Monday, July 8, 2013

Research Proposal

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SINGAPORE
INVESTIGATIVE SKILLS IN SCIENCE
Names: A Manicka Praveen, Arjun Appavoo, Liaw Xiao Tao, Looi Chi Han
Class: S2-04_____
Group Reference: B

[    ] Test a hypothesis: Hypothesis-driven research
e.g. Investigation of the anti-bacteria effect of chrysanthemum

[    ] Measure a value: Experimental research (I)
e.g. Determination of the mass of Jupiter using planetary photography

  ] Measure a function or relationship: Experimental research (II)
e.g. Investigation of the effect of temperature on the growth of crystals

[    ] Construct a model: Theoretical sciences and applied mathematics
e.g. Modeling of the cooling curve of naphthalene 

[    ] Observational and exploratory research
e.g. Investigation of the soil quality in School of Science and Technology, Singapore  

X ] Improve a product or process: Industrial and applied research
e.g. Development of a SMART and GREEN energy system for households  

Title: The Construction of a fully automated solar house

The Engineering Problem

It is said that we are nearing the state of energy shortage or crisis. Power cuts will be more common even in developed countries. There will be a high level of inconvenience. We may not be able to use electrical appliances such as lamps, air conditioner and even our television. In the future, engineers may opt to manufacture eco-friendly solar houses to conserve energy. Our team are trying to do the same by building an automated solar house that is eco-friendly.

Hypothesis:

The solar house will be able to save up more than 50% of energy compared to a normal house.

Specific Requirements

1.Lighting Control-The lighting control system will be based on Arduino programming with the use of one or more control devices. It is widely used in terms of location. It can be used indoor and outdoor in a commercial, industrial and residential area. The purpose of this system is to provide the suitable amount of light at different locations and at different times. They are used to minimise unnecessary energy usage. Some industrial spaces use this to support green building and energy conversation programs. The light sensor can be programmed in many ways.The most common ones would be according to the time of the day or by sunrise and sunset. We are using a light dependent resistor to control the lighting system based on different light intensity ranges. For example,if the lux is below a certain level,the lamp will turn on. However, if the lux is above a certain level, the lamp will be dimmed or turned off. However, if the user has a choice to use the manual system.

2.Green Aircon System- It uses thick paper with water pumping through it to cool down the air passing through it using evaporation. It uses only a little bit of electricity when the valve releases the water to flow to the paper.

3.Water Harvesting System-Water flows into the funnel during a rain and turns the turbine to generate electricity and the water can be used for plants/paper air con/normal water usage (Filtered). Water harvesting is the collection and accumulation of rainwater for reuse for normal water uses such as bathing,watering and cleaning. It also can be pumped through a turbine that is connected to a generator to generate energy. This system acts as an alternative source of water during regional water restrictions or during droughts. When the water is collected,the water flows through a active carbon filter which reduces the salinity and the presence of iron salts in the collected water.  Advantages:1)Makes use of the natural surroundings to cope with the demand for drinkable water.

i)Reduces the chance of flooding,storms,landslides(because of erosion) and many other natural disasters.
ii)Relatively simple to install in households.
iii)Quality of water is better compared to surface water of water bodies.
There have been a few modified models of the water harvesting system. One of them would be the RainSaucer which looks like an upside down umbrella. It collects rain from the sky. This prevents the rainwater from being contaminated.

4.Solar Panel- The solar panels would be used to convert light energy from the sun and convert it to electrical energy. This would be our main source of energy. Solar energy is readily available and it is also quite powerful.


5.Lamp- It would be positioned upward towards the concave mirror so that the light is evenly spread throughout the house.


6.Fan- Four computer fans at each side. Drill a hole at each fan position. Its purpose is to suck air from the outer atmosphere and to cool the house by expelling the air through the paper aircon.


7.Window Panes- The window would be activated by a pulley system. When, the air is too humid, past a certain degree, the windows would be opened. But if there is rain, then the windows would close and not let water enter the house.


