 pieces for the sides. Since the pieces were smaller to make a bigger side, I used the biscuit joiner to connect all of them together. For the bottom I didn't biscuit join & instead cut out one big piece with the dimensions 24x8. To put my actual planter together I used wood glue & a nail gun to hold the pieces in place. Lastly, with the help of Ms. White, I added the exterior pieces on each side before planting my plant inside.
Infinity Mirror Project
Infinity Mirror Project Brief
Infinity Mirror Project Brief
Here's the project brief for our infinity mirror project.
Project Constraints
Project Constraints
Here are the project constraints/requirements for our project.
Above are screenshots of my code. To make my lights work in succession, I had to add my 6 led lights to their output, & then put them in order under the loop. Also, I had to change the time the lights are off so that they would blink.
IMG_4301.movCoding My Stoplight!
Working With Patterns!
Working With Patterns!
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Infinity Mirror Sketch
Infinity Mirror Sketch
Physics is a big part of an infinity mirror. LED lights, which are luminous objects, are placed between a mirror & a partial mirror with a reflective side which is translucent that creates an illusion. This all takes place in a cardboard box which is opaque & a non-luminous object. The whole reason we can see the lights is because it bounces from one mirror to the other & back to our eye to become visible which is a form of reflection, not refraction which is when light bends. Tiny photons occur from the reflection. The light hitting the mirror is the incident ray, while the ray reflecting to our eyes from the mirror is the reflected ray.
Infinity Mirror Prototype
Infinity Mirror Prototype
Creating our prototype consisted of many steps. First, we used a website called Makercase to create the 6 sides of our boxes. It was very useful & easy to use. The only thing we did was add in our dimensions & how many indents we wanted. Next, we uploaded the sides of our boxes from Makercase to Inkscape to add the holes that our led lights will slip in through. We had to make sure they were an equal distance from each other & the same size. To make our designs go from virtual to reality, we used Glowforge to laser cut our designs onto carboard & clear acrylic for our top. After we have all of our pieces, it's time to start assembling. On the bottom & top pieces are reflective strips that are translucent facing in towards each other to create the illusion that there are more lights than there are.
IMG_5549.MOV
Idea Development Sketch
Idea Development Sketch
The image to the right is an image of the shape & size I want my infinity mirror to be. I plan to cut mine in the shape of a star, and since it's small I can use the laser cutter. I will need to stack multiple layers to make my mirror since I'm using the laser cutter.
Process Photos
Process Photos
To create what's on the image to the left, I used the laser cutter to create thin layers. Then, I stacked each layer to make the sides thicker.
Process Photos
Process Photos
Similarly to the other image, I used the laser cutter, but this is the part that's mostly visible to everyone else. The pico will be on the back.
IMG_5914.movIn the video above, is a video of the prototype for my neopixels! The neopixels will go on the perimeter inside infinity mirror instead of LED lights.
The picture above shows the code I used to make my neopixels light up. Instead of staying one color or just turning off & on, the code contains a pattern for the neopixel to follow.
Final Product!
IMG_6538.mov
Above are multiple photos & a video of my Infinity Mirror completing the light pattern I coded! This project was definitely the most time consuming & had multiple sections when it came to creating our final product.
1.) First, we researched what we might want for our design & created a google slide with 10 images on inspiration.
2.) Second, we started learning how to use Mu Editor which is where we complete our code. We coded a spotlight & made a code that creates 6 different patterns.
3.) After, we created a sketch of our infinity mirror to understand how the mirror works.
4.) Once we had our sketch, we created a prototype using cardboard, the laser cutter, mirror film & acrylic, & our stoplight code. This gave us an idea of what our Infinity Mirror should look like & how we will create it.
5.) Then, we created another sketch that was specific to how we wanted our personal infinity mirrors to look. I wanted mine to be in a star shape & be able to sit up on my desk, so that's what my idea development sketch shows.
6.) Immediately, we started creating our actual mirror. Since my mirror was small, I only used the laser cutter & my design from Onshape that was created with the help of Ms. White.
7.) I had to print out multiple layers of my mirror to stack & glue together. You can see this process throughout my process photos. I created enough layers for the actual mirror, but I also needed to create an extra few layers to hide my pico in the back of my mirror.
8.) Once I finished putting together the body of my mirror, I created my acrylic top with mirror film that will bring it all together. I waited to glue the top on top because I still needed to add my neopixels inside of my mirror.