8.Paper- The paper is for the paper airconditioner

Alternatives

1.Simple Solar Panel with Normal Power Supply.
2.Wind energy-not applicable for Singapore.
3.Sound Energy from nearby traffic.

Best Solution: Automated Solar House using Arduino Sensors.

Materials Needed
1) Plywood
2) 2 Computer Fans
3) Lamp
4) Solar panels
5) Paper
6) Arduino Control Systems
7) Light sensor
8) Window Panes
9) Motion Sensors (2)
10) Wires
11) Metal contact/clips
12) Release Valves
13) Pipe
14) Fiberglass
15) Transitions coated glass
16) Wind turbine
17) Propeller Blades
18) Solar panels converter
19) Batteries
20) Metal Pole
21) Metal Sheets
22) Hinges
23) Knobs
24) Pulley Systems
25) Water turbine
26) Soil
27) Water filter
28)Regulator
29)12V to 9V down converter
30)Diode
31)Cylinder Tube

Procedures

Please proceed to this document for the procedures:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-xCtFEWbIhlN2ZvYjhYbHpaZ1k/edit

Analysis of Data:

Everything will be recorded to a CCTV Camera for a period of time

Electricity during the day (Solar Panels)
->We can test whether the solar panels are charging the batteries by disconnecting the wind turbine and checking the footage of the voltmeter connected to the battery to determine whether the battery level increased or decreased. If the level increased, that means that the solar panel is charging at a rate faster than the battery is being depleted. If the level decreased, that means that the solar panel is charging at a slower rate than the battery being depleted and the circuit must be modified.

Paper Air Con
->We can test whether the paper air con is working effectively by placing the box in a room with a constant room temperature with a temperature sensor inside. If the air con is effectively cooling the air in the house, the temperatures recorded will dip and will be lower than room temperature most of the time. If it does not work effectively/at all, the temperature recorded will be very near room temperature.

Wind Turbine
->We can test whether the wind turbine is charging the battery by disconnecting the solar panels and connecting a voltmeter checking the footage of the voltmeter whether the voltage increased. If the wind turbine is charging the battery faster than it depletes, the voltage will increase over time. If the wind turbine is charging the battery slower than it depletes, the voltage will decrease over time.

Rain Turbine
->We can test whether the rain turbine is working by disconnecting the solar panels and wind turbine before hooking up a water tube to simulate rain and a voltmeter to check the voltage of the battery. Over a period of around 1-2hours, if the rain turbine is charging the battery at a rate faster than it depletes, the voltage will be higher after the 'rain' compared to before. If the rain turbine is not charging the battery faster than it depletes, the voltage measured will be lower after the 'rain' compared to before.

Electrical Circuits
->We can test whether the whole circuit is working by connecting everything together and checking the footage after a few days to see if the light bulbs and fans turn on or off as intended along with the data of temperature and voltage of the battery. If they work as intended, the circuit is stable and requires little or no adjustments to improve. If they do not, we have to find out the root problem and make changes to our circuit.

Battery
->We can test whether the battery is charging faster than it is depleting by connecting everything together and checking the data of the voltmeter after a few days. If the voltage is higher than initial voltage, that means that the battery is being charged faster than it is being depleted. If the voltage is lower than initial voltage, that means that the battery is being charged slower than it is being depleted and therefore further changes must be made to conserve more electricity.

Hydroponics (If time permits)


->We can test the distribution of the water to the plants by checking if the soil is damp at all times and not too wet (water overflowing) from the footage. If that is so, the distribution is good and it will require no more changes. If there are puddles of water overflowing or if the soil is too dry sometimes/most of the time, the distribution is not equal and it must be modified. To ensure accuracy of testing whether the two far ends of the soil has equal moisture, we would test their moisture levels by using a moisture sensor.

Risk assessment and management
1. List/identify the hazardous chemicals, activities, or devices that will be used.

 We would be using drills, saws, screws, screwdrivers, pliers, hot glue gun and epoxy. We would be using the tools mainly to make ledges and cut holes to fit in the solar panels and other sensors and electronic devices. We would also be using wires for all the sensor and systems.


 2. Identify and assess the risks involved.



 While using the tools one might easily cut themselves with the sharp blade which might cause severe bleeding and also infection because of the wood shavings from the wood cutting. The wood shaving may also enter someone's eyes or mouth. The wires may come into contact with water which might cause a electrocution which might even lead to death.

 3. Describe the safety precautions and procedures that will be used to reduce the risks.


While cutting, it is best to not keep fingers or any part of the body close to the blade. This is mostly because the blade can easily slide off and cut the fingers of the person using it. While using the drill, there would be wood shavings on the drill. It is best to use a brush and sweep off the wood shavings and not use our hands. We should also make sure the wire has no cuts while handling it. If there are cuts, the power should be turned off before handling it.


 4. Describe the disposal procedures that will be used (when applicable).


The wood shavings should be put inside a plastic bag and disposed. This is to make sure the wood shavings does not fly in the wind while being disposed


 5. List the source(s) of safety information.


 - Safety tags on the drills and wires.


 - Safety measurements in the Research lab and ADMT studio.

Bibliography

Wikipedia (2013, July 04). Renewable energy. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_energy

U.S Department of Energy(2013, July 04). Energy Basics: Concentrating Solar Power. Retrieved from http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/renewable_energy/csp.html

U.S Department of Energy(2013, July 04). Energy Basics: Solar Energy Resources. Retrieved from http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/renewable_energy/solar_resources.html

U.S Department of Energy(2013, July 04). Energy Basics: Wind Energy Technologies. Retrieved from http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/renewable_energy/wind.html

U.S Department of Energy(2013, July 04). Energy Basics: Hydropower Technologies. Retrieved from http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/renewable_energy/hydropower.html

U.S Department of Energy(2013, July 04). Energy Basics: Microhydropower. Retrieved from http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/renewable_energy/microhydropower.html

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Bibliography

D. Bibliography: List at least five (5) major references (e.g. science journal articles, books, internet sites) from your literature review. If you plan to use vertebrate animals, one of these references must be an animal care reference. Choose the APA format and use it consistently to reference the literature used in the research plan.

Wikipedia (2013, July 04). Renewable energy. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_energy

U.S Department of Energy(2013, July 04). Energy Basics: Concentrating Solar Power. Retrieved from http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/renewable_energy/csp.html

U.S Department of Energy(2013, July 04). Energy Basics: Solar Energy Resources. Retrieved from http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/renewable_energy/solar_resources.html

U.S Department of Energy(2013, July 04). Energy Basics: Wind Energy Technologies. Retrieved from http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/renewable_energy/wind.html

U.S Department of Energy(2013, July 04). Energy Basics: Hydropower Technologies. Retrieved from http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/renewable_energy/hydropower.html

U.S Department of Energy(2013, July 04). Energy Basics: Microhydropower. Retrieved from http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/renewable_energy/microhydropower.html

Build your own:

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/CompSci_p010.shtml

The Point of a Parabola: Focusing signals for a better wireless network

Research Questions:
-How much if an improvement will it make? Is it worth effort and money?
-How do I carry out the experiment?
-What can we do to minimise the external factors affecting the signal of the wireless network?
-What are the factors affecting the signal of the wireless network? (Both negatively and positively)
-Will it make a difference if a metal other than aluminium is used to deflect the signals?
-Will the thickness of the metal make a difference?

Independent Variable(s):
Angle of the reflector

Dependent Variable(s):
The strength of the wireless network signal

Hypothesis:
The wireless signal strength will be the strongest when the receiver is in full view of the signals and when the angle is such that the reflector reflects the signal directly to the receiver.

Research questions for "can water float on water" project

1) How does something float on something?

2) Where would the experiment be held?

3) What is the factors affecting the density of water in the liquid state? 