9.) Using the code provided from Mr. Ayers, I coded all of my neopixels to create different patterns with different colors before I stuck them inside my mirror.
10.) To wrap everything up, I installed my neopixels by drilling a tiny hole in my mirror to pull the wires of my pico through & stuck my lights inside my mirror. Then, I glued my acrylic top onto my mirror using epoxy glue.
Scrap Wood Design Challenge
Scrap Wood Design Challenge
For our final we were tasked to either design our own project out of wood or work with Ms. White to make coasters. I chose to collaborate with Ms. White & create a coaster. The project went pretty smoothly & we used routines & tools that we've used in previous projects.
12/14/2023
Homecoming Lantern Mini Project
In this mini project, our goal was to create a lantern that represents 50 Years of Hip Hop. This took place during homecoming week which meant each grade had a different theme. As a freshman our theme was the 70s, so I decided to create a microphone. Although this project was short, it was a lot fun!
11/17/2023
Copy of End of Project Presentations (content review) (Nov 1, 2023 at 10:05 PM).mp4Tool Safety Video
Tool Safety Video
As our end of quarter assignment, we were tasked to create a informational video with a partner. The video could either be about tool safety or teach someone how to do a process. My partner & I chose to provide a video about tool safety when it comes to the Miter Saw. Check out our video to the left!
11/2/2023
Box Project
Box Project
Steps :
Sketching
Our first step when starting this project was to sketch out how we wanted out box to look. We had to sketch our dimensions without going over our 12 in. by 12 in. limit & we needed to sketch the type of lid our box would have.
Band Saw
The second step to this project, was to use the bandsaw to cut our 2 x 4 planks vertically, straight down the middle.
Table Saw
We used the table saw for a short amount of time to cut straight edges on our plank of wood.
Planer
After using the table saw, we used the planer to make everyone's wood the same thickness & to take off any stains or writing on the wood.
CNC Router
Once everyone's wood was processed, we chose fonts to write our names in & sent them to the CNC Router for it to write it on our wood.
Biscuit Joiner
Biscuit joining was the most repetitive step. Because my box was 12 in. x 12in., it took a long time. Within each side, I had 4 smaller sides. I had to use the biscuit joiner 12 times for each side.
Clamps
I used clamps sporadically. After biscuit joining, I had to clamp the sides to hold them in place. Also, I used clamps when I fully put my box together.
Miter Saw
I used the miter saw early in the process to cut my plank of wood into the measurements I needed for each side, & later I used it once my sides were finished to make sure they were all the same length.
Sanding
Sanding was one of the last steps in making my box. It definitely tested my patience. I sanded all sides of my box to get off any writing & make sure all sides were smooth.
Wood Putty
Later, I used wood putty to fill in any spaces on my box. My wood didn't have many holes or indents except from the nail gun, so I didn't have to use a lot of wood putty on my box.
Adding hinges or sliding mechanism
I chose to do a sliding lid for my box. With help from Ms. White, I cut slits into my sides & the back of my box for the lid to slide through & I also made a handle to pull on when opening the box.
Finishing process
To finish, I used the sander on my box one last time to take off the wood putty & enhance my craftsmanship. I also stained my box a light wood color to add some color.
What is craftsmanship & why is it important when you are making a product?
a) Rate your craftsmanship on your box from 1-10 & give specific reasons for your rating.
Craftsmanship is the quality of your handmade design & work. It's an important step when making a product because it can make your work more appealing, give it a higher quality, & it shows that you put time & effort into your work. I'd rate my craftsmanship on my box a 9/10. I feel that the edges are sleek, the wood looks polished, & there are no gaps between the pieces of wood, but I think the staining on my box could be better. It looks nice in the front, but towards the back it looks droopy.
Reflection
Overall, I'm very pleased with my project. This was my first individual project of the year. I had never used some of the tools I did before, & I also had to become comfortable with asking for help when needed. The thing I'm most proud of about this project is the fact that I did everything myself. I learned to use the tools & consistently worked on my own. I fell behind for a few days, but I quickly doubled down to complete my project. Although my project turned out well, there were definitely some challenges. The most challenging part of my project were the individual pieces of my box. Making sure my measurement were correct & cutting them when they weren't was very difficult. I had to make sure my pieces would fit snug into each other, & it could be very frustrating at times. With the help of my teacher & classmates, I was able to overcome my challenges.
10/17/2023
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