5.What are the equipments needed?

6) What is the procedure to carry out the experiment?

Can water float on water

Difficulty
Time RequiredVery Short (≤ 1 day)
PrerequisitesNone
Material AvailabilityReadily available
CostLow ($20 - $50)
SafetyNo issues

Abstract

Of course it can, you say: ice is water and ice floats! And you're right. But we're talking about water in the liquid phase (the title reads better without getting overly specific). So how about it? Can liquid water float on water? Check out this project to find out.

Objective

The goal of this project is to investigate what happens to layers of water with different densities. You will investigate density differences caused by both temperature and salinity.

Credits

Andrew Olson, Ph.D. and Sandra Slutz, Ph.D., Science Buddies

Sources

Share your story with Science Buddies!

I did this project I Did This Project! Please log in and let us know how things went.


Last edit date: 2013-02-22

Hypothesis


The hypothesis of my project is that, if the waters are of different density, then, the water with the lesser density would float on top of the water with lower density.

Independent Variable

The independent variable is water of different density.

Dependent Variable

The dependant variable is whether water of different density can float on each other.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Question Answering for Abstract

1• What are seismic waves and how are they formed?

     Seismic waves are waves of energy that travel through the Earth's layers, and are a result of an earthquake,  
     explosion, or a volcano that imparts low-frequency acoustic energy. Many other natural and anthropogenic 
      sources create low amplitude waves commonly referred to as ambient vibrations.

2• What are the types of Seismic Waves?


Primary waves

Primary waves (P-waves) are compressional waves that are longitudinal in nature. P waves are pressure waves that travel faster than other waves through the earth to arrive at seismograph stations first hence the name "Primary". These waves can travel through any type of material, including fluids, and can travel at nearly twice the speed of S waves. In air, they take the form of sound waves, hence they travel at the speed of sound. Typical speeds are 330 m/s in air, 1450 m/s in water and about 5000 m/s in granite. Primary waves also travel about 1 to 5 miles per second (1.6 to 8 kps), depending on the material they're moving through.

Secondary waves

Secondary waves (S-waves) are shear waves that are transverse in nature. These waves arrive at seismograph stations after the faster moving P waves during an earthquake and displace the ground perpendicular to the direction of propagation. Depending on the propagational direction, the wave can take on different surface characteristics; for example, in the case of horizontally polarized S waves, the ground moves alternately to one side and then the other. S waves can travel only through solids, as fluids (liquids and gases) do not support shear stresses. S waves are slower than P waves, and speeds are typically around 60% of that of P waves in any given material.


Body waves

Body waves travel through the interior of the Earth.


Surface waves

Surface waves (L-waves) are analogous to water waves and travel along the Earth's surface.


Rayleigh waves

Rayleigh waves are surface waves that travel as ripples with motions that are similar to those of waves on the surface of water.


Love waves

Love waves are horizontally polarized shear waves.


Stoneley waves

A Stoneley wave is a type of large amplitude Rayleigh wave that propagates along a solid-fluid boundary.


3• Why is it important to analyse seismic waves?

Seismic waves is used for research into the structure of the Earth's interior, and man made vibrations are often generated to investigate shallow, subsurface structures.


4• What seismic waves are used to locate epicenters for earthquakes?

Earthquakes produce two waves, the primary (p) and secondary (s) waves. The have different vibration directions and different speeds. For precision both waves are used and triangulated by using 2 or more seismographic receiving stations (Often people say you need 3 stations but this is a mistake, The third point of the triangulation is the epicenter. More stations add precision.) Because the speed of the waves are different you can get an estimate off how far away the epicenter is by timing the separation of the p and s waves.


5• What equipment is used for the experiment?

It requires the Global Earthquake Explorer program to be downloaded to analyze data from a global seismic network, by using seismographs. A high speed internet access would also be required.


6• What  is a example of research done on seismic waves?

The development of seismic wave study in China in the past four years is reviewed. The discussion is divided into several aspects, including seismic wave propagation in laterally homogeneous media, laterally heterogeneous media, anisotropic and porous media, surface wave and seismic wave inversion, and seismic wave study in prospecting and logging problems. Important projects in the current studies on seismic wave is suggested as the development of high efficient numerical methods, and applying them to the studies of excitation and propagation of seismic waves in complex media and strong ground motion, which will form a foundation for refined earthquake hazard analysis and prediction.

Research Questions for Capillary Action project

Research Questions 

1.What does capillary action mean?

2.Where does it take place?

3.What is the function of capillary action? 

4.Why is it important to know what is capillary action?

5.Equipment used.

6.How to carry out experiment.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Project Choosing

Experiment:


Time Required
Long (2-4 weeks)
PrerequisitesThis project uses the Global Earthquake Explorer program to download and analyze data from a global seismic network. In order to do this project you will need to be comfortable installing and working with a new program on your computer. This project requires a computer with high speed Internet access. You will also need to understand some basic trigonometry. You should be comfortable with determining the lengths of the sides of right triangles when given an angle and the length of one side. Experience looking at seismograms is useful but not required.
Material AvailabilityReadily available
CostVery Low (under $20)
SafetyNo issues

Abstract

When an earthquake occurs, seismic shock waves travel out through the earth from the source of the event. The shock waves travel through the earth or along the Earth's surface, and can be recorded at remote monitoring stations. Some of the waves that travel through the earth are blocked or refracted by the Earth's liquid core, which means that monitoring stations located certain distances from the earthquake do not detect these waves. This creates a "seismic shadow" that you can use to estimate the diameter of the Earth's core. This geology science project shows you how.

Objective

Estimate the diameter of the Earth's core by measuring seismic waves around the globe.

Independent Variables

• The location of the seismographs.
  
Dependant Variables
• The result of the seismograph.

Constants

• The time taken to take the data
• The type of seismic waves travels from the core upon each earthquake's occurrence
• The diameter of the Earth's core  
• The seismic shadow from the data, used to calculate the diameter of the Earth's core.

Hypothesis

If the location of the seismographs are placed correctly and with a proper method, the result of the seismograph would enable to tell us the diameter of the Earth's core.

Hypothesis and Variables-Arjun

Research Topic-Suck It Up: Capillary Action of Water in Plants

Variables

Independent Variable:Food dyes

Dependent Variable:the path of water

Constant:Location and same type of flower


Hypothesis

If I use food dyes to follow the path of water in the flower,I fill find out how capillary action takes place in a carnation flower.

Selected Project-Arjun

Suck It Up: Capillary Action of Water in Plants


Difficulty
Time RequiredShort (2-5 days)
PrerequisitesNone
Material AvailabilityReadily available
CostVery Low (under $20)
SafetyAdult assistance required to cut flower stems.
If child is allergic to food dye, then adult assistance is required to add and mix the dye.

Abstract

Have you ever heard someone say, "that plant is thirsty" or "give that plant a drink of water"? We know that plants, and even bouquets of cut flowers, need water to survive, but have you ever thought about how the water moves within the plant? In this science project, you will use colored water and carnations to figure out where the water goes.

Objective

Use food dyes to follow the path of water through a carnation.

Credits

Sandra Slutz, PhD, Science Buddies

Build your own:

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/Robotics_p012.shtml#summary

Build your own Light-Tracking Robot Critter!

Question

What did the mother of spiderman think when spiderman killed the evil villain when he killed a lot of people?

Question Asking

How much electricity will it save and why it so efficient, as who will it benefit in which country, and what scientific concepts are applied to allow the maximum efficiency of the product?

Research Questions

RQ:What did Mr Bin say when it was the Tang period and why did he say it and who did he speak to and where is he now?

Question

1. How much energy can a typical 1 meter square piece of solar panel generate at and what part of the school should it be placed with who's permission and why does it not generate power at some parts of the whole day?